The Palace Saloon

Opened in 1903 in a former haberdashery, the Palace Saloon is Florida’s oldest operating bar. At the turn of the 20th century, Fernandina’s docks were some of the busiest in the south, welcoming sailors from far and wide. But of the dozens of bars that dotted the town’s busy harbor district, only the Palace earned the distinction of being deemed the “Shipcaptain’s Bar.” 

According to local lore, the Palace was also the last bar in Florida to close on the eve of Prohibition, with the owner, Louis G. Hirth, selling booze ‘til midnight and grossing a cool $60,000 in a single day. During Prohibition, the saloon sold Texaco gasoline, ice cream, and three percent near-beer to stay afloat; it came back swinging when the 21st Amendment was passed, repealing the ban.

Always a true “gentleman’s establishment,” the Palace kept complimentary towels hanging from its bar so men could wipe foam from their mustaches, and a 14-pound brass spitting jar for its many tobacco-chewing customers. The saloon welcomed more sophisticated visitors as well, with members of the Carnegie and Rockefeller families among its regular patrons. 

When a fire broke out inside the Palace in 1999, locals worried that the iconic saloon would be lost forever, but with enthusiastic new ownership, it was fully restored. Today, the Palace retains many of its original details, from inlaid mosaic floors to embossed tin ceilings. Its 40-foot bar is lit with colorful gas lamps, while the windows are lined with rich red, gold-trimmed curtains. 

Hand-carved mahogany caryatids (undraped female figures) watch coyly over the space, while a display stand near the entrance showcases historic memorabilia from Fernandina. And lest you forget its seafaring history, a life-size pirate stands guard at the entrance, welcoming visitors to the lively treasure trove. 

Visitors may also be greeted (unknowingly) by another old-timer of the Palace: its resident ghost, Uncle Charlie. Legend has it that Charlie, a bartender at the saloon, lived in an apartment right above it and passed away there in 1960. Charlie still haunts his longtime haunt, pouring beer for customers and playing pranks on the staff. One employee recalls cleaning up alone after close and finding two glasses of whiskey waiting on the bar for her—perhaps a celebratory toast from the friendly ghost.