Ranked: America's oldest restaurants still going strong

Old-school charm

21. Red Fox Inn & Tavern, Middleburg, Virginia

From its fascinating history to its ornate, Virginian character (not to mention its striking location between the Bull Run and Blue Ridge mountains), the charming Red Fox Inn & Tavern has been captivating guests since 1728. The dining space feels like you have stepped back in time, with low-beamed ceilings, exposed brick walls, wooden furnishings, and a homey fireplace that’s always roaring. There’s a seasonally changing four-course menu available, with dishes like seared scallops with lemon risotto, pea and ricotta ravioli, and carrot cake roulade playing a starring role.

20. Breitbach’s Country Dining, Sherrill, Iowa

A Sherill mainstay, Breitbach’s Country Dining is believed to be Iowa’s oldest restaurant, established in 1852. Jacob Breitbach took over the business 10 years later, and his family (now in its sixth generation) have owned it ever since. Sadly, the original building burnt down in 2007; the new restaurant was built on the original site, and the joint continues to draw in crowds from all over. There’s a delicious lunch and dinner menu, as well as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

19. Delmonico’s, New York City, New York

Set up by the Delmonico brothers in 1837 following the success of their small pastry and coffee shop, Delmonico’s has become one of the most renowned steakhouses in America. The restaurant, which is home to lavish interiors (think chandeliers, mirrored walls, and white-clothed tables), introduced its signature Delmonico steak in 1850, and almost 200 years later, it continues to be the joint’s must-try order. Pair it alongside Brussels sprouts with wasabi aioli, sautéed wild mushrooms, and pommes purée for a meal to remember.

18. The Log Inn, Haubstadt, Indiana

Beginning life as a stagecoach stop in 1825, The Log Inn has gone on to become one of Indiana’s most-loved establishments – it's said that even 16th President Abrahma Lincoln visited during his campaign tour in 1844. Fast-forward to today, and the restaurant offers a brilliant selection of family-style dinners, complete with a choice of meat (chicken, ham, or roast beef), mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, coleslaw, and hot rolls with butter.

17. McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Food and drinks have been flowing out of this Philadelphia institution since 1860, and its legacy shows no signs of fading. The space is bursting with history, with old photographs, trinkets, and signs draped across the walls. The menu features plenty of hearty dishes, with fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and Philly cheesesteaks all proving to be customer staples.

16. Golden Lamb, Lebanon, Ohio

A cornerstone of Lebanon since 1803, the Golden Lamb is believed to be Ohio’s longest continually operating business. During its 200-plus years of service, the inn has played host to many notable figures, including 12 American presidents, astronaut Neil Armstrong, and author Charles Dickens. Today, visitors can book to stay the night or enjoy a meal at the restaurant; the latter offers outstanding dishes such as creamy tomato bisque, braised lamb shank, and pan-seared halibut.

15. Scholz Garten, Austin, Texas

What started out as a public bar and café above a boarding house in 1866 has since transformed into one of Austin’s best-loved dining destinations. Scholz Garten is the go-to spot for brilliant German-influenced food, with highlights including the sauerkraut balls with creamy mustard, smoky bratwurst, and giant Bavarian pretzels. Many poignant celebrations have taken place here, including the University of Texas football team’s first undefeated season in 1893.

14. The Robert Morris Inn, Oxford, Maryland

While the building dates to 1710, The Robert Morris Inn officially became a homey spot for weary travelers to rest their heads in 1800. Since then, it’s evolved into a popular destination boasting a dining room, tavern, tap room, and hotel with 14 bedrooms. The space still includes many of its striking original features, including cozy fireplaces, beamed ceilings, and wood paneling. Dine at the tavern and enjoy juicy cheeseburgers, battered rockfish and chips, and jumbo lump crab cakes.

13. Old Tavern Inn, Niles, Michigan

At first glance, you might think the Old Tavern Inn is just a no-frills joint where locals head for a bite to eat – but delve a little deeper, and you’ll realize it’s a quaint restaurant with an interesting past. The storied spot dates to 1835 and is recognized as the oldest business in Michigan. These days, it’s known for its stellar sandwich selection from giant Reubens to Cajun chicken.

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12. The Griswold Inn, Essex, Connecticut

Located in the seaport village of Essex, The Griswold Inn is one of the country’s oldest continuously operated inns. Originally opened in 1776, the establishment is as charming as it comes. The grand, white wood-paneled exterior features old-style shutters and flag poles, while the inside boasts a mix of English country–style bedrooms and a dining room featuring wooden accents, art-draped walls, and bookshelves. There’s plenty of hearty fare on the menu, including potato cakes with apple sauce, chili with cornbread, and chicken pot pie.

11. Ye Olde Tavern, Manchester, Vermont

From an old inn for fatigued passersby to the striking tavern brimming with history it is today, this storied building – first built in 1790 – has seen a lot in its lifetime. Its colorful character lives on, with an eye-catching sunshine yellow exterior. The interior is just as crowd-pleasing, with multiple dining rooms filled with vintage paintings and memorabilia. Customers rave about the cranberry fritters with Vermont maple butter, pot roast with gravy, and crispy duck with rosemary and garlic sauce.

10. The Snake Pit, Kingston, Idaho

Perched on the fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, The Snake Pit is an idyllic location with an illustrious past. It has lived a lot of lives since opening in 1879, operating as a hotel, railroad layover, and bar. It’s now a popular restaurant, with the cabin-style building serving up a delicious selection of sandwiches and burgers – the brisket cheesesteak and patty melt are both firm favorites.

9. Tadich Grill, San Francisco, California

Set up by three Croatian immigrants, Tadich Grill started life in 1849 as a coffee stand on San Francisco’s Long Wharf. While this restaurant has changed shape and form over its impressive history, its legacy lives on in its current form – a striking restaurant on the Fog City’s California Street. The joint is always bustling, the team are knowledgeable, and the menu is expansive – diners have a choice of over 75 entrées, no less.

8. Fraunces Tavern, New York City, New York

Dating to 1762, Fraunces Tavern is believed to be New York City’s oldest bar and restaurant. The space, known for its multiple dining rooms and old-style design, was the watering hole for many of the country’s founding fathers, including George Washington. Its mighty legacy lives on today, with Fraunces Tavern acting as both a museum and a restaurant. Dine in historic surrounds and enjoy charcuterie plates, fresh pasta, and tavern-style burgers.

7. Glur’s Tavern, Columbus, Nebraska

You might think this looks like the type of joint you’d find in an old Western movie, and that’s because it technically is. Established in 1876, Glur’s Tavern is believed to have been the stomping ground for many famous Wild West figures, including William ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody. These days, travelers from afar venture here to get a taste of the tavern’s fascinating past, as well as its irresistible burgers and giant sandwiches.

6. Ye Olde Centerton Inn, Pittsgrove, New Jersey

The vintage-style sign and cream paneled exterior of Ye Olde Centerton, which dates to 1706, is just one of the reasons this restaurant is a popular haunt. The interior of the 300-year-old joint is just as charming, with six dining rooms featuring a mix of stained-glass windows, floral wallpaper, and giant fireplaces. Ye Olde Centerton offers a range of classic dishes, including fried calamari, chicken Parmesan, and seafood spaghetti with shrimp and scallops.

5. ‘76 House, Tappan, New York

Set in a building dating to 1668, ‘76 House is one of the country’s longest-running restaurants. The spot is said to have served as a meeting place for patriots during the Revolutionary War, and its history and original interior features (including wooden beams and a roaring fireplace) have been beautifully preserved over its 300-year history. As you’d expect, the menu boasts plenty of all-American classics, including chicken pot pie, honey-maple glazed Virginia ham, and home-style meatloaf with gravy.

4. Antoine’s Restaurant, New Orleans, Louisiana

The oldest dining room in New Orleans, Antoine’s Restaurant opened its doors in 1840 and has become internationally recognized for its upscale French Creole menu. Its teal and cream exterior is a sight to behold, while the interiors are simply breathtaking, featuring chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, and intricate designs. It also happens to be the birthplace of oysters Rockefeller; enjoy this specialty alongside other favorites like seafood gumbo and baked Alaska.

3. The Pirates’ House, Savannah, Georgia

Once a place you could expect to find pirates and sailors perched at the bar, The Pirates’ House has transformed into a must-visit destination for anyone passing through Savannah. The restaurant opened its doors in 1753, and its history lives on through the rustic exterior (complete with blue wooden shutters and flags swinging out front). There’s plenty of nautical memorabilia inside, while the menu offers a delicious selection of local delicacies (think shrimp platters, blackened snapper, and she-crab soup with crab meat and cream).

2. White Horse Tavern, Newport, Rhode Island

Established in 1673, this charming joint is believed to be America’s oldest tavern. White Horse Tavern, located in Newport, has been a popular spot with locals and tourists for centuries, and it continues to draw in crowds thanks to its long legacy, old-school hospitality, and captivating red exterior. The food is just as pleasing, with a menu bursting with New England favorites such as clam chowder and shrimp and grits. Fans say you shouldn’t miss trying seafood delights from the raw bar – think fresh oysters, crab cocktail, and littleneck clams.