Tavern Names

If there's one thing fantasy authors seem to love, it's naming taverns.  I suspect that many GMs get the same enjoyment out of it.  A tavern's name can convey mood, build on the history of the setting, and include a snippet of humor.

Telling the players that the local tavern is called The Snuggly Duckling is very different than telling them it's called Merlin's Left Buttock or Blood Bucket.  A soft name (probably a misnomer for a wretched hive of scum and villainy) versus a complete wacky name (which also implies the presence of magic) versus a scary name (which probably lives up to its hype).

Sure, you could search a list of real-life tavern names, or you could come up with your own.

I guess.

Or... you could roll 1d6 on either of these excellent tables.

Seedy Taverns

1. Queen's Bedchamber
2. The Stables
3. Westhill Public House
4. The Filled Latrine
5. Brick and Mortar
6. The Dented Skull

Classy Taverns

1. Golden Slumber
2. The Silver Bell
3. Downkeep Inn
4. The Charger's Standard
5. Kettle and Cloth
6. Well-Laid Table