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 to experience the city's Creole heritage – try the gumbo, oysters Rockefeller (first created here) or a po boy at the bar – or simply soak up the ambience over a Sazerac cocktail. 

Although a reconstruction of the building which burned down in the 19th century, City Tavern serves up a taste of history with 18th-century-inspired dishes such as Cornmeal Fried Oysters and Mallard Duck Sausage, in the same environment enjoyed by America's Founding Fathers. Among other notable happenings, here 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 (340g) filet mignon or the 22 oz (624g) bone-in rib-eye, which are the customer favourites.

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 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).

One of the oldest restaurants in Jackson, Mayflower Cafe was opened by Greek immigrants George Kountouris and John Gouras in downtown in 1935. It’s a seafood spot and star dishes include broiled oysters served in buttery sauce and icebox lemon pie. Locate it 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 stuffed animals staring down at you while you eat (some of which, like bison, 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 the more unusual dishes such as broiled quail (game bird), fried alligator tail and rattlesnake queso – which all come recommended.

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 favourite for late-night eating (it's open 24 hours) with groups shuffling into its low-lit, seating booths for elegant eggs Benedict, French toast and prime steaks.

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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 pan-seared scallops and crispy duck confit.

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 Benedict, poached eggs with green chill cheese cornbread, pulled pork and hollandaise sauce, is 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 its famous Cuban sandwich, featuring roast pork, chorizo-stuffed roast beef, meat empanadas, fried plantains, cassava, black beans and yellow rice.

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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 alive with meals served at communal tables. Expect Southern staples like fried chicken, collard greens and candied yams. 

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, pork chop and ribs, alongside an impressive range of regional beers.

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 well worth a visit. Try one of its specialities, 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 (10.7m) mahogany bar managed to survive a great fire in the 1960s. Today, the 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.

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Established to serve local loggers, the Samoa Cookhouse has always been a community hub, with the same meal served to everyone seated at 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 meatloaf 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 colourful 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.

Next take a look at the world's most historic inns, bars and taverns