Every adventurer needs a good tavern. It's where quests begin, rumors spread, and parties rest between dungeon crawls. A memorable tavern name sets the tone before players even walk through the door. Here's how to create names that stick—plus 200 ready-to-use examples.
The Classic Tavern Name Formula
Most fantasy tavern names follow a simple pattern:
The [Adjective] [Noun]
This formula works because it's easy to remember and paints a picture. "The Prancing Pony" instantly evokes a cheerful, lively establishment. "The Hanged Man" suggests something darker.
Choose Your Adjective
- Action: Prancing, Dancing, Sleeping, Wandering, Laughing, Leaping, Stumbling
- Descriptive: Golden, Silver, Rusty, Broken, Crooked, Lucky, Jolly
- Mood: Merry, Drunken, Lonely, Weary, Bold, Wicked
Choose Your Noun
- Animals: Dragon, Pony, Griffin, Raven, Wolf, Stag, Serpent, Fox
- Objects: Tankard, Sword, Crown, Shield, Anchor, Lantern, Barrel
- People: Knight, Maiden, King, Beggar, Sailor, Minstrel
200 Tavern Name Examples
Classic & Welcoming
The Prancing Pony
The Golden Griffin
The Merry Minstrel
The Silver Stag
The Laughing Lamb
The Dancing Dragon
The Jolly Jester
The Lucky Coin
The Warm Hearth
The Friendly Fox
The Wandering Bard
The Copper Kettle
The Gilded Goose
The Feathered Friend
The Rosy Cheek
Mysterious & Intriguing
The Blind Basilisk
The Whispering Wind
The Shrouded Stranger
The Moonlit Mask
The Silent Siren
The Veiled Vixen
The Crooked Cat
The Hidden Hand
The Wandering Eye
The Secret Cellar
The Phantom's Rest
The Smoky Mirror
The Twilight Tome
The Riddler's Roost
The Crimson Cloak
Rough & Rowdy
The Broken Blade
The Drunken Dragon
The Rusty Anchor
The Scarred Shield
The Bloodied Boar
The Shattered Skull
The Grim Goblet
The Hanged Man
The Bitter End
The Last Drop
The Rowdy Raven
The Wicked Wench
The Savage Shark
The Vulgar Unicorn
The Salty Dog
Nautical & Coastal
The Siren's Call
The Leaky Barrel
The Drowned Sailor
The Kraken's Claw
The Foaming Tide
The Salted Herring
The Captain's Rest
The Mermaid's Kiss
The Sea Serpent
The Weathered Wheel
Noble & Upscale
The Gilded Rose
The Royal Oak
The Crown & Scepter
The Velvet Throne
The Diamond Dove
The Platinum Peacock
The Noble Steed
The Silver Spoon
The Ivory Tower
The Crystal Chalice
Tips for Memorable Taverns
- Match name to atmosphere — "The Gilded Rose" shouldn't be a dive bar
- Add a signature feature — Why is it called "The Three-Legged Dog"?
- Create a memorable bartender — Players remember NPCs
- Have a house specialty — "The Burning Barrel" serves fire whiskey
- Include a quirk — The tavern sign is upside down; nobody knows why