Oldest Restaurants in Your Neck of the Woods

As I stated in my "rant" here is a new topic.

What is the oldest restaurant in your part of the world? Is it family owned? What do they serve? In your highly informed opinion, what is the reason they have survived? Will they make it much longer?

I live in a little bitty town (pop. 2024 according to the sign on the edge of town). But broadly I live in the New Orleans metro area. So I guess my answer would be Antoines. It was started in 1840 and is advrtised as the oldest family run rest. in the US. They serve classic (and in my mind only marginally above average but interesting in a historical sense)French/Creole classics. It is a great dining experience, chock full o' history and tradition. Presidents, kings and queens, etc. have dined here. They are survivors because they have a reputation (pretty much deservedly IMHO) of being extremely traditional in terms of service and food (the menu hasn't made any big changes in years and when they do it cause for newspaper article and much discussion) and make a point of using this as a selling factor. They will be here until the Levee breaks.

There. See how this works? Have fun!

We have the Bluegrass Drive in, that's been around almost 40 years. Great thin onion rings, and they have something called a Flying Saucer, variation of a big mac, and some custard, which I don't know how it compares to the famous custard places across the country.

The White Horse Tavern, in Newport, firsted started operating in the 1680's. It did not serve as a restaurant for the first half of the twentieth century, though - it was a boarding house for a while, then restored in the 1950's. They do lay claim to being the oldest operating tavern in the nation, though. Prices are kept appropriate to their august heritage, so I have never been. I believe the Union Oyster House in Boston says it's the oldest continually operating restaurant in the country, since the 1820s. I haven't been in years, but always enjoyed it.

In Marlboro, NY ( on 9W north of Newburgh) is the Ships Lantern Inn. It has been there since the Prohibition era (opened in c. 1928) . It is still owned by the original family - the Foglias. They have not changed greatly with the times, the menu is still pretty much Continental with tasty heavy sauces, but there is lighter stuff for those who want it.
They run a great bar and have always had bartenders who know their business. The wait staff seems to change only slowly - one of the waiters says he's been there since 1959.

This is no joint (although it was a speakeasy from opening 'till the end of Prohibition) - it is an upscale place and always has been.

Why has it lasted? I guess because they serve delicious food, the service is professional, efficient, and friendly, they have avoided trendy food and service, they have a good wine list with always something affordable, the decor and ambience is comfortable,and we know what to expect when we go there.

What's really sad is that in an old historic area like the Hudson Valley
there is probably nothing older, in continuous ownership, than the Ship's Lantern. Not even here is there much value placed on tradition and continuity...

Maybe Andy or someone else can correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the oldest restaurant in NYC is Fraunces Tavern, opened in 1763. This is where Washington said farewell to his troops after the Revolutionary War. Last time I was there, the food tasted like leftovers from that gathering.

The Old City Tavern in Phila. served the Continental Congress in 1776. It was there a few years before that and has been around ever since. The food is not bad actually.

Since Los Angeles is fairly new in the grand scale of things, we don't have any places dating back more then a hundred years. The oldest restaurant in L. A. County is the Saugus Cafe, which dates back to 1898. It used to be my favorite place for Sunday breakfast----they made biscuits and gravy that were superb. The biscuits were the lightest ones I've ever had. It's right across a road from the train tracks and it was always fun to watch a freight train pull up and stop----see the engineer run across to the cafe where they had a to-go order ready for them and then run back to the train and continue down the line. Ever stop there, Mr. Mayor?
The other old one here is Phillipe which has been discussed and reviewed here many times. The original building dates to 1908 when the restaurant opened. They moved to their current place in 1951-------still a good location.

Why did they survive? They are two different places in very different locations. The Saugus Cafe is in Saugus, about 45 miles from downtown Los Angeles-----the cities of Valencia (home of Six Flags Magic Mountain), Newhall and Canyon Country literally grew up surrounding the restaurant. Good location, definite roadfood feel and a sense of history----as well as good food----seem to have kept them in business. They were there when people would still ride over from the ranches that dotted the Santa Clarita Valley------and when the only major business was Gene Autry's Movie Ranch. For as many years as I lived there, you would see all types of people there----it is a family oriented place. In that area, it is a piece of history and not just a restaurant.
Phillipe's on the other hand is literally the center of downtown LA. It's also right near the train station (one of the things it does have in common with the Saugus Cafe which actually started out as the Saugus Train Depot). It's just been a good consistent place-----you always knew what you were getting-----reasonable and comfortable. Maybe it doesn't have the homey feel of the Saugus Cafe but after a few times you really know the place and it's history. The French Dip sandwiches provide a reason to go and a story to tell for my out of town visitors. And since it's right in the middle of downtown with LA having built up around it----everyone knows where it is. It's very popular with the downtown workers, politicians etc. I think it will be there for a very long time.

Let's see there are two that come to mind, right off. The first is nice for a day trip, "The Robert Morris Inn" http://www.robertmorrisinn.com/ is in Oxford Maryland on the Eastern shore. It has been in use since 1710, It is listed as one of the oldest in the US. It has been owned by the same family the last 30 years. Good food, great atmosphere, pleasant location, that about says it all. The second is right around the corner from me, less than a mile as the crow flies. "The Candlelight Inn" http://www.thecandlelightinn.com/ has been used as a restaurant since 1920's. There have been 4 owners over the years, each giving their own touch to the place. The food is always consistently good. The atmosphere is Bygone Southern elegance. It is a frequent choice for small wedding parties and intimate meals. Instead of one large dining area they have kept the rooms of the house, so most of the dining rooms only contain a handful of tables.

OC: We had the absolute greatest perfect lump crab held together with a prayer and nothing else cakes in the Robert Morris one beautiful Fall day a few years ago. Took the little ferry across the bay to end a perfect day.

We have Michie Tavern from 17-something. Lots of people like it. I think it's appalling. The food is "Olde Virginia" and served on long picnic tables. The wait staff wears colonial outfits. It's like something from The Simpsons.

My favorite is Timberlake's...an old soda fountain that's been up and running since the 20s.

quote:

Originally posted by seafarer john

OC: We had the absolute greatest perfect lump crab held together with a prayer and nothing else cakes in the Robert Morris one beautiful Fall day a few years ago. Took the little ferry across the bay to end a perfect day.

It is the nicest setting & their food is well prepared. By the way if you think that ferry was little you should have ridden on the one they hade before they got the big 6 car ferry! If I remember correctly it held 3 cars! It was great!

In Roanoke, Va. it's the Texas Tavern. A little ten stool hole in the wall. Been serving little hamburgers, hot dogs and chile beans since 1927. Owned and run by the Bullington family from the start.

I'm from the north of Boston area and the restaurant that we have here that is the oldest would be Cedar Crest Restaurant. A restaurant/diner that serves yummy comfort food. It's been around since the 1940's and was owned by a husband and wife team.

We also have the Beekman Arms Hotel in Rhinebeck, NY that dates back to the early 1700s. But it has been through so many hands I dont think it's really the kind of place we are talking about here. Anyway, it's only since Larry Forgione (An American Place, in Manhattan?) took it over that anyone would want to eat there since stagecoach days.

I think we should try to think in terms of places that have been continuously good, and maybe under continuous family ownership.

This topic came up on a local usenet group a couple of years ago; here's what we came up with for the Houston/Galveston area:

The Houston Club - opened 1894, continuous service ever since. Private dining room where the wealthy can avoid mingling with the h. polloi species. Survives on exclusivity appeal and purportedly fine dining.

Gaido's - Galveston. Opened 1911, had a branch in Houston in the 60s and 70s. Famous for seafood, service, fresh pot of coffee brewed for every diner. Starched white tablecloth service right on the beach, excellent gulf coast seafood.

Christie's - opened 1917 Galveston as just a stand on the beach, moved to Houston 1939. Several locations at one time, now just one in Houston. Good old-fashioned seafood menu. Claims the founder invented fish sticks (which aren't on the menu, tho).

Pig Stand - opened in Dallas in 1921, first Houston location a year later; the only surviving one in Houston is #7 on Washington Ave. Lays claim to being the first drive-in restaurant. Greasy spoon/diner famous for pork sandwiches and porcine memorabilia. C'mon, why does any greasy spoon survive?

James Coney Island - opened 1923, just celebrated 80 years in business with depression era prices for a day; lines were blocks long. Founded by two Greek immigrants who had passed thru Coney Island, NY, before coming to Houston. 15 or so locations now. Newcomers are often unimpressed, but this is Houston's favorite dog and competing chains have never lasted long here. LBJ loved 'em, had 'em shipped to the White House. Famous for chili cheese dog all the way - chili, melted, runny cheese, mustard, loaded with onions. Sometimes every thing they serve tastes like onions, including desserts. Also famous for chili pie.

Prince's - opened in Dallas in 1929, moved to Houston in 1934. Local hamburger favorite up until the 70s or so when McD's came to town. Actually went out of business briefly in the 90s but reopened under new ownership with a more upscale menu. One of the first places ever to have car hops but no longer a drive-in.

One's a Meal (Brooks System Sandwich Shops) - opened ca. 1934; sandwich shop/plate lunch chain. Still one left using the name, altho it's a 24 hour Greek restaurant now (Bibas Ones-a-meal).

Felix Mexican Restaurant - ca. 1935, after a failed venture by the same owner a couple of years earlier. A chain across southeast Texas at one time, but just one surviving location on Westheimer in Houston. Old style Tex-Mex; older Houstonians will swear this is what Mexican food is really supposed to taste like.

Whoops, forgot one of your questions. Gaidos, Christies and Felix are still family owned. Prince's was family owned until closing briefly, now investor owned. JCI is investor owned, now. I can't speak to the ownership of any of the others.

Looks like Phillipes has some competition for that coveted 1908 spot. They even claim to have invented the French Dip! Can't wait to hit downtown L.A. next week!

www.erha.org/coles.htm

Ed and Elise,
I had often seen the sign and old building that make up the SYCAMORE INN on Foothill Blvd. just east of Grove Ave. In Rancho Cucamonga. It is right across the street from the Magic Lantern...another SoCal Institution. The sign said "est. 1848"...but I couldn't imagine much of a roadfood place in that era of the Inland Empire. BUT, depending on your willingness to accept their data...here is the link to what seems like one of the oldest places in SoCal.
http://www.citivu.com/rc/sycamore/

Interesting website, Mayor. Yes, the outlying areas have some interesting places. Solvang has Mattei's Tavern which dates back to 1886. There is also the Cold Springs Tavern in Santa Barbara County which dates from 1868. It's a little hazy though whether these places were actually in continuous use as restaurants or whether they started out as restaurant/stagecoach stops and may have stopped food service at various times. I will have to check the sycamore out sometime on one of my jaunts.

In Cincinnati, Arnold's Bar & Grill downtown has the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in the city, but I'm not sure it's "continuous...."

That’s such a hard question to answer because I live in one of the older areas of the U.S. Every little village had a tavern built of stone and so many are still operating under the same name as they had in the 1700s. The majority don’t have websites or anything and it’s hard to tell if the same family has owned them or even if they have been in continuous operation. One example is the New Tripoli Hotel, which has wonderful steamed clams and a magnificent cherry backbar. We went there a few weeks ago and they had a topless dancer in the bar area and senior center bingo in the back room. One time I asked how long they had been there and they said their family had owned it since around 1880. But it’s just one of those Shot-and-Beer bars which also serves food and they are all over our valley.

Edited to add that the King George Inn (the bar/restaurant where I met my husband before it got as fancy as it is now) in Dorneyville PA, has been operating as a tavern, inn, or restaurant since 1756 so that gives you an idea of the age of some of the places in eastern PA.

The Jared Coffin House on Nantucket. Since the 1600's. Charm,antiques, beauty, beaches, fireplaces, great food, great service. What more could you ask for?

The oldest restaurant in Boston, the Union Oyster House, also claims to be the oldest continuously-operating restaurant in the US, having opened in 1826. Why is it still open? Beats me, I've never eaten there.

As I was looking at all the post above, I realize that Knoxville does not have a old restaurant. Our oldest is the Regas which is a steak house. It started in the early 1900's by the Regas brothers. Dave Thomas got his start there before he started the burger chain. For years it was the premier steak house and was always very crowded. Mysteriously, it suddenly closed and then reopened a few months later. Nobody really knows why. today it is still just as busy, but not nearly as good.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by lleechef

The Jared Coffin House on Nantucket. Since the 1600's. Charm,antiques, beauty, beaches, fireplaces, great food, great service. What more could you ask for?

I think your dates are a little off, by over 200 years, check out the web site http://www.jaredcoffinhouse.com/JChistory.html

hermit - Gaido's is my favorite seafood place! Also, I am fortunate to work close to the Pigstand ("Eat a Pig Sandwich") and we have lunch there at least once a month.

A couple of others in Houston:

The Spanish Village, on Almeda, has been a family business since 1945. (my personal favorite)

The Tripl-A on Airline has been in business since 1941.

The Yale Pharmacy grill has been in operation since the early 20's as well, and make the best patty melts and milkshakes.

quote:

Originally posted by Lone Star


The Yale Pharmacy grill has been in operation since the early 20's as well, and make the best patty melts and milkshakes.

That's a good one. Everybody in the discussion was saying there had to be some little grill or cafe downtown, maybe around the courthouse, that had been in business a long time, but we totally missed that one.

Molina's opened in 1941.

I ate at Cleburne Cafeteria yesterday. In the discussion, as I remember, we determined it opened on Cleburne Ave downtown ca. 1940, moved to the present location in 1969, but the sign in their lobby only mentioned being in business since the 60s. That may refer to the current ownership.

Came across a web site about Pig Stands which suggests 'carhops' appeared there in the 20s; I had always heard carhops came along in the 30s, and that Prince's was one of the first places in the country to have them. Carhops at Pig Stand were all male and worked only for tips so there was competition to get customers. They would run to the cars pulling into the parking lot and hop onto the running boards before they stopped, hence the term carhop.

http://216.239.53.104/search?q=cache:BZ2IPikRnuQJ:crm.cr.nps.gov/archive/19-9/19-9-5.pdf+pig+stand&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

In baltimore Md on lombard st In what used to be "corned beef row"
Is Atmans Deli It has been around for since I belive the 1920s
And is still owned by the original family , Great jewish style Deli food , And an atmosphere of pure chaos

Attmann's has been in Baltimore since 1915.

The reported winner in Salt Lake City would be Lamb's Grill. It has been on Main Street since the 1930's and prior to that in Logan, UT opening in 1919. It is old-money style, a marble counter and the tables covered in linen and wait-staff in white. It caters to the downtown business crowd, popular for breakfast and lunch, but also open for dinner. I have not eaten there in years, since my work went south to the suburbs, but reportedly it is good and going strong.