The TUNNICLIFF IN Est. 1802 - Cooperstown, New York

The History of the "Pit"

Perhaps the most unique feature of the Inn
is our Underground Restaurant & Tavern
known locally for decades as "The Pit"
due to its Subterranean Nature.

The Building was erected in 1802
But it was not until 1938 that the downstairs was excavated
and opened as "The Home Plate" in time for the first Induction Ceremony
at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum in 1939.
The "Pit"

Prior to this, the bar was located upstairs where our office is today.
The Inn's original wooden Bar was moved into the subterranean level

during construction, and remains there to this day.

Years later a dining room was added which until that time
had been upstairs where our banquet room is today.

Dining in the "The Pit" is a unique experience
decorated with Antiques, Old Photographs, and Prints.
Business and good times mix well in this relaxed, historic room.

The interior decor of the "The Pit" was revamped in 2006
to provide an even more relaxing dining experience.

Pictures of "The Pit" prior to 2006:

After the update:

Original tables bear patrons' carved initials and "short messages" from the past.
If you look closely, you might even find the signature of a famous ballplayer or two.
Customers are always invited to leave their mark on our tables
for the next generations to appreciate and speculate about.

The Inn held the first liquor license in Cooperstown in 1933,
and for years has offered a wide array of beers, wines, and liquors.

There are two Breweries in Cooperstown and we stock selections from each.

The Ommegang Brewery (Belgian Style Beer)
The Cooperstown Brewery (English Style Beer)