America's Oldest Bars: California Slideshow

Smiley’s Schooner Saloon‎

Bar: Smiley's Schooner Saloon‎

Location: 41 Wharf Road, Bolinas, CA

Founded: 1851

The Golden Gate Saloon

Bar: The Golden Gate Saloon

Location: 212 W. Main Street, Grass Valley, CA

Founded: 1852

Elixir

Bar: Elixir Saloon

Location: 3200 16th Street, San Francisco, CA‎

Founded: 1858

The Saloon

Bar: The Saloon

Location: 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA

Founded: 1861

Tivoli Bar & Grill

Bar: Tivoli Bar & Grill

Location: 505 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA

Founded: 1885

Hussong’s Cantina

No, Hussong's isn't in California, but it's close enough, old enough, and important enough to note. Said to be the "verified originator of the margarita."

Bar: Hussong's Cantina

Location: Ruiz 113, Centro, 22800 Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico‎

Founded: 1892

The Little Shamrock

Bar The Little Shamrock

Location: 807 Lincoln Way, San Francisco, CA

Founded: 1893

The Iron Door Saloon

Bar: The Iron Door Saloon

Location: 18761 Main Street, Groveland, CA

Founded: 1896

Cole’s Buffet

Bar: Cole's Buffet

Location: 118 E. 6th St, Los Angeles, CA

Founded: 1908

House of Shields

Bar: House of Shields

Location: 39 New Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA

Founded: 1908

Elliott’s Bar

Bar: Elliott's Bar

Location: 369 Hartz Ave., Danville, CA

Founded: 1907