8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime

by Katherine in , Comment — Updated January 26, 2020

All across the country, restaurants exist that serve tasty old-fashioned recipes from our favorite eras. We’ve made a list of some of the best old-fashioned restaurants across the country that we think everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Now plan a road trip with your vintage loving friends, throw on a dress from the appropriate era, and enjoy a truly delicious vintage meal.

Frank’s Diner – Kenosha, WI

In 1926, Anthony Franks brought a dining car all the way from New Jersey, established Frank’s Diner, and this joint has been dishing out tasty food ever since.

8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Photo Source: Franksdinerkenosha.com

Ralph’s – Philadelphia, PA

Check out the oldest Italian restaurant in the country where the same family has been serving delicious traditional Italian-American food since the start of the 20th century.

8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Photo Source: Flickr.com

Old Ebbitt Grill – Washington D.C.

This historic grill was established in 1856 making it the oldest bar and restaurant in Washington D.C. The Old Ebbitt Grill serves old-fashioned, locally-sourced saloon meals such as meatloaf, chops, and burgers.

8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Photo Source: Commons.wikimedia.org

Brent’s Drugs – Jackson, MS

Since Brent’s Drugs opened its doors in 1946, it has been serving traditional old-school soda and diner food. Try one of their to-die-for breakfast sandwiches, a delicious burger and shake, or wait until later to enjoy their famous speakeasy style cocktail hour.

8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Photo Source: Rien Fertel via Southernfoodways.org

Jacob Wirth – Boston, MA

Jacob Wirth is a long-standing German Pub which opened its doors all the way back in 1868. They serve tasty burgers and other pub grub as well as traditional German dishes like Wiener Schnitzel and Sauerbraten. If you are looking for something fun to do on a Friday night, join the Jacob Wirth crowd in their weekly sing-a-longs and enjoy their large selection of beer.

8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Photo Source: Jacobwirth.com

Philippe the Original – Los Angeles, CA

Philippe the Original, established in 1908, is supposedly the place where French Dipped Sandwiches were invented. Whether or not that claim is true, it is worth taking a bite from one of their tried and true beef or lamb tip sandwiches.

8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Photo Source: Flickr.com

Schaller’s Pump – Chicago, IL

Schaller’s Pump, a former speakeasy, has been in the same family since its humble beginnings in 1881. The interior feels like a “frozen-in-time” tavern and serves traditional old-fashioned tavern food such as meatloaf, corned beef hash, and navy bean soup.

8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Photo Source: Angelfire.com

Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City, NY

Founded in 1888, Katz’s Delicatessen is a New York icon worth giving a try. Take a bite out of a traditional Jewish pastrami or hot dog, and get “locked-in-time” in their old-school New York interior.

8 Old-Fashioned Restaurants Everyone Should Visit at Least Once in Their Lifetime
Photo Source: Fromthesquare.org

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