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York, Pennsylvania, is filled with history. Once the capital of the United States (for about 8 months during the days of the Continental Congress), it also saw a brief Civil War occupation before later becoming an important manufacturing hub.
Today, the historic buildings of the very walkable downtown area are home to a variety of businesses, including bars and restaurants. I enjoyed a few cool cocktail bars in York when I visited the city.
The Best Cocktail Bars in York, Pennsylvania
King George Speakeasy
There were surely speakeasies in York back during the days of Prohibition. Today, King George Speakeasy carries on that tradition.
Although it’s named and styled as a modern speakeasy, you don’t have to worry about finding secret entrances or obtaining a password in advance. King George Speakeasy is located underneath Tutoni’s, with signs pointing you down the stairs near the entrance.
Once you descend the stairs, you’ll find a beautiful, candle-filled lounge with leather and velvet furniture. It seats perhaps a couple of dozen people, though there’s also a bit of standing room.
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Ashley, the proprietor, menu creator, and bartender, has created a welcoming cocktail bar with live music shows.
It’s a wonderful place to spend an evening. The live music is from good local performers, and we found it to be at the perfect level where conversation is still possible without the music or chat being lost.
When there’s no live music, you might hear big band versions of pop hits.
The cocktail menu is focused on 1920s speakeasy classics with a twist, though Ashley can also make whatever else you want. The bar also has a small plates menu.
I enjoyed an excellent Sazerac, while my girlfriend enjoyed the Ramos Gin Fizz.
King George Speakeasy is a true gem that York is lucky to have.
Address: Lower Level of Tutoni’s, 108 N George St, York, PA 17401 (map)
Website
The Yorktowne Hotel Davidson Lobby bar and Graham Rooftop Lounge
One of York’s most historic buildings is the recently refurbished The Yorktowne Hotel. The hotel has two notable bars, the Davidson Lobby Bar and the Graham Rooftop Lounge.
The Davidson Lobby Bar is everything you want in an old hotel bar, with a marble bar and well-appointed decor, including a wall mural of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Both stayed at the hotel.
If you’re a fan of murals and street art, be sure to visit the York Mural Park, located just south of the hotel.
On the top floor of the meticulously restored hotel is the Graham Rooftop Lounge, which has both indoor and outdoor areas for drinking in any season, along with views of the city.
I had the Free Bird, and my girlfriend had the Gone With The Gin.
The Yorktowne Hotel celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2025. To commemorate this occasion, local York craft breweries Gift Horse and Liquid Hero collaborated on a beer called Centenary Amber Lager with the hotel.
Address: 48 E Market St, York, PA 17401 (map)
Website
The Fig & Barrel Pub
The Fig & Barrel Pub is a quality gastropub located in a historic building in downtown York.
In addition to an extensive food menu featuring wood-fired pizza (the family that owns the bar has pizza-making roots in Naples), sandwiches, soups, salads, and other bar fare, a full bar is also available, offering cocktails, beer, and wine.
The cocktail list is extensive, with several categories of drinks. Options include Pre-Prohibition cocktails, New Age cocktails, smoked cocktails, and mocktails.
I immediately gravitated to the Old Fashioned list, which had several unique options.
I went for the Bacon Fat-Washed Old Fashioned, which was excellent.
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