The restaurant industry has a belief that the first year is always the toughest and if a place can make it through the first few years, they'll be golden. While it's believed that the first several years of a restaurant's conception are the most challenging, there are some restaurants that have surpassed decades and, believe it or not, even centuries. Some restaurants in the US have been host to major historical events and had their own history without patrons even realizing it, because we don't often think of dining establishments in terms of age.
While it's exciting for a new place to open up, it can be just as, if not more, exciting to visit one that has had a history long before any of its regulars. We're taking a look at the oldest surviving restaurants in the US to see what they're cookin' up today, and how they've managed to thrive for so many years.
San Francisco: The Old Clam House, Circa 1861
Sitting on a corner lot in San Francisco is The Old Clam House, built for the first time in 1861. The discernment should be made that it was built 'for the first time' due to the fact that the restaurant has changed locations several times - but the bar area does date back to the late 1800s. This restaurant was originally known as the Oakdale Bar and was originally owned by Ambrose Zurfluh and Anna Imhof Zwyssig.
What began as a place serving homemade soups and hard-boiled eggs, as well as the seafood San Fran, is known for soon became something a bit more peppy. The current owners have jazzed up to the menu to feature things such as sizzling seafood dishes and even a garlic-roasted crab.
Kansas: Hays House, Circa 1857
Hays House has quite a reputation when it comes to historic references as this restaurant was originally opened by the great-grandson of Daniel Boone. The dining establishment was originally known as a tavern that served food and had rooms for rent, but throughout the years, this same building has seen anything from theatrical services to barbershops. It's rumored that Jesse James once frequented the tavern, and he wasn't the only one - General Custer was said to have made this a regular stop, as well.
Although it is still standing, the building was damaged by a fire and restored three separate times, and in 2011 it was finally restored to its former glory with the help of local residents. Visitors nowadays can expect classic American fare, from burgers to steaks and anything in between.
San Francisco: Tadich Grill, Circa 1849
Tadich Grill has a long-standing reputation as being the oldest restaurant in all of California, not just in San Fran. Surprisingly, Tadich Grill looked nothing back then as it does today, as back in 1849 it was nothing more than a tent that went by the name of 'Coffee Stand.' It was opened during the days of the Gold Rush by three Croatian immigrants, taking up various locations around the area as well as various names, such as New World Coffee Saloon and Cold Day Restaurant.
The restaurant was bought out by several people throughout the years but the Tadich Grill is the name that stuck. They still serve a menu inspired by the original full menu, featuring dishes such as sole and Dungeness crab, not unlike the first menu, which featured mostly grilled fish dishes. It wouldn't look like it from the exterior, but this restaurant is also one of the oldest still standing in the entire US.
New Orleans: Antoine's, Circa 1840
New Orleans is home to much of the country's most interesting history along with being the birthplace of jazz, so it's not surprising that the oldest restaurant in the country - and potentially in the world - is found here. Antoine's was created in 1840 and has been completely family-run since its conception. Located not far from the French Quarter, this dining establishment was opened by Antoine Aciatore at only 18 years of age with his wife, Julie. The two had immigrated from France and when they could no longer run the restaurant, it was taken over by their son, Jules, in 1870.
Amazingly, the restaurant has continued to be run by the same family since it was opened. When Jules could no longer run the restaurant, it was his son, Roy, who continued to man the operations until 1972. The legacy continued with Roy's grandson who didn't just run the restaurant after his grandfather but became the CEO and proprietor of it back in 2005. Visitors can expect a menu that's rich in Creole history and flavor.