Is This Evansville Bar the Oldest in Indiana?

Evansville, Indiana, is full of history - from its early days in the 1800's along the Ohio River to playing a key role in World War II, the city’s past is everywhere you look. Today, you can still see it in beautiful architecture, historic monuments, and even the LST 325, a World War II-era naval ship docked right here. But did you know some of Evansville’s oldest bars are still welcoming guests after more than a century?

One of the oldest bars in Indiana is right here in Evansville. Of course, I'm talking about the Hilltop Inn! While I’m no official historian, everything I found points to the Hilltop as the oldest bar in Evansville - and it’s just one year younger than the oldest bar in the entire state of Indiana. That’s pretty impressive when you consider Evansville itself was only named a few decades before the Hilltop opened.

ALSO READ: 30 of the Most Mispronounced Street Names in Evansville, Indiana

A Historic Hilltop Start: Opening in 1839

The Hilltop Inn opened its doors in 1839, just 25 years after Evansville got its name. Back in the day, it was more than just a bar - it was a stagecoach stop, and included a saloon, dining room, general store, and even sleeping rooms on the upper floors for folks making their way from the Wabash River to the Ohio River.

A Local Bar Famous Across the Country

Over the years, the Hilltop has gained fame far beyond Evansville. It’s been featured on the front page of the Chicago Tribune, starred in an episode of Alton Brown’s Feastin’ On Asphalt, and even appeared in Ripley’s Believe It or Not in 2008. When you consider the Hilltop's history and its quirky menu (brain sandwich, anyone?), it’s easy to see why people keep coming back.

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So next time you’re looking to sip a drink with a side of history, the Hilltop Inn is calling your name. Here in Evansville, some things just get better with age - especially our oldest bar!