First Ward House

2101 Saint Joseph Ave

232-8500

First Ward House on St. Joseph Ave is more than just a bar or restaurant. Built in 1878, it’s the oldest saloon west of the Mississippi.

It was named First Ward because it was on the border of the first ward voting district, says Bill Beasley Jr. His father, Bill Beasley Sr. has owned the building since 1998.

Old lore has it that the large tree growing in the back (through the deck) was a hanging tree.

“I was shaky on it until we went to build the deck,” Bill Jr. says, “and the historical society said we couldn’t cut it down.”

Bill Sr. has leased the First Ward House to a couple of different restaurants over the years, but took over operations himself in November 2007. They’ve added a few new decorations, such as a giant Big Chief tablet on the wall, given to Bill Sr. from the Mead Company after he worked there for 18 years. Old black-and-white photos of Frank Sinatra on the wall were given to them from regulars. It’s been a favorite hangout for the 25-and-over crowd in the past, but they also now draw a younger crowd on weekends, Bill Jr. says, depending on the band.

Their specialty is barbecue, such as the pulled pork submitted as a Best Bite. And they smoke all their own meats. The ribs are very popular, Bill Jr. says, but the best seller is “The Outlaw” a three-meat combo sandwich.

The First Ward House also has a specialty drink: the Briscoe Fynnigyn. It’s a cranberry-based drink, invented by Bill Jr. It was named after a character in a book he was going to write, but could never get down on paper. The name will live on, however, because the rum drink has turned out to be very popular with customers. It might be tough to find out exactly what’s in it, however.

“I won’t tell you the recipe until you drink three,” he laughs.

The First Ward House opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and at noon on Saturday. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m.

Carry-out also is available.