
The United States is home to countless restaurants, each with their own unique history and charm. However, some restaurants stand out for their longevity and historical significance. Here are some of the oldest restaurants in the USA, each with their own story to tell.
White Horse Tavern, located in Newport, Rhode Island, is considered the oldest tavern in the country, dating back to 1673. It has a rich history, having served as a meeting place for the colonial elite, as well as a gathering spot for American Revolutionaries. Today, the tavern still maintains its historical charm, serving classic American fare and offering live music on the weekends.
The Wayside Inn, located in Sudbury, Massachusetts, is the country’s oldest operating inn, dating back to 1716. It was a stop on the Boston Post Road and was frequented by historical figures such as George Washington and Henry Ford. The inn still maintains its historical charm, offering cozy rooms and delicious food.
Ye Olde Centerton Inn, located in Pittsgrove, New Jersey, is the oldest continuously operating inn in the country, dating back to 1720. It was a popular stop for travelers on the Kings Highway and has been owned by the same family for over 300 years. The inn still maintains its rustic charm, offering hearty meals and a cozy atmosphere.
Concord’s Colonial Inn, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is the country’s oldest operating inn, dating back to 1716. It was a popular stop for travelers on the Boston Post Road and has a rich history, having hosted notable figures such as George Washington and Paul Revere. The inn still maintains its historical charm, offering cozy rooms and delicious food.
Black Horse Tavern & Pub, located in Media, Pennsylvania, is the oldest operating tavern in the country, dating back to 1704. It was a popular gathering spot for local farmers and travelers on the King’s Highway. The tavern still maintains its historical charm, offering delicious food and a cozy atmosphere.
The Clinton House, located in New York, is the oldest restaurant on our list, having opened its doors in 1735. Built as a private residence, it was converted into a tavern in the mid-18th century, and has been serving food and drink ever since. The tavern has a rich history, and was even visited by George Washington and his troops during the Revolutionary War.
The Rocky Hill Inn, located in New Jersey, is another one of the oldest restaurants in the USA, having been established in 1747. The inn was originally a stagecoach stop, offering travelers food and lodging along the way. Today, the inn still serves hearty meals and offers accommodations for guests.
The ’76 House, located in New York, is another historic restaurant, having been established in 1755. The restaurant takes its name from the year of the American Revolution, and has a rich history, having been visited by many notable figures, including George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. The restaurant still serves traditional American fare, such as burgers and sandwiches.
Fraunces Tavern, located in New York City, is another one of the oldest restaurants in the USA, having been established in 1762. The tavern has a rich history, and was even the site of George Washington’s farewell address to his officers at the end of the Revolutionary War. Today, the tavern still serves delicious food and drink, and offers a unique glimpse into the country’s early history.
One of the oldest restaurants in the USA is the Griswold Inn. Located in the historic town of Essex, Connecticut, the Griswold Inn was founded in 1776, just a few years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Inn has survived wars, economic downturns, and natural disasters, and is still serving up delicious food and drinks to this day. The Griswold Inn is known for its seafood, with dishes like lobster bisque, clam chowder, and baked stuffed lobster on the menu. The Inn also has a well-stocked bar, offering a wide selection of local and imported beers, wines, and spirits.
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Another one of the oldest restaurants in the USA is Gadsby’s Tavern. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Gadsby’s Tavern was founded in 1792. The Tavern was a popular gathering spot for politicians, businessmen, and other members of the community, and was even visited by George Washington on several occasions. Today, Gadsby’s Tavern serves up classic American fare, with dishes like fried chicken, burgers, and sandwiches on the menu. The Tavern also has a full bar, offering a wide range of local and imported beers, wines, and spirits.
Bell in Hand Tavern, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest continuously operating tavern in the USA. Founded in 1795 by Jimmy Wilson, the tavern was originally known as “The Sign of the Bell in Hand” and served as a gathering place for merchants and sailors. Today, the tavern still serves up tasty pub fare and features live music every night.
The Golden Lamb, located in Lebanon, Ohio, is the oldest continuously operating business in the state of Ohio. Founded in 1803, the Golden Lamb has played host to numerous notable guests including twelve U.S. Presidents and Charles Dickens. Today, the restaurant continues to serve up delicious home-style meals and offers overnight accommodations in its historic inn.
Union Oyster House, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is the oldest restaurant in continuous operation in the USA. Founded in 1826, the restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and historic atmosphere. The restaurant’s raw bar has been featured on numerous television shows and is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
New Hudson Inn, located in Hudson, Ohio, is the oldest operating inn in the state of Ohio. Founded in 1826, the inn has played host to numerous notable guests including Mark Twain and Henry David Thoreau. Today, the inn continues to serve up delicious home-style meals and offers overnight accommodations in its historic building.
J. Huston Tavern, located in Arrow Rock, Missouri, is the oldest operating tavern in Missouri. Founded in 1834, the tavern was originally known as the Arrow Rock Tavern and served as a stopover for travelers along the Santa Fe and Oregon trails. Today, the tavern continues to serve up delicious meals and offers overnight accommodations in its historic inn.
One of the oldest restaurants in the USA is Arnold’s Bar and Grill, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1861, Arnold’s has been serving up hearty American fare for over 150 years. The restaurant’s signature dish is the goetta, a German sausage made from pork and steel-cut oats, which has been a staple on the menu since the early days. In addition to its delicious food, Arnold’s is also known for its rich history and old-fashioned atmosphere.
Another longstanding restaurant in the USA is Antoine’s, located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1840, Antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in the country, with five generations of the family working in the business. The restaurant is known for its classic Creole cuisine, including dishes like Oysters Rockefeller and Pompano en Papillote. Antoine’s is also renowned for its opulent dining rooms and its famous customers, including presidents and celebrities.
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One of the oldest restaurants in the USA is the Tadich Grill, which was founded in San Francisco in 1849. This historic restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, including cioppino, a seafood stew that was invented at the Tadich Grill. The restaurant has been featured in numerous TV shows and movies, and it continues to be a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Another historic restaurant is Breitbach’s Country Dining, which has been serving customers in Iowa since 1852. This family-run restaurant is known for its hearty home-cooked meals, including chicken fried steak and apple dumplings. The restaurant has been through several generations of ownership, and it remains a beloved local institution.
In New York City, McSorley’s Old Ale House has been a popular destination for beer lovers since 1854. This historic bar is known for its cozy atmosphere and hearty pub food, including its famous black and white ale. The walls of the bar are covered with old photographs and memorabilia, giving it a unique and nostalgic feel.
The Old Ebbitt Grill is another historic restaurant in Washington, D.C., and it has been serving customers since 1856. This elegant restaurant is located near the White House, and it is known for its seafood dishes, including oysters and crab cakes. The Old Ebbitt Grill also has a popular happy hour, and it is a popular spot for politicians and lobbyists.
Gluek’s Restaurant & Bar is a historic spot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and it has been serving customers since 1857. This German-inspired restaurant is known for its hearty dishes, including sausages, pretzels, and beer. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
One of the oldest restaurants in the United States is McGillin’s Olde Ale House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1860, this restaurant has been serving customers for over 150 years. It is known for its wide selection of beers, as well as its delicious pub fare. The interior of the restaurant has a cozy, old-fashioned feel, and it is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Another restaurant with a rich history is Pete’s Tavern in New York City. This establishment was founded in 1864 and is known for its Italian cuisine and friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is located in the heart of Greenwich Village and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
In Austin, Texas, Scholz Garten is a popular spot for German food and beer. Established in 1866, this restaurant has been serving customers for over 150 years. The interior of the restaurant is decorated with German flags and other historical items, giving it a unique and authentic atmosphere.
Located in Greenport, New York, Claudio’s has been serving seafood dishes since 1870. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, as well as its outdoor seating area with a view of the harbor. The interior of the restaurant has a classic, old-fashioned feel, and it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
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Keens Steakhouse in New York City was established in 1885 and is known for its succulent cuts of meat, particularly its mutton chop. The restaurant was originally a gathering place for members of the New York Athletic Club, and the walls are lined with clay pipes that were once smoked by the club’s members.
Fior d’Italia in San Francisco has been serving up Italian cuisine since 1886. The restaurant is the oldest Italian restaurant in the USA and is famous for its seafood dishes and homemade pasta.
Browne’s Irish Market & Deli in Kansas City opened its doors in 1889 and is known for its authentic Irish fare, including corned beef sandwiches and Guinness on tap. The deli also features a traditional Irish pub atmosphere.
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Peter Luger Steak House in Brooklyn has been serving up mouth-watering steaks since 1887. The restaurant is known for its dry-aged porterhouse steaks, which are cooked over a charcoal grill.
Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City opened in 1888 and is a classic deli known for its pastrami sandwiches and other deli favorites. The restaurant was featured in the film “When Harry Met Sally” and has been a New York City institution for over 130 years.
The Old Clam House in San Francisco opened in 1861 and is the oldest restaurant in the city. The restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, particularly its clam chowder and Dungeness crab.
The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, Colorado was founded in 1893 by Henry H. Zietz. Originally a hunting and fishing exchange, the restaurant quickly became popular for its wild game dishes and lively atmosphere. Today, the Buckhorn Exchange continues to serve up its famous wild game dishes, as well as steaks, seafood, and drinks from its full bar.
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Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana was founded in 1893 by Emile Commander. Originally a small corner grocery store, the restaurant has grown into a fine dining establishment known for its Creole cuisine and jazz brunches. Commander’s Palace has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including the James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Restaurant” award.
Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut was founded in 1895 by Louis Lassen. Claiming to be the birthplace of the hamburger, Louis’ Lunch serves up its famous burgers on toasted white bread with cheese, onion, and tomato. The restaurant has remained in the Lassen family for four generations and continues to attract crowds of burger enthusiasts.
The Berghoff in Chicago, Illinois was founded in 1898 by Herman Berghoff. Originally a tavern serving German-style food, the Berghoff has grown into a popular restaurant known for its sandwiches, soups, and German dishes. The restaurant also features a full bar and live music on the weekends.
Raos in New York City was founded in 1896 by Charles Rao. Originally a small Italian grocery store, Raos has grown into a popular Italian restaurant known for its red sauce dishes and homemade pasta. The restaurant has been passed down through three generations of the Rao family and continues to be a favorite among locals and tourists alike.