The "Some Of The Best Waterin' Holes & Eateries In The USA" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Carol and I were talking about where we might be able to have our evening meal, since just about every one of our favorite restaurants is open only for Pick-Up.  We do feel better not making a visit until we can safely eat without a mask, but we also miss all our favorites.  We began to think back to the days when we would visit Woody's in Northeast or The Bayard House in Chesapeake City.  Then Carol said, "How about The Chesapeake Inn in Chesapeake City.  Remember the crab ravioli you would get and the Lobster grilled cheese I enjoyed."  Well, we're hoping by the end of the summer that we will be able to take a drive to the Chesapeake for lunch once again and stop at one of our favorites.  Always a fun day!  The conversation about eating out began earlier in the day when I found an online story telling about America's oldest restaurant and bar.  

Found out that it was a place called the White Horse Tavern in Newport, Rhode Island.  They opened in 1673 and even though the town was filled with Puritans and Quakers, they still had plenty of thirsty patrons at the local watering hole.  The building itself was constructed in 1652 as a two-story residence for Francis Brinley which made it one of the oldest buildings in the U.S.  There was a short time when it was closed during prohibition, but the White Horse Tavern still serves food and drinks today.  The 17th century architecture shows a tiny front hall and cavernous fireplaces with giant beams and a small stairway against the chimney.  Not only is it the oldest in the United States, but it is the 10th oldest operating restaurant in the world.  Over the years it has gone through many owners with a Newport-based group being the ninth owner in the over 350-year history of the Tavern.

The White Horse Tavern  

The second oldest restaurant and bar in the U.S.A. is the Fraunces Tavern in New York City's financial district.  It opened in 1762 and 21 years later George Washington dined as well as addressed his troops while probably eating one of their famous rich and creamy pot pies.  The warmth and charm of the dark oak paneling exudes the historic vibes of the place.

The Fraunces Tavern

Next in line is the 1776 Griswold Inn known to all as the "Gris".  The historic inn and pub has been serving the public for close to 250 years.  Can you imagine the celebrations that will be part of the 250th year of the Gris.  The inn is located between Hartford and New York City and serves traditional America fare in a cozy, warm setting.  It is considered one of the oldest continuously operating inns in America.

The "Gris"

  The Union Oyster House in Boston, Mass. opened in 1826 in a building that dated back to 1742 and once housed an import business known as the spot for some "wicked good chowder."  Many New England favorites can be found on the menu while the place is steeped in old world charm.

Union Oyster House

In 1840 the French-Creole restaurant known as Antoine's opened in New Orleans.  It is still owned and operated by the original family.  Antoine's son, Jules, is credited with creating Oysters Rockefeller within this famous establishment.  Today the recipe remains a closely guarded secret.  Each dining area in the restaurant is uniquely themed and the walls throughout the eatery are adorned with pictures and historic memorabilia.  There's even an original Thomas Edison lightbulb remaining in the building. 

Antoine's

 The Tadich Grill is sill the same as it was when it opened in 1849 in San Francisco, California.  It is known as the oldest restaurant in California and is famous for having the freshest expertly prepared seafood around.  The "no reservations" makes for a packed place at all times.

The Tadich Grill

1856 was the start of Washington D.C.'s first recorded saloon.  Needless to say, Old Ebbitt Grill has served an impressive list of U.S. Presidents.  The antique clock placed above the original revolving door has maintained its signature charm for the days when Theodore Roosevelt was a regular.  The animal heads on the walls were said to be trophies from Teddy.

Old Ebbitt Grill

McGillin's Olde Ale House opened in Philadelphia in March of 1860.  If you happen to be in town on St. Patrick's Day, you must stop at this place.  They are the oldest continuously operating tavern in the city and serving the usual pub grub.  If you can't find it, ask any cop or cabby, since it's in an alleyway, but certainly well worth the scavenger hunt.

McGillin's Olde Ale House

 Denver, Colorado is the home of the Buckhorn Exchange which opened in 1893.  It served not only cattlemen, but miners and Indian Chiefs.  Five Presidents and countless Hollywood celebs have stopped at this restaurant.  Today you can still feast on bison, elk and quail while surrounded by taxidermy.  A truly Wild West experience!

Buckhorn Exchange

Another old restaurant in the USA is a place called Louis' Lunch which opened in 1895 in New Haven, Connecticut.  It was opened as a small lunch wagon and was one of the first places in the U.S. to serve steak sandwiches.  The tiny red brick building has been recognized by the Library of Congress as the Birthplace of the Hamburger.  The original cast-iron grills are still used to make the burgers.  Each burger is placed on white toast with the limited topping options of cheese, onion and tomato.  There is no mustard or ketchup in this place, since it would spoil the quality of the fine meats that go into the legendary sandwiches.  The restaurant is owned and operated by 4th generation descendants.

Louis Lunch

There are many historical taverns and pubs in just about any city or town in the United States.  I'm sure you have your favorite, just as Carol and I have a few in towns we enjoy to visit.  Always fun to have a good home-cooked meal at your own house, but just as much fun to not have to clean up after yourself by going out to eat.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.