Quaint colonial taverns, retro diners, and old steakhouses speak volumes about the nation's past. Maintained as they were decades ago, a visit can feel like taking a trip back to simpler times. From remarkable roadhouses to a bygone boathouse, these are America’s most charming historic restaurants.
New Orleans is unsurprisingly full of historic restaurants, but Antoine's is arguably the grande dame of them all. Open since 1840, the restaurant provides an elegant and refined setting from which to experience the city's Creole heritage – try the gumbo, oysters Rockefeller (first created here), or the escargot bourguignon – or simply soak up the ambience over a Sazerac cocktail.
Although a reconstruction of the original building, which burned down in the 19th century, City Tavern serves up a taste of history with 18th-century-inspired dishes like Cornmeal Fried Oysters and Mallard Duck Sausage, in the same environment enjoyed by America's Founding Fathers. Among other notable happenings, the tavern is where America's first Fourth of July celebration was held.
The Golden Steer is a slice of Old Vegas. This steakhouse, which opened in 1958, was a regular haunt of the Rat Pack – you can still sit in Sinatra's booth – and countless other celebrities like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe. Order the 12 oz filet mignon or the 24 oz bone-in rib-eye, which are the customer favorites.
When The Berghoff opened in 1898, beers only cost a nickel and came with a free sandwich. Today you'll pay substantially more, but it's worth it for the historic atmosphere and fabulous German food, which reflects the founder's origins. Expect the likes of bratwurst (German sausage), spätzleknödel (cheese and meat-stuffed dumpling), sauerbraten (marinated roast beef in gravy), and apple strudel.
America's oldest Italian restaurant dates back to 1900, surviving the Great Depression, Prohibition and two world wars, and remains family-run to this day. The spaghetti with meatballs is a standout dish and receives rave reviews from regulars. It's also a celebrity haunt – Theodore Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra, Taylor Swift, and Joe Biden have all dined here.
Despite appearances, Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant only dates back to 1996, but the beautiful building in which it is housed was built in 1674, the home of barrel-maker Abraham Jessop. While here, enter into the colonial spirit by ordering the Pilgrim's Feast: roast turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, drop biscuits, gravy, and cranberry sauce, all served on a pewter charger (an old-fashioned metal plate).
A popular seafood spot, Mayflower Cafe was opened by Greek immigrants George Kountouris and John Gouras in downtown Jackson in 1935. Star dishes include broiled oysters served in buttery sauce, and icebox lemon pie. The restaurant is easily identified by its neon signage and vintage decor – one reason it was used as a filming location in period drama The Help, set in the 1960s.
Situated right at the water's edge, it's not hard to see why Huggo's has been going strong since 1969. One of the major draws is, unsurprisingly, the fresh fish – it's likely it was caught mere hours earlier. There's no better place to order ahi tuna poke, which comes with avocado, seaweed, and sweet potato chips. Huggo's Signature Teriyaki Steak, which comes sliced and served with rice and Chinese cabbage, is another must-try on the menu.
With taxidermy animals staring down at you while you eat (some of which, like elk, are on the menu), The Buckhorn Exchange is certainly a unique place to dine. The restaurant has been here since 1893 and is now a National Historic Landmark, offering a taste of the 'Old West'. Be sure to check out more unusual dishes like broiled quail (game bird), fried alligator tail, and rattlesnake queso.
Don't be fooled by the name: this is more than your average general store. Opened in 1890, it has the distinction of being the oldest continually run shop in Arkansas, originally set up to serve the isolated local community of Oark. These days, in addition to food supplies and petrol, you can stop in for a burger or hefty sandwich. Customers can't get enough of the homemade pies, especially the blueberry one.
An old-fashioned train dining car might not be the most likely location for fine food, but this Los Angeles institution has been serving celebrated steaks since 1921. It's a particular favorite for late-night eating (it's open 24 hours), with groups shuffling into its low-lit booths for elegant eggs Benedict, French toast, and prime steaks.
Arizona's oldest frontier saloon has seen the legendary likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday through its doors. However, it sits across the street from its original site. After a fire broke out in 1900, the bar was rescued and relocated by its customers. Expect a meat-heavy menu, with delights such as the prime rib dip (a beef sandwich with gravy) and pulled pork sliders keeping patrons happy.
This beautiful old New England inn dates back to 1776, when the historic seaport village of Essex was an important shipbuilding site for the Revolution. In the 19th century, it was the site of protests by the Temperance Movement, then during Prohibition it was a reliable place to source a drink. These days, it's more of a sophisticated set up, serving dishes such as New England clam chowder and baked artichoke-crusted cod.
In a state full of barbecue joints, Black's Barbecue in Lockhart stands out for being one of the oldest. Opened in 1932 by Edgar Black, it's now owned by the fourth generation of the same family and has expanded to four locations. The must-try dishes are the melt-in-your-mouth giant beef ribs, the pork spare ribs, and the tender beef brisket.
The iconic neon sign that marks out Ray's Boathouse on scenic Shilshole Bay has been here since 1952, when Ray's was just a coffee house. The rest burned down and had to be rebuilt in 1988. Despite all this, it remains a popular seafood spot. Customers only have good things to say about the Dungeness Crab Cakes and the sablefish in sake kasu sauce (sake kasu is a by-product from Japanese rice wine production).
Built in 1719, Fraunces Tavern has been the meeting place of the pre-Revolution secret society the Sons of Liberty, the foundation spot of the New York Chamber of Commerce, and where General George Washington bid farewell to his troops. Today, customers can enjoy a beer and buttery chicken pot pie, as well as a wander through the informative museum housed upstairs.
When Keens Steakhouse opened in 1885, it was a hot spot for patrons of the nearby Garrick Theatre – and it's said the actors even dropped by in between acts. In 1905, it was taken to court by actress Lillie Langtry for not allowing women in. After she won the case, its famous mutton chop could finally be enjoyed by all.
This old Pollard dining car was built in 1927 and seats just 15 (expect it to be cozy when full). It's only open for breakfast and lunch, but it does a good job of both. Celebrated all-day dishes include the outrageously good French toast, and a crispy, juicy fried chicken sandwich with cabbage slaw, jalapeños, and lettuce.
Originally opened in downtown Salt Lake City in 1930, Ruth's Diner moved to its current spot inside a trolley car in Emigration Canyon in 1949. The eponymous Ruth was quite a character – she started out as a cabaret singer before turning her hand to the diner. The food still has an excellent reputation; the pulled pork tacos, filled with pork, pineapple cilantro slaw, cheese, and Ruth's hot honey sauce, are a dish worth trying.
This ornate Spanish restaurant, around since 1905 and the oldest in Florida, has been frequented by stars from Marilyn Monroe to Bruce Springsteen. It’s now run by fourth and fifth-generation family members, and has expanded to other locations across the state. A visit is not complete without the famous Cuban sandwich, featuring roast pork, chorizo-stuffed roast beef, meat empanadas, fried plantains, cassava, black beans, and yellow rice.
This miniature restaurant, open since 1895, bills itself as the first place in the US to sell a hamburger sandwich (not the same as a hamburger). It features a beef patty between two slices of white toast, garnished with cheese, tomato, and onion. Condiments aren't offered so as not to detract from the taste of the meat. Head here today to try one served just as it was (without ketchup) 120 years ago.
Be prepared to arrive early – and to queue – to experience this Southern gem. It dates back to 1943 when a woman named Sema Wilkes bought a boarding house with the plan to make a living offering accommodation and home cooking. Today, the spirit of Mrs Wilkes' Dining Room is still alive, with meals served at communal tables. Expect Southern staples like fried chicken, collard greens, and candied yams.
Lombardi's has quite a claim to fame: it was America's first pizzeria, opened in Little Italy, New York, back in 1905. Sure, there are newer, shinier places to eat a pie (or two) these days, but it's hard to beat the old-fashioned charm and blistered-crust pizzas here. The Original Margherita – fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce, topped with fresh basil – is pretty exceptional.
Built in 1803, this old colonial building has welcomed an impressive 12 US presidents over the years (the most recent being George W Bush). Today, The Golden Lamb – Ohio's longest continually operated business – remains a popular resting point for travelers, serving comfort food such as burgers, fried chicken, lamb shank, and ribs, alongside an impressive range of regional beers.
Opened as the Stagecoach Inn in 1790, Ye Olde Tavern has gone through many transformations over the centuries, but its current name dates back to a relatively recent 1975. Much of the building's original charm has been kept – think slanting doorways and uneven floors – and dinner is a 'Colonial candlelit experience', including both local and traditional dishes like lobster bisque and traditional pot roast.
California's oldest continuously running restaurant, Tadich Grill first opened in 1849 as a coffee stand, becoming a full restaurant a few decades later. It's one of the city's more formal options, but it's well worth a visit. Try one of its specialties, the Seafood Cioppino: an adored tomato stew with prawns, scallops, clams, crab, mussels, and white fish.
The antique bar area at The Village Tavern pays testament to this family-run restaurant's history. Opened in 1847, the impressive 35-foot mahogany bar managed to survive a great fire in the 1960s. Today, the tavern's sense of history is complemented by its welcoming pub atmosphere and popular all-you-can-eat broasted chicken (cooked in a pressure fryer), which is only available on Monday and Wednesday nights.
Established to serve local loggers, the Samoa Cookhouse has always been a community hub, with the same meal served to everyone seated at the communal tables. Today, things work in much the same way – albeit feeding more tourists than loggers – with dishes like pancakes, sausages, and eggs served at breakfast, and pot roast and fried chicken for dinner.
Open since 1860, McGillin's Olde Ale House is the oldest continuously running tavern in Philadelphia. The historic Irish pub is stunning, both inside and out, with large, old-fashioned windows, wooden beams, flags, and colorful lights. If you like trying new ales, be sure to check out the 1860 IPA, launched in 2010 to mark the bar's 150th anniversary.
This beautiful village inn was established in 1728, back when Middleburg, Virginia was called Chinn's Crossroads. The historic property has seen many notable people pass through its doors, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and President Kennedy. Guests often visit to celebrate birthdays and other occasions. The food always gets rave reviews, in particular the absurdly good steak.
First opened as an inn in 1673, The White Horse Tavern has a few tales to tell – including being run by a pirate who operated in the Red Sea in the 18th century. Today, it serves fresh local fish and meat in its cozy dining room. Customers particularly praise the beef Wellington, saying words do not do it justice.
Next take a look at America's historic burger joints, where the recipes never change