We Found the Oldest Restaurant In Your Area That You Have to Visit ASAP (2024)

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.