Oldest Restaurant in Every State

The quest to find the oldest restaurant in every state brings a few interesting results. Some places have a long and impressive history.

The Bright Star (1907)-Alabama

It’s not in the exact same location, but it’s not that far either since it’s just down the block. This Greek eatery started out small but expanded over the years and is still partially owned by the same family.

Olivia’s Alaskan Bistro at the Historic Skagway Inn (1950)-Alaska

It’s not the oldest restaurant on the list but it’s up there. The inn was erected in 1897 during the Gold Rush, and the restaurant came later.

The Palace Restaurant & Saloon (1877)-Arizona

This place has the distinction of being the oldest restaurant and bar in the state. Plus, it’s not just any place that can claim to have been visited by the likes of Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp.

White House Cafe (1907)-Arkansas

A restaurant that stays open 24 hours a day would be popular with a lot of people passing through. It’s not open all night and day any longer, but it still boasts the same type of service.

Tadich Grill (1849)-California

The oldest restaurant in California is actually older than the state itself. It began its life as a coffee stand that sold grilled fish and continued to build before relocating to the Financial District.

Buckhorn Exchange (1893)-Colorado

Those responsible for shaping the Old West found this a suitable spot to sit and relax for a while. It’s also served several presidents, which is impressive, to say the least.

The Griswold Inn (1812)-Connecticut

It’s not tough to think that one of the oldest restaurants in the USA is going to be located back east. The inn dates back to 1776, but it didn’t become known for its exemplary breakfast.

Kelly’s Logan House (1889)-Delaware

This place was originally the home of John A. Logan during the Civil War. Eventually, the Kelly family purchased the spot and created an Irish tavern that is still owned by the Kelly’s to this day.

Columbia Restaurant (1905)-Florida

Apart from being one of the oldest restaurants in the nation, this spot is also the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. To date, there are five of these restaurants across the state.

The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar (1916)-Georgia

It’s interesting to note that many such places could only serve a small number of people when they initially opened. But over the years this restaurant has expanded, though the new owner has kept the Greek-inspired fare.

The Manago Hotel and Restaurant (1917)-Hawaii

The road toward profitability for this place started with two Japanese immigrants in the early 20th century. To this day its long history is still remembered and appreciated.

The Snake Pit (1880)-Idaho

This place has made lists such as this plenty of times, as it’s one of many sites where the builders and tradesmen of the nation have congregated for a warm meal. Not only that, but its proximity to a railroad helped business immensely over the years.

The Village Tavern (1847)-Illinois

The history of this place can be felt in the original mahogany bar and furniture that has endured the passage of time. As for its food, well, things have evolved just enough to keep people coming back to see what it’s all about.

The Log Inn (1825)-Indiana

Standing as one of the oldest stagecoach stops in the US, this location can boast that it once served Abraham Lincoln before he became one of the more noted presidents. As of now, it’s a great place to park yourself and enjoy a hearty meal.

Breitbach’s Country Dining (1852)-Iowa

It’s uplifting to hear that a place has been owned by the same family for so long, isn’t it? That shows a lot of pride in what they’ve done and the legacy that’s been created.

Hays House (1857)-Kansas

Claiming that they’re the oldest restaurant in Kansas is a bold one, but it’s something that the family who owns the place is willing to uphold. Apart from that, comfort food is the name of the game in this spot.

Talbott Tavern (1779)-Kentucky

There were a lot of places built to aid travelers by giving them a warm meal and a cozy place to stop for a little bit. But the bourbon bar that this place hosts is easy to appreciate.

Antoine’s (1840)-Louisiana

Those who love Oysters Rockefeller have this place to thank since this is where it originated. But much like a lot of places in this state, they know how to keep people fed and happy.

Palace Diner (1927)-Maine

This is Maine’s oldest restaurant without question. But what sets it apart is that it operates out of a train dining car that is just one of two that remain in existence.

Middleton Tavern (1750)-Maryland

The actual building was constructed in 1700 and sold to Horatio Middleton, who opened it as an inn. It was remodeled in 1983, but it’s kept the history that has soaked in over the years.

The Union Oyster House (1826)-Massachusetts

Located in downtown Boston, this restaurant was originally a subterranean oyster cellar. Thankfully, this business flourished and has kept the public fed ever since.

White Horse Inn (1850)-Michigan

The original White Horse Inn saw its doors open in 1831, but it was strictly a bar. If not for renovations made in 2012 it would have been the longest-running restaurant in Michigan.

The Hubbell House (1856)-Minnesota

This place opened up a couple of years before Minnesota became a state. It was a saloon at one time and has seen famous faces come and go over the years.

Wiedmann’s Restaurant (1870)-Mississippi

Imagine going from just a counter and four stools to serving dozens to hundreds of people in a day. As long as the comfort food does its job, size doesn’t really matter.

J. Huston Tavern (1834)-Missouri

This place gained the reputation of feeding thousands of immigrants passing into the state, and eventually became listed as a historic place. To this date, it still keeps people fed and satisfied.

Pekin Noodle Parlor (1909)-Montana

One has to recall that the Chinese population experienced a boom at one point, and their culture came with them. This restaurant is actually the oldest Chinese restaurant in the nation.

Glur’s Tavern (1876)-Nebraska

The original name was Bucher’s Tavern after the first owners. But as one might expect, some owners like to put their own stamp on a place, and that’s what happened in 1914 when the tavern changed hands.

The Martin Hotel (1898)-Nevada

The hotel doesn’t function in the same capacity as it used to, but the restaurant is still fully functional and does its best to satisfy diners. That’s impressive really, since even Reno wasn’t that big of a place at this time.

The Fox Tavern at the Hancock Inn (1789)-New Hampshire

One has to keep in mind that back in the day when many states weren’t yet a part of the US, trade routes were a big deal. This gave rise to a lot of different businesses, and restaurants were among those that people frequented most.

The Black Horse Tavern & Pub (1742)-New Jersey

Not too many restaurants can claim that they predated the founding of the nation. As the name implies, this place was once a horse stable, but things do change obviously.

El Farol (1835)-New Mexico

This is the oldest restaurant in the state, but there’s more to it than good food. Every Friday and Saturday guests can enjoy a show by the National Institute of Flamenco.

The Old ’76 House (1755)-New York

The building dates back to 1668, but the place didn’t become a tavern until 1755. As of now it serves up lunch and dinner and has a Sunday brunch.

Carolina Coffee Shop (1922)-North Carolina

It’s interesting to say that this is one of the younger restaurants on the list. But this place has been serving students and professors for a little over a century.

Peacock Alley (1933)-North Dakota

Originally opened in the Patterson Hotel, this restaurant no longer allows people to stay overnight. It does turn out great food though.

Golden Lamb (1803)-Ohio

This place has played host to no less than 12 presidents in its time. That’s not bad for a spot that used to be for “public entertainment”.

Cattlemen’s Steakhouse (1910)-Oklahoma

It’s pretty much what it sounds like. But over the years this spot has changed hands a few times, and one owner even lost the place in a game of dice.

Huber’s Cafe (1879)-Oregon

Once Frank Huber came into possession of the place the former name, Bureau Saloon, was retired. Huber’s still has a super reputation in the city of Portland for its Spanish coffee.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House (1860)-Pennsylvania

It’s believed that this might be the oldest restaurant in Pennsylvania, but it’s not 100% certain. What is certain is that the pub food is on point and that it’s a great spot to watch the game.

The White Horse Tavern (1673)-Rhode Island

This is the oldest bar in the nation without question. That makes it a National Historic Landmark, as well as a place that the smallest state can be proud of thanks to its reputation.

Villa Tronco (1940)-South Carolina

This one is still relatively young compared to many of the sites on this list. But while it didn’t take off initially, the idea of pizza started to grow stronger as the years passed.

Deadwood Legends Steakhouse (1903)-South Dakota

It’s about what you would expect, a lot of history paired with great food and a fun place to visit. It might not be the same experience as the namesake, but that’s a good thing.

Varallo’s (1907)-Tennessee

It used to be family-owned, but even under different ownership, the food is still noteworthy. Even better, chili is the main focus of their menu.

Scholz Garten (1866)-Texas

It’s kind of obvious that a German immigrant founded this, and it was a spot where Germans could meet up and hang out. But like all things, it evolved and was helped along by many different people as its reputation continued to build.

Idle Isle Cafe (1921)-Utah

The Bluebird Restaurant does predate this place, but since it’s been undergoing renovations for a while, this place edged them out. Comfort food and milkshakes are the order of the day here, and most folks couldn’t be happier.

The Dorset Inn (1796)-Vermont

The inn and the restaurant are both still operational, and it’s been seen as a great wedding venue for years. That’s a solid reputation for any establishment.

Red Fox Inn (1728)-Virginia

This place has been able to serve more than one purpose over the years. There’s a certain rustic charm to this spot, and it’s one reason many people keep coming.

The Horseshoe Cafe (1886)-Washington

Once upon a time, when Bellingham was still a frontier town, this place was already gaining a reputation. Even if it’s no longer open 24/7, it is open until 2 am, making it a popular late-night spot.

North End Tavern & Brewery (1899)-West Virginia

Roughly a century after it was founded, a microbrewery was added to this place. Since then, the restaurant has seen increased business.

Red Circle Inn (1848)-Wisconsin

This restaurant is the same age as the state in which it resides. Interestingly enough, the same person who owned Pabst Brewing Co. bought this place.

Miners and Stockmen’s Steakhouse & Spirits (1862)-Wyoming

The name kind of says it all, right? It was built during a mining boom, and it was even a hideout for outlaws at one point.