The Oldest Restaurant In Every US State You Can Still Visit - Tasting Table

"The U.S. is full of restaurants that are decades and even centuries old, so we've decided to uncover the oldest restaurants in every state. Many on our list are among the oldest restaurants in the U.S., while others are a little newer. Six are so old that they existed before the U.S. declared independence in 1776, with one more opening that year. 11 more opened before their territory gained statehood, with another opening the same year of statehood."

"Many of the oldest restaurants in each state are in taverns, saloons, and inns. These were often among the few places people could find food with no chain restaurants around. Many were opened by immigrants who blended flavors from their cultures with the local cuisine. The oldest restaurants in every state managed to stand the test of time by being in good locations, modernizing over time, and becoming community traditions."

"Henry H. Zietz, a member of Buffalo Bill Cody's scout band, opened the Buckhorn Exchange in 1893. Located across from the Rio Grande railroad yard, it attracted all sorts of people from gamblers and miners to Native American chiefs and even president Theodore Roosevelt. The menu is meat-centric. Steak dinners remain the restaurant's specialty and are among the country's best. Plus, you can get buffalo, elk, quail, and other game and fish dishes with modern twists."

Historic restaurants across the United States range from decades to centuries old, with six established before 1776 and one opening that year. Eleven more began before their territories gained statehood, plus one that opened in the year of statehood. Many of these oldest establishments are taverns, saloons, and inns that served as primary food sources before chain restaurants existed. Immigrant proprietors often blended culinary traditions with local ingredients. Longevity is attributed to favorable locations, periodic modernization, and strong community ties. The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver opened in 1893 by Henry H. Zietz, features a meat-centric menu including buffalo, elk, quail, and specialty steaks.

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