January 14, 2016

The Knickerbocker Saloon in Lafayette, Indiana

In Indiana, the bar that received the state’s very first liquor license is still waiting to welcome you today.

In 1835, the Gault House Tavern inside the Lahr Luxury Hotel became the first place to allow patrons to legally drink in Hoosier territory. Although its name was changed to the Cherry Wood Bar in the 1850s, and the Knickerbocker Saloon in 1874—after the hotel closed—you’ll feel as though little has changed once you step inside. The original bar was replaced in 1891, and the "new" incarnation, made of walnut with an inch-thick cherry veneer, has remained in place ever since. A sign above it reads “Enter as strangers, leave as friends."

The Knickerbocker was named after a player piano produced by an eponymous manufacturer. The piano itself, the first of its kind in the area, was a big draw. The saloon is located right down the road from Purdue University, and famous patrons include university founder John Purdue, President Ulysses S. Grant, Mark Twain, Al Capone, and even Purdue’s own Neil Armstrong.

A plaque hanging on the wall from the Indiana General Assembly commemorates the Knickerbocker’s 175th anniversary in April of 2010. “We would like to acknowledge Knickerbocker Saloon on this joyous occasion of their one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary, with best wishes for continued success,” it reads.

Bar owner Jeff Hamann takes the Knickerbocker’s legacy very seriously. “It’s like I’m a steward,” he says. “It’s my job to pass the Knickerbocker on to someone else someday who appreciates the history, who understands the necessity of keeping it going for another 100, 200 years.”

A performance room was added in 1981 during the bar’s last significant remodel. Since then, the Knickerbocker has become one of Lafayette’s premier destinations for live jazz. Musicians like Kenny Neil, Tommy Castro, and Coco Montoya have all taken the stage. Even though rock acts have become more popular in recent years, the saloon is still a proud sponsor of the annual Lafayette Uptown Jazz and Blues Festival.

If you’re interested in stopping by the oldest bar in the Hoosier State, here are a few things to know before you go:

Location: 113 N. 5th St., Lafayette, Indiana 47901

Hours: 4 p.m.—3 a.m. daily

You’re having: One of 84 specialty, craft, and import beers. You might want to ask for a glass, though; they’re all served in bottles and cans.

Best Yelp review: "I always have a great time here. Great stage for bands, a jukebox that plays more Bad Religion than DMB, and strong strong strong drinks. Giant portions of food, and insanely amazing staff. The Bocker will always hold a place in my heart from my college days"


The exterior of the Knickerbocker Saloon in Lafayette, Indiana

photo by: Courtesy Knickerbocker Saloon

The Knickerbocker Saloon, previously part of the Lahr Luxury Hotel, has been in business since 1835.

The bar of the Knickerbocker Saloon

photo by: Courtesy Knickerbocker Saloon

The bar features 84 craft, specialty, and import beers, with an emphasis on local Indiana brews.

The interior of the Knickerbocker Saloon

photo by: Courtesy Knickerbocker Saloon

The original pressed-tin ceiling was revealed during a renovation and remodel in 1981.

Katherine Flynn is a former assistant editor at Preservation magazine. She enjoys coffee, record stores, and uncovering the stories behind historic places.

Share your stories from Route 66! Whether a quirky roadside attraction, a treasured business, or a piece of family history, we are looking for your stories from this iconic highway.

Share Your Story