10 of the Most Historic Restaurants 2024

Snuggle into a booth where Hollywood stars once lingered over cocktails, sit in a tavern where Founding Fathers plotted a revolution, or dine in an award-winning novelist’s childhood home. Whatever your interest, there’s a restaurant with a fascinating story and legendary eats on Yelp’s list of 10 of the Most Historic Restaurants. We found famous (and infamous) spots offering destination-worthy dining that are highly rated by Yelp users. These are places even locals love, filled with faithfully restored architecture, historic photos, and award-winning food. 

At the legendary Formosa Cafe—where Tinseltown’s top stars once dined and danced—Yelpers praise the terrific happy-hour cocktails and tasty Chinese food. In Old Town Tampa, 120-year-old Columbia Restaurant fills its 15 dining rooms daily with customers craving authentic Cuban soups and sandwiches. And at Arkansas’ Ohio Club, burgers, live music, and a rich history involving gangsters lure guests to the former speakeasy.

We also found some special-occasion spots where the history is all about the food, like the James Beard award-winning Commander’s Palace, a place for fine dining since 1893, where modern celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse also rose to fame (a must-visit on any trip to the Big Easy), and Delmonico’s, the regal steakhouse that’s been drawing diners to the Big Apple since 1837, where the word “restaurant” was reportedly invented along with the dishes eggs Benedict and Baked Alaska. 

These 10 spots promise to take you back in time—whether you’re looking for a Prohibition-era speakeasy, pre-Revolutionary War tavern, or turn-of-the-century California Victorian.

Have you visited a noteworthy historic restaurant that didn’t make our list? Let us know by tagging Yelp on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. We only know how great these historical restaurants are if you take time to review them and share photos on Yelp! 

How we did it: We compiled a list of 10 restaurants that have historic significance and received top ratings from Yelp users for both the menu and experience.

John Wayne once scrambled up some eggs in the kitchen of this cozy Chinese restaurant after a wild night. The Duke was just one of many silver screen stars, including Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and James Dean, who slid into the Hollywood cafe’s shiny red booths to enjoy drinks, dinner, and dancing during the Golden Age of motion pictures. A 2019 restoration by hospitality firm 1933 Group returned the spot to those glory days, leaving Yelp Elite Liz L. feeling as if she “should have dressed for the Red Carpet, circa 1939.” Construction preserved the original 1904 trolley car (the oldest red trolley still in existence), brought a wealth of autographed celebrity photos and other memorabilia out of storage, and shone the spotlight on Chinese American contributions to Hollywood.

Formosa’s kitschy decor inspires “a fun night out,” says Yelp Elite Nijole T. “You might be sitting in the same spot a Rat Pack [star] once sat before filming across the street [at the original Samuel Goldwyn studio],” adds Jessica L. Beyond its history, this “classic LA Chinese food staple” with a “top-notch” staff and huge menu gets high marks for its “juicy and perfectly cooked” soup dumplings and house Chow Fun, which blends “salt and sweet, heat and crunch, [with] noodles [that are] pillowy inside [and] charred outside.” Don’t miss the late-afternoon “Golden Hour” menu, with gently priced food and “refreshing and delicious” cocktails.

Yelpers say: “What a treasure. From 1939 to this day, serving the best and doing it in such a way that you feel it’s their honor to have us (when it’s really the other way around, IMHO). It’s even featured in an awesome coffee-table book on the historic restaurants of Los Angeles. Every dish was clearly made to order, which came to the table piping hot, in beautiful serving bowls offsetting the rich velvety reds that dominate the atmosphere. The vegetables were crisp, perfectly seasoned. I know we will be back every time we want Chinese food.” —Yelp Elite Liz L. 

Relive the memory of high-stakes negotiations and fevered partisan arguments that took place in the dark corners of this oldest saloon in the nation’s capital. The 1856 pre-Civil War-era location is gone, but the current room evokes the same “cozy, yet elegant, vibe” that drew presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Grover Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, and Warren Harding to its original stand-around bar. “A DC staple forever, for very good reason,” the restaurant boasts a Victorian interior that’s typical of turn-of-the-century Washington saloons. An antique clock over the entrance is an heirloom from the previous location, while the marble staircase was salvaged from the old National Metropolitan Bank next door.

Today, Yelpers praise the grill’s service as “impeccably efficient and courteous.” But it’s the classic food that keeps them coming back, from Fried Oyster Deviled Eggs that are “flavorful [with] a delightful crispy crunch” to the Linz Heritage Angus Filet Mignon—“one of the best…anywhere.” Order the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, advises Yelp Elite Danan R. “It’s literally all crab with no filler, over a base of buttery creamed corn and roasted cherry tomatoes.”

Yelpers say: “This place really feels like a slice of history, with its cozy atmosphere and welcoming ambiance that makes you want to linger a little longer. Every [dish is] exceptional. The highlight of our meal, without a doubt, was the oysters. They’re a big draw on the menu, and they certainly lived up to the hype. I can completely understand why they’re a favorite among diners. The salmon salad was fresh and light, while the chicken and waffle stole the show! —Harley F.

Since 1893, Commander’s Palace has been the go-to destination for Creole cuisine, as well as a showcase for top chefs, including Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse. The turquoise-and-white Victorian home, built by Emile Commander as a wedding present for his daughter (who never actually married), later became a gift to all who love fine dining. The menu of classic dishes and new innovations has garnered 7 James Beard awards under the watchful eye of the current owners, the Brennan family, who have run the historic restaurant since 1969 (and rebuilt it after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina). The dining experience is a “step back into a…more sophisticated time,” with a dress code to match—it’s “classy and upscale, so don’t try to show up in shorts.”

Meg Bickford, the restaurant’s first female executive chef, currently heads up the kitchen, serving “possibly one of the best meals in the nation.” Her leading-edge “Haute Creole” menu blends classics like Turtle Soup and Commander’s Creole Gumbo with modern entrees like Curried Wild White Shrimp & Pork Belly Burnt Ends. A “light and delicious” Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé—“topped with an exquisite whiskey sauce”—provides a delicious ending to a legendary meal. “Not only is the price worth every penny…but the airfare was worth it just to eat here,” says Yelper Carlos D.

Yelpers say: “Commander’s Palace in New Orleans offers an exceptional dining experience. The historic Garden District setting is elegant, and the service is impeccable. Highlights include the rich Turtle Soup, flavorful Pecan-Crusted Gulf Fish, and the delightful Bread Pudding Soufflé. A visit here is a must for anyone wanting to experience the best of New Orleans cuisine. Highly recommended!” —Yelp Elite Eleanor A.

Notable guests from author Charles Dickens to pop star Kesha have visited this inn, the longest continually operating business in the Buckeye State. Opened in 1803, the restaurant itself has also hosted a dozen commanders in chief, from John Quincy Adams to George W. Bush. In the early days, politicians found the 19th-century stop a convenient layover point between Cincinnati and the “National Road” (the first highway built with national funds). Later, the inn became a frequent campaign stop, thanks to Ohio’s position as an electoral battleground state. The dining rooms are decorated with memorabilia, including rare antiquities from the Shakers, a religious organization that had several settlements in Ohio.

Sharpshooter Annie Oakley sold game to the restaurant in the 1800s, but these days, much of the food is sourced from the restaurant’s own 350-acre farm and local providers. Owned by the Jones family for nearly a century, the property is a “must visit for its history [and] amazing food,” Yelper Amanda U. says. Guests praise the “history-rich setting” and a menu of “delicious” classics like the Ohio Fried Chicken, Dijon-Crusted Braised Short Rib, and Shepherd’s Pie (which is packed with “tasty goodness”). If you’re worn out from your meal, book a room upstairs in the boutique hotel, where former first lady Barbara Bush and other luminaries have slept.

Yelpers say: “All the rave reviews were absolutely correct! The Braised Short Rib was tender, so deeply flavorful, and just perfect. The potatoes were a great accompaniment. I would have posted a pic, but I devoured it much too quickly, LOL! Others at the table got the turkey dinner, and I heard nothing but forks clanking the plates and delightful yums from their lips. I’ve raved to everyone about how fabulous the experience was and can’t wait to go again.” —Tabitha P.

A teenage John Steinbeck reportedly locked himself in the bedroom of this Queen Anne-style Victorian to write poems and stories, developing skills that would eventually lead to award-winning works like The Grapes of Wrath—all inspired by his early days in California. The great American novelist’s boyhood home, now a restaurant and museum, tells his history through family photos and memorabilia. 

Owned and operated for 50+ years by the Valley Guild—originally formed by 8 women who loved gourmet cooking and local produce as much as Steinbeck’s legacy—the home features a lunchtime-only restaurant and gift shop, staffed primarily by volunteers “dressed in period attire” who “share stories about the house and the family.” Even “the tips [are donated] to the Steinbeck house.” Yelpers call the dining room and its rotating menu “one of the best dining experiences in the United States.” Leave room for dessert: Steinbeck loved brownies, so the famous Brownie Pie is a staple.

Need more Steinbeck? Book a tour of the upstairs museum space to see his bedroom and hear more stories about the author’s younger years. 

Yelpers say: “As a Steinbeck lover, I always enjoy my luncheons here in his birthplace. The menu changes monthly, and the variety is amazing, from sandwiches to entrees and beverages. It’s a complete experience. You can dine here and come close to believing you’re dining with the Steinbeck family itself, plus have a brief history lesson. This is a place I return to again and again, especially to impress out-of-town visitors.” —Elizabeth B.

Police no longer raid this Prohibition-era bar, once frequented by Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, and other infamous characters. Located next to Hot Springs National Park, the Ohio Club also drew guests enjoying the natural hot springs, as well as famous baseball players (like Babe Ruth) who went to spring training in the city of Hot Springs. During Prohibition, the bar operated as the Ohio Cigar Store to hide a speakeasy and gambling hall behind a brick wall—where Mae West, Al Jolsen, and later Sammy Davis Jr. and Tony Bennett often performed for high rollers.

The gambling ended in 1967, but the good times keep rolling legally at the hotspot’s massive hand-carved vintage bar, where you can order cocktails like the Al Capone, made with rye whiskey and Grand Marnier. There’s live music 4 nights a week and a pub food menu featuring “crispy” Breaded Spicy Green Beans; a Sampler Basket piled high with french fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, and tater tots; and Black Angus beef burgers served with homemade chips. As Yelp Elite Deb L. describes the experience: “Great service, delicious food, and the cocktails were fabulous.”

Yelpers say: “The Ohio Club is a must-do in Hot Springs. This historic club is usually packed on the weekends, but don’t let that deter you. The Prohibition-inspired cocktails will transport you back in time, while the house band will have you dancing and singing along. The burgers and fries are a great choice, but the best thing on the menu is the Reuben!” —Yelp Elite Kristin M.

This world-class steakhouse, which predates the Statue of Liberty, was the first eatery to allow women to dine publicly without men. Since its 1837 opening in Manhattan’s booming Financial District, Delmonico’s has also become known as America’s first fine-dining establishment and the first to use the term “restaurant” (from the Latin word “to renew”). Its mahogany walls and vibrant blue seating, updated during a pandemic shuttering, contribute to “wonderful classic decor,” while photos of iconic guests like Gypsy Rose Lee and Ava Gabor, pictures of previous owners, and menus from days gone by add to the delights of this “cool old establishment with lots of history.”

Delmonico’s was a leader in culinary innovation, with claims to the now-ubiquitous eggs Benedict, Lobster Newberg, and, of course, the signature Delmonico Ribeye, a “massive and perfectly cooked” 18-ounce, wet-aged steak sourced from Brandt Beef, a family-owned ranch in Southern California since 1945. The storied kitchen is also the most likely creator of Baked Alaska, a now-famous confection of cake, ice cream, and meringue finished with “flaming liquor.” All of this is overseen by “considerate and kind” servers, says Yelp Elite Anika K., who notes that no detail is overlooked, from filled water glasses to carefully folded napkins. As Yelp Elite Jensen W. says, “If you haven’t been to Delmonico’s, have you really been to New York City?”

Yelpers say: “We wanted to visit this landmark that was under renovation during our last trip—so worth the wait! Started with cocktails at the bar, a comfortable old-school vibe with friendly and accommodating staff. Then off to the dining room for our long-awaited dinner. The steaks were incredible. Our hobby is visiting prime steakhouses wherever we travel, and this for me was the one to beat. Dry-aged to perfection, melt-in-your-mouth tender with a light crust, seasoned [only] with salt and pepper—it didn’t need more. My side of horseradish was barely touched. A wonderful experience!” —Yelp Elite Mari F.

This former stagecoach stop is so old, it predates the American Revolution. Established by a land grant from King George II of England, it quickly attracted America’s rebellious founders and leaders—George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson, who stopped here during their north-south travels. Yelpers say that “you can feel the history in the bricks, beams, and candlelight.” The sitting room, for one, retains its original ceiling beams and hand-fitted flooring. The downstairs watering hole—featuring the original wooden “bars” used to lock up liquor at night—is so well preserved, Colonial Williamsburg captured the design for the remodel of historic Shields Tavern.

The “very inviting, elegant, and comfortable” restaurant, operated by the Young family since 1982, features classic American fine dining, from jumbo Mathews County fried oysters to “fabulous and flavorful” steak. House-made dinner rolls, cinnamon rolls, and famous twice-baked potatoes keep Yelp users coming back for more. The Youngs are currently renovating the former sitting room to mark the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War in 2026, along with Susanna Bolling’s historic midnight ride there to warn Gen. Lafayette of a planned attack by British General Charles Cornwallis. 
 

Yelpers say: “Just to know George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, Thomas Jefferson, and Robert E. Lee ate here is amazing in itself! [The] prime rib and…filet mignon [were] both cooked perfectly. Green beans were excellent. Twice-baked potato was great, and seafood bisque was excellent. I would definitely love to go again!” —Dustin M.

Savor “off-the-charts incredible” Cuban food prepared exactly as it was more than 100 years ago. Everything at Tampa’s oldest restaurant—from the famous Black Bean Soup to the popular Columbia’s Original “1905” Salad (cited by USA Today in “10 Great Places to Make a Meal Out of a Salad”)—stays true to the century-old recipes of founder Casimiro Hernandez Sr. The Spanish-Cuban immigrant’s family members run the restaurant now, ensuring that even the bread continues to be sourced from La Segunda Central Bakery in Ybor City, as it has for 109 years. The salad, named for the restaurant’s opening date, is a hearty mix of iceberg lettuce, ham, cheese and house-made garlic dressing inspired by Cuban pork marinade. It’s prepared tableside, like many menu items, putting “old-school professional service” on display. 

While Columbia now occupies an entire city block and seats up to 1,700 customers, “you [still] need reservations” to grab a spot in one of the 15 “stunning” dining rooms—including the Café Dining Room, with the bar from its original saloon incarnation, and the colorful Don Quixote Room, opened in 1935 as Tampa’s first air-conditioned dining space.

Yelpers say: “As soon as you step in, you’re teleported to the old days with the Spanish-style decor and ambiance. Although this place is massive, I highly recommend having a reservation, as they were busy the whole time we were there. The Red Sangria was by far the best I’ve ever had—I loved the tableside presentation. My experience at Columbia Restaurant will probably be in my top 10 most memorable in 2024.” —Yelp Elite Aya E.

As the oldest operating restaurant in the US—and the oldest structure in Rhode Island—this “American treasure with an unparalleled history” tells its tale in the bowed steps of its tiny staircase and wide wooden floors, trod on by diners for more than 300 years. Since it was established as a tavern in 1673, and licensed to serve “all manner of strong drink” in 1702, not much has changed throughout the well-preserved example of Colonial architecture, with “cozy rooms,…beautiful, richly colored walls,” and cavernous fireplaces.

“You will not be disappointed with anything” on White Horse’s current menu of contemporary American cuisine, which celebrates fresh, local produce. House specialties include the “so unique, tasty” Duck Scotch Egg—a soft-boiled duck egg encased in sausage and bread crumbs, then deep-fried—and the “phenomenal” Beef Wellington. Yelpers also praise a raw bar sampler stacked with “fresh seafood and traditional accompaniments” and an “absolutely amazing” lobster bisque. The serving staff completes the experience, according to Yelp Elite Frank B., who says they’re “wonderful, very well-trained in a traditional manner, and as professional as any restaurant I’ve ever visited.”

Yelpers say: “The historical significance of this place is impressive, but the food is also amazing. The Steak Frites were cooked perfectly and topped with a scrumptious chimichurri sauce. The accompanying truffle fries were literally the perfect blend of crispy outsides with warm, soft insides. I would come back here in a heartbeat, and I’ve recommended it to others who are visiting the area.” —Yelp Elite Heather R.

Yelp’s 10 of the Most Historic Restaurants 2024 was written and reported by Jeanne O’Brien Coffey.