Shank’s Tavern: Lancaster County’s Oldest Continuously Operating Bar

There’s something about a place that’s weathered over 210 years of history without losing its charm—or its tap lines. Welcome to Shank’s Tavern, the oldest continuously operated bar in Lancaster County and one of the oldest in the commonwealth. This landmark has served canal workers, soldiers, steelworkers, and storytellers since 1814.

Perched at the corner of South Waterford and West Front Streets in Marietta, this riverside tavern has outlived wars, Prohibition, floods, and fads. Originally built by a retired riverboat captain named James Stackhouse, the tavern has gone by many names—The Compass and the Square, the Hauer House, Maulick’s—but it’s been Shank’s since 1930, when John and Kathryn Shank bought the place just three years before Prohibition ended. Their grandson, Bob Shank, grew up behind the jukebox and eventually took over the bar in 1968. He’s been a fixture there ever since, trading his Hollywood dreams for hops, history, and hometown pride.

Step inside and you will be greeted by vintage wainscoting, a tiled floor, and a wood-burning fireplace that have all stood the test of time. But don’t mistake its age for stodginess. The vibe is anything but. On any given night, you can find cyclists and bankers shoulder-to-shoulder at the bar, sipping on one of eight rotating craft beers or a top-shelf bourbon. You’ll see owner Bob Shank tapping a keg, washing a dish, or telling tales of floodwaters and ghost sightings (but that’s a story for another time).

This isn’t just a watering hole—it’s a neighborhood institution. When World War II soldiers trained nearby, they came here. When pig iron workers and canal boatmen needed a cold one, they came here. And when locals want a good bite and better conversation, they still come here.

The menu is a delightful mix of old favorites and unexpected twists. Yes, you’ll find homemade soups, flatbreads, and the beloved Beef on ‘Weck—a Buffalo-born sandwich featuring roast beef on a kummelweck roll with salt, caraway seeds, jus-dipped crust, and horseradish. But don’t be surprised to see pho, tacos, or even sushi on the specials board—culinary firsts for Marietta, thanks to Bob’s Navy days and weekends spent soaking in the food scene of Fell’s Point in Baltimore.

The magic of Shank’s isn’t in grand events but in its constancy. While other bars came and went—Marietta once boasted 19 taverns—Shank’s remained.

Did You Know?

Long before tacos became a staple across America, Bob Shank was serving them up in 1968. Inspired by his Navy days in California, he launched Taco Night—earning the tavern the nickname “Home of the East Coast Taco.” He later added sushi and pho to the menu, always staying ahead of Lancaster County’s food curve.

Planning Your Visit

Shank’s Tavern is open year-round, at 36 S Waterford Ave, Marietta, PA 17547, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with a welcoming riverside vibe. Here’s when to stop by:
Wednesday: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Kitchen closes at 9)
Thursday – Friday: 11:00 am – 10:00/11:00 pm (Kitchen closes at 9)
Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Reservations: None needed—open seating only. For large groups, call ahead.
For more information, visit their website: shankstavern.com

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Learn More

📖 Learn about more unique places like this when you step off the beaten path with Uncharted Lancaster: Field Guide to the Strange, Storied, and Hidden Places of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania by Adam Zurn. This one-of-a-kind 239-page guidebook uncovers 56 fascinating sites, from the county’s very own fountain of youth to the oldest continuously operating short-line railroad in the western hemisphere.

Packed with history, local stories, and GPS locations, this book is your ticket to exploring the mysterious corners of Lancaster like never before. Whether you’re a lifelong local, a history buff, or just looking for a unique adventure, this field guide will spark your curiosity and send you exploring. Start your adventure here.

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For More Information Visit

• Shank’s Tavern
• Cheers to 10 of the oldest bars in Pennsylvania
• Shank’s Tavern in Marietta celebrates 205 years
• Beef on weck