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For a lot of us, one of the most exciting milestones in our lives is when we reach that magical age when we’re finally old enough to buy and consume alcohol– and step foot into a bar for the first time. America has a longtime love affair with drinking and bars– alcohol seems to be the magic elixir for all our worries, and the hazy comfort of a favorite bar can be like collagen for our souls. Just seeing all the shiny glasses & colorful bottles lined-up and ready for business is comforting, and seems to put all things in order. I am not what you’d call a frequent bar patron anymore– family and priorities have other plans, which is just fine with me. But when I do get an hour or two to unwind with a friend and a cold one, maybe even catch a great game too– it’s a very special time to relish.
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Subway Series: Rapt audience in bar watching World Series game from New York on TV-- Chicago, 1952.
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The 21 Club's Jack Kriendler relaxing at the bar with a drink, a bartender holding a bottle on the other side of the bar-- NYC, 1941.
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A view showing people drinking at the Saloon (R) and the public bar (L) at "The Dove"-- U.K., 1940.
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Girlfriends of Hell's Angels members sitting in separate part of the Blue Blaze bar while an "official" Hell's Angels meeting takes place in another part of the bar. The women are not allowed at the meetings-- Fontana, CA 1965.
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Bar under casino in resort town-- Bulgaria, 1963.
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Patrons crowding up to the bar on a Saturday night-- Wheeler, MT 1963.
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Dart game at bar of Cross Keys Hotel Boston, Lincolnshire-- 1948.
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Barmaid Thelma Anderson smoking behind the bar-- Freer, TX 1937.
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The life of a lonely bartender-- still better than most.
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Dam workers w. family members enjoying beer at local bar-- Fort Peck, MT 1936.
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Singer-songwriter Woody Guthrie playing his guitar and singing at table for patrons of McSorley's Bar; on his guitar there is a small sign which reads, "This Machine Kills Fascists"-- NYC, 1943.
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Brooklyn Dodger fans at a bar celebrating Dodgers' winning of the National League Pennant--Brooklyn, NY 1941.
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A bartender smiling as he serves large glasses of beer-- Milwaukee, WI 1949.
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Dustin Hoffman in a crowded bar filming a scene for "The Graduate"-- 1967.
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Midday cocktails being served at bar made of snow on private ice rink at the Palace Hotel in fashionable winter resort-- St. Moritz, Switzerland, 1947.
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Uranium prospectors in a bar-- Ontario, Canada 1968.
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Related TSY Posts:
GREAT AMERICAN HOME IMPROVEMENT THE OLD SCHOOL BASEMENT BAR
BACK TO THE FUTURE | A RETRO HI FI IN A DARK & COZY MAN CAVE
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The Selvedge Yard 
Awesome post! I love the range of bars you’ve selected as well. The bar in St. Moritz is my favorite! Must be nice to relax with a cocktail after spending the day on the slopes.
I.A.
Indeed, a great post. My most memorable pub is in Philly. Dang it, forget the name. But it had ceilings no lower than 60 feet and fireplaces all around. Low tables and chairs. Great food, and of course, beer.
So many great pubs around. Should be enjoyed even if a non-drinker.
I need to know more about that seal.
“Dart game at bar of Cross Keys Hotel Boston, Lincolnshire– 1948.”
Is that a seal I see?
Any explanation as to why the darts player has a seal?
Shouldn’t that one be called, “Dart game at bar of Cross Keys Hotel Boston, Lincolnshire; Dude’s got a baby seal with him??– 1948.”
My thoughts exactly– what’s up with the seal???
My mind goes to old Irish folklore about the ‘silky’– the dark-haired/skinned Irish who, as fable has it, are part seal.
Don’t ask me how this got it’s start, but it’s part of Irish history.
JP
Had a quick search on the www: not sure of the Irish connection, but there is a seal sanctuary in Skegness, Lincolnshire – http://www.skegnessnatureland.co.uk/ so I’m assuming they’re awash with seals in that part of England?
nice edit!
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The ice bar pic is the best. Although I’m glad winter is over and finally, finally, finally spring is here in NYC, with a picture like that I am inspired to recreate that scene next winter!
Incredible job! I was actually in the midst of doing something similar, but your post seems to hit all points!
Why are there so many bars? What is so special about “the bar?”
If you have to ask…
The Cross Keys in Boston Lincolnshire still exists. Much refurbished. I nearly bought it a few years ago now.
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sadly here in the uk pubs are fast dissapearing,something like 20 pubs a week are closing down.to those of us whose memories and experiences were moulded within these culture it is heartbreaking.
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I spend hours in these places. Ha! I am talking both your site, and bars!
I think the one with the Great Falls beer sign, is in Helena MT. Wont name it but goes to say it was around both before and after prohibition. One of the oldest bars in MT. Also its still open and run by the same family.