Ever wonder where the oldest eateries in America are hiding? Each state has its own culinary gem, a restaurant that has withstood the test of time, economic changes, and even wars to continue serving patrons delicious food. So, let’s take a tour across the country and find one of the oldest restaurants in every state.
Alabama: Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain
Founded in 1869 in Scottsboro, Payne’s Sandwich Shop and Soda Fountain is a nostalgic gem that feels like a step back in time. The place has been a gathering spot for locals for over 150 years, and its walls are decorated with memorabilia that tells the story of the town’s history. It is famous for its “Payne’s Special,” a secret recipe sandwich that keeps customers coming back for more.
Alaska: The Historic Skagway Inn
As a charming inn and restaurant, the Historic Skagway Inn has hosted countless travelers since 1897. In the picturesque town of Skagway, this establishment is known for its smoked salmon puff pastry and elk meatballs. Did you know? The inn has a ghost story associated with it—many guests have reported sightings of a friendly spirit believed to be a former miner who never left!
Arizona: The Palace Restaurant and Saloon
Since the 1870s, the Palace Restaurant and Saloon in Prescott has been a cornerstone of Old West history. This saloon-style eatery is famous for its prime rib and hosts a Western-themed dinner theater that captures the spirit of the frontier. A fun fact: the restaurant features a hidden speakeasy that dates back to Prohibition, where patrons could enjoy a drink away from prying eyes.
Arkansas: Oark General Store
Opened in 1890, Oark General Store is a delightful blend of a restaurant and a general store situated in the Ozark Mountains. The store still sells groceries and gas, making it a community hub. Even after surviving two major floods, the place continues to thrive, thanks to the loyalty of its customers, who cherish its rustic charm and hearty meals.
California: Tadich Grill
Tadich Grill is California’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and a San Francisco institution since 1849. Famous for its cioppino, a seafood stew that reflects the restaurant’s Italian roots, Tadich Grill also claims to be the first restaurant in the U.S. to grill seafood over mesquite charcoal—a method still in use today. During Prohibition, the place secretly served alcohol in coffee cups to avoid detection.
Colorado: The Buckhorn Exchange
Opened in 1893, it is Colorado’s oldest restaurant and a registered National Historic Landmark. It holds Colorado Liquor License No. 1, issued after Prohibition. Their specialty dish is the wild game platter, which includes bison, elk, and other exotic meats. One fun tidbit is that the Buckhorn Exchange is also a museum showcasing artifacts from Colorado’s frontier history.
Connecticut: The Griswold Inn
This 1776 eatery is known for its lobster pot pie and features a cozy atmosphere filled with antiques and maritime decor. The Griswold Inn has a rich history, having hosted notable figures such as George Washington and Charles Dickens. During Prohibition, it cleverly advertised itself as a “tea house” to stay open. Their clam chowder is a New England staple that has kept customers coming back for centuries.
Delaware: Kelly’s Logan House
Kelly’s Logan House, which opened in 1864, is a historic Irish pub in Wilmington that has become a local favorite. Known for its shepherd’s pie, which is made from a family recipe, this pub features a pleasant atmosphere with live music and community events. Did you know? It is famous for its “Logan House Challenge,” where patrons attempt to finish a massive Irish breakfast in under an hour!
Florida: Columbia Restaurant
The Columbia Restaurant in Tampa is Florida’s oldest restaurant and a landmark of Cuban cuisine. It has been operating since 1905 when it started as a small corner cafe serving coffee and Cuban sandwiches to cigar factory workers. This restaurant’s 1905 Salad, named after the year it was founded, remains a signature dish. Here, you will find a rich history, as the place has survived the Great Depression and numerous hurricanes.
Georgia: The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar
The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Thomasville has been serving customers since 1916. Known for its oyster stew, this charming eatery features vintage decor that tells the story of its long history. During the Great Depression, the owners kept the restaurant open by serving meals for just a nickel. It has been a gathering place for families and friends for generations, and its menu reflects the region’s Southern roots.
Hawaii: Manago Hotel
Originally catering to traveling salesmen and plantation workers, it has become a beloved landmark on the Big Island. Established in 1917, Manago Hotel is Hawaii’s oldest continually operated family-owned hotel. The hotel’s restaurant is known for its pork chops, which are prepared using a secret family recipe passed down through generations.
Idaho: The Snake Pit (Enaville Resort)
The Snake Pit, a.k.a. the Enaville Resort, is situated in Idaho’s panhandle and is renowned for its rustic charm and rich history. With a storied past that includes visits from famous figures such as Wyatt Earp, it was originally a watering hole for miners and prospectors dating back to 1880. This eatery is celebrated for its oysters, served in various styles, and its cozy, cabin-like atmosphere.
Illinois: The Village Tavern
Originally known as the Zimmer Tavern, it served as a stagecoach stop-point where travelers could rest and refuel since 1847. The tavern’s mahogany bar, which survived a fire at McCormick Place in 1967, is a centerpiece of its rich history. Interestingly, the tavern once sold its furniture right off the dining room floor!
Indiana: The Log Inn
Operational since 1825, this historic stagecoach stop was frequented by none other than Abraham Lincoln in 1844. It is famous for its family-style dinners featuring fried chicken, ham, and beef, served with homemade sides. The Log Inn has retained much of its original charm, with sections of the interior showcasing the original hewn log walls from when it first opened, allowing diners to step back in time while enjoying their meals.
Iowa: Breitbach’s Country Dining
Popular for its fried chicken and homemade pies, Breitbach’s has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. This family-owned establishment has been passed down through six generations of the Breitbach family. It was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2007, and the community rallied to support its revival.
Kansas: Hays House 1857 Restaurant & Tavern
As the name suggests, it was established in 1857 in Council Grove and has served travelers for over 160 years. Originally a trading post and inn, it significantly impacted the United States’ westward expansion. It is famous for its Kansas-style ribeye and fried chicken, served in a rustic setting filled with memorabilia. The building has served many purposes throughout history, including being a courtroom and post office.
Kentucky: The Old Talbott Tavern
When you visit, you might get a weird feeling of history at this place as bullet holes from the era of the Civil War can still be seen in the tavern’s walls. Founded in 1779 in Bardstown, it is one of the oldest Western-style taverns in the United States, known for its fried catfish and Bourbon balls. This historic inn has hosted famous figures, such as Daniel Boone and Abraham Lincoln.
Louisiana: Antoine’s Restaurant
Founded in 1840, this is the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. Featuring classic Creole cuisine, including Oysters Rockefeller (which was invented here), Antoine’s has a rich history of serving celebrities and dignitaries. The restaurant features 14 dining rooms and a secret wine cellar that stretches for miles beneath the French Quarter.
Maine: The Palace Diner
Presenting Maine’s oldest dining car restaurant, The Palace Diner, which opened in 1927. Housed in an original Pollard dining car, it’s a cozy spot with only 15 seats. It is known for its simple yet delicious fare, particularly its famous flapjacks. These fluffy pancakes are made from a secret recipe, resulting in a light and airy texture. This diner’s original tin ceiling and counter stools have been preserved to give it an authentic vintage feel.
Maryland: The Horse You Came In On Saloon
If walls could talk, The Horse You Came In On Saloon would have stories to make your head spin—after all, it’s been Maryland’s go-to spot since 1775! Right in the heart of Fell’s Point, this historic hangout was the last place the enigmatic Edgar Allan Poe was seen before his mysterious demise. But mystery aside, it’s the crab cakes that steal the show here.
Massachusetts: Union Oyster House
This 1826 eatery hosted figures like Daniel Webster and John F. Kennedy and was situated in a historic building that predated the American Revolution. It is famous for its clam chowder and oysters and has hosted numerous notable figures, including five U.S. presidents. You can dine in the booth that John F. Kennedy frequented during his youth, as the restaurant has kept it as it was.
Michigan: New Hudson Inn
New Hudson Inn has been the heart of Michigan’s hospitality scene since 1831, and it’s still going strong! Once a stagecoach stop, this historic tavern is now the go-to spot for cheeseburgers that are as legendary as its lively, welcoming atmosphere. The rustic decor, complete with old wooden beams and a bar that’s been the backdrop for countless local legends, makes every visit a trip back in time.
Minnesota: The Hubbell House
The historic restaurant in Mantorville has been serving travelers since the days of the stagecoach. Since 1854, this charming eatery has been known for its homemade pies and prime rib and has retained much of its original Victorian decor. A unique aspect of the Hubbell House is its connection to the Civil War; it was a stop for soldiers heading to and from the front lines.
Mississippi: Weidmann’s Restaurant
Established in 1870 in Meridian, Weidmann’s Restaurant is a beloved institution known for its Southern comfort food. Its specialty dish is shrimp and grits, a Southern classic that draws diners from near and far. Weidmann’s still uses the original peanut butter crocks on each table, a tradition started during World War II when butter was rationed.
Missouri: J. Huston Tavern
Since 1834, J. Huston Tavern has stood as a constant in Missouri’s history. Originally a bustling rest stop on the Santa Fe Trail, it has survived everything from the Civil War to destructive fires. Its legacy lives on through the beloved Southern fried chicken and country ham served within its rustic walls. This historic tavern also holds the unique honor of being the first building in Missouri to receive public funds for preservation.
Montana: The Montana Club
Once an exclusive private club, this establishment now proudly serves as Montana’s oldest restaurant, open to all. After a devastating fire in 1903, the original 1885 structure was quickly rebuilt, maintaining its historic charm. The Montana Club offers a menu steeped in the state’s ranching tradition, with the bison tenderloin as its signature dish.
Nebraska: Glur’s Tavern
Walking into Glur’s feels like stepping back in time. Much of its original character has been preserved, including the wooden bar, tin ceiling, and antique memorabilia adorning the walls. The tavern has witnessed countless stories and patrons since 1876, including the legendary Buffalo Bill Cody, who held his farewell party at Glur’s.
Nevada: The Martin Hotel
The Martin Hotel, built in 1898, has been serving quality food for over a century. It originally served as a boarding house for Basque shepherds. The place is known for its hearty Basque meals, including its famous lamb stew. This traditional Basque dish features tender chunks of lamb simmered with potatoes, carrots, and onions in a savory broth.
New Hampshire: The Hancock Inn
With a history stretching back to 1789, The Hancock Inn has been offering warmth and hospitality for over two centuries. Stepping inside feels like a journey back to Colonial America, where original wide-plank floors and 18th-century decor set the scene. Antique furnishings add layers to the inn’s rich history. And no visit is complete without savoring the famous Yankee pot roast.
New Jersey: The Cranbury Inn
Steeped in history since 1780, The Cranbury Inn has evolved from a stagecoach stop and gathering place for farmers to a dining destination known for its mouthwatering ribs. These beef ribs, slow-roasted to achieve tender, juicy excellence, are a standout dish. Paired with au jus and horseradish sauce, they continue to draw crowds to this historic New Jersey inn.
New Mexico: El Farol
El Farol is a historic restaurant and bar known for its tapas and live flamenco music. The restaurant has a rich cultural heritage, reflecting the diverse influences of Spanish, Native American, and Mexican cuisines. This 1835 restaurant has been a favorite among artists and musicians, often hosting local talent and contributing to Santa Fe’s thriving arts scene.
New York: Fraunces Tavern
Situated in Manhattan’s Financial District, Fraunces Tavern played an important part in the American Revolution, hosting George Washington and his troops. Built in 1762, the building itself is a fascinating blend of colonial and modern architecture. It still displays a replica of Washington’s farewell address to his officers. Their must-try dish is the Tavern Pot Pie. It is a hearty dish featuring tender chicken chunks and vegetables in a creamy sauce.
North Carolina: Carolina Coffee Shop
Imagine stepping into a time capsule that serves up Southern comfort food! Originally a post office and soda parlor constructed in 1922, it transformed into a full-service restaurant that now serves delightful brunch favorites like cornflake French toast. What’s particularly charming is the vintage decor, complete with black-and-white photographs and a soda counter.
North Dakota: Peacock Alley American Grill & Bar
Welcome to the 1933 wild frontier of dining! Peacock Alley American Grill & Bar in Fargo is North Dakota’s local treasure. Known for its steaks and seafood, the restaurant has a rich history tied to the railroad, serving travelers and locals alike. Notably, its stunning Art Deco interior has been preserved over the decades.
Ohio: The Golden Lamb
This historic 1803 establishment has hosted twelve U.S. presidents, from John Quincy Adams to George W. Bush. Known for its homemade loaves of bread and roasted chicken, the inn is steeped in history, with each room named after a famous guest. A fun fact: the Golden Lamb has its own ghost story involving Sarah Stubbs, a former resident whose spirit is said to linger in the inn.
Oklahoma: Eischen’s Bar
Get ready for a taste of Oklahoma’s oldest watering hole! Established in 1896 in Okarche, Eischen’s Bar is famous for its laid-back atmosphere. Originally a grocery store, it transitioned into a bar and restaurant that has become a local institution. The restaurant is known for its “Eischen’s chicken,” which has been a family recipe for generations!
Oregon: Huber’s Café
Opened in 1879 as the Bureau Saloon, the place was given its current name in 1895. Huber’s is known for its signature dish: roast turkey. The restaurant serves an impressive variety of turkey dishes, including turkey sandwiches, turkey drumsticks, and turkey marsala. Legend has it that Louie, a famous chef at Huber’s, roasted over 50,000 turkeys during his tenure!
Pennsylvania: The City Tavern
Welcome to a colonial dining experience! This tavern, established in 1773 in Philadelphia, has been a meeting place for the Founding Fathers and is known for its traditional American fare, including shepherd’s pie and roasted meats. The restaurant has been meticulously restored to reflect the 18th-century dining experience, complete with period-appropriate decor and staff in colonial attire.
Rhode Island: The White Horse Tavern
When you enter this spot, you’re immediately enveloped by over three centuries of history. Established in 1673, this tavern is the oldest operating restaurant in the United States. It has served as a meeting place for the Rhode Island General Assembly, a courthouse, and a lodge for British troops during the Revolutionary War. Their Lobster Bisque is a standout specialty.
South Carolina: McCrady’s Tavern
Dating back to the late 1700s, McCrady’s Tavern is a Charleston institution that has served everyone from George Washington to contemporary food enthusiasts. Its historic building features original brickwork, fireplaces, and period decor. McCrady’s is known for its innovative take on traditional Southern cuisine. The tavern has a secret wine cellar, discovered during renovations, which dates back to the 18th century.
South Dakota: The Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge
This cozy eatery has become a local favorite since 1949, offering a warm atmosphere and hearty meals. A unique aspect is the focus on local ingredients, including game meats sourced from nearby farms. It hosts an annual “Pheasant Fest,” celebrating the local hunting culture with food, music, and community fun!
Tennessee: Varallo’s Restaurant
Founded as a chili parlor in 1907 by Frank Varallo Sr., Varallo’s is known for its traditional Southern fare and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has been a staple in the community for generations. It is particularly famous for its chili, a recipe that has remained unchanged for over a century. Varallo’s started as a street vendor cart before growing into a full-fledged restaurant.
Texas: Scholz Garten
Scholz Garten is a German eatery that has been a staple of the community for over 150 years since 1866. Originally a gathering place for German immigrants, it has evolved into a lively venue known for its bratwurst and German beer. What makes Scholz Garten special is its outdoor patio, where locals and visitors alike enjoy live music and the vibrant atmosphere.
Utah: Idle Isle Café
At the Brigham City-based Idle Isle Café, you’ll discover a piece of Utah’s culinary history. This charming café has been serving delicious comfort food for over 100 years. Known for its homemade pies and classic diner fare, Idle Isle has retained much of its original decor. The café was originally a confectionery and has evolved over the years.
Vermont: Ye Olde Tavern
This historic restaurant is known for its cozy, rustic atmosphere and hearty New England fare. Built as a stagecoach stop in 1790, Ye Olde Tavern has served travelers for over two centuries. The menu features classic dishes like beef stew and maple-glazed salmon. Spook-fest continues here, too. The tavern is said to be haunted, with reports of ghostly apparitions and mysterious sounds.
Virginia: Red Fox Inn
In the picturesque town of Middleburg, the Red Fox Inn has been serving guests since 1728. This historic inn is known for its elegant dining rooms and classic American cuisine, including venison and seasonal vegetables. Throughout its history, the inn has hosted numerous notable figures, including presidents and dignitaries. Dining here is not just about the food; it’s an experience steeped in history!
Washington: Horse Shoe Cafe
If you’re ever in Washington and have a hankering for a taste of history alongside your meal, the Horse Shoe Café in Walla Walla is your spot. This place isn’t just about serving up delicious grub; it’s got a story that stretches back to 1886. The décor is charmingly vintage, with old-fashioned booths and a counter that could tell tales if it could talk.
West Virginia: North End Tavern & Brewery
This place opened in 1899 as a small neighborhood pub in Parkersburg. It is now West Virginia’s oldest restaurant and brewery. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and handcrafted beers, this historic tavern has been a favorite gathering spot for locals for over a century. It is most famous for its “NET Burger,” which has been a menu staple since the 1930s.
Wisconsin: Red Circle Inn
As you walk through its doors, you’re greeted by antique furnishings that whisper stories of yesteryears and dining rooms that exude old-world charm. It’s like dining inside a piece of Wisconsin’s rich history. And the history here isn’t just for show. This inn was a major pit stop for stagecoach travelers back in the day, and it’s even had a few notable guests—yes, former President Grover Cleveland himself was once a patron!
Wyoming: The Mint Bar
Walk into The Mint Bar, and you’ll immediately be transported to a bygone era. The rustic Western decor sets the stage, with walls decked out in vintage photographs, cowboy hats, and an eclectic mix of memorabilia that tells the tales of those who have walked through these doors. During Prohibition, it played the role of a speakeasy—complete with a secret room hidden behind the bar where illicit liquor was stashed away.
