Skip to Content

The Oldest Restaurant In Every State

These restaurants are local legends.

Headshot of Hannah DoolinBy Hannah Doolin
oldest restaurant in every state
Herbert//Getty Images

These days, it's easy to find out where the most popular dining spots in town are, thanks to thousands of diners posting their opinions on the internet. But more than ratings and reviews, longevity is a pretty reliable judge of a restaurant's worth, which is why we researched the oldest restaurants in America. These eateries have managed to survive and stay open through wars, Prohibition, and more than a few food trends over the years, proving they have staying power.

1
Property, Building, Font, House, Real estate, Home, Room, Architecture, Brunch, City,

Don't forget to pin it for later!

2

Alabama: The Bright Star

oldest restaurants
Bright Star Restaurant

This tiny café has been on the scene in Bessemer, AL, since 1907, serving patrons at its horseshoe-shaped bar. Greek immigrants started the joint, and it still serves up Mediterranean-inspired specials, like Greek-style snapper.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3

Alaska: The Historic Skagway Inn

flower, plant, home, house, cottage, building, wildflower, real estate, hollyhocks, garden,
Facebook/Olivia's Alaskan Bistro & Historic Skagway Inn

Olivia's Alaskan Bistro is a storied spot to dine at this inn in Skagway, AK. The original location opened in 1897 as a bed and breakfast and restaurant for those drawn to the Klondike Gold Rush, and you can still enjoy fresh seafood and ingredients from the onsite garden.

4

Arizona: The Palace Restaurant and Saloon

oldest restaurants
Palace Restaurant and Saloon

Originally built in 1877, past patrons include the Earp brothers, Doc Holliday and Big Nose Kate. The Palace was destroyed in the Whiskey Row fire of 1900 and rebuilt in 1901. Today, The Palace maintains its history, grandeur and old wild west atmosphere, and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5

Arkansas: Oark General Store

oldest restaurant
Oark General Store

The tiny Ozark mountain town of Oark has been home to his beloved spot since 1890. Initially it sold supplies and groceries and remained open through the Great Depression—now the café serves up classic diner fare.

6

California: Tadich Grill

Building, Architecture, Restaurant, Facade, Night, City, House, Coffeehouse, Street,
Tadich Grill

The Art Deco vibe doesn't just remain on the outside of this San Francisco restaurant. Inside, the high ceilings, wood paneling, and majestic bar transport patrons back to 1849. They don't take reservations, but customers flock here for fresh seafood anyway.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7

Colorado: Buckhorn Exchange

oldest restaurant
The Buckhorn Exchange Restaurant

One of Buffalo Bill's band members is said to have opened this Denver steakhouse back in 1893 to feed miners, cattle ranchers, and other locals. The Buckhorn's prime cuts of meat and rustic decor (like taxidermy everywhere) keep it popular today.

8

Connecticut: The Griswold Inn

Restaurant, Room, Building, Interior design, Table, Dining room, Café, Kitchen & dining room table, Bar, Furniture,
The Griswold Inn

Sailors and soldiers found a favorite gathering spot in this Essex inn. The colonial-style building near the Connecticut River was built in 1776. Stop in to see the beautiful dining rooms, sit down for traditional Sunday Hunt Breakfast, or grab some chowder and a pint in the Tap Room.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9

Delaware: Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant

town, neighbourhood, street, urban area, road, alley, building, human settlement, flag, city,
Jessop's Tavern & Colonial Restaurant

Sure, Jessop's didn't begin serving food until the 1940s, but it's been a landmark of New Castle since it was built in 1624. The servers still evoke that era thanks to their colonial uniforms, perfectly accented by a roaring fire in the fireplace and favorites like homemade chowder and fish and chips.

10

Florida: Columbia Restaurant

oldest restaurant in every state
COLUMBIA RESTAURANT GROUP

This extravagant Tampa restaurant boasts the title of oldest Spanish restaurant in the country and has been owned by the same Spanish-Cuban family for give generations. It first started turning out Spanish-Cuban specialties in 1905, and things have only gotten more lively, with menu items like croquettes, paella and flan, and live flamenco performances in-house.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11

Georgia: The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar

oldest restaurants
The Plaza Restaurant

This storied Southern spot recently celebrated its 100th anniversary in operation. It started up in 1916 and is still going strong, offering cocktails, lunch, and dinner service and homemade desserts—including their famous homemade pies—to Thomasville residents.

12

Hawaii: Manago Hotel

oldest restaurants
Manago Hotel

This legendary hotel was established in Captain Cook, HI, in 1917, and the onsite restaurant is known for its local comfort foods that give guests a real taste of Hawaii. Make sure to order their famous pork chops and a few of the tasty side dishes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13

Idaho: The Snake Pit

motor vehicle, mode of transport, automotive tail  brake light, vehicle, land vehicle, automotive parking light, automotive exterior, car, automotive lighting, tree,
The Snake Pit in Enaville, Idaho

Railroad workers, miners, and loggers in Idaho's Silver Valley have been familiar with this Enaville Resort restaurant since 1880. Wyatt Earp frequented the spot, and it still maintains that old western saloon feel. Enjoy live music while you eat, and try the Rocky Mountain Oysters...if you dare.

14

Illinois: Village Tavern

oldest restaurant
Long Grove Village Tavern

You can't help but belly up to the 35-foot mahogany bar at this Long Grove tavern. It's been in operation since 1849, and people still love it for the live entertainment and specials like prime rib and an all-you-can-eat fish fry.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
15

Indiana: The Log Inn

the log inn
The Log Inn

Gibson County in Southeastern Indiana is home to this historic spot, where Abe Lincoln stopped on his campaign route in 1844. It also served as an Underground Railroad stop and stagecoach landmark, but now it's revered for its fried chicken and gravy.

16

Iowa: Breitbach's Country Dining

Restaurant, Room, Building, Cafeteria, Table, Business, Café, Tavern, Interior design, Furniture,
Flickr Creative Commons/SD Dirk

Antiques and handmade trinkets serve as the decor in this rustic restaurant. It's been a Sherrill staple since 1852, though it burned down and was rebuilt more than once since opening. Dig into German classics like sauerkraut and sausage, as well as homemade pies.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
17

Kansas: Hays House

Drink, Mai tai, Guitar, Alcoholic beverage, Distilled beverage, Rum swizzle, Plucked string instruments, Juice, Cocktail, Liqueur,
Hays House Restaurant

This spot near the Santa Fe Trail in Council Grove, KS, used to be a trading post and a restaurant where travelers could pass through to collect mail, go to church, or grab a bite to eat. The storied joint serves specials like chicken fried steak and brisket.

18

Kentucky: The Old Talbott Tavern

oldest restaurant in every state
Jenny Pollitte Photography

No Bardstown bar has seen as much action as this one. The Old Talbott Tavern has been in operation since 1779—that's before the Civil War—and pioneers, soldiers, and criminals alike have stayed under its roof or dined on its Southern staples.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
19

Louisiana: Antoine's Restaurant

oldest restaurant in every state
Herbert//Getty Images

Established in 1840, this New Orleans staple is reported to be the oldest family-run restaurant in the country. It's also the spot where Oysters Rockefeller was invented, and is on St. Louis Street in the heart of the French Quarter.

20

Maine: Palace Diner

oldest restaurant in the country
Portland Press Herald//Getty Images

Most diners have some level of charm, but few as much as Biddeford's Palace Diner, housed inside an old Pollard dining car. Back in 1927 it remained open 24 hours for local mill workers—now you'll have to come during open hours to enjoy the Lumberjack breakfast or fried chicken.

Watch Next 
preview for Restaurants & Chefs
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below