8 Best Historic Restaurants in Massachusetts (2022 Updated)
There’s nothing quite as special as dining in an historic location. It’s even more special when you’re dining in a building that dates back centuries. Massachusetts has some of the oldest restaurants in the country, and many famous patrons have dined here. Read on to learn more about eight of the state’s most historic restaurants and why they’re so special. Then, start planning your next dining adventure in the state!
Longfellow’s Wayside Inn
- Tel : +1 978-443-1776
- Email 1 : [email protected]
- Email 2 : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Mon – Sat 11:30 am to 7:30 pm ; Sun 12:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Located on 100 acres, Wayside Inn is a nonprofit charitable corporation that operates nine historic buildings. Its mission is to preserve early American humanities while continuing an innkeeping tradition that dates back to 1716. The inn is a great place to gather with fellow travelers and learn more about the history of the area. Its unique dining experience offers a true taste of history.
Located in Sudbury, Massachusetts, Longfellow’s Wayside Inn offers a romantic atmosphere in the heart of New England. The quaint, rustic rooms are accented with cozy firelight, and Longfellow’s Wayside Inn is one of the oldest operating inns in the country. Longfellow’s Wayside Inn’s ambiance evokes images of Currier and Ives, Norman Rockwell, and Thomas Kincaide.
The inn’s nine fireplaces are the centerpiece of the restaurant’s elegant dining rooms. The wayside Inn’s dining room features New England-style fare, from clam chowder to lobster pie. The staff also serves homemade bread and deep-dish apple pie. The wine list is impressive. You can order wine or beer to complement your meal.
Union Oyster House
- Tel : +1 617-227-2750
- Email : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Sun – Thurs 11:00 am to 9:00 pm ; Fri and Sat Sun 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
If you’re planning a visit to Massachusetts, be sure to visit Union Oyster House. This historic eatery has been serving New England seafood standards since 1826. Its history is reflected in its decor and menu, which highlights a wide range of fresh, local seafood. You’ll love the ambiance at this restaurant and its tucked-away, private dining room.
As one of the country’s oldest restaurants, the Union Oyster House is located near the Boston landmark Faneuil Hall. It was first served in 1826 and has maintained its position ever since. Daniel Webster, a prominent American politician in the 1800s, is a frequent patron. It’s also known to be haunted, with the ghost of President John F. Kennedy being spotted on occasion.
While the Union Oyster House has an interesting interior, the menu is purely focused on seafood. Regardless of how inventive or original it may be, it will be difficult to find something that doesn’t scream “fresh.” The Union Oyster House has been popular for a long time. A recent visit in February saw walk-ins wait an hour and a half for dinner.
The 1761 Old Mill
- Tel : +1 978-874-5941
- Email : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Tue – Thu 11:30 am to 8:30 pm ; Fri – Sat 11:30 am to 9:30 pm ; Sun 11:30 am to 7:30 pm ; Mon Closed
The rustic mill that houses the venerable family-run restaurant dates back to 1761. Inside, it serves up classic American fare. If you’re a foodie who likes the historic feel of a place, the 1761 Old Mill may be the perfect spot for you. Read on to find out more about this restaurant. Here are eight reasons it’s one of the best historic restaurants in Massachusetts.
The 1761 Old Mill is a landlocked dining spot in the heart of downtown Newburyport, Massachusetts. You’ll enjoy the rustic atmosphere of this repurposed sawmill. It boasts a waterfall, ducks and covered footbridges. As the weather turns cool, the restaurant also offers a seasonal menu and dinner theater. In addition, you can host a wedding or a banquet here.
The Old Mill in Westminster is another unique dining experience in Massachusetts. Located in a mill, the restaurant combines the scenic views of New England with the rich history of mills. Originally, the 1761 Old Mill processed lumber for the local community and provided equipment to farmers. However, it changed hands several times and eventually fell into disrepair. Fortunately, the restaurant is now a destination for foodies looking for a taste of history and comfort.
Warren Tavern
- Tel : +1 617-241-8142
- Email : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Sun – Fri 11:00 am to 1:00 am ; Sat 10:00 am to 1:00 am
If you’re looking for the ultimate Colonial experience, head to the legendary circa-1780 Warren Tavern. This historic restaurant offers a variety of pub fare and a charming Colonial ambiance. Locals and tourists alike flock to the historic tavern. The menu offers everything from burgers and hot dogs to a full bar and Colonial-style decor. Its rich history makes it a must-visit historic site in the Boston area.
In addition to its rich history, the Warren Tavern is located in Charlestown. It is the oldest tavern in the United States, built on the same spot in 1780 to replace a tavern burned during the Revolutionary War. A visit to the Warren Tavern is an unforgettable experience. This historic tavern is just 4 blocks from Bunker Hill and eight blocks from the USS Constitution. The tavern is known for its historic significance and is a great place to relax and enjoy some drinks.
Another must-visit historical restaurant is the Tavern in the Square in Boston. This iconic Boston restaurant is located just across from the TD Garden and has hosted several Sunday football games. The Warren Tavern is one of the oldest pubs in the city, located on Pleasant Street near the Bunker Hill Monument. The tavern offers a great variety of traditional pub fare and specialty cocktails. Located at 2 Pleasant Street Ct., Warren Tavern is the perfect spot for a great meal.
Amrheins Restaurant
- Tel : +1 617-268-6189
- Hours of Operation : Mon – Sat 5:00 am to 10:00 pm ; Sun 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
This South Boston establishment has been serving diners since 1890. In addition to great food and friendly service, it also has a quaint outdoor dining area. Whether you want to enjoy a meal outdoors or indoors, the extensive Sunday brunch menu is sure to satisfy your palate. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, the brunch menu features a variety of desserts, including the famous Monte Cristo sandwich. Guests can even build their own omelets.
The Amrheins Restaurant is one of Boston’s oldest and most iconic establishments. In 1885, Henry Marliave brought recipes from France to the city. The menu includes beef, pork, lamb, and gnocchi. The Southie location of Amrheins is also worth mentioning, with the country’s oldest hand-carved bar and the state’s first draft beer pump.
Rye Tavern
- Tel : +1 508-591-7515
- Email : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Tue – Thu 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm ; Fri 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm ; Sat 11:00 am to 2:00 pm | 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm ; Sun 11:00 am to 2:00 pm | 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
The 1770s tavern is now a Farm-to-Table destination with rotating craft beers, whiskeys, and a quaint patio to enjoy the food. The menu features dishes like lobster bisque and roasted duck, with a side of Farm-to-Table offerings. Visitors also love the relaxed atmosphere and cozy patio. Here are eight of the best historic restaurants in Massachusetts.
A cozy tavern hidden away in the historic district of Manomet, Massachusetts, Rye Tavern serves delicious fare in an old-fashioned setting. The quaint cottage-style dining room is decorated with original antique furniture and boasts a fireplace. Outside, a patio offers views of the garden where chef Robert Farrar sources his fresh herbs and vegetables. The menu is full of classic pub dishes, from chicken under brick to lobster bisque.
Olde Hitching Post Family Restaurant
- Tel : +1 781-447-2592
- Hours of Operation : Tue – Thu , Sun 4:00 pm 9:00 pm ; Fri – Sat 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm ; Mon Closed
The Olde Hitching Post Family Restaurant in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was once just a 24-seat coffee shop. Now it is a historic restaurant with a modern twist. The historic farmhouse was constructed in 1810 and has undergone a few renovations. The tavern also offers handcrafted cocktails and comfort food. The restaurant was featured on the TV show “Kitchen Nightmares.” In 2007, Gordon Ramsey and his team attempted to resurrect a seafood shack in Chelsea,
England, via this popular show. The program aired in the U.S. in 2007 and lasted seven seasons.
The Olde Hitching Post was featured on the popular cooking show, “Kitchen Nightmares.” It was filmed in June 2012 and aired in January 2013. The episode featured the restaurant in Hanson, Massachusetts. According to the owner of the restaurant, he met Ramsay at the train station and told him about his experiences in the restaurant. Now, the Olde Hitching Post has reopened after undergoing a renovation.
Copper House Tavern
- Tel : +1 781-890-8989
- Email : [email protected]
- Hours of Operation : Mon – Fri 11:30 am to 10:00 pm ; Sat 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm ; Sun 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
After closing for 33 years, the Somers Inn reopened as the Copper House Tavern on April 13. Owner Louis Masaschi purchased the restaurant from the Boggio family last August. Peter and Darlene Boggio sold the restaurant as they were ready to retire. Masaschi had intended to open the restaurant last November, but the difficult winter pushed back the opening. The new owners have restored the historic building and are proud to offer a casual, friendly atmosphere.
The newly opened Copper House Tavern serves traditional pub fare and more than 40 different beers. The decor is tastefully done with a large and inviting bar. The dining room is spacious, but most diners head straight to the bar. The menu has something for every taste. The new chef, whose specialty is roasted poblano peppers, offers a range of fusion dishes that showcase the cuisine’s rich Mexican heritage.
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