If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a time machine and dining like it’s the 1800s (but without all the weird time paradoxes), then you’re in luck.
These 8 historic restaurants are not just serving up delicious meals—they’re serving up a slice of American history that you can eat. But hurry, because they might not be around forever!
You don’t want to be telling your grandkids you missed the chance to sit where Mark Twain sat, do you?
1. Antoine’s – New Orleans, Louisiana
Since 1840, Antoine’s has been dishing out Creole delicacies like Oysters Rockefeller (yes, that’s where it was invented).
Located in the French Quarter, this place has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to the Kardashians (well, maybe not the Kardashians, but definitely some other legends).
It’s the kind of restaurant where the chandelier is as old as your great-great-grandfather’s fashion sense. And while you’re there, don’t skip the soufflé—you can’t just pass on history like that!
2. Tadich Grill – San Francisco, California
This spot is so old, they could practically give you a history lesson with every meal.
Founded in 1849, Tadich Grill is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in California, which is probably the only thing older than the waiter’s sarcasm.
Specializing in seafood, this place has perfected clam chowder and has the kind of vintage charm that makes you feel like you’re rubbing elbows with 19th-century gold rushers.
3. Union Oyster House – Boston, Massachusetts
When your restaurant is a favorite of the likes of John F. Kennedy and you’ve been serving seafood since 1826, you’re not just a restaurant; you’re a historical landmark.
Union Oyster House is the place to get your lobster fix while being serenaded by the ghost of history past.
Located right by the waterfront, it’s a prime spot to enjoy a seafood feast while pretending you’re part of the Boston Tea Party.
4. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York
Katz’s Delicatessen is a New York institution, serving up pastrami sandwiches so delicious that you’ll be shouting “I’ll have what she’s having!” just like Meg Ryan did in the famous scene from When Harry Met Sally.
Open since 1888, Katz’s is so legendary that even the pickles are practically famous. Just be ready for a line, but trust us, it’s worth it. The only thing more iconic than their sandwiches is their neon sign.
5. Fraunces Tavern – New York, New York
Fraunces Tavern is not just a restaurant; it’s a revolutionary experience. This historic tavern has been serving meals since 1762, and it’s where George Washington himself bid farewell to his troops.
Don’t be surprised if you catch the faint sound of musket shots and marching feet while enjoying a beer—just kidding, but it’s definitely a place where the history feels alive (but hopefully not too alive).
The menu is as timeless as the building, so expect some hearty American fare that will make you feel like you’re dining with the Founding Fathers.
6. White Horse Tavern – Newport, Rhode Island
If you want to dine like it’s 1673 (and you do), then you need to check out White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island.
This tavern has been a favorite of sailors, pirates, and probably even a few ghostly figures from the past.
With its rustic charm and history-filled walls, it’s like eating in a colonial museum—but with better food and less wax figurines.
Try the clam chowder or the lobster, and let the centuries-old charm wash over you.
7. Ralph’s – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ralph’s is the oldest Italian restaurant in the U.S., and it’s been serving delicious pasta since 1900.
If you’re a fan of classic Italian dishes and an atmosphere that feels like you’re walking into someone’s warm, loving grandmother’s house, then Ralph’s is the place for you.
The walls are lined with photos of generations of happy diners, and the lasagna is so good it might just make you sing “That’s Amore!” without even realizing it.
8. Huber’s Cafe – Portland, Oregon
This hidden gem in Portland has been serving up turkey dinners (yes, turkey dinners) since 1879, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel right at home—even if you don’t quite know where you are.
Known for its massive portions, Huber’s is a time capsule that serves up classic cocktails and hearty meals, all while letting you imagine what it was like back in the late 1800s.
It’s the kind of place where history and delicious food coexist in perfect harmony.