"Karchma 1863" is located in a historical place. The settlement on Bakšta Mountain, located at the elevated end of the street, existed long before the time of Gedimin, back in the 12th century. 

The antiquity of the place is evidenced by a boulder in the basement of the karchma, which was unearthed right there when the premises were being renovated. There is an opinion that this boulder was dedicated to the god of beer Ragutis, as it bears the mark of a bull. Most likely it was part of a shrine, the second stone of which stands in the square near the karchma.

Being one of the oldest streets in Vilnius, Bokšto Street is steeped in history. It has been mentioned in documents since the 15th century. There were many things here throughout the centuries: a Masonic lodge operated here, Stanislav Moniuszko gave concerts here, and an artillery bastion was located here. Józef Piłsudski, one of the founders of the revived Poland, spent his childhood and early youth on this street.

In the building where Karczma is now located, at the crossroads of Bokszto and Latako Streets, in the 19th century one of the oldest hotels in Vilnius, Niszkowski's Hotel, was located.  In 1862 Zygmunt Sierakowski, one of the leaders of the Uprising of 1863 (aka Kastus Kalinowski Uprising, aka January Uprising, aka Polish Uprising) stayed there. And it was here, shortly before the uprising began, that a meeting of the insurgents was held in a hotel, attended by Kastus Kalinowski, among others.  

And in 1905-1914 Dr Jonas Basanavičius, Lithuanian historian, folklorist, publicist, public figure, patriarch of the Lithuanian national revival, lived in the same house, as the memorial plaque on the building says. In the karchma you can find books with his works in Lithuanian.

Today, Bokšto Street is one of the most picturesque and atmospheric streets in Vilnius Old Town. It is home to cosy cafes and museums. Walking along this street, you can feel the breath of history and see architectural monuments from different eras.