Have you ever wondered what it would be like to dine where cowboys and presidents once sat? Across the United States, some restaurants have been serving up meals for centuries, dishing out great food and stories with an authentic taste of the past. These 50 historic places offer more than just a meal; they deliver an experience worth remembering.
McCrady’s Tavern, South Carolina
McCrady’s Tavern is a living slice of history, once hosting George Washington. Located in a Charleston alley, this 1778-era tavern started as a meeting house for the city’s elite before evolving into a legendary dining spot. Its walls have seen centuries of exceptional Lowcountry cuisine.
Legends Steakhouse, South Dakota
Have you ever wondered what dining in the Wild West was like, minus the shootouts and saloon brawls? You can sink your teeth into history at Legends Steakhouse in Deadwood. It is situated inside the historic Silverado Franklin Hotel, a legendary dining spot that has stood tall since 1903.
Varallo’s, Tennessee
There is legendary chili and a no-frills, home-cooked breakfast that keeps folks coming back. Opened in 1907, Tennessee’s oldest restaurant has been a staple for generations. It serves steaming plates of biscuits and gravy alongside its famous chili, a rich, meaty concoction that locals order frequently.
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, Oklahoma
Cattlemen’s Steakhouse is the place to be if you’re looking for a taste of history alongside a delicious meal. Established in 1910 in the heart of Stockyards City, it is famous for perfectly aged steaks and an authentic cowboy charm. The restaurant has also catered to everyone from ranchers to presidents.
Scholz Garten, Texas
In the heart of Austin, where history and hops collide, you’ll find Scholz Garten, the undisputed king of Texas ale halls since 1866. Founded after the battle, this historical gathering spot has seen politicians and football fans raise a stein under its oak-shaded ale garden.
The Shooting Star Saloon, Utah
The menu keeps it simple with the famous Star Burger. It’s a double-patty masterpiece topped with a Polish knackwurst. But it’s the atmosphere that truly sets this 1989 place apart. Dollar bills plaster the ceiling, and a massive mounted St. Bernard head named Buck stands watch over it all.
Ye Olde Tavern, Vermont
Dining at Ye Olde Tavern in Manchester is a meal with a journey back to 1790. This colonial-era gem, Vermont’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, serves history on every plate, from perfectly roasted turkey with cranberry relish to a prime rib that could make a founding father weep.
The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, Virginia
If walls could talk, this one would have centuries of stories to tell: tales of weary travelers and feasts fit for presidents. Step inside this place from 1728, and you’re greeted by the warm glow of candlelight and the scent of something deliciously nostalgic roasting in the kitchen.
North End Tavern & Brewery, West Virginia
The North End Tavern & Brewery, or “NET,” has been Parkersburg’s go-to spot since 1899. House-brewed craft beers like Roedy’s Red pair perfectly with legendary burgers and no-nonsense pub fare. A true West Virginia staple, it’s where good food and local tradition come together under one historic roof.
Red Circle Inn, Wisconsin
Since 1848, the Red Circle Inn in Nashotah has served history alongside hearty American cuisine, making it Wisconsin’s oldest restaurant. This legendary spot exudes old-world charm with rich wood interiors and a timeless ambiance. It is famous for its perfectly seared steaks and signature prime rib.
Miners And Stockmen’s Steakhouse, Wyoming
Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse is Wyoming’s oldest bar and steakhouse. It was 1862 when it started serving ranchers, miners, and outlaws with hearty steaks and top-shelf whiskey. Filled with frontier charm, it’s an authentic Old West relic where history lingers in every corner.
Hays House Restaurant, Kansas
Long before Kansas became a state, Hays House Restaurant fed weary travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. Founded in 1857 by Daniel Boone’s great-grandson, the legendary stop blends frontier history with down-home cooking. From golden fried chicken to warm biscuits, every meal here tastes like a piece of the past.
The Palace Diner, Maine
At The Palace Diner in Biddeford, you can enjoy breakfast where rail workers once fueled up before long days on the tracks. Inside this 1927 railcar, Maine’s oldest diner plates up towering stacks of pancakes and crispy bacon with vintage charm and unapologetically cozy appeal.
Hubbell House, Minnesota
Hubbell House is a legendary Minnesota restaurant that’s been around since 1854. Originally a stagecoach stop, it now plates up steaks and seafood in a setting full of rustic elegance. With creaky floors, vintage portraits, and storied walls, it’s where frontier grit meets timeless hospitality.
Weidmann’s, Mississippi
Craving comfort or chasing nostalgia? Weidmann’s delivers both. This 1870 landmark is beloved for its black bottom pie and the tradition of homemade peanut butter served in ceramic crocks—a Southern ritual that feels like home with every bite.
Pekin Noodle Parlor, Montana
Open since 1911, Pekin Noodle Parlor still serves old-school American-Chinese fare in cozy, curtained booths. It sits above Butte’s once-bustling Chinatown. Favorites like chow mein and pork fried rice arrive just as they did a century ago, offering a rare glimpse into Montana’s immigrant food traditions.
Glur’s Tavern, Nebraska
Established in 1876, Glur’s Tavern is more than a historic pub—it’s a crossroads for traders, trappers, and travelers alike. Buffalo Bill once drank here, and today, it still serves up juicy burgers, cold beers, and the no-nonsense hospitality of the American heartland.
Gold Hill Hotel And Saloon, Nevada
Tracing its origins to 1859, this Virginia City gem was already welcoming guests by 1861, when prospectors struck it rich in the Comstock Lode. The historic Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon serves hearty steaks and fresh seafood, all flavored with the grit and charm of a mining-era boomtown.
Carolina Coffee Shop, North Carolina
Since 1922, Carolina Coffee Shop has anchored Chapel Hill’s Franklin Street with its timeless warmth and Southern fare. North Carolina’s oldest restaurant dishes out beloved staples like shrimp and grits, biscuits with honey butter, and hearty breakfasts, all in a cozy dining room lined with Tar Heel history.
Huber’s Cafe, Oregon
Since 1879, Huber’s Cafe has been a downtown Portland institution. It’s best known for carved-to-order turkey dinners and Spanish coffee prepared tableside with flair. Inside, polished wood and pressed-tin ceilings reflect the building’s long history. The menu stays true to tradition, and that’s exactly the appeal.
Peacock Alley, North Dakota
The 1933 spot is known for its hearty, classic American fare, emphasizing steaks. The menu typically features perfectly cooked cuts of beef, including filet mignon and prime rib. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood options, such as shrimp cocktails and baked salmon.
The Fox Tavern, New Hampshire
The Fox Tavern, hidden within the historic Hancock Inn, is in the heart of Hancock, New Hampshire. Since 1789, it has become an unforgettable symbol of New England’s rich history. The scent of clam chowder and fresh lobster rolls welcomes you as you enter.
The Cranbury Inn, New Jersey
Dining at The Cranbury Inn is more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to savor history alongside classic New Jersey fare. Located in Cranbury, the 1750s inn has been a beloved part of the community since the 1750s, merging two historic taverns into one memorable experience.
El Farol, New Mexico
Open since 1835, El Farol is more than a restaurant—it’s a vibrant hub where culture and cuisine come alive. Live music, festive energy, and traditional fare reflect Santa Fe’s dynamic spirit, making every meal a celebration of the city’s unique heritage.
Jessop’s Tavern, Delaware
As soon as you enter Jessop’s Tavern in New Castle, it feels like time travel. Since 1724, this colonial-era tavern has served hearty fare like shepherd’s pie and pot roast. Moreover, period-dressed servers and candlelit ambiance make it a highly immersive experience.
The Buckhorn Exchange, Colorado
Do you know when The Buckhorn Exchange opened its doors? In 1893. This historic Steakhouse in Denver is home to Colorado’s Liquor License No. 1. Famed for its exotic game meats, the restaurant’s walls are adorned with mounted trophies, reflecting its Wild West heritage.
The Log Inn, Indiana
As the state’s oldest restaurant, the 1852 Inn is said to have once hosted Abraham Lincoln. Today, the restaurant serves hearty, family-style meals, with fried chicken and roast beef among the favorites. Wouldn’t you love to enjoy a meal where history and tradition come together?
The Village Tavern, Illinois
Opened in 1847, The Village Tavern in Long Grove is the state’s oldest tavern. With its original mahogany bar and tin ceiling, this place offers a unique glimpse into the past. The menu features classic American dishes like prime rib, served in an atmosphere rich with 19th-century charm.
The Snake Pit, Idaho
Established in 1880 in Enaville, The Snake Pit has served as a hotel and is now a beloved restaurant. This dynamic and versatile place is known for its Rocky Mountain oysters, prime ribs, and barbecue. Enjoy a rustic dining experience that reflects Idaho’s frontier history.
Columbia Restaurant, Florida
Columbia Restaurant has served Florida with Spanish-Cuban flavors since 1905; it is more than just the state’s oldest restaurant; it’s a Tampa institution. Family-owned for generations, it’s famous for its signature 1905 Salad and lively flamenco performances that bring the dining experience to life.
Manago Hotel Restaurant, Hawaii
A Big Island favorite since 1917, the Manago Hotel Restaurant keeps things simple but unforgettable. This no-frills spot embraces its plantation-era roots, offering a cozy, down-to-earth taste of old Hawaii. You are missing out if you haven’t had their pan-fried pork chops.
The Pirates’ House, Georgia
What started in 1753 as a sailor’s inn is now one of Savannah’s most storied restaurants. The Pirates’ House draws visitors in with its heritage and Southern comfort food, such as fried chicken and pecan pie.
Tadich Grill, California
San Francisco’s Tadich Grill has been dishing out seafood since 1849. Still flavored with its Gold Rush roots, this legendary eatery serves signature cioppino in a wood-paneled dining room that oozes old-school appeal. Here, every steaming bowl comes with a side of history.
White Horse Tavern, Rhode Island
Started in 1673, the White Horse Tavern is America’s oldest restaurant. Initially a meeting place for colonists and later British soldiers, it now serves classic New England fare in a historic colonial setting. Dining here is like walking back into the 17th century.
Union Oyster House, Massachusetts
A Boston icon serving since 1826, Union Oyster House has been dishing out fresh seafood way longer than any other continuously operating restaurant in the country. Oysters are the show’s star, just as they were when statesman Daniel Webster famously dined here.
The ’76 House, New York
Built in 1754, The ’76 House is New York’s oldest restaurant and a relic of the American Revolution. It offers hearty roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and warm hospitality—exactly the kind of comfort that’s endured from colonial days to today.
The Griswold Inn, Connecticut
Opened during the Revolutionary War, The Griswold Inn in Essex has seen centuries change. Sailors once arrived by schooner; today’s guests come for pan-seared scallops, house-baked bread, and the glow of oil lamps reflecting off ship portraits and wood-paneled walls.
The Golden Lamb, Ohio
Twelve U.S. presidents, along with poets and pioneers, have passed through The Golden Lamb’s doors. Since 1803, Ohio’s oldest inn has served roast turkey, fried chicken, and other classics in rooms steeped in charm. Antique furnishings and rich storytelling make every visit one for the books.
Antoine’s Restaurant, Louisiana
Antoine’s has been a cornerstone of New Orleans’ French Quarter for over 180 years. As the country’s oldest family-run restaurant, it introduced the world to Oysters Rockefeller while preserving the city’s rich Creole flavors. Would you believe there are 14 distinctive dining rooms?
McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Pennsylvania
Pouring pints and feeding Philly for over 160 years, McGillin’s Olde Ale House is the city’s oldest Tavern and a true local legend. Opened in 1860, it has watched the town evolve while keeping its warm, lively atmosphere intact. It has classic pub fare and an impressive selection of beers.
Ye Olde Centerton Inn, New Jersey
Ye Olde Centerton Inn, open since 1706, serves more than just classic dishes—it surrounds you with the textures, sounds, and warmth of early America. With its colonial setting and time-tested recipes, this place proves some traditions are worth holding onto.
J. Huston Tavern, Missouri
Before Missouri was crisscrossed by highways, hungry pioneers paused at J. Huston Tavern. Since 1834, this Arrow Rock landmark has fed stagecoach riders, merchants, and today’s diners with Midwestern staples like fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Echoes of the Civil War linger in its brick walls.
New Hudson Inn, Michigan
The New Hudson Inn has been a cornerstone of Michigan’s history for nearly two centuries. Opening its doors in 1831, this beloved gathering place has worn many hats: a stagecoach stop and a post office. Now, it continues its legacy with a menu that pays homage to its storied past.
Breitbach’s Country Dining, Iowa
Breitbach’s Country Dining has fed Balltown since 1852, making it Iowa’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Run by the same family for six generations, it’s known for homestyle buffets, mile-high pies, and a resilient spirit—rebuilt twice after devastating fires, yet never closing its doors to the community.
The Horse You Came In On Saloon, Maryland
Edgar Allen Poe reportedly had his final drinks at this very bar. Operating since 1775, the saloon still serves drinks in Baltimore’s Fell’s Point, where sailors once docked just steps away. It’s the only pre-Revolution tavern in the U.S. to operate continuously.
The Old Talbott Tavern, Kentucky
Bardstown’s Talbott Tavern has been hosting guests since George Washington was president. Travelers once arrived on horseback, including a young Abraham Lincoln. Today, its 1779 stone facade, hearty Southern cooking, and flickering lanterns preserve a legacy that feels more lived-in than curated.
The Palace Restaurant And Saloon, Arizona
The Palace Saloon, opened in 1877, has served lawmen and gunslingers alike. Its polished bar and swinging doors still channel the saloon spirit of the Old West. Diners come for hearty American fare—and to sit where legends like Wyatt Earp once ordered their last round.
Oark General Store, Arkansas
Oark General Store has been open since 1890, serving as both a rest stop and community hub deep in the Ozark National Forest. Its short-order grill prepares crowd favorites like oversized burgers and house-made pies. Bikers, hikers, and locals are drawn to its simple roadside appeal.
The Bright Star, Alabama
Since 1907, The Bright Star in Bessemer has dished up Gulf seafood and Greek-inspired flavors with Southern charm. Inside its early 20th-century decor, diners savor signature beef tenderloin and timeless tradition, which earned it a well-loved spot in Alabama’s culinary legacy.
The Historic Skagway Inn, Alaska
Before it welcomed travelers with fresh Alaskan seafood, the Skagway Inn sheltered fortune-seekers and operated as a brothel during the Gold Rush. Built in 1897, this restored bed-and-breakfast now offers guests a hearty meal and a quiet night in the most storied building on the block.
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