There is much debate about the oldest restaurant, tavern, and pub in America. Most of it comes from me and friends, who talk about this more than we should.
Where is the oldest restaurant in the U.S.?
What makes the “oldest” anything really the oldest? What’s the difference between a tavern, restaurant, or pub? Could they all be one in the same, or three separate types of establishments? The answer is all of the above.
My friends, who have visited many of the oldest taverns in the United States, swear the Bell In Hand in Boston is the oldest pub. But lists upon lists don’t always have it as the absolute oldest. Who knows for sure, but there is one establishment that is unanimous when it comes to the oldest restaurant in America, and it’s in New England.
More About The White Horse Tavern of Rhode Island
The White Horse Tavern opened in 1673, in Newport, Rhode Island, and is the 10th oldest restaurant still operating in the world, according to oldest.org. That is just incredible. The website also says,
Since the White Horse Tavern building was so large it was also used as the meeting place for the Colony’s General Assembly, Criminal Court, and City Council…