The Oldest Dining Gem In Every State Every Food Lover Should Try
Across America, some restaurants have been serving unforgettable meals for generations.
These dining landmarks have outlasted trends, wars, and changing times, holding tight to recipes that built their legacies.
Step inside and you’ll taste history in every bite – family traditions, local flavors, and stories passed from one cook to the next.
1. The Bright Star (Alabama)
Opening its doors in 1907, this Bessemer landmark has been serving Greek-inspired Southern comfort food for over a century. The snapper throats are legendary – crispy, buttery, and absolutely worth the trip.
Generations of families have celebrated milestones here, making it more than just a restaurant. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a time capsule where hospitality never goes out of style.
2. The Historic Skagway Inn (Alaska)
Built during the 1897 Gold Rush, this inn once housed prospectors dreaming of fortune. Today, breakfast here means sourdough pancakes that rival any treasure.
The building itself whispers tales of frontier life and adventure. Eating in a place where miners once plotted their next claim adds flavor no recipe can match.
3. The Palace Restaurant & Saloon (Arizona)
Prescott’s Palace has been slinging drinks and meals since 1877, making it Arizona’s oldest frontier saloon. Cowboys, outlaws, and modern foodies all find common ground at the bar.
The tin ceiling and vintage fixtures transport you straight to the Wild West. Order a steak and imagine Doc Holliday might’ve sat in your very spot.
4. Oark General Store and Café (Arkansas)
Nestled in the Ozarks since 1890, this spot started as a post office and evolved into a beloved café. The homemade pies are the stuff of Arkansas legend.
Everything feels authentically country, from the wooden floors to the friendly chatter. If you want to experience genuine Ozark hospitality, this humble café delivers every single time.
5. Tadich Grill (California)
San Francisco’s Tadich Grill opened in 1849 during the Gold Rush, making it California’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. The cioppino and sourdough combo is pure San Francisco magic.
Private wooden booths and tuxedoed waiters keep the old-school elegance alive. Eating here feels like dining in a living museum where the food never disappoints.
6. The Buckhorn Exchange (Colorado)
Denver’s Buckhorn Exchange earned Colorado’s first liquor license in 1893 and still serves exotic game meats today. Bison, elk, and rattlesnake share menu space with traditional steaks.
Walls covered in taxidermy create an atmosphere that’s equal parts museum and steakhouse. It’s quirky, historic, and deliciously adventurous all at once.
7. Louis’ Lunch (Connecticut)
New Haven’s Louis’ Lunch claims to have invented the hamburger in 1900, serving patties from original vertical cast-iron grills. No ketchup allowed – house rules since day one.
The tiny brick building oozes authenticity and stubbornness in the best way. Eating America’s first burger in its birthplace is a pilgrimage every food lover should make.
8. Jessop’s Tavern (Delaware)
Operating in a building from 1674, Jessop’s Tavern serves colonial-inspired fare in New Castle. The Swedish meatballs and ale-braised dishes honor Delaware’s early settlers.
Candlelit tables and costumed servers create an immersive historical experience. It’s like dinner theater, except the food is genuinely delicious and the history absolutely real.
9. Columbia Restaurant (Florida)
Tampa’s Columbia Restaurant opened in 1905 and remains Florida’s oldest restaurant, famous for its Cuban-Spanish cuisine. The 1905 Salad is tossed tableside with theatrical flair.
Flamenco dancers perform nightly, adding entertainment to your meal. The sprawling dining rooms feel like a Spanish villa where every corner tells a story.
10. The Plaza Restaurant (Georgia)
Since 1941, Thomasville’s Plaza Restaurant has been serving Southern comfort food that warms the soul. The fried chicken and collard greens taste like grandma’s kitchen.
Locals pack the booths daily, proving consistency never goes out of style. If you want authentic Georgia cooking without pretension, this is your spot.
11. Manago Hotel Restaurant (Hawaii)
Perched above Kealakekua Bay since 1917, Manago Hotel Restaurant serves pork chops that have achieved legendary status. Simple, perfectly seasoned, and impossibly tender.
The family-run spot embodies old Hawaii hospitality before tourism took over. Eating here feels like visiting relatives who happen to cook island soul food.
12. The Snake Pit (Idaho)
Albion’s Snake Pit has been the town’s gathering spot since 1936, serving burgers and cold beer to locals. The name sounds intimidating, but the vibe is pure small-town charm.
Everyone knows everyone here, and strangers become friends after one visit. It’s Idaho hospitality at its most genuine and unpretentious.
13. Fred’s Camp (Illinois)
Since 1925, Fred’s Camp in Streator has been serving Midwest comfort food in a hunting lodge atmosphere. The prime rib and relish tray are Illinois supper club traditions.
Vintage decor and friendly service make every meal feel special. It’s the kind of place where celebrations happen and memories stick around forever.
14. The Log Inn (Indiana)
Operating since 1825, The Log Inn is Indiana’s oldest restaurant, still housed in its original log cabin. The fried chicken dinner comes family-style with all the fixings.
Eating in a building nearly 200 years old adds flavor money can’t buy. The homey atmosphere and generous portions embody Hoosier hospitality perfectly.
15. Breitbach’s Country Dining (Iowa)
Iowa’s oldest bar and restaurant has been feeding folks since 1852 in tiny Balltown. The homemade pies rotate daily, and locals argue passionately about which flavor reigns supreme.
After two fires, the community rebuilt it both times – that’s how much this place matters. Dining here means joining a tradition that refuses to quit.
16. Hays House (Kansas)
Council Grove’s Hays House opened in 1857 along the Santa Fe Trail, serving travelers heading west. The fried chicken and cinnamon rolls remain menu staples after 160-plus years.
Wagons once stopped here for supplies and sustenance before continuing their journey. Today’s diners get the same hearty comfort food pioneers relied on.
17. Old Talbott Tavern (Kentucky)
Since 1779, Bardstown’s Old Talbott Tavern has hosted everyone from Daniel Boone to Abraham Lincoln. The bourbon-infused dishes honor Kentucky’s signature spirit beautifully.
Murals painted by King Louis Philippe of France still decorate the walls upstairs. History literally surrounds you while you enjoy Southern cooking with a whiskey twist.
18. Antoine’s Restaurant (Louisiana)
New Orleans’ Antoine’s opened in 1840 and created iconic dishes like Oysters Rockefeller. Five generations of the same family have maintained its Creole culinary excellence.
The labyrinth of dining rooms feels like exploring a delicious secret society. Reservations are essential, but the experience is worth every bit of planning.
19. Palace Diner (Maine)
This 1927 diner car in Biddeford serves breakfast that’ll make you weep with joy. The corned beef hash and blueberry pancakes showcase Maine ingredients with creative flair.
Only a handful of seats mean you’ll likely wait, but good things come to those who do. The tiny space packs enormous flavor and charm.
20. Middleton Tavern (Maryland)
Annapolis’ Middleton Tavern has been serving seafood since 1750, making it Maryland’s oldest tavern. The crab cakes are everything Chesapeake Bay dreams are made of.
George Washington and Benjamin Franklin allegedly dined here, and you can too. The waterfront location and colonial atmosphere make every meal feel historically significant.
21. Union Oyster House (Massachusetts)
Boston’s Union Oyster House opened in 1826 and holds the title of America’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. The oyster bar remains the heart and soul of the place.
Daniel Webster was a regular who drank brandy with his oysters – a tradition worth continuing. The creaky floors and ancient booths whisper centuries of conversations.
22. Hack-Ma-Tack Inn (Michigan)
Cheboygan’s Hack-Ma-Tack Inn has been serving travelers since 1894, offering hearty Midwest fare. The whitefish and prime rib reflect Michigan’s culinary traditions perfectly.
The name comes from a Native American word for tamarack trees surrounding the property. Dining here feels like discovering a hidden gem locals have cherished for generations.
23. Hubbell House (Minnesota)
Mantorville’s Hubbell House opened in 1854, making it Minnesota’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. The fried chicken served family-style has remained unchanged for good reason.
The Victorian building exudes old-fashioned elegance without stuffiness. Generations of Minnesota families have celebrated milestones here, creating layers of cherished memories.
24. Weidmann’s (Mississippi)
Meridian’s Weidmann’s has been serving Southern cuisine since 1870, surviving wars and economic changes. The black bottom pie is legendary – creamy, chocolatey, and utterly addictive.
Politicians, celebrities, and regular folks all get the same warm welcome here. It’s Mississippi hospitality at its finest, where everyone leaves feeling like family.
25. Crown Candy Kitchen (Missouri)
St. Louis’ Crown Candy Kitchen opened in 1913, serving malts and sundaes that transport you to simpler times. The BLT is surprisingly massive and delicious.
Original fixtures and family recipes create an authentic throwback experience. Kids and grandparents alike find common ground over towering ice cream creations here.
26. Pekin Noodle Parlor (Montana)
Butte’s Pekin Noodle Parlor opened in 1911, making it the oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant in America. The chow mein recipe hasn’t changed in over a century.
Mining town heritage meets authentic Chinese cooking in this unassuming spot. It’s a delicious reminder of immigrant contributions to Montana’s cultural tapestry.
27. Glur’s Tavern (Nebraska)
Columbus’ Glur’s Tavern has been pouring drinks since 1876, making it Nebraska’s oldest continuously operating bar. The burgers are simple, honest, and exactly what you want.
The original back bar and tin ceiling transport you to frontier days. Locals still gather here like their great-grandparents did, proving some traditions never fade.
28. Genoa Bar and Saloon (Nevada)
Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor opened in 1853, serving miners and cowboys in tiny Genoa. The walls are covered in dollar bills and signatures from decades of patrons.
The Genoa burger and cold beer taste better knowing you’re drinking where Mark Twain allegedly stopped. History soaks every weathered plank in this authentic saloon.
29. The Fox Tavern at Hancock Inn (New Hampshire)
Operating since 1789, Hancock Inn houses The Fox Tavern, serving New England fare in colonial surroundings. The Shaker cranberry pot roast honors the region’s culinary heritage beautifully.
Original murals and antique furnishings create an immersive historical experience. Dining here feels like time travel with exceptional food as your reward.
30. Barnsboro Inn (New Jersey)
Sewell’s Barnsboro Inn dates back to 1720, making it one of New Jersey’s oldest dining establishments. The prime rib and seafood menu reflects both tradition and quality.
Revolutionary War soldiers supposedly stopped here, and the building still whispers their stories. Modern comfort meets colonial charm in every well-prepared dish.
31. La Plazuela at La Fonda (New Mexico)
Santa Fe’s La Fonda has hosted travelers since 1922 on the site of earlier inns dating to 1607. La Plazuela serves New Mexican cuisine under a stunning hand-painted skylight.
The green chile stew warms you from the inside out. Every bite tastes like Santa Fe’s rich cultural blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences.
32. Fraunces Tavern (New York)
Manhattan’s Fraunces Tavern opened in 1762 and hosted George Washington’s farewell to his officers in 1783. The building itself is a museum where you can actually eat.
Colonial-inspired dishes and craft beers honor American history deliciously. Dining where the nation’s founders once gathered adds gravitas to every meal.
33. Fearrington House Restaurant (North Carolina)
While Fearrington House opened in 1974, it occupies a historic farm dating much earlier. The refined Southern cuisine and impeccable service earned it AAA Five Diamond status.
The belted Galloway cows grazing outside add whimsical charm to elegant surroundings. It’s North Carolina fine dining that never forgets its agricultural roots.
34. Peacock Alley (North Dakota)
Bismarck’s Peacock Alley opened in 1933 inside the Patterson Hotel, serving steaks and seafood with Art Deco elegance. The walleye reflects North Dakota’s fishing traditions perfectly.
The name references the hotel corridor where guests once promenaded in their finest. Today’s diners enjoy that same sophisticated atmosphere with every beautifully prepared dish.
35. The Golden Lamb (Ohio)
Lebanon’s Golden Lamb opened in 1803, making it Ohio’s oldest continuously operating inn and restaurant. Twelve presidents have dined here, along with countless regular folks.
The turkey dinner with all the fixings is legendary comfort food. Each dining room showcases Shaker furniture and historical artifacts, creating an immersive experience.
36. Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (Oklahoma)
Oklahoma City’s Cattlemen’s Steakhouse opened in 1910 in the heart of Stockyards City. The lamb fries might sound intimidating, but locals swear by them.
Ranchers still do business over breakfast here, continuing a century-old tradition. The steaks are massive, perfectly cooked, and unapologetically Oklahoman in spirit.
37. Huber’s Café (Oregon)
Portland’s Huber’s Café opened in 1879, making it Oregon’s oldest restaurant. The Spanish coffee is prepared tableside with theatrical flames and flourish.
Turkey dinners year-round honor the restaurant’s longstanding tradition and specialty. The Philippine mahogany paneling and stained glass create an atmosphere worth savoring slowly.
38. King George II Inn (Pennsylvania)
Bristol’s King George II Inn dates to 1681, making it one of America’s oldest continuously operating taverns. The building predates the United States itself by nearly a century.
Colonial-era recipes meet modern preparation in dishes that honor Pennsylvania’s heritage. Eating here connects you to generations of travelers who stopped for sustenance.
39. White Horse Tavern (Rhode Island)
Newport’s White Horse Tavern opened in 1673, earning the title of America’s oldest operating tavern. The beef Wellington and lobster bisque showcase refined New England cuisine.
Colonial legislators once met here to conduct government business. Today’s diners enjoy that same historical gravitas with white-tablecloth elegance and impeccable service.
40. Villa Tronco (South Carolina)
Columbia’s Villa Tronco opened in 1940, serving Italian cuisine that’s become a South Carolina tradition. The lasagna recipe hasn’t changed because perfection needs no improvement.
Family-owned for generations, the warm hospitality makes everyone feel like honored guests. It’s proof that Italian comfort food translates beautifully to Southern sensibilities.
41. Phillips Avenue Diner (South Dakota)
Sioux Falls’ Phillips Avenue Diner has been serving comfort food since 1929, with a 1940s renovation creating the current retro vibe. The chicken fried steak is gloriously massive.
Locals pack the booths for breakfast all day long. It’s the kind of place where waitresses remember your order and the coffee never stops flowing.
42. Varallo’s Chili Parlor and Restaurant (Tennessee)
Nashville’s Varallo’s opened in 1907, serving its signature chili recipe that’s mild, sweet, and uniquely Tennessee. The tamales smothered in chili create a local comfort food classic.
The lunch counter and no-nonsense service keep things authentic and efficient. It’s unpretentious Nashville history you can eat, one delicious bowl at a time.
43. Scholz Garten (Texas)
Austin’s Scholz Garten opened in 1866 as a German beer garden and remains a Texas institution. The bratwurst and cold beer honor the German immigrant heritage beautifully.
Politicians and University of Texas fans both claim this spot as their own. The outdoor seating under old trees makes every visit feel like a celebration.
44. Bluebird Restaurant (Utah)
Logan’s Bluebird opened in 1914, serving sandwiches and ice cream in a charming soda fountain setting. The chocolate malt is thick, creamy, and worth every calorie.
Original tin ceiling and wooden booths preserve the early 20th-century atmosphere. It’s wholesome Utah charm where families have created memories for over a century.
45. Ye Olde Tavern (Vermont)
Manchester’s Ye Olde Tavern dates to 1790, serving New England comfort food in a colonial setting. The maple-glazed pork chops celebrate Vermont’s signature ingredient perfectly.
The building’s history includes serving as a stagecoach stop and community gathering place. Today’s diners enjoy that same warm hospitality with updated culinary excellence.
46. The Red Fox Inn & Tavern (Virginia)
Middleburg’s Red Fox Inn opened in 1728, making it Virginia’s oldest continuously operating inn. The peanut soup is a Virginia tradition that tastes surprisingly sophisticated.
George Washington, JFK, and Elizabeth Taylor all dined here across the centuries. The colonial atmosphere and hunt country elegance create an unforgettable Virginia experience.
47. Hattie’s Hat (Washington)
Seattle’s Hattie’s Hat opened in 1904, surviving Prohibition as a speakeasy before becoming a beloved diner. The Eggs Benny and Bloody Marys cure what ails you.
The dive bar meets diner vibe attracts everyone from construction workers to hipsters. It’s authentic Seattle character without trying too hard or charging too much.
48. North End Tavern & Brewery (West Virginia)
Parkersburg’s North End Tavern opened in 1899, serving as a community gathering spot for over a century. The craft beers and pub fare honor both tradition and innovation.
The building’s history includes surviving floods and economic changes with resilient spirit. Locals still gather here like their great-grandparents did, proving some things endure.
49. Red Circle Inn (Wisconsin)
Nashotah’s Red Circle Inn dates to 1848, serving supper club classics in lake country surroundings. The Friday fish fry is a Wisconsin tradition executed to perfection.
The name comes from a Native American legend about the nearby lake. Dining here means enjoying Wisconsin hospitality where history and delicious food naturally intersect.
50. Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse & Spirits (Wyoming)
Hartville’s Miners and Stockmen’s opened in 1862, making it Wyoming’s oldest bar and restaurant. The steaks are massive, tender, and exactly what cowboys and miners craved.
The building’s weathered wood and frontier atmosphere transport you to Wyoming’s territorial days. It’s authentic Western dining where the history tastes as good as the beef.
