Timeless Tables: The 14 Oldest Restaurants & Pubs Still Serving in the USA
There is something undeniably enchanting about stepping into a restaurant where history is not merely told but tasted. The United States, a relatively young nation, still boasts dining establishments that have endured for centuries, surviving wars, economic downturns, and shifting culinary trends. These 14 restaurants and pubs—some dating back to before the nation’s independence—have not only stood the test of time but continue to serve guests with the same warmth, authenticity, and tradition that made them legendary. From colonial-era taverns to rustic chophouses, these culinary institutions are living history.
1. The White Horse Tavern (1673) – Newport, Rhode Island
The oldest operating restaurant in the U.S., The White Horse Tavern has served as a gathering place for over three centuries. Once a meeting house for colonists and revolutionaries, it now offers refined New England cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients.
2. Fraunces Tavern (1762) – New York, New York
This iconic Manhattan tavern was once the meeting place of George Washington and his officers. Today, it serves a menu inspired by colonial recipes, along with an impressive whiskey selection in a setting that transports diners to the Revolutionary War era.
3. The Griswold Inn (1776) – Essex, Connecticut
Founded the same year America declared independence, this historic inn has been a fixture of Connecticut’s shoreline. The cozy atmosphere, vintage maritime decor, and hearty New England fare make it a must-visit.
4. The ’76 House (1668) – Tappan, New York
A National Historic Landmark, this tavern once held British spy Major John André. Today, it delights diners with its historic charm and classic American dishes.
5. The Bell in Hand Tavern (1795) – Boston, Massachusetts
Originally founded by Boston’s last town crier, The Bell in Hand remains a lively spot in historic downtown Boston, known for its classic tavern fare and extensive drink list.
6. Gadsby’s Tavern (1785) – Alexandria, Virginia
Frequented by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, Gadsby’s Tavern offers a colonial-inspired menu featuring dishes like duck, game meats, and hearty stews.
7. Union Oyster House (1826) – Boston, Massachusetts
The oldest continuously operating restaurant in the U.S., Union Oyster House has been serving oysters, clam chowder, and seafood classics since the early 19th century.
8. Antoine’s (1840) – New Orleans, Louisiana
The birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller, Antoine’s is an institution of Creole fine dining. The family-run restaurant has served generations of guests, including royalty and Hollywood stars.
9. Tadich Grill (1849) – San Francisco, California
Opened during the Gold Rush, Tadich Grill remains a legendary seafood destination, famous for its cioppino and grilled fish dishes.
10. The Buckhorn Exchange (1893) – Denver, Colorado
A staple of the Wild West, The Buckhorn Exchange boasts a menu of exotic meats—including bison, elk, and rattlesnake—amidst walls adorned with taxidermy and frontier-era artifacts.
11. Keens Steakhouse (1885) – New York, New York
Renowned for its mutton chops and an extensive collection of clay pipes once smoked by patrons, Keens has been a fixture of Manhattan’s steakhouse scene for over a century.
12. Old Ebbitt Grill (1856) – Washington, D.C.
A historic watering hole for presidents and politicians, Old Ebbitt Grill serves some of the finest oysters and classic American dishes in the nation’s capital.
13. McGillin’s Olde Ale House (1860) – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The oldest continuously operating pub in Philadelphia, McGillin’s is known for its historic charm, extensive beer selection, and comforting pub fare.
14. Peter Luger Steak House (1887) – Brooklyn, New York
Famous for its dry-aged steaks, Peter Luger remains one of the most respected steakhouses in America, offering a classic no-frills, meat-lover’s paradise.
A Culinary Journey Through Time
Dining at these establishments is more than a meal—it’s an experience that bridges past and present, where every dish tells a story and every dining room has witnessed history. Whether you’re savoring a bowl of clam chowder at Union Oyster House or indulging in a mutton chop at Keens, these restaurants and pubs are proof that great food and great hospitality never go out of style.
