14 legendary US restaurants that come with a side of history

21.12.2024 - 16:21 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 20, 2024 • 11 min read

When most people think of where to go to learn about the history of a new city, they usually think of visiting its museums, architectural landmarks, public parks and historic homes. However, another way to learn the history of a city is through its food, particularly if you're eating it in some of the more story-old restaurants.

Here’s a selection of famous restaurants from coast to coast that serve up a side of their city’s history alongside each dish.

Year Opened: 1840

Average Cost Per Meal: $30-$50

Cuisine: French-Creole 

Antoine’s has the distinction of being not only the oldest family-run restaurant in New Orleans, a city known for its lavish, historic dining rooms, but the oldest family-run restaurant in the nation. A bucket-list restaurant for anyone interested in American foodways – or American history, for that matter – the kitchen here is faithful to the preservation of Creole traditions.

The fifth-generation owners who oversee this swanky, old-time French Quarter institution have kept all its old-world elegance meticulously preserved – from the luxe chandeliers and drapes to the famous oysters Rockefeller, which was invented here. Pro tip: in keeping with tradition, men without collared shirts will be turned away. It all adds up to Southern culinary heritage at its most refined and delicious.

The restaurant offers some vegetarian dishes, such as vegetable gumbo, salads and side dishes. While vegan options are limited, you can request modifications to dishes. 

Year Opened: 1893

Average Cost Per Meal: $30-$80

Cuisine: American Steakhouse (no vegetarian or vegan options)

Before Colorado was a destination for its world-class breweries (more than 400 and counting) and whiskey distilleries, and before winemakers grew vineyards on the Rockies’ western slope, there was Buckhorn Exchange. This Denver bar, which became part of the National Historic Register in 1983, acquired the state’s first liquor license in 1893. Since then it has welcomed a steady parade of silver barons, railroad builders, businessmen, miners, cowboys and military generals – with a few American presidents, Native American leaders and Hollywood legends (we’re looking at you, Bob Hope and Will Rogers) tossed in for good measure.

Adorned with more than 500 taxidermy pieces including rare animals, the vintage space feels like a cross between a family saloon and the Smithsonian, what with its museum-caliber displays of local railroad and political memorabilia and a legendary collection of 125 old guns, from pistols to sporting rifles. The grub here is just as historic as everything else. It’s said that the menu hasn’t changed since the early days.

Year Opened: 1849

Average Cost Per Meal: $30-$55 

Cuisine: Classic American