The best bar in Tallahassee 2024: What to know before you go

In Tallahassee's bicentennial year, we're selecting one of downtown's historical architectural gems to recognize as the best local bar in 2024.

Following in the footsteps of the 2024 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list featuring 27 drinking destinations from across the country, the capital city's Bar 1903 - Library of Cocktails will be added to the list of best bars in Florida.

Located in the 101-year-old Walker Library, it may be Tallahassee's smallest bar, in one of the capital city's oldest buildings.

It's certainly the only one located in Tallahassee's first library.

Origin story: Bar 1903: A toast to the next chapter of Tallahassee's first library

This distinctive watering hole hasn't had a very long life as a bar, opening Feb. 7, 2020 to a line of people waiting to get in, just before the pandemic hit.

Now, people are still waiting for a chance to check out the Library of Cocktails in the space opened by Jesse Edmunds of Seven Hills Hospitality Group, who also operates Black Radish, El Cocinero, The Hawthorn Bistro & Bakery and the Liberty Bar in Midtown.

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What makes Bar 1903 stand out

You can still imagine books on the shelves of the wood-paneled Library of Cocktails, housed in the 1903-era library. It's first come, first served in the cozy 36-seat space. A host greets guests to ensure capacity is honored.

It's a popular special occasion destination for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.

Bar 1903 sits in a prime spot across from the Downtown Chain of Parks, nestled next to the ultra modern and upscale Il Lusso restaurant. The vintage furnishings and architectural details ooze charm. The detailed cocktail menu includes classics from 1880s to the present, with plenty of fancy concoctions.

What to order at 1903 Bar

Choose your drink from the hefty Book of Cocktails that runs from pre-1880 specialties like Sazerac and Knickerbocker, to the 2000 era Espresso Martini or the always refreshing Bees Knees, made with Yaupon gin, honey and lemon.

House cocktails include Compost & Chill with Dill infused Drumshambo gin, Lillet, Carpano Bianco, Grapefruit Bitters and Beet infused oil.

Bar snacks are recommended, especially the delicious house made pimento cheese on toasted sour dough with assorted olives and nuts and deviled eggs. Small plates and artisan cheese and bread boards and sandwiches are prepared and shipped over from one of the hospitality group's stable of restaurants.

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Did you know?

Named for Florida's eighth governor, the David S. Walker Library at 209 E. Park Ave. operated from 1903 to 1956. It's one of 65 Leon County properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The library previously had been the decades-long headquarters for Springtime Tallahassee, which is planning its 57th festival celebrating the capital city on March 28-29, 2025.

The cocktail menu spans 160 years, with an extensive spirits list, and small plate fare.

There are no reservations. It's first come, first served. The 1903 can fill up fast during popular times. Check out a snappy happy hour libation from 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Street parking along Park Avenue is often available.

If you go

Bar 1903 is located at 209 E. Park Ave. Happy hour runs from 5-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Visit bar1903tlh.com or call 850-354-9739.

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Martha Gruender is the TLH Features editor. Contact her at mgruender@tallahassee.com .

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: The best bar in Tallahassee 2024: What to know before you go