26 Marlborough Street, Newport, Rhode Island
The White Horse Tavern is the oldest operating restaurant in the United States and is the 10th oldest restaurant in the entire world. The restaurant opened in 1673 and is now considered a famous National Historic Landmark. When walking into this Newport restaurant, you will find gorgeous architecture from the 17th century, with giant beams, cavernous fireplaces, clapboard walls, and a gambrel roof.
The White Horse Tavern was originally constructed as a home for Francis Brinley in 1652. William Mayes, Sr. then purchased it and turned it into the famous tavern-like it is today. For almost 100 years, this was the meeting spot of the Colony’s General Assembly, Criminal Court, and City Council.
By the time the 1700s came around, William Mayes succeeded his father as the innkeeper and earned a license to sell liquor. William was a pirate that operated in the Red Sea and turned to Newport with his bounty. Mary Mayes Nichols, Williams’s sister, and her husband, also followed as innkeepers for the next 200 years. In 1703, Jonathan Nichols became tavern keeper and gave the tavern its name. This was the spot the counselors came to have a nice meal and charge it to the public treasury.
Time went on, and the family finally moved out of the Tavern. Throughout the years, the building started to fall apart and was neglected. The Preservation Society of Newport Country acquired the building in the mid-1900s and was able to restore it, and save the structure from demolition.
In 1981, O.L Pitts of Texas and three partners bought the Taverns. As sponsors of famous America’s Cup, they continued to keep the restaurant going and offered delicious food and drinks. However, the O.L Pitts aged, he turned ownership over to Paul Hogan, a man who was born and raised in Newport.
There have been several different owners of the Tavern over the years, but it continues to stand strong today and offers one of the best dining experiences you will ever have! Enjoy a taste of the 21st century in a colonial tavern that has been serving people for over 350 years!
To check out their menu or reserve a spot in their dining room visit their website at https://whitehorsenewport.com/
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