Across America you'll find plenty of years-old restaurants serving a generous side of history alongside great food. These storied spots range from rustic Italian diners that make pasta to secret family recipes to old-school taverns open during Lincoln's day – not forgetting saloon-style joints straight out of the Wild West. The greatest of these classic restaurants still serve excellent meals today, and we've tracked down the oldest and best throughout the country.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover the best historic restaurants in every state, counting down to the oldest of them all.

Our selections are based on genuine user reviews, awards and accolades, and the first-hand experience of our team. They're also regularly checked and updated.

In some cases, a state's oldest restaurant may not be highly recommended – here, we've picked the oldest and most historic place in each state that's worth seeking out and still serves great food.

Originally built for the 1939 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows and bought by Louis Bridges and moved to its current location in 1946, White Mana remains a popular spot for a burger and fries. Its current owner Mario Costa started working there in 1972, before buying the joint in 1979. Costa, who also owns a boxing gym, managed Mike Tyson and still looks after the boxer's racing pigeons. Customers love White Mana not only for the food, but also for the nostalgia and impressive presence of Costa himself.

You can't go wrong with a classic mom-and-pop Italian joint, and that's exactly how you'd describe Casale’s Halfway Club. It's a local treasure in Reno, where it's been serving customers since 1937. The interior is gloriously jumbled, with trinkets, neon signs, and framed newspaper articles everywhere, and the menu is as wonderfully down-to-earth and homey as the décor. You'll find all your favorite Italian classics here, from spaghetti and meatballs to ravioli and lasagna.

This convivial, family-friendly restaurant began life as a fruit store in the 1930s, before then-owner Sadie Tronco began cooking homestyle Italian meals. This was mainly to satisfy the appetites of the many soldiers of Italian descent who were stationed at nearby Fort Jackson and missing their families' home cooking. The restaurant may have changed hands, but it still dishes up comforting Italian dishes such as house-made pizza, creamy pesto seafood served with linguine, and chicken Parmigiana.

Bismarck locals are extra proud of the long-running Peacock Alley, with its old-school interiors and solid, fuss-free menu. Opened in 1933, it was one of the first joints to have a liquor license following Prohibition, and it now serves dishes ranging from steaks, burgers, and sandwiches to chicken Marsala (pictured), Cajun pasta, and jumbo shrimp. The Snickers pie also comes highly recommended.

There's nothing quite like a classic dining car – and Palace Diner is one of America's oldest. It was built by the Pollard Company in 1927 and is thought to be one of just two still left in the States. You can expect standard but delicious diner food, from breakfast egg plates and French toast to giant sandwiches, all served with a healthy dose of nostalgia.

Chapel Hill is home to North Carolina's oldest restaurant, a friendly stop that's been running since 1922. The name is deceiving, because this is a full-service restaurant that focuses on modern Southern food. If you're here for dinner, sample the brisket mac ’n’ cheese or the chicken and waffles. Otherwise, come by for the popular weekend brunch to try corned beef hash and the joint's signature cornflake French toast.

Open since 1919, The Arcade is the oldest café in Memphis. It's loved for its menu of classic Southern dishes and its retro décor, which has been in place since the 1950s. Elvis Presley was a fan of the joint and, these days, not only can you reserve a spot in what was his favorite booth, but you can also enjoy his dish of choice: a peanut butter, bacon, and banana sandwich.

The building that houses this historic joint was constructed in 1918 as a confectionery shop, but the Hi-Mountain Drug opened in 1920 as the kind of eat-in pharmacy you just don't see anymore. The store fell into the hands of the current owner's family in 1968, and it's operated as a diner ever since, serving quality burgers, shakes, and ice cream sundaes. Most importantly, though, the restaurant retains many of its original features and is still known locally as 'the drug store.'

You'll find the Manago Hotel on Hawaii's Big Island and inside sits the oldest operating restaurant in the state. The hotel's dining spot was opened in 1917, and in 2023 it was recognized with a prestigious James Beard America’s Classics Award. It started as a humble restaurant and inn established by Japanese immigrants, who served udon noodles and coffee to hungry travelers. Now, the focus is on Hawaiian staples, including delicate butterfish and hamburger steaks.

Opened in 1916, Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar has been delighting the folks of southwestern Georgia for more than a century, under various proprietors. Many of the previous owners were Greek, and there's a lot of Greek food on the menu, including Greek-style chicken with oregano, lemon, and pepper, and red snapper with garlic and onion. Also on the bill are classic meat and seafood dishes, such as aged New York strip and blackened salmon, as well as Italian specialties, including penne alla vodka and lasagna.

If you're in the market for an excellent steak, head to Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City's historic Stockyards City. The spot opened in 1910 to feed a roster of cowboys and ranch workers, so it's had plenty of practice turning out cooked-to-perfection cuts of meat. Not in the mood for steak? There's also fried catfish and Hawaiian chicken on the menu.

Birmingham has earned itself the moniker of the ‘dinner table of the South,’ and the suburb of Bessemer has some stellar eating spots. Make time for The Bright Star, which is said to be the oldest family-run restaurant in Alabama. It originally opened in 1907 and moved to its current location in 1915. The restaurant deals in down-home Southern cooking with Greek flair, offering fried catfish, gumbo, steaks, and Gulf seafood. The warm atmosphere is praised by diners, too.

One of the Natural State's standout historic eating spots, the down-to-earth White House Cafe has been running since 1907. That means it's well-versed in dishing up a big menu of comfort food, from Mexican-style enchiladas to burgers and fries. The spot also wins points for its generous portions and friendly vibe.

The Sunshine State has plenty of historic eating spots, but this Cuban restaurant in the hip city of Tampa is billed as the oldest of them all. It was established in 1903 by Spanish Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr., who first named the place the Columbia Saloon (the name changed two years later). Fast-forward over a century, and it's still one of the most popular joints in town, known for its belt-busting Cuban sandwiches layered up with salami, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickle, and mustard.

Tucked inside the Silverado-Franklin Hotel – a Deadwood mainstay since 1903 – Legends Steakhouse has fed plenty of famous figures in its long history. Notable past customers include President Theodore Roosevelt, Wild West legend William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody, and John Wayne. As the restaurant's name suggests, steak is the star of the menu, but you can also plump for a lobster dinner, shrimp pepper pasta, or roasted chicken.

As its name suggests, this atmospheric, historic spot is a tavern first and a restaurant second, but its stellar food has earned it a place on this list. It opened in 1902 and served as a rest stop for railroad travelers between Paradise Valley and Yellowstone National Park. Now, the interior evokes the Old West, with mounted animal heads and paintings of Western scenes on the walls, while the menu focuses on well-executed steaks, burgers, and breakfasts.

The Owl Night Lunch wagon at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is believed to be the only surviving horse-drawn lunch wagon in the world. It dates back to the 1890s and was once used to serve night-shift workers in the city. Henry Ford bought it in 1927, and the wagon has been through extensive renovations since. Today, it caters to locals and tourists in need of coffee and snacks while they visit the mock town of 'Greenfield Village.'

North End Tavern can trace its roots back to 1899, when it was established as a little neighborhood pub. Since then, it's become a local favorite restaurant and brewery with a solid, fuss-free menu, including a selection of well-made appetizers and sandwiches. Try the signature burger or plump for a German-inspired sandwich filled with the likes of fried bologna or smoked liverwurst. 

The Martin Hotel began life as the Roman Tavern and Restaurant in 1898, only becoming the Martin after French-born Augustine A. Martin bought the place in 1913. A fire damaged the building seven years later, leading to a restoration project that greatly expanded the hotel and restaurant. The Martin family eventually moved on, but the Martin Hotel became a mainstay in this part of Nevada. The menu continues to focus on Basque cuisine, including chicken Marsala and sweet breads.

Skagway Inn has been serving weary travelers since 1897. Inside, you'll find Olivia's Bistro, which serves a small menu of top-notch Alaskan seafood and other local delicacies, made using the vegetables and herbs grown in its own garden. Popular choices include king crab, halibut fish and chips, and garden veggie flatbreads.

Stepping into the Buckhorn Exchange's taxidermy-stuffed dining room is a bit like stepping back into the Old West. It was opened in 1893 by Henry H. 'Shorty Scout' Zietz, an eccentric figure from the era and a friend of the famous William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody. Now, the quirky spot draws in tourists rather than ranchers and miners, and it impresses them with a menu featuring buffalo steak, Rocky Mountain oysters (bull's testicles), and rattlesnake.

Alabama and barbecue have a long history, and so does the Golden Rule BBQ. The original location opened in Irondale (a suburb of Birmingham) in 1891, serving folks hungry for barbecue along the Atlanta Highway. It remained a family business for almost 80 years, before the owners moved along and the restaurant expanded. These days there are a couple of Golden Rule BBQ franchises, but the Irondale location remains a must-visit spot.

Neumann's has been going strong since 1887. There's more to it than the food – including live music and classic car shows – but you can't go wrong with dinner here. You can choose from daily specials from the grill, plus a permanent menu featuring pizza, beef tacos, and burgers (the NeuBleu, doused in blue cheese and garlic, and topped with fried onions and bacon, is the favorite).

Serving the local community since 1887, Browne’s Irish Marketplace is the oldest Irish business located outside of Ireland. Now in the fourth generation of the Flavin family, it’s become renowned for its Celtic trinkets and imported Irish delicacies. You’ll also find the team at the onsite deli serving sandwiches and traditional sides, including a classic Irish potato soup.

Horseshoe Cafe originally opened in 1886 to satisfy the hearty appetites of the many laborers in the industrial area. Back in the day, it also sold hunting and fishing supplies. Now, it focuses on stellar food and drink, with a menu heavy on American classics. Choose from a range of burgers or try an excellent French dip sandwich, chili dog, or chicken and waffles.

Kingston's beloved Snake Pit has had several different names over the years (including the respectable-sounding Enaville Resort), but its identity has remained broadly unchanged since it opened in 1879. This spot on the Coeur d’Alene River has played host to railroad workers, loggers, and miners, but now tourists are the main customers. They come in for tried-and-tested favorites such as burgers, brisket sandwiches, and mac ’n’ cheese.

A traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings (pictured) is the specialty dish at this down-to-earth Portland stalwart, which has been going strong since 1879. The restaurant has retained its sense of history with meticulously decorated interiors, including stained-glass skylights, dramatic arches, and lots of dark wood. The menu features plenty of steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes.

The history of this stunning bar-turned-restaurant stretches right back to 1877, when Prescott's Whiskey Row – a historic street then known for its many saloons – was in its heyday. The Palace was sadly destroyed in a fire that engulfed the street in 1900, but it was rebuilt in 1901 and it still thrives today. Prop up the ornate wooden bar and feast on everything from blackened salmon to a chicken dinner, or check out one of the restaurant's regular live music nights.

The long and storied history of this classic tavern has earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Opened in 1876, it's said to have been a haunt of notorious Western figures including William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody. He might be long gone, but the spirit of the Old West lives on in the joint's classic architecture and old-school interiors. Now most people come for the raved-about burgers and the buzzing garden.

Swiss-born Felix Weidmann went from cheffing on a transatlantic steamship to opening this well-loved Mississippi restaurant back in 1870. Now, more than 150 years later, the spot has grown from a tiny location to a fully-fledged restaurant that's one of the best-loved places for Southern food in the state. Try fried green tomatoes with a spicy cream sauce, loaded crab cakes, or shrimp and grits, and finish off with a slice of pie – people rave about the peanut butter and lemon almond flavors.

First opened in 1868, the Old Homestead Steakhouse oozes old-school glamour with its red leather banquette seating and dark wood interiors. Harry Sherry took over ownership of the restaurant more than 70 years ago, and brothers (and current co-owners) Greg and Marc Sherry take pride in the fact that little has changed since their grandfather’s time. Start your meal with a seafood tower before sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked prime rib with a selection of classic sides – including baked potatoes, creamed spinach, and onion rings.

You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding a dinner spot in Texas' hip capital – but, if you'd like a side of history with your meal, you can't go wrong with Scholz Garten. Opened by German-born Civil War veteran August Scholz, the joint began life in 1866 as a bar and café above a boarding house. Now it's still a failsafe spot for German-inspired food, with dishes such as currywurst with waffle fries, Bavarian-style pretzels, and sauerkraut balls on the menu.

Kelly's Logan House is first and foremost an Irish bar – the oldest in the state, and the oldest family-operated one in the States, no less. It was built in 1864, and its biggest day of any year is, of course, St. Patrick's Day. But it's the food that keeps people pouring in all year round. The menu is built on classic American comfort food, with dishes including a burger, fish tacos, salmon Caesar salad (pictured), and a Philly cheesesteak.

As its name suggests, this 1862-built bar and restaurant was originally the stomping ground of miners caught up in the Gold Rush, as well as ranchers working the local land. Today, you still feel like you're stepping into the Old West, given the rough brick and wood exterior and low-lit interior filled with mounted animal heads. The menu focuses on, you guessed it, fine steaks.

Established in 1861, The Old Clam House is a San Francisco institution and one of the city’s top destinations for classic seafood and warm, old-school hospitality. Housed in a rustic, timber-clad building adorned with nautical décor, checkered tablecloths, and cozy booths, it exudes historic charm. The menu celebrates the sea, featuring favorites like octopus carpaccio, fried calamari, hearty clam chowder, and sizzling shrimp.

Philadelphia has a good roster of traditional taverns, but McGillin's has been running since 1860, which it proudly points out is the same year that 16th President Abraham Lincoln was elected. The place is a Philly classic, known for top-quality food such as fish and chips, shepherd's pie, a crock of chili, and, of course, the traditional Philly cheesesteak.

Hays House is a Council Grove landmark. It was established in 1857 by the town's founder, Seth Hays, a prominent merchant and great-grandson of frontiersman Daniel Boone. It's stood the test of time thanks to its historical features, including the original bar and a precious crystal collection. Top picks from the tempting menu include country-fried steak, a fried chicken dinner, and breaded mushrooms.

The first Hubbell House was built in the fledgling town of Mantorville in 1854 – but the town and the inn grew so much that a new building was constructed two years later. This second building is still the site of Hubbell House today, and over the years it has welcomed many famous guests, including presidents, football teams, and actors. It's been renovated during the intervening years, of course, but the restaurant still prides itself on its food. Comforting fare such as steak, burgers, and ribs are the order of the day.

Incredibly, this historic restaurant remains in the same family, even though it's been running since 1852. It's now operated by the sixth generation of the Breitbach family and is located at the site of the original venue, which was sadly lost to a gas fire in 2007. The menu is a treat, featuring comforting options such as country ham and catfish served with potatoes and salad. The all-you-can-eat buffet is a popular choice, too.

Tadich Grill began life in 1849, when a trio of Croatian immigrants founded a coffee stand on San Francisco's Long Wharf. Almost two centuries on, the humble stand has changed shape and location many times, and it's been a full-service restaurant at 240 California Street since 1967. It serves more than 75 entrées, including a seafood curry, a pot roast, and a Dalmatian stew with lobster, clams, scallops, and a side of grilled bread (pictured).

The gabled exterior of the long-running Red Circle Inn looks very inviting and has been welcoming customers since 1848, when Nashotah was the domain of fur trappers and traders. Now it's a hot spot for tourists, who come by for a mighty dose of historic charm, plus a menu featuring beef Stroganoff, steak and potatoes, and grilled wild salmon.

The Village Tavern in Long Grove is proud of its age, having first opened in 1847. Customers will notice some charming historic details, including an intricately carved wooden bar and brick fireplaces. Meanwhile, the menu is an exercise in classic Americana: choose between expertly made hamburgers, the signature Reuben, the Tavern's popular fish fry, or a pork schnitzel.

If you're looking for a special occasion spot with a generous dose of history, look no further than Antoine's Restaurant. The oldest restaurant in the Big Easy, it was established in 1840 and is hailed for its fine French Creole food. It's a feast for the eyes – all glittering chandeliers, soaring windows, and intricate crown molding – and the stomach too, with a menu featuring everything from seafood gumbo to vegan mushroom bourguignon.

Proudly claiming to be the ‘first fine dining restaurant in the country,’ Delmonico’s opened its doors in 1837. It’s now a New York City institution and has become renowned for its signature Delmonico steak. This dish has remained a menu staple since 1850, joined by the kitchen’s equally popular Royal Eggs Benedict (finished with a poached duck egg, king crab and lobster terrine, and black truffle hollandaise) a decade later. The steakhouse is still thriving almost two centuries later.

Blink and you could miss this quaint spot, which is recognized as the oldest business in the Great Lakes State. It's well worth taking notice of, though, as there's a solid menu to match the lengthy history (the place dates to 1835). The joint keeps things simple with a roster of sandwiches – Cajun chicken, Reuben, fish filet – and dinners, including goulash and fried chicken.

El Farol has been a highlight of Santa Fe's dining scene for more than a century (it was built in 1835), and it still deals in top-notch New Mexican cuisine and Spanish tapas and entrées today. Here, you can graze on everything from green chile chicken enchiladas to paella in a simple dining room filled with tan leather and exposed wood. You can also catch a traditional flamenco show two nights a week, plus there's a beautiful patio area to enjoy in the warmer months.

Right off Boston's storied Freedom Trail, you'll find the Union Oyster House, a cradle of history in a city inextricably linked to the American Revolution. The spot has been continuously open since 1826 and, in that time, it's played host to important customers such as JFK and Daniel Webster, a prominent lawyer and statesman through the 1800s. Fun fact: it's also said to be the place where toothpicks were first used. Unsurprisingly, the menu centers on seafood, with options including freshly shucked and fried oysters, clam chowder, and lobster.

The Log Inn began life as a classic stagecoach stop in 1825, and it's rumored that 16th President Abraham Lincoln visited here during a campaign tour in 1844. Presidential history aside, the spot wins fans for its quaint décor – think wooden beams and a gabled, white-washed exterior – and family-style dinners. Feast on succulent chicken, ham, or roast beef, alongside mashed potatoes, veggies, hot rolls, and gravy. There's also a menu of sandwiches and small plates.

Opened by New Jersey–born Jonas Seaman in 1803, the Golden Lamb is a Lebanon mainstay that's played host to some prominent guests over the years. The restaurant and inn has fed and housed big names including astronaut Neil Armstrong, writer Charles Dickens, and pop star Kesha. These days, the menu contains delicious dishes such as a roast turkey dinner, salmon, and lasagna.

The proprietors of Manchester's Ye Olde Tavern are committed to keeping a slice of historic New England alive, with the restaurant having first been built in 1790. Over the years it served as a meeting spot for some of the region's most important dignitaries, and now it's a hit with tourists and locals alike. The restaurant offers a candlelit dining experience, and the à la carte menu features dishes such as lobster bisque and prime rib of beef, as well as vegetarian options including quinoa and lentil loaf.

Established in 1785, this historic tavern was once a hub of activity, frequented by presidents including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. Known for hosting elegant balls and significant social events, it was a focal point of early American society. These days the building operates as both a museum and a restaurant, where you can order what was apparently Washington’s favorite dish: a roasted half duck with corn pudding, roasted potatoes, red cabbage, and a cherry-orange sauce.

Founded in 1780, the Warren Tavern once welcomed historic figures like George Washington and Paul Revere, and more than two centuries later it remains a cornerstone of Charlestown. Steeped in Revolutionary-era charm, the tavern invites guests to savor its storied past over comfort-food favorites such as lobster mac ’n’ cheese, shepherd’s pie, and crispy fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy.

Quaint Bardstown is a great spot for foodies, and one of its most beloved eateries is the Talbott Tavern, which has been a Bardstown mainstay since 1779. The architecture – a fine example of Flemish bond stonework – is a particular draw, and the joint has recently been refurbished. Don't miss the traditional Kentucky hot brown: smoked turkey and ham on toast, layered up with Mornay sauce, tomatoes, and Cheddar cheese.

The Griswold Inn is not just the most historic restaurant in Connecticut, but one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the entire country, having first started business in 1776. Traditional vibes come through in the string of quaint dining rooms, featuring old steamship pictures and dark wooden paneling. The restaurant menu boasts traditional dishes such as fried chicken and roast prime rib, while the wine bar serves tapas, large plates, and artisan cheeses.

New York City has plenty of historic restaurants and taverns to explore, but Fraunces Tavern is the oldest of them all, established in 1762. The joint, located in downtown Manhattan, has deep ties to the American Revolution, and it’s famously the site where George Washington bade farewell to his officers in 1783 after the British left New York. These days Fraunces Tavern operates both as a museum and a restaurant, winning fans with its cozy atmosphere and period-inspired dining.

According to the restaurant's official history, The Pirate's House was literally a hangout for pirates and sailors when it opened in 1753. The joint is only a block away from the Savannah River, so it was a welcome rest spot when Savannah was a bustling seaport town. Today, The Pirate's House naturally makes the most of its pirate history, with plenty of nautical memorabilia livening up the interior. But a restaurant is only ever as good as its food, and here you can find local delicacies such as she-crab soup rich with crab meat and cream.

Recently renovated, this cozy tavern has been around since 1742, predating the Revolutionary War and the American Civil War. Yet the food is certainly not dated. Here, you can feast on elegantly plated dishes including Mediterranean grilled shrimp, jumbo crab cakes, and braised lamb shanks. 

The Red Fox Inn & Tavern was established back in 1728, and the storied spot has opened its doors to the likes of JFK and Tom Cruise. There's a set four-course tasting menu featuring dishes such as lamb ragout, seared scallops, and butternut squash ravioli – though the menu changes with the seasons. Beyond the food and the history, its spectacular location in the mountains adds to the appeal.

The Robert Morris Inn dates back to 1710, when Oxford was Maryland's largest port. It was once the home of a prominent merchant, Robert Morris, and it evolved into a hotel and restaurant after his death. Now, it's a dining room, tavern, tap room, and hotel with 14 historic bedrooms boasting slate flag floors, beamed ceilings, and roaring fireplaces. 

Holding the title of America's oldest tavern, and with a designation as a National Historic Landmark, the White Horse Tavern, which has been running since 1673, is a true New England jewel. Beyond the history, its striking red, flag-hung exterior is enough to bring in the crowds, who find a charming dining room with beams and giant fireplaces once they step inside. When it comes to food, traditional dishes are given modern updates – think lobster bisque, and catch of the day with roasted pineapple salsa.

The owners claim '76 House was originally built in 1668, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the country. It once served as a meeting spot for patriots around the time of the Revolutionary War. The tavern has been carefully preserved over the centuries and now offers a glorious slice of foodie history, with interiors filled with fireplaces, wooden beams, and crossed swords mounted on the walls. The varied menu has dishes including vegan moussaka, classic chicken cordon bleu, and the house special Caesar salad, prepared tableside.

The Three Chimneys Inn dates to 1649 and now houses the ffrost Sawyer Tavern, historic dining rooms, and several boutique hotel rooms. The tavern is a relaxed, cozy spot, while the romantic candlelit Maples dining room has sumptuous wood paneling fit for a fine colonial residence. Copper's, with its open hearth, is set in the tavern's original winter kitchen. There's a menu of hearty, traditional New England fare such as fried chicken served with mashed potatoes and cream sauce.

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Last updated by Lottie Woodrow.