For mixology enthusiasts, there are a few things more fascinating, evocative and downright comfortable than historic pubs. So, the theory goes, why not live in one? For real.
Converted bars offer up an intoxicating blend of new and old. Even if your taste is more Pabst Blue Ribbon than Pappy Van Winkle, you’ll toast these former taverns and bars now available for purchase.
Many of these watering holes were converted into dwellings long ago, while others made the switch recently. Regardless, we found a diverse set of homes—on either urban corners or historical settlements in the countryside.
All could make great homes for modern living. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that happy times have been shared under your roof because, hello, a bar is a happy place. By moving in, you’ll easily start the property’s next chapter, and have a lot of history—in some cases, two centuries worth—to raise your glass to. Cheers.
3884 S. Gillette Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI
Price: $499,900
The sudsy scoop: You could develop a watering hole with awesome atmosphere on this 7-acre parcel. It features a restored barn, a nine-bedroom Colonial built in 1878, and, yep, a former bar. Wisconsin Dells is a tourist-heavy town with plenty of traffic during the high season, so the tavern has seen its share of action over the many decades. There’s also a workshop, which could be a perfect spot to hone your brewing skills.
19037 Goshawk St, Shamrock, MN
Price: $297,000
The sudsy scoop: While this former roadhouse (once known, charmingly, as Growlers) across the street from Lake Minnewawa is marketed as a “man cave,” we think it could be a sweet second home. With two bedrooms and two half-baths, sand volleyball courts, and the lake view, it’s ready to become a fun-filled retreat for a lucky buyer. Encourage guests to arrive by boat, but make sure to designate a captain before the beer is poured. As for the current wood paneling, you could go for a ‘70s rec room vibe, or take it down and transform the place into a modern hangout.
5 Derby Sq, Unit 1, Salem, MA
Price: $439,000
The sudsy scoop: Snag this two-bedroom condo and live in a pad rich with history. Dating to 1817, the condo’s building once housed the Bancroft Tavern. The next resident of this unit will be treated to historical details like exposed brick walls—along with modern twists, including an open layout, a spa tub, and upscale materials like granite and stainless steel in the kitchen.
1736 N. Hoyne Ave, Chicago, IL
Price: $799,000
The sudsy scoop: There’s no need to paint the door to offer a little curb appeal—it’s already done! Once a local tavern, this corner brick beauty is in the Windy City’s trendy Bucktown neighborhood. Tucked into the two-story home’s unique layout are three bedrooms and two baths, plus attic space and tons of natural light. A chef’s kitchen, urban rooftop space, and repurposed barn doors give the pad a city-chic feel.
177 Parkhurst Rd, Wilton, NY
Price: $489,900
The sudsy scoop: While this 3,000-square-foot, four-bedroom farmhouse in Saratoga County has been a single-family home for a century, it was a tavern at the turn of the 19th. Tap in to your “Top Chef” side with the updated kitchen (including granite countertops and all-white cabinetry) and host dinner parties on the four-season porch—and invite your guests to check out the awesome door knocker and dining room built-ins! There’s also an outdoor pool where you can enjoy a cocktail during the summer months.
846 N. Hermitage Ave, Chicago, IL
Price: $999,999
The sudsy scoop: Priced at just under $1 million, you can either keep this brick building in Ukranian Village as an investment property (there are six apartments) or create a pad where you and the family can truly spread out. A total of nine bedrooms are in the 3,250-square-foot brick building, which was a former gin mill constructed in 1888.