2. Union Oyster House
It was established in 1826 in Boston, Massachusetts and was originally named Atwood & Bacon Oyster House
They serve mostly seafood and haven’t changed their menu much over the decades. It was even listed as a National Historic Landmark.
Even though the business started in 1826 (making it the oldest in the U.S., so they say), the building was previously used for other purposes since the 18th century.
Over the decades the restaurant has served many important figures such as the Kennedys, Daniel Webster and the exiled prince of France Louis Philippe.
Fun fact: John Royston Coleman (labor economist and president of Haverford College) worked there in 1970 and wrote about his experience in his book ”The Blue Collar Journal”.
Even presidents have eaten in the next place…..
6 thoughts on “8 Oldest Restaurants In America”
WOW – this is fascinating. Keeping on my ‘travel bucket list’ emails.
Lucky enough to have been to 3. Would personally also add Beechman arms if Rhinebeck NY to the list though the inn itself, like the wayside Inn in MA are mire spectacular tan even the wonderful food.
It is amazing that these landmarks have been preserved! How precious is our history. We have one here in Natchez called Kings Tavern. It has a history to match the Natchez Trace, with weary travelers stopping there. At present it is up for sale, and it is so sad to see it just sit there. We are a tourist town, and no one has picked up the challenge to save it.
None in the South. The yankee barbarians burned them all down.
While in Boston years ago, we ate at the oyster bar. It was really great as I just love our American history, so much of which has been lost.
What about the WASHINGTON INN & HOTEL in Princess Anne Md? It was constructed early 1800’s. Legend has it that George Washington walked those floors. Martha Custis Washington had relatives a few miles south of Princess Anne, the legend fits.