In 1903 The Palace opened on Amelia Island, Florida offering “libations.”
Fernandina’s famous bar at 117 Centre Street, The Palace Saloon, is said to be Florida’s oldest continuously-operated drinking establishment. A landmark building at the corner of North 2nd Street and historic Centre Street (the Prescott Building, circa 1878), most visitors know this is a watering hole to see for its historic significance as well as its Pirate’s Punch rum concoction, a signature drink.
A life-sized pirate statue greets bar patrons at the threshold of the saloon doors. Walk through to see the place visited by ship captains as well as captains of industry (Carnegies and Rockefellers). It was once a place visited by the elite, and not the common folk.
Inside the Palace Saloon, look up at the embossed ceiling, down at mosaic tile floor, and take note of the painted wall murals. Step up to the bar — it’s the centerpiece of the Palace, 40-feet long, designed with the help of no other than Adolphus Busch himself (founder of Anheuser Busch). Sit down at this wonderful relic from the turn of the century and imagine the others who also were here and peered into the bar’s mirror. The Palace Saloon is a storied place, and a stop on museum walking tours as well as ghost tours.
The adjacent bar, Charlies, was the place for the working class, served by the now-famed bartender, Charlie, who resided in a bedroom above the bar (and died there in 1960). His spirit is said to remain at the bar, one of the popular local ghost tales. Today, Charlies offers a very casual setting with pool tables.
In contemporary times, the Palace Saloon features live entertainment and events. It’s also the only package store downtown where you can buy “liquor to go” (7 days a week until 2 am).
SHEFFIELD’S – Also at the Palace, the owners created an upscale cocktail lounge, Sheffield’s at the Palace, adding to the nighlife scene in Fernandina Beach. Margaritas, mojitos, and martinis are specialties here.
Thus, the Prescott Building houses three nightlife spots, each with its own atmosphere. Visit The Palace’s web site at www.thepalacesaloon.com or call 904-491-3332 for more info about all three venues (there’s also lots more historic detail at their website). The Palace Saloon is also on FACEBOOK, check it out for latest news.
