Ye Olde Plank Inn

In the heart of the coast, where the salty breeze meets history, lies Ye Old Plank Inn — an iconic establishment recognized as the oldest bar in the city of Imperial Beach. This is not just a drinking establishment, but a true living museum located in a building constructed in 1886, which remembers the formative years of the state of California in the USA.

Once inside, you will immediately feel the unique nostalgic atmosphere. The bar's ceiling is literally covered with dollar bills and currencies from around the world — a tradition where the collected funds are donated to charity. The interior is decorated with a wealth of military memorabilia, which is not surprising, as the current owners are distinguished veterans of the US Navy.

This spot is famous for its "world-famous patio," friendly locals, and its reputation as a "dive bar" with a soul. Whether it's for a morning coffee or a late-night cocktail, Ye Old Plank Inn offers guests an authentic experience that simply cannot be found in modern chain establishments. Here, the boundaries between generations are blurred, and history comes alive in every detail of the decor.

If you wish to book a table for a private event or inquire about availability, you can use the following contact details. The management is always open to communicating with guests and is ready to help organize your visit.

The first thing you should do in this bar is look up. Examining the collection of currencies on the ceiling turns into a fascinating geographical journey: you can find pesos, Singapore dollars, and Philippine banknotes with personal messages from visitors. Also, take note of the military memorabilia, including a detailed model of the ship USS Kincaid, on which one of the owners once served.

For fans of unusual stories, a visit to the so-called "penalty box" is a must. This spot occupies the space where an old piano once stood, which was destroyed during the historic flood of 1983. Today, you can settle in comfortably here with a drink while watching a game in the sports bar or discussing the latest news with the friendly bartenders.

If you stop by early in the morning, be sure to try the local traditional coffee, which often sees queues of local residents. Later, you can move to the famous outdoor patio, order food, and enjoy some relaxation in the "Red Zone," just a few steps from the beach. It is an ideal place for private parties, birthdays, or just a quiet evening in the company of friends.

Finding this legendary bar is easy: it is located at 24 Palm Ave, just steps away from the boardwalk and the sandy shore. If you are in the city center, you can easily reach the establishment on foot while enjoying the sea breeze.

For those coming from San Diego, the drive takes about 15–20 minutes. You can also use public transportation: buses run regularly from San Diego toward the coast. For outdoor enthusiasts, a bike ride along the scenic Silver Strand route is an excellent option.

Since the establishment is open late into the night, we recommend using taxi services or popular apps like Uber and Lyft for your evening return to the hotel. The area is considered safe and very popular with tourists, so a walk here is pleasant at any time of day.

The history of this place began way back in 1886. In those days, the building served as a stable area and a warehouse for materials used in the construction of the famous Hotel Del Coronado. Interestingly, until 1924, this area was practically isolated until a road was built across the Silver Strand.

Over the decades, the walls of the house on Palm Avenue have seen a lot: it housed the Russo and Millers markets, and in the early 1950s, one of Southern California's first surfboard showrooms opened here. The establishment officially gained bar status in 1964, and since then, it has become an integral part of the city's cultural DNA. For a long time, it was managed by Alan Winkelman and Betty May, who preserved its old-school spirit.

A special page in its history is the flood of 1983. The powerful elements flooded the premises and even moved the bar counter, destroying an antique piano, but the building itself stood firm. Today, the owners are US Navy veterans — Martin R. Mattes and Tony Cornett (a former Navy SEAL), who proudly maintain the traditions of this 140-year-old "dive bar."

If you just want to take a look inside, admire the currency collection on the ceiling, and have a refreshing drink, 1–1.5 hours will be quite enough. This is plenty of time to soak in the historical atmosphere and chat with the bartenders.

However, if you plan to order food, watch a broadcast of an important sports match, or catch an evening party on the famous patio, you should set aside 3–4 hours. Many guests come here in the morning for the traditional coffee and stay for several hours, enjoying leisurely conversations and the proximity to the ocean.

The establishment boasts an incredibly convenient schedule for tourists: it is open daily from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM. The bar is open seven days a week, including holidays, welcoming guests year-round regardless of the weather.

With the doors closed for only four hours a day, it is one of the most accessible places in the city for both early birds looking for a morning coffee and nightlife enthusiasts.

A visit to the city's oldest bar can be perfectly combined with a stroll through the neighborhood. The area around Palm Avenue is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, numerous local breweries, and cozy eateries where both locals and tourists love to unwind.

Exploring the nearby streets will allow you to fully experience the Californian lifestyle and find a few more interesting spots for dinner or relaxing with an ocean view.