While opening a new restaurant seems like a nerve-wracking challenge, keeping one open for centuries is something to truly admire. It takes grit, legendary recipes, and probably a few good ghost stories to stand the test of time. If walls could talk, these restaurants would have stories to tell — of presidents' meals, rum-soaked outlaws, and recipes older than your grandma's grandma. From colonial taverns to frontier outposts, here are the oldest restaurants in every state.
Bessemer
In 1907, a Greek immigrant opened a12-seat bar in Bessemer, Alabama. It was a hit! So they moved to a larger spot in the post-industrial downtown to accommodate more diners craving Greek cuisine with a side of Southern hospitality. Now, 117 years later, The Bright Star seats 330 guests across five dining rooms, serving fresh Gulf seafood and beef tenderloin marinated in olive oil that’s worth writing home about.
Skagway
Olivia's Bistro at The Historic Skagway Inn, dating back to 1897, serves fresh Pacific seafood and Alaskan specialties like elk chili and smoked salmon puff pastry. It's located in a building that has been a brothel, family home, and now an inn.
Prescott
Billed as the "country's oldest frontier saloon," The Palace Restaurant & Saloon on Whiskey Row in Prescott is where cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws hung out during the Wild West. The historic saloon survived fires, shootouts, and even Prohibition. Today, you may not see the likes of Wyatt Earp or Doc Holliday, but you’ll find the original swinging doors, bullet holes in the high metal ceiling, wooden arches, stiff drinks, and hearty meals like steaks and burgers.
Camden
In 1907, Greek immigrant Hristos Hodjopulos opened theWhite House Cafe to feed hungry railroad workers and travelers passing through Camden, Arkansas. More than a century later, the railroad is long gone, but the cafe still thrives, serving up a blend of Southern classics and Tex-Mex that keeps people coming back for more.
San Francisco
The oldest restaurant in California is actually older than the state itself. Tadich Grillopened in 1849 by Croatian immigrants as a modest coffee stand on the Long Wharf pier, serving grilled fish to hungry travelers. It was the first spot in the U.S. to grill seafood over mesquite charcoal, a traditional Croatian method. Now located in the Financial District, the restaurant is known for itsseafood cioppino, steaks, and classic Art Deco vibes.
Denver
Opened in 1893 by Buffalo Bill's former scout, The Buckhorn Exchange hasn’t lost an ounce of its Old West core — old guns, frontier memorabilia, and a menu offering wild game like elk, buffalo, and rattlesnake. It’s the place where you can eat a buffalo steak under a stuffed buffalo head, so how about that? It also hosted four seated presidents in its 130-year run: Teddy Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan.
Essex
This colonial-era inn, founded in 1776, is as old as the Declaration of Independence. The Griswold Innis one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the U.S. and has seen it all, from British soldiers during the Revolutionary War to modern-day visitors looking for a classic New England meal like clam chowder.
Wilmington
Kelly’s Logan House has been family-run since 1864. Originally a home named after Civil War Gen. John A. Logan, the Kelly family turned it into an Irish tavern in 1889. Conveniently located in Wilmington’s Trolley Square, it’s the place to befor St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The rest of the year, swing by for a pint and their famous crab dip or grilled cheese and pork nachos.
Tampa
Founded in 1905 by Cuban immigrants, Columbia Restaurant in Tampa’s Ybor City is Florida’s oldest restaurant and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world, taking up an entire city block. Originally a 60-seat cafe, it now serves classic Spanish and Cuban dishes like devil crab croquettes and the famous 1905 Salad, made tableside with flair.
Thomasville
In the heart of one of the Southeast’s most charming towns, The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar has been a local favorite since 1916. Starting as a small Greek eatery with just 26 seats, it has grown into a 500-guest dining institution, serving Greek, Italian, and Southern flavors.
Captain Cook
Opened in 1917, the Manago Hotel on Hawaii’s Big Island has been serving simple, legendary pork chops for over a century. This laid-back spot in Captain Cook is the state’s oldest hotel, and despite its modest rooms, the food brings people back again and again.
Kingston
The Snake Pit has survived fires and floods, and had a stint as a brothel since its founding in 1880. Located near I-90, it’s a favorite for travelers, especially for its Saturday seafood buffet and massive chicken fried steaks.
Long Grove
The Village Tavern in Long Grove has served comfort food to hungry diners since 1847. Located in the village center, it’s known for its pollack and chips, top sirloin beef stew, and massive half-pound burgers. The original mahogany bar still stands, and locals swear by the all-you-can-eat roasted chicken nights on Mondays and Wednesdays. It’s a slice of old-school Midwestern charm in suburban Chicago.
Haubstadt
Established in 1825 as a stagecoach stop, the Log Inn in Haubstadt, Indiana, was a regular pitstop for many weary travelers, among them a little-known guest named Abraham Lincoln. The quaint place is still known for serving classic Midwestern dishes and baked desserts.
Balltown
Breitbach’s Country Dining in Balltown, Iowa, puts the family in family dining; and has been owned by six generations since it opened in 1852. Originally a stagecoach stop, it’s now known for its hearty comfort food — fried chicken, pork tenderloins, and pies. The place has faced fires and been rebuilt, but it still draws in locals and travelers looking for a warm meal and Midwestern hospitality.
Council Grove
Founded in 1857 by Seth Hays — a grandson of American pioneer Daniel Boone — Hays Housebegan as a trading post and eatery for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. In its 160-year run, it has endured its share of hardships, including a devastating fire that led loyal patrons to raise funds for its reopening. Here, you can enjoy American comfort food like pot roast and fried chicken in a setting that still echoes its pioneer past.
Bardstown
Built in 1779, The Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown is billed as the oldest stagecoach stop in the country. In its two centuries of existence, the tavern has welcomed kings, soldiers, statesmen, and, according to the official website, ghosts. Five-year-old Abe Lincoln is said to have dined here, and a frantic Jesse James once fired a bullet in a fit of paranoia. Hungry travelers visiting today can indulge in bourbon barbecue ribs and choose from 200 whiskeys.
New Orleans
Antoine’s is the oldest family-run restaurant in New Orleans and the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller. Located in the French Quarter, the NOLA hot spot has hosted everyone from Pope John Paul II to Bill Clinton. The menu still features traditional dishes like shrimp remoulade and soufflé potatoes.
Biddeford
Housed in an old Pollard Company train dining car, The Palace Diner has served up classics for breakfast and lunch since 1927 and is one of the most charming places in Maine.
Annapolis
In the 1750s,Horatio Middleton opened a tavern he called the 'Inn for Seafaring Men,' a stop for travelers crossing the Chesapeake. The waterfront spot would eventually see the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin walk through its doors. Over the years, it changed hands and purposes, but today, Middleton Tavern still serves, now with an oyster bar and an expanded dining area.
Boston
Right in the heart of downtown Boston, Union Oyster House, founded in 1826, is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the U.S. The place has hosted everyone from Daniel Webster, who supposedly ate multiple plates of oysters and washed them down with brandy, to a young John F. Kennedy, who had his favorite booth here. The building itself dates back to 1704, and before it became a restaurant, it even housed the exiled French King Louis Philippe. Originally a humble oyster cellar, it’s now a historic landmark known for chowder, oysters, and lobster rolls — and a slice of New England history.
Metamora
Originally a stagecoach stop — hence the name — The White Horse Inn opened in 1850 in Metamora, Michigan, and has served travelers, locals, and everyone in between for over 170 years. Today, the restaurant still offers a cozy escape from the cold Michigan winters with classics like ribeye steak and fish fry.
Mantorville
Founded in 1854, two years before Minnesota became a state, The Hubbell House has fed everyone from Ulysses S. Grant to Mark Twain. Alongside enjoying comfort dishes, you can explore historical documents and artifacts in dining rooms named after famous historical figures throughout the restaurant.
Meridian
Founded by a Swiss immigrant family in 1870, Weidmann's began with just a counter and four stools. Today, while it has certainly expanded its seating, it still holds onto tradition. Alongside Southern classics, you'll find a jar of peanut butter and crackers on the table — a ritual that dates back to the butter shortage during WWII.
Arrow Rock
J. Huston Tavern started as a stop for westward travelers. Today, it still serves fried chicken, roast beef, and homemade pies in a quaint ambiance that keeps its 19th-century charm alive. The historic tavern closed after the state of Missouri Department of Natural Resources was unable to secure new vendor to operate the tavern, but a new nonprofit organization has formed to keep the venue going, and a grand opening is planned for November.
Butte
Pekin Noodle Parlor opened in 1911 in Butte, Montana, and is the oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant in the United States. Tucked above street level, it’s known for its bright orange booths and old-school Chinese-American dishes like egg foo young, chop suey, and chow mein.
Columbus
Buffalo Bill Cody was known to stop by this local favorite, which, in 1876, was originally a watering hole for travelers and townsfolk. Glur’s Tavern still serves cold beer, burgers, and classic bar fare while keeping that Wild West charm alive.
Winnemucca
In 1898, The Martin Hotel started as a boarding house for Basque sheepherders and travelers. Today, it’s known for its hearty Basque-style meals served family-style; expect dishes like lamb stew, garlic soup, and plenty of red wine.
Hancock
The Hancock Inn is New Hampshire’s oldest continuously operating inn. With its colonial charm intact, it serves New England classics like pot roast and baked cod. If you’re after a cozy meal with a side of history, this is the spot. Though it's currently closed for renovations, it’s set to reopen soon.
Mendham
The Black Horse Tavern and Pub in Mendham, New Jersey, has been around since the 1740s, giving it almost 300 years of history. Temporarily closed for renovations, it was scheduled for reopening in September 2024, but a recent fire has extended that timeline.
Santa Fe
Located in Santa Fe, El Farol (Spanish for "the lantern") has been a bright spot for New Mexicans since 1835. Located on the historic Canyon Road, it’s known for its lively flamenco shows and a menu featuring tapas with Spanish and Southwestern flair.
Tappan
The '76 House, built in 1686, predates the United States itself. It has been many things during its three centuries of existence, from a meeting place for American revolutionaries to a temporary jail for British spy Major John André, earning it the nickname “André’s Prison.” It officially became a tavern in 1755, and today, it's a place to enjoy classic American fare in a setting filled with colonial charm.
Chapel Hill
Carolina Coffee Shop started as a soda shop in 1922 but became a full-blown restaurant in the 1950s. Located just a stone's throw from the UNC campus, this iconic spot has long been a favorite fixture for college students.
Bismarck
When Prohibition ended, Peacock Alley American Grill & Baropened its doors in the old Patterson Hotel, which had once been the tallest building in Bismarck. Since then, it has continued serving three meals a day — hearty steaks, classic cocktails, and more.
Lebanon
The Golden Lambfirst opened its doors in 1803 as a “house of public entertainment,” serving as an important stopping point between Cincinnati and the National Road. Over the years, it welcomed a remarkable list of guests, including Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and 12 U.S. presidents, from John Quincy Adams to George W. Bush. Come for its signature turkey dinner, featuring sage sausage and apple dressing, seasonal vegetables, cranberry chutney, and mashed potatoes, and stay for the homey ambiance and Old-World charm.
Oklahoma City
At Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, steak is on the menu from breakfast through dinner. Located in the historic Stockyard City, it was founded in 1910 by a bootlegger and quickly became a favorite among cowboys and ranchers. In 1945, the then-owner Hank Frey lost the restaurant in a dice game, and Gene Wade took over after rolling a winning hard six. Today, this iconic eatery serves over 10,000 customers a week.
Portland
Huber’s Cafe first opened in Portland in 1879 as the Bureau Saloon and was renamed in 1895 when Frank Huber became the sole proprietor. It moved to its current location in the Oregon Pioneer Building in 1910, becoming famous for its free turkey sandwiches and coleslaw with drinks. While the sandwiches are now for purchase, they remain a staple. The cafe survived Prohibition by serving alcohol in coffee cups.
Philadelphia
The beer taps at McGillin’s Olde Ale House have flowed since 1860, when it was founded by Irish immigrants Catherine and William McGillin, who raised their 13 kids above the bar. Today, this Philly gem is still serving up traditional pub food and a killer selection of beers, making it a hot spot for sports fans on game days.
Newport
Housed in a cozy red barn from 1673, the White Horse Tavern is Rhode Island’s oldest restaurant, one of the oldest in the country, and one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the world.
Today, the menu features local favorites like honey, cheese, and seafood. It’s a popular spot for New England classics like clam chowder, lobster bisque, and a raw bar. If you're in Newport, you have to check it out!
Columbia
Opened in 1940 by Sadie and James Tronco, Villa Tronco — originally the Iodine Grill — helped introduce pizza to South Carolina. Before the restaurant, Sadie cooked family-style meals for soldiers at Fort Jackson. Initially, locals weren’t interested in their pizzas, but it didn't take long for the pies to become a hit.
Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Villa Tronco serves Italian classics from its original location.
Deadwood
Located in the historic Franklin Hotel, Legends Steakhousein Deadwood, South Dakota, has served delicious meals since 1903. Built during the gold rush, it hosted legends like Babe Ruth and Buffalo Bill.
Nashville
Varallo's Restaurant has been a Nashville favorite since 1907, originally starting on Church Street and now located on Fourth Street. Known for its distinct chili — served alongside spaghetti and tamales — it offers a flavor that’s all its own. This family-owned gem is still a go-to for locals craving fried catfish, hearty meat-and-two-veg combos, and satisfying breakfasts.
Salado
The Stagecoach Inn opened in 1861 as a stagecoach stop on the Chisholm Trail and has hosted the likes of Sam Houston and Jesse James. After closing for renovations in 2015, the inn has reopened. The menu includes dishes from its past, such as tomato aspic and the strawberry kiss — ice cream on meringue with strawberry sauce.
Brigham City
Idle Isle Cafe, established in 1921, is Brigham City’s longest continuously operating restaurant. Known for its classic American comfort food, the cafe also serves up indulgent milkshakes that draw in both locals and visitors.
Manchester
Opened in 1790 as a stagecoach stop, Ye Olde Tavern in Manchester still retains much of its original charm, even over two centuries later. The menu features New England comfort classics like roast duck.
Middleburg
The Red Fox Tavern has been around since 1728, making it one of the oldest inns in the United States. Originally established as a stagecoach stop, everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Jackie Kennedy has enjoyed its cozy fireplaces, stone walls, and classic American dishes.
Bellingham
Founded in 1886 in Bellingham, Washington, The Horseshoe Cafewas once a 24-hour hangout for loggers and fishermen. Today, it’s open until 2 a.m., and still serves comfort food classics like burgers and diner-style favorites.
Parkersburg
North End Tavern & Brewery — affectionately called “The Net” – was founded by professional wrestler Bradford "Zip" Torn. The place added a microbrewery in the 1990s, right before the craft beer boom. Today, it’s a popular brew pub serving burgers, beers, and that same laid-back vibe that’s kept folks coming back for over a century.
Nashotah
The Red Circle Inn in Nashotah, Wisconsin, has welcomed guests since 1848, the same year Wisconsin became a state. It was originally founded as The Nashotah Inn by Bavarian immigrant Francis Schraudenbach, but got its current name when Captain Fred Pabst of Pabst Brewing Co. took over in 1889. Located in what used to be a summer hot spot for Milwaukee’s elite, the restaurant's specialties include classics like beef tenderloin, duck confit, and brown butter scallops.
Hartville
Opened in 1862, Miner's & Stockmen's Steakhouse & Spirits once served as a hideout for bank robbers and cattle rustlers. Housed in one of the last remaining Old Fort Laramie trading posts, the bar inside was made in Germany, shipped to New York, and brought to Wyoming by train and horse-drawn buggy. Today, it’s still Wyoming's oldest bar and restaurant, serving USDA Prime Black Angus steaks, wedge salads, and bottles of wine.