The Old Rock Saloon – 58 West Elm Street

The two story rock building across from the courthouse square is now home to Sweet Joy Ice Cream and Candy Shop – new in 2023.

The oldest commercial structure still standing in Hillsboro, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Old Rock Saloon was the first building to be restored under the Texas Main Street Program.

More Details:

National Register Listing 

The Rock Saloon is architecturally significant as the only surviving limestone structure within the central business district, with a cornerstone date of 1876.

The saloon, which originally featured a bar extending the length of the downstairs area, was owned for a time by J. E. Ballard, Mayor of Hillsboro from 1889-1893. Originally located at the rear of the building was a cockfighting pit and, upstairs a gambling hall. Subsequent businesses operating here have included a confectionery, a tailor’ s shop, pool hall, Singer sewing machine shop, and hamburger joint.