Years before the Revolutionary War and the Salem witch trials — and long before the United States even existed — this iconic Rhode Island restaurant was already serving up classic New England fare.
The White Horse Tavern, housed in a distinctive red colonial building in the quaint seaside city of Newport, dates back to 1673, making it the oldest restaurant in Rhode Island and one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the United States.
It is also widely recognized as the 10th-oldest operating restaurant in the world, drawing international attention and making it a popular destination for visitors.
A witness to America’s earliest history
Originally built in 1652 as the home of merchant Francis Brinley, the property later became a tavern where locals, sailors, and other travelers gathered for food, drinks, and conversation.
During a time when public meeting places were scarce and when Newport was one of the busiest ports in the colonies, the tavern operated as a hub for the Colony’s General Assembly, Criminal Court, and City Council, according to the restaurant’s website.
The tavern also played a small role in the Revolutionary War era, when British troops and loyalists were quartered there during the British occupation of Newport in the late 1770s.
While The White Horse Tavern is often cited as one of the world’s oldest restaurants, its run wasn’t entirely uninterrupted. The building underwent a major restoration beginning in 1954 and reopened as a restaurant in 1957 after several years of closure.
That distinction separates it from establishments such as Boston’s Union Oyster House, which has operated continuously since 1826 and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the United States.
Today, the White Horse Tavern is recognized as a National Historic Landmark, and many of its original historic features remain intact. Thick wooden beams stretch across the ceilings, fireplaces crackle during colder months, and candlelit white-tablecloth dining room tables help transport guests back in time.
An evolving menu
The menu highlights products sourced from Rhode Island and the surrounding region, including local seafood, artisanal cheeses, and honey, as well as classic British dishes like beef Wellington and Scotch eggs.
While some items are on the pricier side — the beef Wellington costs $59 — the menu has received favorable reviews, with guests praising the restaurant’s “top-notch” service, traditional New England food, and upscale atmosphere.
For visitors to Newport, a meal at The White Horse Tavern offers more than dinner. It provides a rare opportunity to experience history firsthand, one bite at a time.
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