Named after the historic Walker library building’s founding year, Bar 1903 is a semi-speakeasy restaurant and Hideaway that houses only 36 seats with no reservations!
Located a stones throw away from both Florida State and Florida A&M University campuses, Bar 1903 is the escape from game day atmosphere we dream of in these college towns. The historic library building is gorgeous in its unique age sitting among a more modern looking city-suburb of Tallahassee.
The most notable aspect of this establishment, is it’s amazingly extensive bar menu that takes you on a journey through the ages. They have a rotating list of seasonal house cocktails, some classics listed, and then multiple pages taking you through the decades and the libations that coincided with the times. We ordered three cocktails from the seasonal house menu: Holy Water, Mission to Flip, and Pear of Pumpkins. And two cocktails from the decades list: Industry Sour No. 2 (Renaissance & Rebirth Era) and The Last Word (The Volstead Act Era). Every cocktail was divine in its mix and creation, but the house curated drinks were the crème de la crème.
Bar 1903 also hosts a seasonal food menu that added necessary substance to such strong libations! The food was good, but the cocktails are truly where the expertise lies. For a complimentary pairing- the “bar snacks” were elevated and worth the price over ordering dinner as they included unusual snacks such as pimento cheese spread with sourdough bread, mixed olives, and spiced nuts!
For a city that is lacking in actual secret speakeasies; Bar 1903 hits the mark in every other area of our favorite establishments! Truly a gem in Tallahassee for an intimate night out in a delightful building and impeccable drinks.
*A special mention must be made for the Liberty Bar which is a sister establishment to Bar 1903. The Liberty maintains a vintage vibe, but is not a speakeasy. They have a fantastic menu of cocktails and are our favorite restaurant for food in town.
Signed the Holiday Lushes,
Your PLIs
(Visited November 2021)