Don't be fooled by the name: this is more than just your average general store. Opened in 1890, Oark General Store has the distinction of being the oldest continually run shop in Arkansas, set up to serve the isolated local community of Oark. These days, in addition to food supplies and petrol, you can stop here for home-cooked diner delights such as burgers and hefty sandwiches. It's the Oark's homemade pies that we can't get enough of though, especially the Blueberry Pie.

An old-fashioned train dining car might not be the most likely location for fine dining, but this Los Angeles institution has been serving up celebrated steaks since 1921, when the romance of rail travel was still going strong. It's a particular favourite for late-night eating (it's open 24 hours), which is hardly surprising when you consider the Pacific Dining Car's location – just across the freeway from Downtown – and the fact that they age prime beef on the premises. You can ask for anything here whether it's on the menu or not and the kitchen will do it (within reason).

Arizona's oldest frontier saloon – not to mention the state's oldest restaurant – The Palace Restaurant and Saloon once saw the legendary likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday through its doors. The Palace today actually sits across the street from its original site: after a fire broke out in 1900, its ornate, carved bar was removed by customers and taken to a new location to keep it safe. Expect a meat-heavy menu and a little bit of kitschy old-fashioned fun. 

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, the Griswold Inn was the site of protests organised by the Temperance Movement, then during the Prohibition era the inn was known as a reliable place to get hold of spirits. As a result it was often raided. Today you can dine (and drink) in three different areas: the historic dining rooms, the wine bar and the tap room. And if you fancy really letting your hair down there are 34 rooms at the inn you can stay in too. 

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 – quite a claim, along with the fact that the barbecue pit can hold 500 pounds of meat at one time. This is, as you'd expect, a proper old-fashioned place, so don't expect anything fancy, but do come for lip-smackingly good meat.

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 present structure only dates to 1988 after the original boathouse was burned down the year before, but it remains a classic spot to dine on fresh seafood and arguably has one of the best settings in the region. 

Set on the location of the first mayor of New York's home (1671), 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 drink and a meal as well as a wander through the informative museum housed upstairs. 

New York has an abundance of excellent – and often historic – steakhouses, but Keens Steakhouse is particularly special. When it first opened in 1885, Keens was widely popular among actors, and it's said that those on stage at the nearby Garrick Theatre would head here in between acts. In 1905, the restaurant was taken to court by actress Lillie Langtry (once the mistress of British king Edward VII) for not allowing women in – after she won the case, women were finally allowed to enjoy their famous mutton chops for themselves.  

This old Pollard dining car has been in town since 1927 and seats just 15 (expect it to be cosy when full). Originally open 24 hours, the Palace Diner is currently only open for breakfast and lunch, serving a simple but celebrated menu of all-day dishes, including buttermilk flapjacks and French toast as well as cheeseburgers and fried chicken.

Ruth's Diner originally opened in downtown Salt Lake City in 1930 but moved to its current, leafier, location on Emigration Canyon in 1949, where it still sits in one of the city's old trolley cars. The eponymous Ruth was quite a character by all accounts – she started out as a cabaret singer before turning her hand to the diner – and the food still enjoys an excellent reputation, not least for the breakfasts, which can be enjoyed outside on the enchanting patio in warmer months. 

Established in 1895, this cute little restaurant bills itself as the first place in the US to sell hamburgers. The story goes that they were created in response to a customer who needed to eat lunch on the go. Whether or not this is the case (numerous places in the country argue over the providence of the burger), Louis' Lunch still serves them today just as they did in the 19th century – between two slices of white toast and only garnished with cheese, tomato and onion. 

Opened in 1882, Doyle's Cafe will be of particular interest to beer drinkers as this was where Samuel Adams was first put on tap (the brewery is handily located nearby). Originally just a one-room bar, it now spreads across three rooms, and the pub has long been a favourite with both local and national politicians.

The oldest tavern in America, The White Horse Tavern has quite a few tales to tell. It was first opened as an inn in 1673, run by a pirate in the 18th century, and then served as accommodation for Loyalists and British troops during the Occupation of Newport in the Revolution. Today, they serve fresh, local fish and meat in an atmospheric dining room.

Lombardi's has quite a claim to fame: it was America's first pizzeria, opening in Little Italy in New York City back in 1905. Sure, there are smarter 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 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 travellers, serving comfort food such as burgers, fried chicken, shrimp 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 served as a 'Colonial candlelit experience', including both local and traditional dishes like lobster bisque and traditional pot roast. 

This beautiful village inn was established in 1728, back when Middleburg, Virginia was called Chinn's Crossroads. The historic property has seen an incredible number of notable people pass through its doors. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis frequently stayed here when she was foxhunting in the autumn months, and her husband, President Kennedy, once used the inn to hold a press conference. Today, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern's history is apparent throughout but there's a very modern focus on showcasing local produce.