Restaurants with History

Antoine’s Restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been a favorite of French-Creole cuisine since 1840. It is the oldest family-run restaurant in the US. The restaurant has played a central role in shaping the culinary landscape of the city and is best known for creating the iconic oysters Rockefeller. Inside you’ll find old-world elegance with lavish chandeliers, white tablecloths, and waitstaff in tuxedos. The menu, rooted in classic French-Creole cuisine, features a variety of indulgent dishes, from rich gumbo to delicate soufflés.

The Berghoff Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois, was established in 1898. It is one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the city, founded by Herman Berghoff, a German immigrant. The restaurant started off as a saloon serving beer and sandwiches to workers in the Loop. Soon it grew into a full-service restaurant known for its German-American cuisine, including bratwurst, schnitzel, and sauerbraten. When Prohibition ended in 1933, Berghoff was famously the first establishment in Chicago to receive a liquor license, a testament to its deep-rooted presence in the city. The interior is impressive with a grand mahogany bar, stained glass windows, and old-world ambience. The signature dishes include wiener schnitzel and potato pancakes, and the signature drink is the house-brewed beer.

The Buckhorn Exchange was founded in 1893 in Denver, Colorado. It is one of the most iconic restaurants in the city, known for its wild game and rustic ambiance. It was established as a saloon during the frontier days and welcomed cowboys, miners, and even presidents of that time. The walls are decorated with mounted taxidermy and Old West memorabilia. The menu features a variety of game meats, including buffalo, elk, and rattlesnake, alongside classic steakhouse fare. Its historic saloon still serves up handcrafted cocktails, offering a taste of the Old West.

Columbia Restaurant was established in 1905 in Tampa’s historic Ybor City in Florida. It is the oldest restaurant in the state and known for its Spanish and Cuban cuisine. The building has stunning architecture featuring Spanish tile work and lovely courtyards. The Columbia is renowned for its flamenco shows. The menu is a mix of classic Spanish dishes and Cuban specialties, with everything prepared from scratch using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes, such as their Cuban sandwiches and tapas, are popular.

Fraunces Tavern is a historic institution dating back to 1762. (pictured above) It is located in New York City and is a vital part of the city’s revolutionary history. The restaurant is in the Financial District of the borough of Manhattan. In the early days it was a key meeting place for those involved in the American Revolution and best known for hosting George Washington on several occasions, including the famous farewell dinner he held for his officers in 1783, shortly after the British left New York. The interior of Fraunces Tavern has wooden beams, antique chandeliers, and a cozy, rustic ambiance, taking patrons back in time. The restaurant’s menu pays homage to classic pub fare, with comforting dishes such as shepherd’s pie, steak, and seafood offerings.

Galatoire’s in New Orleans was established in 1905 and is among the finest Creole restaurants in the city. It is known for its classic dishes like gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and shrimp remoulade. The interior has a classic style with chandeliers, white tablecloths, and a vintage décor.

Huber’s Cafe in Portland, Oregon, is the oldest restaurant in the city. It was established in 1879. It is known for its signature turkey dinners and Spanish coffee. The interior has beautiful stained-glass ceilings, dark wood accents, and a cozy atmosphere. The menu at Huber’s features a range of comfort food, including its famous turkey dinner, served with all the traditional sides, as well as other hearty dishes like prime rib and sandwiches. The Spanish coffee, a signature drink, is flambéed tableside.

Keens Steakhouse was established in 1885 in New York City and is known for its perfectly grilled steaks. It is located in the heart of Manhattan and is particularly famous for its mutton chops, which have become a signature dish. The walls are decorated with an impressive collection of antique pipes. The restaurant has dark wood paneling, vintage murals, and brass chandeliers. The menu is focused on classic steakhouse fare, with perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty side dishes.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House is located right in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and opened its doors in 1860. The tavern’s original bar, which dates back to its opening, remains intact, adding to the historic charm of the space. The interior has wood-paneled walls, vintage signage, and a sense of nostalgia. The menu features hearty dishes like shepherd’s pie, chicken pot pie, and classic pub fare. McGillin’s is also known for its extensive selection of beers, many of which are locally brewed.

Peter Luger Steak House was established in 1887 in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. The steakhouse is located in the Williamsburg neighborhood. It is renowned for its perfectly cooked dry-aged steaks. The restaurant has become a landmark in the Brooklyn dining scene. The interior has dark wood paneling and vintage photos. The menu is simple but focused on steak along with sides like creamed spinach and German potatoes.

Tadich Grill in San Francisco, California, has been serving seafood since 1849 and is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on the West Coast. It was founded during the California Gold Rush and became a popular gathering place for gold miners, businessmen, and locals. It is known for its fresh seafood; the cioppino, a rich, tomato-based seafood stew, has become a signature dish. The interior reflects history with dark wood paneling, brass fixtures, and classic tiled floors.

The Union Oyster House was established in 1826 in Boston, Massachusetts. The building is part of the Freedom Trail and has played a significant role in the development of the city. It was the favorite restaurant of Daniel Webster, a renowned 19th-century politician. The interior returns its patrons through the years with winding staircases, wooden booths, and old-fashioned décor. The menu is focused on seafood, with oysters, clam chowder, lobster rolls, and other seafood staples served in generous portions.

The White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the oldest operating restaurants in the US. It was established in 1673 and originally built as a colonial meeting house. As a tavern, it was a place for locals and travelers to gather and share stories and news. During the early years the restaurant was a venue for local patriots and revolutionaries who came to discuss matters of great importance in the fight for independence. Patrons can see the history with the exposed brick walls, dark wood paneling, and colonial-era furnishings. On the menu are classic New England dishes such as clam chowder, lobster mac and cheese, and fresh seafood.