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Nick Solares

Go Back in Time at These 23 Insanely Old American Restaurants

These restaurants have been standing since the 1800s.

by Hillary Dixler Canavan
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by Hillary Dixler Canavan
Nick Solares

In honor of Eater's first-ever Classics Week, here's a deep dive into America's restaurant-studded past. Each of the 23 establishments on this map opened in the 19th century. And while it's no surprise that historic East Coast cities like Boston are well-represented on the list — Union Oyster House, for example, opened in 1826 — there's some serious West Coast action here too, with San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle all making the cut. From the dressy Commander's Palace in New Orleans to the ultra-casual Schaller's Pump in Chicago, here are 23 classics well over 100 years old.

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Antoine's Restaurant

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This 175-year-old restaurant is famously known as the longest operating family-owned restaurant in the country. Antoine's made its mark on the city by introducing oysters Rockefeller, and Eater NOLA says it's "a must on any bucket list." Opened: 1840. [Photo]

713 Saint Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 581-4422
(504) 581-4422

Also featured in:

Café du Monde

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For more than 150 years, Café du Monde has been the gold standard for two of New Orleans' signature dishes: beignets and coffee and chicory served au lait. Eater NOLA calls the cafe "a true New Orleans classic." Opened: 1862. [Photo]

800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4544
(504) 525-4544

Also featured in:

Commander's Palace

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Not only does this New Orleans institution have age, it has major star power. As Eater NOLA puts it: "The restaurant essentially redefined New Orleans cuisine and catapulted into stardom with the help of celeb chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse." Today, the kitchen is led by Beard award winner Tory McPhail. Opened: 1880. [Photo]

1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 899-8221
(504) 899-8221

Also featured in:

El Farol

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This Santa Fe restaurant proudly stands as the city's oldest operating restaurant. On the menu these days are Spanish-inspired tapas, paella, and grilled meats. Opened: 1835. [Photo]

808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-9912
(505) 983-9912

Fentons Creamery & Restaurant

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This long-operating ice cream destination (in its current location since the '60s) is known for its black and tan sundaes and for possibly being the birthplace of rocky road ice cream. Opened: 1894. [Photo]

4226 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 658-7000
(510) 658-7000

Huber's Cafe

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The oldest restaurant in Portland, OR still delivers on its signature dishes. Eater PDX writes: "As old as it is, the gorgeous mahogany-stained interior topped with arched stained-glass skylights still packs in a steady crowd for its year-round traditional turkey dinner and flaming Spanish coffees." [Photo]

411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 228-5686
(503) 228-5686

Also featured in:

Jake's Famous Crawfish

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This seafood destination is "practically a historic landmark," writes Eater PDX. The name of the game here is simply prepared fish from the Pacific Northwest. Opened: 1892. [Photo]

401 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 226-1419
(503) 226-1419

Also featured in:

Katz's Delicatessen

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This iconic New York City institution is a frequent guest on the Eater NY 38. Here's why: "In 127 years, little has changed at Katz's. It remains one of New York's — and the country's — essential delis." Opened: 1888. [Photo]

205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
(800) 446-8364
(800) 446-8364

Also featured in:

Keens Steakhouse

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A true New York City institution, Keens has been delighting New Yorkers with its steaks, mutton chops, and iconic clay pipe collection for generations. Eater NY calls it "one of Midtown's best restaurants." Opened: 1885. [Photo]

72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
(212) 947-3636
(212) 947-3636

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Marliave

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Originally founded by a French immigrant who gave the restaurant its name, Marliave is no longer a French restaurant. Still, Eater Boston notes that the restaurant "maintains that old French feel," despite a menu that includes risotto and fish-and-chips. Opened: 1885. [Photo]

10 Bosworth St, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 422-0004
(617) 422-0004

Also featured in:

McGillin's Olde Ale House

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The oldest continually operating tavern in Philadelphia, McGillin's Olde Ale House wasn't always known by its current name. Eater Philly reports: "The bar's original name was technically the Bell in Hand, though it was always known as McGillin's, after the family that owned and operated it for its first 77 years." Opened: 1860. [Photo]

1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562
(215) 735-5562

Also featured in:

Merchants Cafe & Saloon

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This storied Seattle tavern has stood in the same place for over a century, and with that kind of history ghosts seem inevitable. Lore has it that the tavern is haunted by a girl who died in a fire there. Spooky stuff. Opened: 1890. [Photo]

109 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 935-7625
(206) 935-7625

Old Angler's Inn

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There's a lot of history at this Maryland restaurant, which isn't surprising given its impressive age and Potomac Valley location. Eater DC notes that even with such a distinguished background Old Angler's Inn "has a patio that's great for relaxing." Opened: 1860. [Photo]

10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 365-2425
(301) 365-2425

Old Ebbitt Grill

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This DC icon is on the cusp of its 160th birthday. Located a stone's throw away from the White House, Eater DC calls Old Ebbitt Grill a "quintessentially classic" destination. Opened: 1856. [Photo]

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 347-4800
(202) 347-4800

Also featured in:

Parker's Restaurant at the Omni Parker House

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This hotel has been a fixture of Boston hospitality, and it's celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. Its restaurant is known as the progenitor of such Boston classics as Boston cream pie and parker house rolls, and, as Eater Boston puts it: "It's hard to have a list like this and not mention the Omni Parker House." Opened: 1855. [Photo]

60 School St, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-8600
(617) 227-8600

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Peter Luger Steak House

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This Brooklyn steakhouse isn't just known for its old age. It's a vital part of the New York City restaurant scene (as evidenced by its place on the Eater NY 38), and its dry-aged porterhouse is the stuff of legend. Opened: 1887. [Photo]

178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 387-7400
(718) 387-7400

Also featured in:

Roma Cafe

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This self-proclaimed oldest restaurant in Detroit serves up a classic Italian red sauce menu. According to Eater Detroit, Rom began "as a boarding house and restaurant for farmers vending at Eastern Market." Opened: 1890. [Photo]

3401 Riopelle St, Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 831-5940
(313) 831-5940

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Schaller's Pump

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Eater Chicago calls this restaurant and bar "a local legend," and for good reason: For more than 130 years, this continuously operating tavern has been a hub for politicians and baseball fans alike. Opened: 1881. [Photo]

3714 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 376-6332
(773) 376-6332

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Scholz Garten

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Eater Austin describes Scholz Garten as "the center of German culture in Austin … specializ[ing] in the three Bs: beer, brats, and bowling. But mostly beer." Opened: 1866. [Photo]

1607 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-1958
(512) 474-1958

Also featured in:

Tadich Grill

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Tadich Grill isn't just San Francisco's oldest restaurant, it's California's. Eater SF has named it a "must try," writing: "White-coated waiters, a menu boasting local classics from hangtown fry to cioppino to sand dabs, and a bumping central bar all add to the pleasure." Opened: 1849. [Photo]

240 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 391-1849
(415) 391-1849

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The Berghoff Restaurant

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The Berghoff is, as Eater Chicago puts it, "a time capsule in a prominent Loop location." The menu leans German with schnitzel and plenty of sausage, plus there's an entire beer brewing operation. Opened: 1898. [Photo]

17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 427-3170
(312) 427-3170

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The Buckhorn Exchange

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Denver's oldest restaurant is famous for a wide array of meats — including steaks, buffalo, elk, alligator, and the house specialty Rocky Mountain oysters — and has the taxidermy to prove it. Opened: 1893. [Photo]

1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204
(303) 534-9505
(303) 534-9505

Also featured in:

Union Oyster House

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Union Oyster House is famous for being the oldest >continuously operating restaurant in the country. Eater Boston notes that the restaurant was a favorite of the Kennedy family; how much more classic do you get? Opened: 1826. [Photo]

41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-2750
(617) 227-2750

Also featured in:

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Antoine's Restaurant

713 Saint Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130

This 175-year-old restaurant is famously known as the longest operating family-owned restaurant in the country. Antoine's made its mark on the city by introducing oysters Rockefeller, and Eater NOLA says it's "a must on any bucket list." Opened: 1840. [Photo]

713 Saint Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 581-4422
(504) 581-4422

Café du Monde

800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

For more than 150 years, Café du Monde has been the gold standard for two of New Orleans' signature dishes: beignets and coffee and chicory served au lait. Eater NOLA calls the cafe "a true New Orleans classic." Opened: 1862. [Photo]

800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 525-4544
(504) 525-4544

Commander's Palace

1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Not only does this New Orleans institution have age, it has major star power. As Eater NOLA puts it: "The restaurant essentially redefined New Orleans cuisine and catapulted into stardom with the help of celeb chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse." Today, the kitchen is led by Beard award winner Tory McPhail. Opened: 1880. [Photo]

1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 899-8221
(504) 899-8221

El Farol

808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501

This Santa Fe restaurant proudly stands as the city's oldest operating restaurant. On the menu these days are Spanish-inspired tapas, paella, and grilled meats. Opened: 1835. [Photo]

808 Canyon Rd, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 983-9912
(505) 983-9912

Fentons Creamery & Restaurant

4226 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611

This long-operating ice cream destination (in its current location since the '60s) is known for its black and tan sundaes and for possibly being the birthplace of rocky road ice cream. Opened: 1894. [Photo]

4226 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 658-7000
(510) 658-7000

Huber's Cafe

411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

The oldest restaurant in Portland, OR still delivers on its signature dishes. Eater PDX writes: "As old as it is, the gorgeous mahogany-stained interior topped with arched stained-glass skylights still packs in a steady crowd for its year-round traditional turkey dinner and flaming Spanish coffees." [Photo]

411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 228-5686
(503) 228-5686

Jake's Famous Crawfish

401 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

This seafood destination is "practically a historic landmark," writes Eater PDX. The name of the game here is simply prepared fish from the Pacific Northwest. Opened: 1892. [Photo]

401 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 226-1419
(503) 226-1419

Katz's Delicatessen

205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002

This iconic New York City institution is a frequent guest on the Eater NY 38. Here's why: "In 127 years, little has changed at Katz's. It remains one of New York's — and the country's — essential delis." Opened: 1888. [Photo]

205 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
(800) 446-8364
(800) 446-8364

Keens Steakhouse

72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018

A true New York City institution, Keens has been delighting New Yorkers with its steaks, mutton chops, and iconic clay pipe collection for generations. Eater NY calls it "one of Midtown's best restaurants." Opened: 1885. [Photo]

72 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018
(212) 947-3636
(212) 947-3636

Marliave

10 Bosworth St, Boston, MA 02108

Originally founded by a French immigrant who gave the restaurant its name, Marliave is no longer a French restaurant. Still, Eater Boston notes that the restaurant "maintains that old French feel," despite a menu that includes risotto and fish-and-chips. Opened: 1885. [Photo]

10 Bosworth St, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 422-0004
(617) 422-0004

McGillin's Olde Ale House

1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

The oldest continually operating tavern in Philadelphia, McGillin's Olde Ale House wasn't always known by its current name. Eater Philly reports: "The bar's original name was technically the Bell in Hand, though it was always known as McGillin's, after the family that owned and operated it for its first 77 years." Opened: 1860. [Photo]

1310 Drury Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 735-5562
(215) 735-5562

Merchants Cafe & Saloon

109 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104

This storied Seattle tavern has stood in the same place for over a century, and with that kind of history ghosts seem inevitable. Lore has it that the tavern is haunted by a girl who died in a fire there. Spooky stuff. Opened: 1890. [Photo]

109 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 935-7625
(206) 935-7625

Old Angler's Inn

10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854

There's a lot of history at this Maryland restaurant, which isn't surprising given its impressive age and Potomac Valley location. Eater DC notes that even with such a distinguished background Old Angler's Inn "has a patio that's great for relaxing." Opened: 1860. [Photo]

10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD 20854
(301) 365-2425
(301) 365-2425

Old Ebbitt Grill

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

This DC icon is on the cusp of its 160th birthday. Located a stone's throw away from the White House, Eater DC calls Old Ebbitt Grill a "quintessentially classic" destination. Opened: 1856. [Photo]

675 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 347-4800
(202) 347-4800

Parker's Restaurant at the Omni Parker House

60 School St, Boston, MA 02108

This hotel has been a fixture of Boston hospitality, and it's celebrating its 160th anniversary this year. Its restaurant is known as the progenitor of such Boston classics as Boston cream pie and parker house rolls, and, as Eater Boston puts it: "It's hard to have a list like this and not mention the Omni Parker House." Opened: 1855. [Photo]

60 School St, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 227-8600
(617) 227-8600