The Oldest Restaurants in America by State

This establishment, founded by Greek immigrants, began as a tiny 25-seat café but now holds 330 people. The cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean flavors (like snapper dressed in olive oil and oregano) paired with classic Southern ingredients.

304 19th St. N., Bessemer, AL; 205-424-1861 or thebrightstar.com

This classic little diner in Anchorage has been serving its famous pies since World War II—15 years before Alaska joined the union.

1675 E. Fifth Ave., Anchorage, AK; 907-258-7599

You know a place is historic when there are bullet holes in the ceilings. The Palace is the oldest of the saloons that line Whiskey Row in Prescott and serves up the iconic liquor—oh, and buffalo wings.

120 S. Montezuma St., Prescott, AZ; 928-541-1996 or historicpalace.com

This old-time eatery has been serving comfort food for more than a century. Swing by on aSaturday night for one of its special deep-fried hamburgers and live music.

107 E. Court St., Jasper, AR; 870-446-2976 or ozarkcafe.com

This San Francisco institution opened as a coffee shop during the Gold Rush but over the years has evolved into a full-service restaurant. Today, crowds line up to eat charcoal-broiled seafood in the iconic, old-school dining room.

240 California St., San Francisco, CA; 415-391-1849 or tadichgrill.com

Don’t let the animal-head-lined walls scare you away from the oldest restaurant in the Centennial State. This Denver steakhouse is known for hearty fare like its famous 24-ounceporterhouse.

1000 Osage St., Denver, CO; 303-534-9505 or buckhorn.com

The Griswold Inn (aka “The Gris”) is one of the oldest continuously running inns and restaurants in the whole country. In fact, it’s been around since America became a nation. On Sundays, you can still feast at the Sunday Hunt Buffet breakfast, a tradition dating back to the War of 1812.

36 Main St., Essex, CT; 860-767-1776 or griswoldinn.com

The Logan House is longest continuously run Irish bar in Delaware and the U.S. that has always been owned and operated by the same family (the Kellys). If you need a new St. Paddy’s Day spot, this is the ticket. 

1701 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, DE; 302-652-9493 or loganhouse.com

Located in historic Ybor City, the Columbia Restaurant happens to be one of the largest Spanish restaurants in the country, occupying an entire city block and containing more than 1,700 seats. We should also mention the wine cellar holds over 50,000 bottles.

2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, FL; 813-248-4961 or columbiarestaurant.com

The menu at the Plaza restaurant is eclectic, with an array of Greek, Italian and Southern dishes. The restaurant has received a facelift since its opening in 1916, but it holds on to traditions like its famous homemade pies, made from the same recipes for over half a decade.

217 S. Broad St., Thomasville; 229-226-5153 or thomasvilleplaza.com

Don’t expect poké or fish tacos at this 100-year-old Hawaiian eatery. The low-key spot on the Big Island is famous for its thick slabs of pork chops and traditional Hawaiian sides like bean sprouts and macaroni potato salad.

82-6155 Mamalahoa Hwy., Captain Cook, HI; 808-323-2642 or managohotel.com

This rustic joint, once frequented by loggers and silver miners, has withstood fires and floods. Now it’s a popular spot for cyclists riding the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene. Many of the trinkets on display, from antique plates to tin cans, were left by patrons over the years.

1480 Coeur D’Alene River Rd., Enaville, ID; 208-682-3453 or snakepitidaho.com

Located an hour north of Chicago, this tavern has been serving brews and bites through the Prohibition era and the Great Depression. Many recipes have remained unchanged since the ’60s, and the historic spot also has a solid group of loyal customers who stop in almost every day of the week. 

135 Old McHenry Rd., Long Grove, IL; 847-634-3117 or villagetavernoflonggrove.com

Almost 200 years old, this all-American eatery is known for its family-style dinners: chicken, ham and roast beef piled high alongside mashed potatoes with gravy and buttered rolls. Rumor has it Abe Lincoln stumbled through the Log Inn in 1844.

12491 County Rd. 200 E., Haubstadt, IN; 812-867-3216 or theloginn.net

Everything is made from scratch at this local mom-and-pop restaurant. It has been owned and operated by the Breitbach family since 1862, despite being destroyed twice by fires (and rebuilt). 

563 Balltown Rd., Sherrill, IA; 563-552-2220 or breitbachscountrydining.com

Opened by a grandson of American pioneer Daniel Boone, Hay’s House is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants west of the Mississippi River. The food is typical tavern fare, like a hearty homemade chili.

112 W. Main St., Council Grove, KS; 620-767-5911 or hayshouse.com

Talbott Tavern has been occupying the same space on Bardstown’s Court Square since beforeKentucky became a state. Stop by for a bourbon flight and a Hot Brown sandwich, and walk in the steps of notable 19th-century visitors that included Abe Lincoln, Andrew Jackson and William Henry Harrison.

107 W. Stephen Foster Ave., Bardstown, KY; 502-348-3494 or talbotts.com

This elegant, classic spot in the French Quarter has been serving fine French-Creole dishes formore than 170 years. It claims to be the birthplace of the dish oysters Rockefeller.

713 Saint Louis St., New Orleans, LA; 504-581-4422 or antoines.com

This old-school dining car has been around for 90 years, serving traditional diner grub until the early-morning hours. Breakfast is served all day, so you can get a stack of blueberry pancakes whenever you damn well please.

18 Franklin St., Biddeford, ME; 207-284-0015 or palacedinerme.com

This wood-paneled tavern is one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the country (George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were patrons). In the restaurant, fresh Maryland crab cakes and oysters are the stars of the show.

2 Market Space, Annapolis, MD; 410-263-3323 or middletontavern.com

Possibly the most famous tavern in the U.S., Warren Tavern was rebuilt in 1780 after it was destroyed during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Paul Revere called it one of his favorite watering holes, and he frequently used it as a patriot meeting spot. Today, locals love it for the beer and pub grub.

2 Pleasant St., Charlestown, MA; 617-241-8142 or warrentavern.com

Despite a temporary closure from 2012 to 2014, the White Horse Inn has been open in Metamora since before the Civil War. It was originally a general store before it was converted to an inn and restaurant serving whopping portions of American comfort food like barbecued ribs and meat loaf.

1 E. High St., Metamora, MI; 810-678-2276 or whitehorseinn.com

This eatery has stood in Minneapolis’s warehouse district since the beginning of the 20th century. A solid menu consisting of steaks, chops and seafood has allowed it to stand the test of time.

219 Third Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN; 612-333-5900 or montecarlomn.com

For more than 140 years, Weidmann’s has been serving Southern comfort food in a cozy, brick-walled space. No reservations are accepted, but you can stroll right in for a plate of fried green tomatoes or chicken-and-sausage gumbo.

210 22nd Ave., Meridian, MS; 601-581-5770 or weidmanns1870.com

The motto at this Missouri mainstay: "Serving meals to travelers along the Santa Fe Trail since 1834." Over the years, the tavern has fed thousands of migrants on their journeys west and now serves the best fried chicken in the state, according to Rural Missouri magazine.

304 Main St., Arrow Rock, MO; 660-837-3200

You probably don’t associate Montana with Chinese food, but as it turns out Butte has a strong Chinese community, and Pekin Noodle Parlor has held up for a whole century.

117 S. Main St., Butte, MT; 406-782-2217 or butteamerica.com

Rumor has it “Buffalo Bill” Cody used to drink at this old-time tavern in the 1880s. Today, it’s a local favorite for burgers and beer.

2301 11th St., Columbus, NE; 402-564-8615

Casale’s was originally a small takeout stand known for its homemade ravioli. Over the years, the small shop expanded into a full-service restaurant with a dive-bar feel, and the Italian-themed menu grew with it.

2501 E. Fourth St., Reno; 775-323-3979

Double wammy! This bed and breakfast is both the longest standing inn and restaurant in the state of New Hampshire. The restaurant, called Fox Tavern, is quaint and cozy, serving dishes like New England beef pot roast and beer-battered pollock.

33 Main St., Hancock, NH; 603-525-3318 or hancockinn.com

Originally a stagecoach house, the Black Horse Tavern has been in business since before America became a nation. The tavern’s menu features classic American fare, but locals head to the more casual pub for a drink and a bite to eat in a cozy setting.

1 W. Main St., Mendham, NJ; 973-543-7300 or blackhorsenj.com 

Live music and flamenco shows accompany most dinners at El Farol, a Santa Fe staple that specializes in Spanish tapas.

808 Canyon Rd., Santa Fe, NM; 505-983-9912 or elfarolsantafe.com

Located right on the New York/New Jersey border, the ’76 House was a popular meeting spot for patriots during the American Revolution. In 1987, the Norden family bought the historic tavern and restored it to its original appearance. 

110 Main St., Tappan, NY; 845-359-5476 or 76house.com

Not your average coffee shop, this Chapel Hill favorite is more of a casual restaurant-bar hybrid, serving everything from soups and salads to burgers. On weekend mornings, it’s a popular breakfast spot among UNC students.

138 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC; 919-942-6875 or carolinacoffeeshop.com

Built in the historic Patterson Hotel, Peacock Alley opened its doors once Prohibition ended. Today, the antique-filled bar and grill is an upscale spot serving prime meats and beloved Bloody Marys.

422 E. Main Ave., Bismarck, ND; 701-221-2333 or peacock-alley.com

Talk about history: Twelve presidents have stepped foot in the Golden Lamb, from John Quincy Adams to George W. Bush. It is both a hotel and a restaurant, and it’s Ohio’s longest continuously operating business.

27 S. Broadway, Lebanon, OH; 513-932-5065 or goldenlamb.com

It seems fitting that Oklahoma’s oldest restaurant is a steakhouse. Located in Stockyards City, this historic locale has been serving generous rib eyes and huge breakfast plates for more than100 years. Get there early: No reservations are accepted, and the place is almost always packed.

1309 S. Agnew Ave., Oklahoma City, OK; 405-236-0416 or cattlemensrestaurant.com

Originally called the Bureau Saloon, Huber’s once gave away free turkey sandwiches to everyone who bought a drink. Today, the restaurant carries on the tradition, and the house specialty is a traditional turkey dinner.

411 SW Third Ave., Portland, OR; 503-228-5686 or hubers.com

Locals have been flocking to McGillin’s for cold beer since the Civil War. Ask any Philly native and they’ll tell you: The Irish bar has one of the best happy hours in town.

1310 Drury St., Philadelphia, PA; 215-735-5562 or mcgillins.com

One of the oldest taverns in the country (and the birthplace of the Businessman’s Lunch), the White Horse Tavern has been serving fresh seafood from the Narragansett Bay since the 17th century, despite a temporary hiatus between 1954 and 1957. Country-club attire is required, people…you’re in Newport, after all.

26 Marlborough St., Newport, RI; 401-849-3600 or whitehorsenewport.com

Centrally located in the Historic Downtown district, Henry’s was the hottest spot in town from the 1930s until the 1960s. The restaurant has undergone a few facelifts over the years (it now includes an elegant rooftop bar and patio), but Henry’s still serves low-country cuisine and seafood in its original space.

54 N. Market St., Charleston, SC; 843-723-4363 or henryshousecharleston.com

egends Steakhouse opened inside the Silverado Franklin Hotel during the Gold Rush. Over the years, the establishment has welcomed dozens of famous politicians, athletes and entertainers,from Babe Ruth to Kevin Costner.

709 Main St., Deadwood, SD; 605-578-3670 or silveradofranklin.com 

This Nashville chili parlor and restaurant has been passed down in the Varallo family through four generations. The Southern comfort-food eatery is famous for its chili three ways, made with spaghetti and tamales.

239 Fourth Ave. N., Nashville, TN; 615-256-1907

This beer garden in downtown Austin is known for its house ale and barbecue plates (aka everything we’d ever want) in a Texas icon. Good luck finding a seat on college game day—UT football season always brings a packed house.

1607 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, TX; 512-474-1958  or scholzgarten.com

Originally built as a mountain resort, The Oaks moved up the canyon to its current location in 1933 where it was a grocery store and seasonal restaurant. In 1981, the Rounkles bought the business, turning it into a year-round eatery offering bugers, sandwiches and gorgeous views. 

750 Ogden Canyon, Ogden, UT; 801-394-2421

Hey, you know what happened in 1790? George Washington gave his first State of the Union address. Also, this colonial-style inn opened. Since then, it’s been whipping up traditional New England fare like lobster bisque and Atlantic salmon. The antique furnishings and fireplaces are also reminiscent of a bygone era.

5183 Main St., Manchester Center, VT; 802-362-0611 or yeoldtavern.com

Head to this Virginia landmark for hearty tavern fare with local ingredients. The elegant and quaint dining room makes it a popular spot for engagement parties, weddings and private parties.

2 E. Washington St., Middleburg, VA; 540-687-6301 or redfox.com

Horseshoe Café has been around since the town of Bellingham’s beginnings, when new coal-mining jobs and the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush drew people to the West. Today, locals love it for comfort food and cocktails.

113 E. Holly St., Bellingham, WA; 360-933-4301 or horseshoecafe.com

Within walking distance of the White House, this quintessential D.C. institution has been a presidential favorite over the decades, and it continues to be an important meeting spot for celebrities, journalists and politicians alike. The Victorian-style tavern is most popular for its raw bar and oyster happy hour.

675 15th St. NW, Washington D.C.; 202-347-4800 or ebbitt.com 

What began as a small neighborhood pub is now one of the most famous spots in West Virginia. The restaurant menu has a huge selection of bar bites and sandwiches to pair with craft beers from North End Brewery, which opened on site in 1997.

3500 Emerson Ave., Parkersburg, WV; 304-428-5854 or netbrewery.com

The Red Circle Inn first opened the same year Wisconsin became a state. It is one of the best fine-dining options in the area and is frequently rented out for weddings and banquets.

N44 W33013 Watertown Plank Rd., Nashotah; 262-367-4883 or redcircleinn.com

The brick-and-wood facade of this historic steakhouse screams Wild West. The menu is simple: Choose from two salads and four steaks. Who needs a million entrée options, anyway? 

608 Main St., Hartville, WY; 307-836-2008 or wyomingsoldestbar.com