Random Most Historic Restaurant In Every State (51 items)

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  (#1) Alabama - The Bright Star

  When the Bright Star restaurant first opened its doors in 1907, it was a tiny café with only 25 seats around its horseshoe-shaped bar. Over the next several years, its growth and popularity led it to relocate three times before landing at its present location in 1914.

  Much of the décor from the Bright Star's original design remains, including the hand-painted murals, mirrored walls, and antique ceiling fans. But what's truly given this landmark its longevity is the scrumptious food it offers.

  Guests can feast on Greek-style beef tenderloin and snapper, or Southern favorites like broiled seafood platters, lobster and crabmeat au gratin, and hearty seafood gumbo.
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  (#2) Alaska - The Historic Skagway Inn

  The Historic Skagway Inn has served many purposes since its creation in 1897. It has been a tavern for prospectors in the Gold Rush, a brothel, a boarding house, a family residence, and a frontier inn. Today, it not only offers comfortable accommodations as a bed-and-breakfast but also good eating at Olivia’s restaurant.

  Located in the historic district of the Klondike Gold Rush National Park, the Skagway Inn features sumptuous, locally sourced king crab legs, fish and chips, and halibut cakes. Enjoy a plate of caribou medallions as you take in over 100 years of rich history.

  The district offers a local history tour that includes the inn as well as hors d’oeuvres and a drink-making workshop.
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  (#3) Arizona - The Palace Restaurant And Saloon

  Ever wanted to grab a drink and a meal where the likes of Virgil and Wyatt Earp once hung out? The Palace Restaurant and Saloon in Prescott, Arizona, still maintains the antique bar where Doc Holliday and his peers once drank and shared their stories.

  As one of the many saloons on “Whiskey Row,” the Palace stood out amongst its competitors as a central location for political races, mineral claims sales, and cattle spreads. Since its opening in the 1870s, this location has seen its fair share of wild times; Doc Holliday may have even won $10,000 over a game of poker within its walls.

  The Palace was so well-loved in its time that, during a 1900 fire, patrons banded together and carried the original Brunswick bar out of harm’s way. You can order a steak and whiskey alongside that very same bar today.
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  (#4) Arkansas - Oark General Store

  Located in northern Johnson County near the gorgeous Ozark highways, the Oark General Store has been a reliable place to get a good hot meal and much-needed supplies since 1890. This is the oldest continually operated store in all of Arkansas and still retains much of its old-world charm. 

  Oark's proximity to such natural wonders as the Mulberry River and the wild national forests makes it an ideal spot to stop and get a bite before or after a day of adventuring in the wilderness. American comfort food - thick cheeseburgers, BLT sandwiches, pie with ice cream - are all available alongside a general store and gas station.
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  (#5) California - Pacific Dining Car

  For four generations, the Pacific Dining Car in Downtown Los Angeles has been serving up savory steaks out of what began as a railway train car.

  Original owners Fred and Grace modified a train car to house their restaurant on a rented lot at 7th and Westlake but lost the spot to skyrocketing rent in 1923. Luckily, their establishment had wheels. They moved the restaurant car to 6th and Witmer, where it still stands to this day.

  The PDC takes well-earned pride in its prime, personally selected cuts of beef that are expertly aged on the premises. With this tempting menu of steak, fries, and homemade pies, the PDC grew decade by decade, adding extensions to meet with demand while also keeping its original flair.
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  (#6) Colorado - Buckhorn Exchange

  You can get an authentic taste of historical fare at the Buckhorn Exchange. The eatery is still serving up the quail, buffalo prime rib, salmon, elk, baby-back ribs, game hen, and classic beef steaks that have made them famous since 1893.

  This establishment worked to fill the hungry bellies of silver miners, cowboys, Native American chiefs, railroad workers, and gamblers alike. It makes sense when you realize this place was founded by Henry H. "Shorty Scout" Zietz, a man who rode with Buffalo Bill and Sitting Bull for years.

  Located in Denver, Colorado, the Buckhorn will immerse you in a historic atmosphere from the moment you arrive. The décor is filled with hunting trophies, genuine historical artifacts, and a wealth of memories from its storied clientele.
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  (#7) Connecticut - The Griswold Inn

  The Griswold Inn is just as old as the USA itself. It began operating in 1776 and has kept its doors open ever since.

  Over its 240-year history, the Griswold has been a comfortable place to kick back for those traveling by land, sea, or river. The inn features a historic dining room where one can sample a lovingly curated menu of seafood, steaks, and poultry that keeps the tradition of original American cuisine alive in fresh and exciting ways.

  The establishment also offers a traditional, hearty Sunday Hunt breakfast that is served in the spirit of British soldiers who lodged there during the War of 1812.
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  (#8) Delaware - Jessop’s Tavern And Colonial Restaurant

  The building that became Jessop’s Tavern was created in 1674 and served as the residence to Abraham Jessop, a barrel maker. In the intervening centuries, the establishment has known many names, including the Captain’s Log Restaurant and the Green Frog Tavern.

  Today, the tavern strives to provide an authentic array of foods that honors the Swedish, Dutch, and Belgian cultures that strongly influenced the region. Alongside the English and American favorites on offer are Dutch cheeses, in-house baked goods, hand-picked seafood selections, and rich Belgian beers.
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  (#9) Florida - Columbia Restaurant

  The Columbia Restaurant was founded in 1905 by Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., a Cuban immigrant. His family continues to own and operate the restaurant to this day, serving glorious Cuban coffee and authentic Cuban food in an elegant setting.

  Boasting marble archways, breezy indoor palms, sunny atriums, and twinkling chandeliers, the entire building is a feast for the eyes. Its luxurious dining rooms have attracted a number of famous names, including Babe Ruth, Steven Tyler, Bruce Springsteen, Stephen King, and Liza Minelli.

  Sip their signature sangria while enjoying an aromatic paella in the lush atmosphere of this paradisal setting.
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  (#10) Georgia - The Plaza Restaurant And Oyster Bar

  The Thomasville Plaza Restaurant and Oyster Bar has been a local institution since 1916. Its phenomenal seafood quickly helped the location grow, and it relocated to its current location on Broad and Smith soon after opening.

  The restaurant menu includes seafood hushpuppies, Greek-style red snapper, flavorful steaks and chops, and of course, fresh oysters aplenty. Order them in any style: shooters, steamed, Rockefeller, or as Devils on Horseback. The fresh, hand-picked selection has kept the Plaza going strong for over 100 years.
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  (#11) Hawaii - Manago Hotel

  The restaurant at the Manago Hotel in Hawaii's Captain Cook community is one of the oldest restaurants in the state. What started as a simple two-cot-and-futon rest house grew as each generation of the Manago family put their love and hard work into the establishment. Since 1917, the Manago has been feeding hungry workers on the coffee plantations and providing a place of ease and rest to travelers.

  During WWII, the Manago was contracted to feed the soldiers who occupied a nearby school. The easy-going atmosphere of the restaurant makes it a relaxing place to grab a bite for locals and world-travelers alike. The menu offers delicious fish dishes, like Mahi Mahi, Opakapaka, Ahi tuna, and fresh ono.
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  (#12) Idaho - The Snake Pit

  Just near the fork of the Coeur D’Alene river stands the Snake Pit. Established in 1880, the Snake Pit began as a boomtown bar and layover hotel for railway travelers. Loggers and miners used to frequent its rustic halls, and the tavern also served a stint as a house of pleasure.

  Though it has been known by many names over the decades - including The Clark Hotel and the Enaville Resort - the restaurant's current title may derive from the fact that water snakes filled the areas near the outside privies in the days before indoor plumbing. Supposedly, customers used to catch these snakes in jars to show them off at the restaurant.

  Included in the décor are long-loved pieces of antique furniture and memorabilia. The magnificent fireplace was constructed from rocks supplied by members of the nearby town and even contains a piece of petrified wood from Montana. You can take all this grandeur in while feasting on barbeque, rib-sticking steaks and burgers, and a scoop of huckleberry ice cream.
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  (#13) Illinois - The Village Tavern

  The Village Tavern in historic Long Grove, Illinois, has been a favorite local spot since its opening in 1847.

  Operating as a warm and welcoming family restaurant with a beautiful mahogany bar that stretches over 35 feet, the Village Tavern offers a hearty meal and a place to soak in the antique aesthetic of yesteryear. The Tavern’s bar survived the "Great McCormick Place Fire" of the 1960s - and the original bar is still standing!

  Guests can enjoy an all-you-can-eat fish fry on Friday nights and tender and juicy prime rib on Saturdays.
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  (#14) Indiana - The Log Inn

  In 1844, President Abraham Lincoln visited The Log Inn in Indiana. Today, guests are able to have a meal in the very same room the former President stood in.

  The Log Inn began as a stagecoach stop and trading post in 1825, offering respite to weary travelers along the road. The Log Inn’s restaurant serves up huge family-style comfort food dinners that include fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, your choice of veggies, hot buttered rolls, and homemade slaw.

  If you happen to come in the right season, you might even be able to get a slice of strawberry pie - if you have any room left, that is!
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  (#15) Iowa - Breitbach’s Country Dining

  Breitbach’s Country Dining has been owned and operated by the same family for a whopping six generations. The great-great-grandfather of Breitbach’s current owner began this eatery and watering hole in 1862, and since that date, they have offered delectable home-cooked country favorites to all.

  The original building burned down in a gas fire in 2007, as did its reconstruction. Fortunately, this did not stop the Breitbach’s owners from doing their job; they used the small building across the parking lot to keep hungry patrons fed.

  Called "The Gathering Place" while the new Breitbach's was under construction, this ancillary eatery remains a place to taste local wines and products even now that the official restaurant is up and running again.
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  (#16) Kansas - Hays House

  Hays House was built in 1857 by Seth Hays, the great-grandson of none other than Daniel Boone. The original cabin of Hays House served as a trading post and place to get a hot meal along the well-traveled Santa Fe Trail.

  It is said the Hays House was used for much more than a diner and saloon. The US Government rented the space to distribute mail and hold court, and it was even used for church services on Sundays. A local legend says that during a fire in 1886 the villagers rushed to save the beloved tavern first of all.

  Today’s Hays House still boasts an impressive collection of crystal on display as well as a cellar and other objects of historical intrigue. Diners are encouraged to explore the place after enjoying one of their hearty American meals.
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  (#17) Kentucky - The Old Talbott Tavern

  The Old Talbott Tavern has been operating as a rest stop, tavern, and eatery since 1779 and is reputed to be the oldest stagecoach stop in the country.

  If its sturdy walls could talk, the tavern could tell of such famous figures as Andrew Jackson. The tavern was also used as a base by General George Rogers Clark, and one member of the entourage of the exiled King Louis Philippe is purported to have painted the murals of birds that adorn the walls.

  There is another tall tale that surrounds these murals. Allegedly, Jesse James himself stayed in the tavern one night, and after one too many drinks, believed the painted birds were moving. He discharged his piece at the wall, and the holes left behind can still be observed to this day.

  Not only can one enjoy a smoky local bourbon at the Old Talbott Tavern - along with authentic southern cuisines in the bed and breakfast - you might also see a ghost. Many guests have reported seeing a mysterious lady in white haunting the halls, and more than a handful of strange sightings of balls of floating light have wakened sleepers in the night.
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  (#18) Louisiana - Antoine’s Restaurant 

  In 1840, 18-year-old Antoine Alciatore established Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans. Antoine and his new wife poured their heart and soul into the elegant restaurant, and it wasn’t long before popularity demanded they move to a larger location. The spot chosen for relocation in 1868 was just down the block from the original eatery, and Antoine’s has remained rooted there ever since.

  Eventually, Antoine’s son Jules took up his mantle. It is said that he invented the original recipe for oysters Rockefeller in Antoine’s kitchen, and the family has long kept the secret closely guarded.

  Ownership of Antoine’s has been passed down through the generations, and the family's hard work has created a wondrous dining experience that has attracted countless celebrities. The lavish menu features French and Cajun cooking, and guests can enjoy a beautiful brunch spread on Sunday mornings while listening to live jazz music.
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  (#19) Maine - Palace Diner

  The oldest restaurant in Maine operates out of a Pollard train car - one of only two surviving cars in America. The cozy, old world atmosphere of the Palace Diner keeps guests warm, happy, and well-fed.

  Since 1927, the diner has prided itself on serving hearty breakfast classics and American lunch favorites, like fried chicken sandwiches, burgers, and tuna melts. Seriously, you might want to try the tuna melt - it has been named the greatest in all lunch counter history! 
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  (#20) Maryland - Robert Morris Inn

  This treasure of the Maryland coast was once the private residence of prominent Oxford merchant Robert Morris. He lived there circa 1738, and sometime after his passing, the historic home was converted into an inn.

  For most of the 1800s, the Robert Morris Inn operated as a tavern and hotel, changing names several times throughout its long life. Once inside its doors, guests will feel as if they’ve been transported back in time. The paneled walls, timber beams, and slate floors are warmed by roaring fires in the colder months of the year.

  Guests can choose to eat in Salter’s Tavern, the main dining room, or outdoors on the picturesque verandas and terraces. Seasonal dishes that combine the natural bounty of Maryland’s seas and fields with traditional cooking styles and recipes are sure to delight wherever you choose to dine.
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  (#21) Massachusetts - Union Oyster House

  The building that became the famed Union Oyster House of Boston has stood for over 250 years. It began as a shop selling fancy dress goods and even served as the printing location for the revolutionary newspaper The Massachusetts Spy in 1771. The exiled King of France, Louis Philippe, took up residence in the building’s upper stories, teaching French to the local young ladies before eventually returning to his home to take the throne in 1830.

  The early 19th century marked something of an oyster craze amongst Americans, and the demand for the savory delights led to owners Atwood and Bacon officially opening the doors of the Union Oyster House in 1826. Daniel Webster himself frequented the busy oyster bar, enjoying tumblers of brandy and dozens of oysters. The restaurant was also a favorite of the Kennedys, and there is even a booth dedicated to the memory of JFK in the establishment.

  The mainstay of the restaurant is their superbly fresh variety of oysters, but don’t overlook other delicious east-coast specialties, like the lobster roll or their homemade clam chowder.
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  (#22) Michigan - White Horse Inn

  What started as a general store in 1848 eventually evolved into an overnight stay location for railway and stagecoach travelers. In the 1870s, the inn allowed overnight stays for 50 cents, and guests could get a meal of boiled mutton with oyster sauce and a mug of beer for an additional 10 cents. The establishment was given the moniker of the “White Horse Inn” in the 1920s, and it serves guests and travelers to this day.

  The menu is made up of fresh, modern takes on comfort food, like pot pies, W.H. pickles, and cowboy mac and cheese.
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  (#23) Minnesota - Pracna On Main

  The original Pracna on Main opened in 1890 in Minneapolis. Its grand brick walls, stained glass window, elegant archways, and airy dining room attracted a great many customers - at least, until the prohibition era. However, Pracna enjoyed a great revival in the 1970s.

  After a brief and sudden closure in 2015, the beloved tavern reopened several months later and has been enjoying its former glory ever since. Popular menu items include "cobblestone" meatloaf, the 1919 root beer float, and a much-loved turkey sandwich known as “The 1890.” 
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  (#24) Mississippi - Weidmann’s

  Weidmann’s of Mississippi pairs the cozy feel of a hometown pub with a stunning menu that will leave your taste buds singing.

  In 1870, Swiss immigrant Felix Weidmann opened up his restaurant at the Union Hotel. What started as a simple counter with only four stools evolved into a booming business, and Weidmann’s relocated to its current location in 1923. The walls of the restaurant are covered with countless photographs that tell only a few of the many tales that have happened inside.

  The restaurant serves modern takes on the original recipes that were served at its inception, as well as new dishes that have become classics in their own right. Each table is set with crackers and a signature peanut butter crock. This tradition began during WWII when a butter shortage gave Henry Weidmann the idea to add peanut butter as an alternative spread for crackers.
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  (#25) Missouri - J. Huston Tavern

  Missouri’s J. Huston Tavern is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. Built in 1834 by Joseph Huston, it was originally meant to be a family home. However, with the constant stream of travelers heading west, Huston decided to open his doors and offer food and lodging to the many folks who passed through the town.

  The following years brought more and more business, and soon the house was renovated to include a ballroom, larger kitchen, and mercantile store. Today, three historical dining rooms are available for guests to enjoy the sumptuous southern fare of the J. Huston Tavern.

  If you can somehow resist the tempting fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, creamy coleslaw, and smoked pork chop, a massive fried pork tenderloin sandwich is waiting to transport you to the very highest levels of deliciousness.
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  (#26) Montana - Pekin Noodle Parlor

  If you guessed that the nation’s oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant is in Montana, then you’d be correct!

  In the mid-19th century, Chinese immigrants left their homeland in search of opportunity in America; some were motivated by the promise of gold mining, others were simply trying to escape a dangerous political climate. One such immigrant was Hum Yow, founder of the Pekin Noodle Parlor, who most likely was drawn to Montana for its booming mining economy and the many jobs it produced.

  The Pekin Noodle Parlor opened in 1870, the menu offering a variety of Cantonese, Burmese, and Szechuan style cuisine. Like the antique decor that adorns the first floor, the current menu is largely unchanged. The lower room was once a gambling room and an herb shop, and some of the equipment and containers still remain in public view.

  Ownership of the Pekin Noodle Parlor was passed down through Hum Yow’s family and is currently operated by his great-nephew, Ding Tam, and his son.
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  (#27) Nebraska - Glur’s Tavern

  Glur’s Tavern of Columbus, Nebraska, was built in 1876 - and remains one of the oldest continuously operating taverns west of the Mississippi River.

  The name Glur’s Tavern was given to the eatery and bar in 1914, when it was purchased by Louis Glur. Local legend claims William “Buffalo Bill” Cody once paid for his fare with a genuine $1,000 bill.

  The establishment has been offering good old American cuisine and cold beers to hungry travelers and locals for over 130 years.
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  (#28) Nevada - Casale’s Halfway Club

  Supposedly halfway between Sparks and Reno, Nevada, Casale’s Halfway Club has remained in its original location since 1937. The Italian eatery has celebrated good business and mountains of delicious food ever since.

  This family-owned restaurant is famous for more than its pizza and mouth-wateringly good ravioli, and it has an atmosphere of warmth that demonstrates the passion and close bonds of the family that has loved it for generations. Step back to a simpler time at Casale’s and linger over aromatic pasta laid out on red-and-white checkered tablecloth, sip a glass of wine, and laugh over memories with old friends.
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  (#29) New Hampshire - The Hancock Inn

  If you’re looking for an authentic New England dining experience in a genuine historical building, head over to the Hancock Inn and pull up a seat in the cozy Fox Tavern. This bed and breakfast is one of the oldest inns in New Hampshire and began offering overnight accommodations and meals as far back as 1789.

  The building features hand-painted murals and much of the original architecture that has stood the test of time, and each of the unique rooms is decorated tastefully in the antique style, offering full immersion for any lover of history.

  A charming atmosphere isn’t all you’ll get if you come for a visit, though. The menu boasts such tantalizing selections as pot roast with a cranberry citrus compote, lobster and corn hushpuppies, and crispy golden fish and chips. 
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  (#30) New Jersey - Cranbury Inn

  The two taverns that eventually became the Cranbury Inn were built in 1750 and 1765, respectively, to serve food and drink to travelers.

  Cranbury was allegedly a stop along the Underground Railroad, and the flue space appears to have been remodeled to allow for a hiding place. The main dining room of the inn was built in 1930 and fitted with glass so as to leave visible the original timber frame from 1750.

  The building that became the current liquor store once operated as the village’s telegraph office and Justice of the Peace office. During that time, “Judge” Wincklhofer served as both innkeeper and justice, performing the marriage ceremony for many a couple in front of the inn’s historic fireplace. Today, in addition to operating as a restaurant, many weddings are still held in the large and open space of the Cranbury Inn.
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  (#31) New Mexico - El Farol

  El Farol in New Mexico is famous for their traditional Spanish cuisine, including tapas, paella, and Spanish tortillas. In addition to the aromatic fare, the restaurant hosts flamenco shows and live music to keep the energy level as high as possible.

  Established in 1835, about 80 years before New Mexico became a state, El Farol began as a humble cantina. It is the oldest restaurant in the state and was once known as La Cantina del Cañon, or "the canteen of the canyon." It became El Farol ("the lantern") in 1963 when it changed ownership.
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  (#32) New York - The ’76 House

  This historic tavern served as one of the chief meeting places for revolutionaries during the American fight for independence. George Washington himself and other important generals all sought refuge in the ’76 House. Originally called Mabie’s Inn, it was colloquially known as "Andre’s Prison" because it kept infamous spy Major John Andre captive after his betrayal of the revolutionary army.

  Strenuous and meticulous efforts have been made over the years to preserve the tavern and the important history it represents. For the true American history nut, the ’76 House is a must-visit.
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  (#33) North Carolina - Carolina Coffee Shop

  The Carolina Coffee Shop claims the title of oldest restaurant in the state of North Carolina. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a modern southern style that is sure to please any customer.

  Established in 1922, the Carolina Coffee Shop has become such an institution in town that when a group of UNC grad students heard the restaurant might be forced to close its doors, they readily invested to preserve the historical landmark.

  With nearly a century of serving comforting cups of java and classic cuisine, the Carolina Coffee Shop is sure to stick around.
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  (#34) North Dakota - Peacock Alley

  Though North Dakota’s Peacock Alley opened its doors after the end of prohibition, the Patterson Hotel (which used to house the bar) had been serving its patrons alcohol since before the law was repealed. The hotel was a covert watering hole, gambling den, and possibly even a brothel. Rumor has it that a secret underground tunnel connected the hotel to a nearby train station. 

  Today, the restaurant prides itself on using stellar cuts of beef and top-quality ingredients to provide a luxurious dining experience in a historical atmosphere. The old-world architecture is just part of its charm, and the walls are covered with photographs of the establishment's storied past.
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  (#35) Ohio - The Golden Lamb

  The Golden Lamb dates back to 1803 when Jonas Seaman bought a license to open a public house of entertainment. Because not every passerby could read, Seaman named the establishment after the image of a golden lamb that hung above the door.

  Over the last 200 years of its hospitality, the Golden Lamb has seen 12 US presidents dine within its walls. It's not only a historic restaurant, but also the longest continually operated business in all of Ohio. The building also features a museum inside a converted innkeeper’s bedroom, where guests can dive into the tales and legends that began in this enduring eatery.
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  (#36) Oklahoma - Cattlemen’s Steakhouse

  Cattlemen’s Steakhouse began offering hearty meals to hardworking ranchers, cowboys, and farmworkers in 1910. With the demand for beef on the East Coast rapidly increasing, the Stockyard City area was transformed into a bustling town where cattle couldn’t be shipped off to Oklahoma City fast enough. Much of the restaurant has remained unchanged for decades, and the entire space is an homage to the many lives and stories that have passed through its doors. The savory steaks have attracted the likes of Reba McEntire, Gene Autry, John Wayne, and Ronald Reagan.

  One of the most fascinating tales of Cattlemen’s involves a wager over the ownership of the establishment. Previous owner Hank Frey put up the restaurant against a local rancher named Gene Wade. He agreed that if Wade could roll a hard six (two threes) at dice, then Cattlemen’s would be his for the taking. Wade matched the bet with his entire life savings. Luck was on his side that night and he won the restaurant in one clean roll of the dice. To this day, the number 33 remains a symbol of good fortune at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse.
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  (#37) Oregon - Huber’s Cafe

  The oldest restaurant in Portland, Huber’s Café was first established in 1879 as “The Bureau Saloon.” The name changed soon after when the café was purchased by M. Frank Huber. Around 1891, any customer that bought a drink was guaranteed a turkey sandwich and coleslaw for free.

  The restaurant’s beginnings were humble, with just a bar and a handful of booths, but Huber and Jim Louie, the Chinese immigrant Huber employed, worked hard to see it relocated to its current building. After Huber passed, Jim Louie took over the management of Huber’s in his stead.

  The traditional turkey dinner menu was soon joined by other scrumptious menu items, like steak, salads, seafood, and duck. Eventually, after Jim’s nephew signed on to work, the Huber and Louie families managed the business together and took an equal share of the earnings. Today, the Louie family still owns and operates Huber’s.
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  (#38) Pennsylvania - McGillin’s Olde Ale House

  In 2010, McGillin’s Olde Ale House celebrated its 150th anniversary of continuous operation. The oldest tavern in Philadelphia, McGillin's has been serving beers and good meals to customers since Irish immigrants Catherine and William McGillin established it in 1860.

  The couple ran the bar while raising 13 children in their home above it, and though the place was originally christened the "Bell in Hand Tavern," its strong family presence led it to become known simply as "McGillin’s."

  To this day, the walls of McGillin’s are decorated with relics from the past, including several signs of the great businesses that rose and fell during its long history. With numerous accolades attributed to the fun-loving atmosphere of McGillin’s - including "Best Place to Watch the Game," "One of the Most Authentic Irish Pubs in America," "Best Happy Hour," and "Top Karaoke Spots in Philadelphia" - a visit to this establishment practically guarantees a good time.
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  (#39) Rhode Island - White Horse Tavern

  The White Horse Tavern is not only considered the oldest operating restaurant in the USA, but also one of the 10 oldest in the world.

  With its origins dating back to 1673, the White Horse is just shy of 350 years old. The building itself was originally constructed as a home for Francis Brinley in 1652, then acquired and transformed into a tavern 21 years later. It served as a meeting place, court, city council, and the colony’s general assembly during its early days.

  After hundreds of years of use, the building was refurbished and saved from demolition in 1954 - and has since become protected as a historic landmark.
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  (#40) South Carolina - Henry’s On The Market Bar And Restaurant

  In Charleston’s historic downtown district sits Henry’s, South Carolina’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Since 1932, Henry’s has been a stylish place to get an excellent seafood dinner, strong drink, and a wild night on the town. With signature dishes like Carolina cannonballs, she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, and other authentic low country favorites, the restaurant’s popularity is well-earned.

  In addition to the original dining room with its historic accoutrements, guests can also choose to sit on the southern porch or the rooftop patio, slide into the speakeasy bar, or party in the exclusive dance lounge.
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  (#41) South Dakota - Legends Steakhouse

  The Legends Steakhouse is located inside South Dakota’s historic Franklin Hotel. Though it officially opened its doors in 1903, its origins can be traced back to Deadwood's original founding as a gold camp.

  In 1875, the area was inundated by those looking to make their fortune. The developers of what would become the Franklin were eager to build a large hotel in the area, yet their many attempts resulted only in the laying of a foundation. It wasn’t until just after the turn of the century that the Franklin finally became reality.

  The hotel featured many luxuries for the time, including private baths in half of the rooms, fountains, live music venues, a cigar store and newsstand, a restaurant, telephones, and a working elevator. It attracted huge names like Teddy Roosevelt, William Taft, and Buffalo Bill Cody - but the glamorous times were not to last.

  Following the great stock market drop in the 1920s, the Franklin was forced to halt its operation and convert into apartments. However, after gaming was legalized in South Dakota in 1989, a huge remodeling project was undertaken. Since then, the Franklin has transformed into a premiere restaurant and casino.
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  (#42) Tennessee - Varallo’s

  The oldest restaurant in the state of Tennessee, Varallo’s of Nashville opened in 1907 and has been serving quality Southern breakfasts and lunches ever since.

  Though particularly famed for their delicious chili, Southern comfort breakfast food is tops here: buttermilk pancakes, French toast, biscuits and sausage gravy, and bacon and eggs. For lunch, get yourself a fried catfish sandwich or country fried steak! No matter what you choose on the menu, you won’t walk away hungry.
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  (#43) Texas - Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery

  A strong contender for one of the best breakfasts in Austin, Texas, Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery has been cooking up mouth-watering Tex Mex fare for over 62 years. Fan favorites at Cisco’s include the migas and huevos rancheros, and each meal comes with complimentary biscuits.

  The restaurant continues to be run by the founding Cisneros family, who are committed to preserving this landmark restaurant’s past and memories. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson was said to have frequented Cisco’s, and it is known for being a hangout for those involved in politics. 
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  (#44) Utah - The Bluebird Restaurant

  The Bluebird Restaurant, established in 1923, has kept alive the vintage excitement and community warmth of the soda fountain. The gorgeous fixture, with its glimmering blue tiles and inviting line of stools, is front and center in the restaurant - but this is just one of the charming features of the Bluebird’s décor.

  The ceiling and walls are delicately hand-painted, and a ballroom and mezzanine are available for special dining occasions. The restaurant saw hard times during the Great Depression, but thanks to the loyalty of a few dedicated employees and the owners, the Bluebird continues to thrive to this day.
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  (#45) Vermont - Ye Olde Tavern

  Ye Olde Tavern began business in 1790 under the name of the "Stagecoach Inn" - and while Vermont remained an independent republic separate from the United States.

  The establishment's marble porch was added in 1850 when it was operating under another name: the Lockwood Hotel. It was renamed yet again only 10 years later as Thayer’s Inn, and that name would stick for some five decades. During those years, the very first telephone in Manchester County was installed in the building, and it served as an important connection to both the train station and the local marble quarry. 

  The hotel suffered a brief closure around the turn of the century, but got up and running again after the installation of electricity in the 1920s and a renovation in the '30s. In 1975, the building at last received its final name and was registered as a historic landmark.

  For a while, the hotel featured an antique shop, and today many of the furniture pieces and items on its shelves can still be found preserved in the tavern. 
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  (#46) Virginia - The Red Fox Inn And Tavern

  The Red Fox Inn and Tavern was established in 1728, predating the birth of the USA by almost 50 years. Located between the Blue Ridge Mountains and Bull Run, the establishment became a popular place for travelers. The building was visited by George Washington around 1748, expanded in 1812, and renovated with a large wine cellar to keep up with business demands.

  During the Civil War, hurt soldiers were taken care of in the lower tavern rooms - and the pine bar that still exists in the tap room was crafted from the operating table used by the army’s surgeon.

  Today, the Red Fox Inn and Tavern is a place for fine dining and deluxe accommodations.
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  (#47) Washington - Canlis

  The story of Canlis starts a generation back with the founder’s grandfather, Nicholas Kanlis. The man lived a life of adventure, swimming from his home of Greece to Turkey, joining Teddy Roosevelt on a journey throughout Africa, and meeting a spectacular Lebanese cook who turned out to be the love of his life. Together with his wife, Kanlis opened the first of many monumental Canlis family restaurants, The Food Palace and Fish Grotto, in Stockton, California.

  Determined not to live in his father's shadow, Peter Canlis struck out alone to make a name for himself in Hawaii. Following a stint as an army cook during WWII, Peter opened his first restaurant on Waikiki. It was here he revolutionized restaurant service mores by replacing the once male-dominated role of server with a team of Japanese women.

  After this resounding success, Canlis left the shores of Hawaii to open Seattle’s Canlis restaurant in 1950. Canlis blended all parts of his fascinating history into this new place and once again broke the mold of traditional restaurant service. In this restaurant - built to look like a comfortable home, staffed by kimono-clad servers, and serving up flavors from Polynesia, Lebanon, and Greece - Peter Canlis made a wild bid for success: he invited business tycoons, heads of state, kings, and civic leaders to come and dine at this virtually reputation-less restaurant.

  The response was so outrageously positive that Canlis remains a landmark - and beacon of fine dining - to this day.
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  (#48) Washington, DC - Old Ebbitt Grill

  While the first Old Ebbit was established in 1856 in a boarding house, no one can pinpoint the exact location. The tavern has moved numerous times since its foundation, but the spirit has endured through all its relocations.

  Throughout the years, the Old Ebbitt Grill has been a favorite haunt of a number of presidents, including William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Ulysses S. Grant, Warren Harding, Andrew Johnson, and Grover Cleveland. Some of the taxidermy animals that decorate the bar and restaurant were allegedly hunted by Teddy Roosevelt personally. Many of the fixtures and lamps are authentic antiques, and a gorgeous hand-painted mural graces the ceiling.
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  (#49) West Virginia - North End Tavern And Brewery

  The original North End Tavern and Brewery started as a humble hometown pub in 1899. Since the beginning, it has been cherished for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

  The North End is renowned for its traditional German-American cuisine, along with its classic sandwiches and burgers. There are often creative special dishes available as well. The historic restaurant also added its own brewery in 1997 and serves their homemade brews - to the great delight of its customers.
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  (#50) Wisconsin - Red Circle Inn And Bistro

  The Red Circle Inn and Bistro was originally called the The Nashotah Hotel when it opened in 1848. At that time, it was a simple stagecoach stop outside of Delafield, a tiny, rural town. Business only truly began to boom in 1857 when a railroad stop was built near the steadfast tavern.

  In 1889, Fredrick Pabst took over the property and rechristened it the Red Circle Inn. For the last four generations, the inn has been run by the Polaski family, who are dedicated to preserving the building’s historic past as Wisconsin’s oldest restaurant.

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