Back in Time Today
Exploring the United States offers a wealth of historic dining experiences that provide a deeper connection to the nation’s past. These 20 establishments not only offer delicious meals but also provide a glimpse into America’s rich culinary heritage. Discover which tourist traps to skip and which historic gems to visit instead.
Union Oyster House, Boston, MA
Union Oyster House has been serving patrons since 1826, making it the oldest continuously operating restaurant in America. Located on Boston’s Freedom Trail, it offers an authentic colonial-era dining experience. The seafood here isn’t just fresh; it’s a tradition.
The rustic wooden interiors and narrow passageways transport diners back in time. Famous figures like Daniel Webster and John F. Kennedy have dined here, adding to its storied past. A visit here is not just about the food; it’s about stepping into history.
Did you know? The toothpick first gained popularity in America at Union Oyster House.
The White Horse Tavern, Newport, RI
Established in 1673, The White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island, offers a dining experience steeped in history. As America’s oldest tavern, it serves classic New England dishes in a setting that recalls colonial times.
The creaky wooden floors and roaring fireplace provide a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to resist. Its longevity is a testament to its charm and culinary excellence.
Fun fact: The tavern was once a meeting place for the Rhode Island General Assembly.
Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, D.C.
Old Ebbitt Grill has been a Washington, D.C. staple since 1856, offering a taste of history near the White House. Known for its oysters and American classics, this grill captures the essence of D.C.’s vibrant dining scene.
The elegant Victorian interior sets the stage for a memorable meal. Politicians and tourists alike flock here, making it a hub of activity.
Did you know? It was once a favorite spot of President Ulysses S. Grant.
The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, Middleburg, VA
Since 1728, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern has been offering a warm welcome to travelers in Middleburg, Virginia. Its stone walls and antique decor provide a charming backdrop for traditional Virginia cuisine.
Each room tells a tale, adding to the inn’s enchanting atmosphere. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a journey back in time.
Interesting tidbit: The inn served as a hospital for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
The Old Spaghetti Factory, Portland, OR
Opened in 1969, The Old Spaghetti Factory in Portland delights diners with its unique ambiance, set within a historic building. Featuring a real trolley car inside, it’s a whimsical spot for Italian-American cuisine.
The eclectic decor and family-friendly atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It’s a place where meals are more than just food; they’re an experience.
Fun fact: Many of the furnishings are antiques, sourced from around the world.
The Old Mill Restaurant, Pigeon Forge, TN
Nestled in a historic gristmill, The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge offers a hearty Southern dining experience. The sound of the waterwheel and rustic decor create an inviting setting.
Here, traditional Southern dishes are crafted with care, making every meal a comforting treat. The mill’s long history adds a layer of richness to the visit.
Did you know? The mill still grinds grain for the restaurant’s breads and grits.
The Olde Pink House, Savannah, GA
The Olde Pink House in Savannah, Georgia, offers a blend of elegance and history, housed in a mansion built in 1771. Its vibrant pink exterior is as charming as the Southern cuisine it serves.
Inside, candlelit dining rooms evoke a bygone era, creating a romantic atmosphere. It’s a culinary journey through the South’s storied past.
Quirky fact: The building’s color resulted from an attempt to cover its original red brick with white paint.
The Olde Bryan Inn, Saratoga Springs, NY
Built in 1773, The Olde Bryan Inn in Saratoga Springs invites guests to enjoy American fare within its storied walls. The stone walls and fireplaces create a colonial ambiance that’s hard to find elsewhere.
This inn’s charm lies in its detailed history and warm hospitality. Each meal here feels like a step back in time.
Did you know? The inn was originally a trading post for settlers in the area.
Antoine’s Restaurant, New Orleans, LA
Since 1840, Antoine’s Restaurant has been a cornerstone of New Orleans’ culinary scene. Renowned for its traditional Creole cuisine, it offers a dining experience steeped in history.
The vintage chandeliers and classic New Orleans decor set the stage for an unforgettable meal. It’s a place where tradition and flavor come together.
Fun fact: Antoine’s claims to have invented Oysters Rockefeller, a dish still served today.
Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City, FL
Established in 1905, Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City is Florida’s oldest restaurant, offering a vibrant Spanish dining experience. Its colorful tiles and lively courtyard create an inviting atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy traditional Spanish dishes while watching flamenco performances, adding to the cultural richness.
Did you know? The restaurant has remained family-owned for over a century.
The Eagle Tavern, Greenfield Village, MI
The Eagle Tavern at Greenfield Village provides a glimpse into 19th-century America with its period-appropriate decor and staff costumes. Serving authentic American fare, it’s a dining experience rich with history.
The wooden tables and traditional recipes transport guests to an earlier time. It’s a unique cultural experience within a historic setting.
Quirky fact: The tavern is part of an open-air museum, offering a broader historical context.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philadelphia, PA
Since 1860, McGillin’s Olde Ale House has been the heartbeat of Philadelphia’s pub scene. Its cozy bar and vintage signs create a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the past.
As the city’s oldest continuously operating tavern, it offers both historical significance and a wide selection of beers. It’s a community hub for laughter and good times.
Fun fact: The ale house has survived Prohibition, the Great Depression, and two World Wars.
Keens Steakhouse, New York, NY
Keens Steakhouse has been serving New Yorkers since 1885, known for its expertly cooked steaks and vintage charm. The wooden beams and extensive pipes collection give it a distinctive character.
This iconic steakhouse offers more than just meals; it provides a slice of New York history with every bite.
Did you know? The pipe collection includes pipes once owned by Theodore Roosevelt and Babe Ruth.
The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver, CO
The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver is a testament to Western history, serving patrons since 1893. Its taxidermy decor and wooden interiors transport guests to the Old West.
Renowned for its game meats, it offers a unique dining experience that celebrates Colorado’s rugged past. It’s both a restaurant and a living museum.
Fun fact: The restaurant holds liquor license No. 1 in Colorado.
Lombardi’s Pizza, New York, NY
Lombardi’s Pizza holds the distinction of being America’s first pizzeria, opening its doors in 1905. Located in New York City, it serves classic Neapolitan pizza in a casual setting.
The iconic red-and-white checkered decor adds to its charm, making each visit a memorable slice of history.
Did you know? Lombardi’s is credited with introducing pizza to the American palette, starting a nationwide craze.
The Brown Hotel, Louisville, KY
The Brown Hotel in Louisville is synonymous with Southern elegance, known for its opulent decor and the legendary Hot Brown sandwich. Opened in 1923, it remains a symbol of hospitality.
The ornate chandeliers and grand dining room create a majestic dining experience. It’s a taste of Southern tradition with every bite.
Interesting tidbit: The Hot Brown sandwich was invented here, a dish beloved by many.
The Grand Central Oyster Bar, New York, NY
Nestled within New York’s Grand Central Terminal, the Grand Central Oyster Bar has been a seafood haven since 1913. Its bustling atmosphere and tiled ceilings create a unique dining setting.
Offering an extensive selection of oysters and seafood, it stands as a testament to New York’s diverse culinary landscape.
Fun fact: The whispering gallery near the bar is a popular attraction, known for its unique acoustics.
The Pink Adobe, Santa Fe, NM
The Pink Adobe, a Santa Fe staple since 1944, offers a flavorful journey through Southwestern cuisine. Its vibrant adobe walls and kiva fireplaces provide a cozy yet lively atmosphere.
Each dish pays homage to the region’s culinary heritage, offering a taste of the Southwest’s rich flavors.
Quirky fact: The restaurant’s Dragon Room Bar is famed for its creative cocktails and lively ambiance.
Cliff House, San Francisco, CA
Perched on the cliffs of San Francisco, the Cliff House offers breathtaking ocean views alongside its renowned seafood. Since its establishment in 1863, it has been a landmark of the city’s dining scene.
The classic decor and panoramic vistas make every meal here an unforgettable experience. It’s a blend of natural beauty and culinary excellence.
Did you know? The restaurant has survived several renovations and even a few natural disasters.
The Green Dragon Tavern, Boston, MA
The Green Dragon Tavern is steeped in revolutionary history, claiming to be the “Headquarters of the Revolution.” Located in Boston, its period-themed decor and wooden beams evoke the era of the American Revolution.
Diners can enjoy hearty meals while soaking in the lively and historic atmosphere. It’s a place where history and hospitality converge.
Did you know? It was the meeting place for the Boston Tea Party planners.