Have You Been to the Oldest Restaurant in the United States? It’s in New England

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.

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.

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.

Wide planks floors and candle-lit dining are in addition to great service and delicious food.  It's like taking a step back in time, and imaging what the colonial days were like.

It's ambience and charm make it a "must go to" place in history and in Newport, Rhode Island.