Honoring Captain Bender
The bar at Captain Bender’s Tavern in Sharpsburg is a place for locals and visitors to hang out and relax.
A casual, friendly, historic haven of food and drinks for locals and visitors
By April Bartel, Photography by Mark Youngblood
Tucked in the heart of Sharpsburg, Maryland, near the historic Antietam Battlefield, Captain Bender’s Tavern offers more than food and drinks—it serves up history, hospitality, and a touch of local charm. Built before the Civil War, the building itself is steeped in stories, making it a beloved local haunt and the perfect stop for travelers exploring the area.
Raleigh Bender, a former captain of C&O Canal boat number one, founded the tavern in 1936, giving this place the distinct honor of holding the oldest continuously operating liquor license in Washington County. The tavern’s fourth and current owner, Stephen Kemmet, took over in 2009.
“I started frequenting Captain Bender’s as a patron with some friends because they had a pool league,” he says. Kemmet grew up in Hagerstown and moved back after years of running his own restaurant in Olney in Montgomery County, so it wasn’t long before he was asked to join Bender’s crew as chef and general manager. He worked with the former owner to transform the place from an old-school bar into a full restaurant with plenty of food options and a welcoming atmosphere.
Its ancient tin ceiling may bow a bit, and the linoleum isn’t new, but that’s part of charm. It is a place where you can imagine generations of townies gathering to laugh, tell stories, and relax. Of course, the bar is still a feature and Kemmet’s creative staff comes up with new and inventive drink specials every week. He beams with pride talking about a recent concoction that incorporated chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and a glass rimmed with crushed macadamia nuts as particularly cozy indulgence. During happy hours, Monday through Friday from 3 p.m until 6 p.m., wine, drafts, and all other drinks are discounted.
Captain Bender’s menu strikes a balance between comfort classics and elevated specialties. The Raging Cajun Pasta, one of Kemmet’s personal favorites, is a fiery crowd-pleaser with chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage and diced tomatoes tossed in a spicy cream sauce over penne pasta. Another standout dish is the Chicken Chesapeake sandwich. That pairs a thick and juicy grilled chicken breast with a crab cake topper, bacon, and provolone cheese on a Kaiser roll accented with Old Bay aioli.
Fans of traditional pub fare will love the made-to-order fish and chips, featuring firm swai fish dipped in beer batter. The Reuben sandwich and French dip are equally tempting options, as are the tavern’s fresh, house prepared soups, sauces, and dressings.
“Our honey lime pistachio dressing is really unique,” Kemmet notes, recommending it with the Hub City Salad. “There’s something on the menu for every taste.”
Daily specials add variety, from Taco Tuesdays and all-you-can-eat wings on Wednesdays to succulent prime rib on Fridays, often paired with a seafood feature. “Order the wings extra crispy,” advised one hometown regular during our visit.
Captain Bender’s wings are best ordered extra crispy.
The place is brimming with locals, including students from nearby Shepherd University, in the evenings and on weekends. They are there to enjoy live music, play darts and pool, or just grab a bite and a brew. It’s a hub for community activities, hosting APA pool leagues, dart leagues, and trivia nights.
The array of salads topped with different meats or seafood is classic comfort food at Captain Bender’s.
Guests can join an official group or simply show up for a casual game—darts and pool cost just 50 cents per set. On special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, a romantic dinner package may include a rose, champagne toast, and a selection of courses. And in warmer months, the outdoor beer garden becomes a popular spot to relax with a drink.
Captain Benders Tavern offers catering as well, and take-out is always available. The downstairs game room can host private gatherings for all sorts of parties and receptions.
Kemmet is happy to helm the establishment as it sails closer to its 100-year mark. “I love the customers. I’ve been here 15 years. Just seeing people enjoy themselves is satisfying. You see regulars making new friends and telling stories. It’s a great atmosphere.”
For those exploring Sharpsburg or visiting the Antietam Battlefield, the tavern offers a warm welcome and a satisfying meal. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a friendly place to unwind, Captain Bender’s Tavern delivers.