Introduction

For many, dining out is not just about the food, but also the experience. And what better way to experience the rich history of the United States than through its iconic restaurants? From coast to coast, there are legendary establishments that have stood the test of time, offering not only delicious cuisine but also a glimpse into the country's past..

1. Antoine’s – New Orleans, Louisiana 

In a city like New Orleans, where fine dining establishments have a long and storied history, Antoine's has the honor of being the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States. The kitchen is committed to the maintenance of Creole traditions and is a must-visit for anyone interested in American foodways or, for that matter, American history.

The luxurious chandeliers and curtains, as well as the world-famous oysters Rockefeller, were invented at this posh, century-old French Quarter institution, and the current owners, the fifth generation, have taken great care to retain the building's original opulence. One helpful hint: it's customary to refuse entry to males who don't wear collared shirts. Putting it all together, you get the finest and most delectable examples of Southern culinary tradition.

2. Buckhorn Exchange – Denver, Colorado

Before there were hundreds of award-winning breweries and whiskey distilleries in Colorado and vineyards on the western slope of the Rockies, there was Buckhorn Exchange. This Denver watering hole received the first liquor license in Colorado in 1893; it was added to the National Register in 1983. Many notable people, including American presidents, Native American leaders, and Hollywood greats (looking at you, Bob Hope and Will Rogers), have visited the area since then, including silver barons, railroad builders, businesspeople, miners, cowboys, and military generals.

The antique room, with its museum-quality displays of the local railroad and political relics and a legendary collection of 125 ancient guns, from pistols to sports rifles, feels like a cross between a family pub and the Smithsonian. The food is as historic as the rest of the establishment. They say the food hasn't altered much from the beginning.

3. Tadich Grill – San Francisco, California

Founded in 1849 as a coffee kiosk on the waterfront, this San Francisco landmark has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Three Croatian immigrants saw steady growth after deciding to expand their coffee shop to include food service. Traditional Croatian seafood barbecued over Mesquite wood was a big draw. In 1887, John Tadich bought the establishment and changed its name (it was just called "Coffee Stand" before). The name had already stayed by 1928 when Tadich sold it.

After humble beginnings as a tent on the dock, the Tadich Grill has made a name for itself by serving only the freshest local seafood. The building was sold by Tadich in the 1920s and has since been relocated to California Street in the heart of the city, where the interior design reflects the glitzy art deco aesthetic that was popular at the time. Here, you might run into anyone from businesspeople on their lunch break to holidaymakers in shorts and sandals; in either case, your tolerance will be tested more than your wardrobe. There is no way to reserve a table in advance, so expect to wait a bit for a seat on busy evenings.

4. Union Oyster House – Boston, Massachusetts

All the tables are still set up the same way they were nearly two centuries ago in the same pre-Revolutionary building with the same worn wood and creaky floorboards. Come for the steamers, but stick around for the world-famous clam chowder and oysters on the half shell.

5. Chris' Hotdogs - Montgomery, Alabama

Chris' Hotdogs has all you need if you want some history with your hot dog. This Montgomery institution has been serving up tasty food and friendly service since 1917. Author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife frequented the establishment, and legend has it that singer Hank Williams penned the lyrics to his hit song "Hey Good Lookin" while sitting at the bar. A box of Chris' hot dogs was often requested by President Franklin D. Roosevelt whenever his train stopped in the city. Even now, the restaurant's prime location on Dexter Avenue puts it just blocks away from major attractions like the Alabama State Capitol and the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. (another frequent diner) served as pastor in the 1950s.

6. Katz’s Delicatessen – New York, New York 

Katz's Deli is known for its famed deli sandwiches and the distinct aroma of smoked pastrami and kosher dill pickles that has pervaded the restaurant for decades. A small deli famous for its homemade sausages began in 1888 on Manhattan's Lower East Side and has since become a major tourist attraction and one of the few vestiges of the neighborhood's once-thriving Yiddish-speaking Jewish community.

Its walls are now adorned with photographs of the many notable people who have visited the establishment, as well as neon signs and vintage advertisements like Katz's iconic "Send a Salami to Your Boy in the Army" poster from World War II. (Yes, a native New Yorker's accent is required to hear the rhyme.) Thousands of visitors visit daily to eat traditional New York City fare including knishes, frankfurters, matzoh ball soup, and slow-cured corned beef and pastrami.

7. McGillin’s Old Ale House – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

McGillin's, which first opened in 1860, has seen its fair share of drinking fads come and go. Tucked away in a side street not far from Philadelphia's stately City Hall, this watering hole serves as both a historical museum (the walls are covered in old photos, liquor licenses, and signs from long-since-closed businesses) and a modern sports bar (the TVs are always tuned to the Phillies, Eagles, or 76ers game). Besides the brick walls and pressed-tin ceiling, the only other constant here is the steady flow of the local legend's ale, Yuengling.

8. Fraunces Tavern - New York, NY

A colonial-era tavern, established in 1710, can be found nestled among the towering modern buildings of New York City's Financial District. Fraunces Tavern, which first opened in 1719, was an important colonial-era gathering spot. When the Revolutionary War was over, George Washington held an extravagant dinner party there for his officers. In addition to serving as a restaurant, the tavern now houses a museum that tells the narrative of the establishment's important place in the development of the United States.

9. The Palace Restaurant and Saloon – Prescott, Arizona

At the Palace Restaurant and Saloon, the frontier spirit is strong and vibrant. Steve McQueen, Peter Fonda, and Wyatt Earp are just a few of the famous people who have strolled through the creaky swinging doors since the building was reconstructed in 1901 after a fire destroyed the old structure in 1877.

The Palace Restaurant and Saloon is not just the state's oldest business but also its oldest bar. Wearing period-appropriate Old West garb, the crew will share tales of the building's past lives as a speakeasy, a brothel, and, yes, a haunted one. The original ornately carved bar, which was spared from the terrible fire by devoted customers who dragged it across the street, is still available for guests to belly up to today.

10. White Horse Tavern - Newport, Rhode Island

Opened in 1673 on Newport, Rhode Island's picturesque coastline, the White Horse Tavern is often considered to be the oldest restaurant in the United States. One of the oldest restaurants in the world is housed in a beautifully renovated red-brick colonial building with a characteristic gambrel roof. While the building's appearance and interior are both reminiscent of the building's historic period, the menu features far more contemporary and expensive fare than was available in the 1600s. Though, the restaurant is still proud of its commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farms and fisheries, just as it would have when it was originally established.

Conclusion

Exploring these historic restaurants is not just about filling your belly, but also about taking a step back in time. From Civil War-era taverns to classic diners that have been serving up favorites for decades, these establishments are more than just places to eat - they're part of America's cultural fabric. So if you're looking for a taste of the past, head to one of these 10 legendary US restaurants and enjoy a side of history with your meal.