The Lantern is over 130 years and rich with history. The Enos Reed Pharmacy was founded in this building during the Civil War around 1863. Then in 1897 the Wooster Drug Company had its home there. The building also housed the Blade Newspaper in 1898 during the Spanish American War.  

The old West End /Confectionary was established there at a later date and was well known for being the first place in the city to serve fountain drinks and little Coney hot dogs.  

The name changed to Ye Olde Lantern in 1989. Tim & Stephanie Arms, owners, have given Portsmouth not only great food and a wide selection of imported beers, but a diverse taste of the arts as well.  

On Thursdays songwriter and recording artist Steve Free sings his own songs to the sound of the acoustic guitar. On the second Thursday of the month the local Poets gather for a night of poetry.  

You can enjoy Saturday night, rib eye steak night. Then have the talk of the town desert Apple Walnut Pie. After all this you can cruise a variety of antique shops which surround The Lantern then take a stroll just one block away and see the history of Portsmouth in the longest display of murals in the United States painted on the floodwall that protects the city. The floodwall comes alive through the brush of artist Robert Dafford of Lafayette, Louisiana. Twenty feet high and extending 2,090 feet in length this wall contains streetcars, stagecoaches and a painting of Roy Rogers and Trigger who was one of Portsmouth's own.  

Prices at Ye olde Lantern range from $5.95 to $19.95 for a meal and also offer special favorites such as Pork Skins as light as air and Jalapeno Poppers filled with cheese.  

For those who enjoy history, antiques, good food, good music and art, Ye Olde Lantern 601 2nd Street and Portsmouth's Boneyfiddle area is the place to be.

Just one block away at 711 2nd Street is a Ramada Inn for overnight stay for those who would like to really explore this historical area.

For a map click here.

Discover the Ye Olde Lantern through photos: Good Times & Friends  

Information can be found on the Murals at:

http://www.sciotocountyohio.com/mural.htm http://www.portsmouthcvb.org/