The Oldest Diners From Each State

1. White Horse Tavern - Rhode Island (1673)

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The White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island, holds the distinct honor of being the oldest tavern in the United States, founded in 1673. It's officially designated as a National Historic Landmark. While its history is steeped in colonial times, the tavern's culinary offerings are thoroughly modern, featuring fresh, locally sourced American cuisine.

2. The Wayside Inn - Massachusetts (1686)

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Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts, has been around since 1686, making it one of the oldest operating inns in America. The establishment was immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Tales of a Wayside Inn." While the setting is historical, the Inn’s menu offers a mix of traditional New England fare and contemporary American dishes.

3. Ye Olde Centerton Inn - New Jersey (1706)

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New Jersey's Ye Olde Centerton Inn has been serving patrons since 1706, claiming the title as the oldest licensed tavern in the state. Nestled in Pittsgrove Township, the Inn fuses old-world architectural elements with a modern menu, boasting a broad range of selections from burgers to seafood, giving patrons a well-rounded New Jersey experience.

4. The '76 House - New York (1755)

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Situated in Tappan, New York, The '76 House was established in 1755 and holds historical significance as it once served as a makeshift prison for a Revolutionary War spy. The venue continues to draw guests who are eager to dine in one of New York's oldest taverns. It offers an expansive menu that captures the essence of traditional American fare.

5. The Griswold Inn - Connecticut (1776)

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Established in 1776, The Griswold Inn in Essex, Connecticut, coincides with the birth year of the United States. This makes it an exceptional venue for history buffs and culinary aficionados alike. Guests can expect to find a menu replete with classic American dishes, set against a backdrop of rich historical architecture.

6. Old Talbott Tavern - Kentucky (1779)

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In Bardstown, Kentucky, you'll find the Old Talbott Tavern, dating back to 1779. Not just a culinary attraction, this venue has rooms that still bear bullet holes from past visitors like Jesse James. Its menu boasts a Southern touch, featuring classics like fried chicken and bourbon-based dishes.

7. Gadsby's Tavern - Virginia (1785)

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Established in 1785, Gadsby's Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia, was frequented by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The establishment maintains its 18th-century ambiance, providing a historical setting to enjoy American fare, including colonial-inspired dishes.

8. The Golden Lamb - Ohio (1803)

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The Golden Lamb in Lebanon, Ohio, has been around since 1803, making it Ohio's longest continually operating business. The venue has hosted an impressive 12 U.S. Presidents. Its menu focuses on Midwest favorites, including steak and locally sourced produce.

9. New Hudson Inn - Michigan (1831)

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In business since 1831, the New Hudson Inn is Michigan's oldest bar. The establishment exudes a 19th-century charm, which it pairs with a contemporary selection of food and beverages, catering to both history buffs and food enthusiasts alike.

10. J. Huston Tavern - Missouri (1834)

Image Source: Missouri Life Magazine 

Dating back to 1834, J. Huston Tavern in Arrow Rock, Missouri, is considered the state’s oldest continually serving restaurant. Guests can enjoy an array of American dishes, such as fried chicken and mashed potatoes, while soaking in the atmosphere of an era long past.

11. Antoine's - Louisiana (1840)

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Nestled in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, Antoine's dates back to 1840. It's renowned for creating the dish Oysters Rockefeller and offers a full Creole menu. It’s more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to Louisiana’s rich culinary history.

12. Tadich Grill - California (1849)

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San Francisco's Tadich Grill was founded in 1849, making it California's oldest restaurant. Known for its seafood and grill specialties, Tadich has survived earthquakes and economic downturns, holding steadfast as a culinary landmark in the Golden State.

13. Breitbach's Country Dining - Iowa (1852)

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Breitbach's Country Dining claims to be Iowa's oldest food and drink establishment, operating since 1852. Located in Balltown, it offers hearty Midwestern fare, blending the comfort of home-cooked meals with the charm of an establishment steeped in history.

14. Old Ebbitt Grill - District of Columbia (1856)

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Washington D.C.’s Old Ebbitt Grill dates back to 1856. Just a stone's throw away from the White House, this venerable establishment has welcomed numerous presidents and political figures. Known for its oyster bar and American grill menu, it’s a must-visit for history and food enthusiasts alike.

15. Gluek's Restaurant & Bar - Minnesota (1857)

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Gluek's Restaurant & Bar in Minneapolis, founded in 1857, is one of Minnesota's oldest establishments. Over the years, it has evolved into a bustling venue that offers a wide array of American and German-inspired dishes, balancing old-world charm with modern culinary delights.

16. McGillin's Olde Ale House - Pennsylvania (1860)

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McGillin's Olde Ale House in Philadelphia has been serving up brews and grub since 1860, making it the oldest continuously operated tavern in the city. The spot boasts a mix of classic pub food and local Pennsylvania favorites, all while retaining its 19th-century charm.

17. Scholz Garten - Texas (1866)

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Scholz Garten, founded in 1866 in Austin, Texas, holds the title of the oldest operating beer garden in the state. Known for its German-Texan fare, this establishment has long been a communal gathering place, and it continues to serve up a blend of cultural flavors today.

18. Weidmann's - Mississippi (1870)

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In business since 1870, Weidmann's in Meridian, Mississippi, is one of the oldest dining establishments in the state. The restaurant combines Southern classics like fried catfish and grits with a fine dining atmosphere, creating a unique experience steeped in history.

19. Huber's - Oregon (1879)

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Huber’s, established in 1879 in Portland, Oregon, claims to be the city's oldest restaurant. Famed for its turkey dinners and signature Spanish coffees, the venue couples these iconic offerings with an ambiance rich in late-19th-century architectural details.

20. Buckhorn Exchange - Colorado (1893)

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Denver's Buckhorn Exchange dates back to 1893 and comes with a unique twist—it's Colorado's oldest steakhouse and holds the state’s first liquor license. The restaurant specializes in exotic meats, giving adventurous diners a true taste of the American West.

21. The Berghoff - Illinois (1898)

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Chicago's The Berghoff opened its doors in 1898 and quickly became synonymous with German-American cuisine. Even Prohibition couldn't stop it; the restaurant switched to selling a non-alcoholic brew. Today, The Berghoff offers a varied menu, but its roots in German fare are still strong.

22. Robert Morris Inn - Maryland (1710)

Image Source: Open Table

Located in Oxford, Maryland, the Robert Morris Inn dates back to 1710. Once the home of Robert Morris Sr., the father of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the inn now serves up seafood and classic American dishes in a setting that's a true slice of American history.

23. William Pitt Tavern - New Hampshire (1770)

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William Pitt Tavern in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has a history dating back to 1770. Named after British Prime Minister William Pitt, the establishment served as a gathering spot for Revolutionary War figures. It’s a place where American history and classic New England cuisine come together.

24. The Tavern in Old Salem - North Carolina (1784)

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In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, you'll find The Tavern in Old Salem, established in 1784. The restaurant transports guests back in time with Moravian-inspired dishes, providing a culinary experience that's as close as you'll get to dining in 18th-century America.

25. McCrady's Tavern - South Carolina (1778)

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McCrady's Tavern in Charleston, South Carolina, has been around since 1778. Once frequented by George Washington, the establishment now offers an upscale dining experience that focuses on locally sourced ingredients, while its setting allows guests to dine in Revolutionary War-era grandeur.

26. C.F. Martin & Co. Factory - Nazareth, Pennsylvania (1833)

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Now, this one's a bit unconventional. C.F. Martin & Co. in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, isn't a restaurant; it's a guitar factory founded in 1833. However, its museum does have a café where you can sip coffee and eat snacks amid iconic American musical history. A one-of-a-kind experience!

27. The Old Mill Restaurant - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (1830)

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The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge has been grinding out meals since 1830. Situated beside an actual, working gristmill, the restaurant specializes in Southern classics like fried chicken and homemade biscuits, served in a rustic setting that echoes its historic past.

28. C.H. Evans Brewing Co. - Hudson, New York (1786)

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Originally established in 1786, C.H. Evans Brewing Co. offers both history and craft beers in Hudson, New York. Though it began as a brewery, the establishment now has a dining room serving American gastropub fare, making it a blend of old-world tradition and modern culinary artistry.

29. Mo’s Restaurant - Oregon (1946)

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Though not as old as others on this list, Mo's Restaurant in Newport, Oregon, is iconic in its own right. Established in 1946, Mo’s is famous for its clam chowder. With stunning views of the Oregon Coast, this spot combines post-war Americana with Pacific Northwest culinary traditions.

30. Cattlemen's Steakhouse - Oklahoma (1910)

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Founded in 1910, Cattlemen's Steakhouse in Oklahoma City is renowned for its steaks and cowboy culture. A symbol of the American West, this restaurant has been serving its famous T-bone and sirloin steaks for over a century, making it Oklahoma's oldest continually operating restaurant.