Last week we wrote an article about the taverns of Bucks County, several of which are quite old. Well, neighboring Montgomery County has even more. In fact, Montgomery County has some of the oldest taverns in America. While two of the classic taverns have closed (the Black Horse Inn in Flourtown, built in 1744, closed years ago, and the Rising Sun Inn, built in 1739, recently closed), there are several others throughout the county that are still around and prospering.

  • The William Penn Inn. Gwynedd. Founded in 1714, it is the oldest continually operating inn in Pennsylvania and one of the oldest in America. Today, it is a destination for weddings, formal dining, and family or business gatherings. It consists of three distinct spaces: The Monet Dining Room, an elegant open atmosphere with replicas of Monet artwork and murals; The Commonwealth Club, an intimate dining atmosphere with semi-private rooms for 2 to 40 guests; and Penn’s Tavern, a more relaxed dining atmosphere.
  • The Blue Bell Inn. Located 20 miles north of Center City Philadelphia in Blue Bell, it has operated continuously since 1743. George Washington frequently stayed at the inn during the Revolutionary War. The Blue Bell Inn serves modern American cuisine with 12 private dining rooms and a fantastic wooden bar that takes you back to the past.
  • Brittingham’s. Lafayette Hill. Also established in 1743, the establishment once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad, with a tunnel once running from the basement to the General Lafayette Inn next door. The pub got its current name from the Brittingham family, popular owners who established the Irish theme back in the 1970s. Brittingham’s has a fairly extensive menu and went through an extensive renovation in 2013. With respect for the past, the thick, ancient walls, mullioned windows, and most of the charming woodwork and nooks were preserved. Brittingham’s now has three separate bars and a rooftop deck. It is truly an amazing place to dine and have drinks.
  • Spring House Tavern. Ambler. Named after the Spring House Hotel, the tavern has been continuously welcoming guests since 1719. Even a fire in 1888 could not stop it. It was rebuilt on the same foundation, and four generations of the same family have owned it. The tavern features classic American cuisine and has an excellent reputation. Spring House Tavern also has an outstanding outdoor patio.

Take a stroll back in time and visit these fine places.

More Than Historic Buildings

These taverns are much more than historic landmarks. They continue to serve as gathering places where friends and families celebrate milestones, enjoy great meals, and experience a piece of Pennsylvania history. Their ability to preserve centuries of tradition while continuing to evolve is one of the reasons they remain so popular today.

Montgomery County Remains a Great Place to Call Home

Historic charm, excellent restaurants, outstanding schools, beautiful parks, and convenient access to Philadelphia continue to make Montgomery County one of the most desirable places to live in southeastern Pennsylvania. Whether you're visiting for an afternoon or considering relocating, it's easy to see why so many people choose to put down roots here.

If you're planning a move to Montgomery County or anywhere throughout Pennsylvania, O’Brien’s Moving & Storage provides professional residential moving services for local, long-distance, and interstate moves. Our experienced team is proud to help families make their move as smooth and stress-free as possible.