The second historic tavern I wanted to see along the Freedom Trail was the Green Dragon, which boasted a rich history before and during the American Revolutionary War. The original Green Dragon opened in 1654, which presumably might make it the oldest tavern in America. In 1764, the St. Andrews Lodge of Freemasons bought the tavern. The Green Dragon figured in a lot of revolutionary intrigue, not least of which is the mystery of the Boston Tea Party.

Unfortunately, the original location on Union Street was demolished in 1854. Its present location at 11 Marshall Street, adjacent to Union, was built at a later date, but I can’t find out exactly when. It’s certainly old, but probably not more than 100 years, if that. The new Green Dragon is operated by Somers Pubs, which operates at least six Irish-themed pubs in Boston.

The Original Green Dragon

Today’s Green Dragon Tavern sign on Marshall Street.

The corner of the Green Dragon with Creek Square on the left and Marshall Street on the right.

The front of the tavern.

Notice the colonial soldier sitting in the window using his mobile phone? Hilarious.

Inside the Green Dragon, from where I sat. They also had a house beer, this one was brewed by Redhook and it was a very light beer, in both body and color. I also ordered another plate of frites, my second in under an hour as the Bell In Hand is quite literally just across the narrow street.

Back to The Freedom Trail, Pt. 2: The Bell In Hand | Continue on to The Freedom Trail, Pt. 4