50 Oldest Bars & Restaurants in America

By Urbanmatter Chicago @UMatterChicago

Bars, inns, and taverns have been a cornerstone of American social life since before the U.S. even became an independent nation. Many of these historic bars are still standing today. Get your history and drink on at the 50 oldest bars and restaurants in America, as compiled by Brookston Beer Bulletin.

Photo Credit: Kenneth C. Zirkel

White Horse Tavern

26 Marlborough Street Newport, RI 02840 | Opened 1673

America’s oldest operating restaurant opened in 1673 as a tavern and meeting place for Rhode Island’s General Assembly, Criminal Court, and City Council.

Photo Credit: @oyi_tavern

Old Yarmouth Inn

223 Route 6A Yarmouth Port, MA 02675 | Opened 1696

This Cape Cod classic has a rotating daily menu based on the freshest available local ingredients.

Photo Credit: @therobertmorrisinn

Robert Morris Inn

314 N Morris St, Oxford, MD 21654 | Opened 1710

The oldest full-service inn in America is still open to guests and for restaurant dining.

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As students, teachers, and administrators are starting to celebrate their last days of school, The Wayside Inn Foundation congratulates all of you on a job well done. The end of the school year was unusual and unexpected, but it was exciting to see how students embraced the work at home virtually, and the teachers rose to the challenge of keeping everyone engaged and learning. Well done all. And now a summer break. Enjoy! Stay safe at play. Be sure to check in with The Wayside Inn Foundation to see new activities that we will be posting on the TWIF Online Activity Blog. https://twifonline.constantcontactsites.com/blog Photo from The Wayside Inn Archives, c. 1890s. #longfellowswaysideinn #schoolsoutforsummer #treeswings

A post shared by The Wayside Inn (@thewaysideinn) on Jun 17, 2020 at 2:37pm PDT

Longfellow’s Wayside Inn

72 Wayside Inn Road Sudbury, MA 01776 | Opened 1716

This historic Massachusetts landmark serves lunch and dinner and continues to host guests. 

Photo Credit: @cni_steakhouse

Colt’s Neck Inn

191 Route 537 Colts Neck, NJ 07722 | Opened 1717

A landmark steak and chop house known for culinary excellence.

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Typical early evening on Patio! Great food, Great fun and Great music.

A post shared by Barnsboro Inn (@barnsboro_inn) on Jun 23, 2018 at 2:28pm PDT

Barnsboro Inn

699 Main St, Sewell, NJ 08080 | Opened 1720

The inn/tavern has been through a few names in 300-year history including The Spread Eagle, the Crooked Billet Inn, and the Barnsboro Hotel.

Photo Credit: The Logan Inn

Logan Inn

10 W Ferry St, New Hope, PA 18938 | Opened 1727

Now operating as the Logan in at the Mansion Inn.

Photo Credit: @redfoxinntavern

Red Fox Inn

2 East Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117 | Opened 1728

This boutique inn and tavern is still standing in Middleburg, VA.

Photo Credit: @whiteswantavern

White Swan Tavern

231 High St, Chestertown, MD 21620 | Opened 1730

This elegant inn in Maryland has been restored to match its colonial-era roots.

Photo Credit: @historichanovertavern

Hanover Tavern

13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd. (Route 301) Hanover, VA 23069 | Opened 1733

A home for history, dining, and social events in central Virginia.

Photo Credit: @mikesyorkstreet

Mike’s York Street Bar & Grill

544 York Rd, Warminster, PA 18974 | Opened 1734

This Pennsylvania staple is known for a casual burgers and beer vibe.

Photo Credit: New Boston Inn

New Boston Inn

101 North Main St., Sandisfield MA 01255 | Opened 1737

Classic Massachusetts meals like clam chowder in a class colonial tavern and B&B.

Photo Credit: White Horse Inn

White Horse Inn

31 Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville, PA 19518 | Opened 1740

This landmark is still open as a historical attraction, but no longer serves food.

Photo Credit: @britts_pub

Brittingham’s

640 East Germantown Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444 | Opened 1743

Now serving upscale pub fare, this tavern has been operative for 273 years!

Photo Credit: @bluebellinn

Blue Bell Inn

601 W Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422 | Opened 1743

A historic restaurant serving brunch, lunch and dinner and hosting live music and events.

Photo Credit: General Warren Inn

General Warren Inn

9 Old Lancaster Road Malvern, PA 19355 | Opened 1745

This old-school inn is still offering lodging, dining, and events in Chester County

Photo Credit: @1747pub

Reynolds Tavern

7 Church Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 | Opened 1747

This historic landmark retains its charm as a beer garden, pub, restaurant, inn, and event venue.

Photo Credit: @middletontavern

Middleton Tavern

2 Market Space Annapolis, Maryland 21401 | Opened 1750

This Maryland tavern ‘serves up a slice of history along with regional seafood.’

Photo Credit: @the_cranbury_inn

Cranbury Inn

21 S Main St, Cranbury, NJ 08512 | Opened in the 1750s

Albert Einstein is one of the famous historical figures who have dined at this inn.

Photo Credit: Evergreen Inn

Evergreen Inn & Tavern

506 Main St S, Woodbury, CT 06798 | Opened 1754

Previously known as The Curtis House Inn.

Photo Credit: The Old ’76 House

The Old ’76 House

110 Main Street Tappan, NY 10983 | Opened 1755

The oldest tavern in New York, built in 1668 but turned into a tavern in 1755, has been expertly restored and continues to serve food and drinks.

Photo Credit: The Avon Old Farms

The Avon Old Farms Inn

279 Avon Mountain Road, Avon, CT 06001 | Opened 1757

A luxury New England estate that includes the Seasons restaurant and taproom.

Photo Credit: Acroterion

The Fairfield Inn

15 W Main St, Fairfield, PA 17320 | Opened 1757

One of America’s oldest inns was once used as a civil war hospital.

Photo Credit: @1758suninn

The Sun Inn

564 Main St Bethlehem, PA 18018 | Opened 1758

A culinary and historical landmark with a tavern and attached museum.

Photo Credit: @frauncestavern

Fraunces Tavern

54 Pearl St, New York, NY 10004 | Opened 1762

A colonial favorite that focuses on craft beer and liquors, boasting 200+ varieties of whiskey.

Photo Credit: @jeanbonnettavern

Jean Bonnet Tavern

6048 Lincoln Highway Bedford, PA 15522 | Opened 1762

Troops called by President Washington once camped at this inn operated by Jean Bonnet and his heirs.

Photo Credit: @beekmanarms.delamaterinn

Beekman Arms

6387 Mill Street Rhinebeck, NY 12572 | Opened 1766

Originally called the Traphagen Tavern, this luxe inn, restaurant, and event space boasts a combination of colonial charm and modern conveniences.

Photo Credit: @gadsbystavernmuseum

Gadsby’s Tavern

138 N Royal St Alexandria, VA 22314 | Opened 1770

Now a National Historic Landmark, this landmark functions as both a restaurant and museum.

Photo Credit: @publickhousesturbridge

The Publick House

277 Main St, Sturbridge, MA 01566 | Opened 1771

Experience the historical ambiance as an overnight guest or restaurant patron.

Photo Credit: @beyondbourbonst

Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | Opened 1772

This Bourbon Street staple has been serving cold beer and cocktails for 200+ years.

Photo Credit: @redlioninn

The Red Lion

30 Main St, Stockbridge, MA 01262 | Opened 1773

Patrons can choose from five restaurants and four accommodation options at this iconic inn.

Photo Credit: @thehorsebaltimore

Horse You Came In On

1626 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231 | Opened 1775

A colonial-era saloon with modern pub fare and cold drinks.

Photo Credit: @griswoldinn

Griswold Inn

36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426 | Opened 1776

Connecticut’s coziest restaurant offers historic and wine bar dining options.

Photo Credit: @the_appalachian_project

The Tavern

222 E Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210 | Opened 1779

The oldest historic building in Abingdon, VA has been a general store, a war hospital, a bank, and more in its long life — but is now back to its roots as a tavern.

Photo Credit: DiMattia’s Restaurant and Lounge

DiMattia’s Restaurant & Lounge

1 N Main St, Allentown, NJ 08501 | Opened 1779

Formerly known as the Union Hotel and The Allentown Hotel.

Photo Credit: @oldtalbotttavern

The Old Talbott Tavern

107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004 | Opened 1779

The bourbon-heavy tavern and B&B has provided food and rest to visitors for many decades.

Photo Credit: @wt02129

The Warren Tavern

2 Pleasant St, Charlestown, MA 02129 | Opened 1780

A legendary eatery with colonial-charm, plus a pub fare and beer.

Photo Credit: Michie Tavern Instagram

Michie Tavern

683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | Opened 1784

This pub offers tours, private dining and merchandise to commemorate its rich history.

Photo Credit: The Tavern in Old Salem

The Tavern in Old Salem

600 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 | Opened 1784

This landmark is part of the living history museum in Winston-Salem’s historic district.

Photo Credit: @hotelnorthampton

Wiggins Tavern

36 King St Northampton, MA 01060 | Opened 1786

Entering Wiggins Tavern, which is part of the Hotel Northampton, is like stepping back in time.

Photo Credit: Moore’s Tavern

Moore’s Tavern

402 W Main St, Freehold Township, NJ 07728 | Opened 1787

A popular sports bar now inhabits the original historic structure.

Photo Credit: @conestogarestaurant

Conestoga Inn

1501 East King Street Lancaster, PA 17602 | Opened 1789

Now known as the Conestoga Restaurant, this landmark still retains its original facade but has updated the interior with modern amenities.

Photo Credit: @hancockinn

The Hancock Inn

33 Main Street, Hancock New Hampshire, 03449 | Opened 1789

The inn continues to furnish itself with period-appropriate decor, though it now offers modern lodging accommodations and dining.

Photo Credit: Ye Old Tavern

Ye Old Tavern

5183 Main St, Manchester Center, VT 05255 | Opened 1790

The Ye Old Tavern keeps to its roots as an establishment for the elites to gather, serving excellent foods and drink in an elegant atmosphere.

Photo Credit: @centuryinn1794

Century Inn

2175 E National Pike #1002, Scenery Hill, PA 15360 | Opened 1794

This renowned bed and breakfast continues to host guests and provide fine dining to travelers and locals alike. 

Photo Credit: @bellinhand

Bell In Hand

45 Union St, Boston, MA 02108 | Opened 1795

Billed as America’s oldest tavern with the first pour in 1975, the Bell in Hand is still pouring draft beers and serving New England favorites.

Photo Credit: @thedorsetinn

Dorset Inn

8 Church St, Dorset, VT 05251 | Opened 1796

The Dorset Inn is Vermont’s oldest continually operating romantic inn! 

Photo Credit: @thegoldenlamb

The Golden Lamb

27 S. Broadway Lebanon, Ohio 45036 | Opened 1803; Moved to present location 1815

A historic hotel that still hosts guests, diners and the Black Horse Tavern.

Photo Credit: @oldabsinthehouse

Old Absinthe House

240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | Opened 1815, possibly 1807

This ‘landmark saloon’ got its start as an importing firm created by Pedro Front and Francisco Juncadelia.

Photo Credit: @earinn

The Ear Inn at the James Brown House

326 Spring St, New York, NY 10013 | Opened 1817

Among the earliest drinking and gathering spots in NYC is the Ear Inn, located inside the James Brown house, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Featured Image Credit: White Horse Tavern