The Oldest Steakhouses In America
Americans have a long-running love affair with steak. Ever since the Spanish introduced cattle to the continent in the 16th century, beef has been highly sought-after by all types of people. When the first steakhouses started opening in New York City in the 1800s, they immediately took off and the concept soon spread across the country. Some of those early steakhouses are still operating today, which is a testament to just how much people love a good steak served in an inviting setting.
The steakhouse is an American invention that came from two dining concepts: upper-class beef banquets and working-class chophouses. The first and best steakhouses in New York City were more upscale than chophouses and offered convivial atmospheres where friends and family could gather for meals. And of course, thick, juicy steaks were the main stars. If you want a taste of old-school decadence, these are some of the oldest steakhouses in the United States that are still going strong today.
Old Homestead Steakhouse, New York City, NY
Appropriately located in New York City's historic Meatpacking District, the Old Homestead Steakhouse first opened its doors in 1868. It has operated on the same site ever since, making it the oldest steakhouse in the United States that has been continuously serving from the same location. Co-owners and brothers Greg and Marc Sherry stay true to the restaurant's roots, serving only top-quality cuts of meat in substantial portions.
Peruse the menu at the Old Homestead and you'll find classic steakhouse starters like oysters Rockefeller, Caesar salad, and crab cakes. There are also some contemporary appetizers such as the yellowfin tuna sashimi and rock shrimp tempura. The steaks and chops are sourced from only the best suppliers. You can choose from USDA prime dry-aged beef or Japanese Wagyu A5+ steaks. If you're craving seafood over steak, choices include Chilean sea bass, New Zealand salmon, or lobster tail. The sides are just as tempting with offerings like buttermilk onion rings, truffle mac n' cheese, and asparagus with hollandaise.
(212) 242-9040
56 9th Ave, New York City, NY 10011
Miners & Stockmen's Steakhouse, Hartville, WY
Back in the late 1800s, Hartville, Wyoming truly was the Wild West. The mining town attracted cowboys and prospectors who would gather at the saloons and gaming houses. It wasn't uncommon for gunfights to break out on Main Street. The town thrived during the mining boom, but went into decline when the Sunrise mine shut down in 1980. Today the town has a population of just 61, and most of the former businesses are gone. However, Miners & Stockman's stands proud as the oldest bar in Wyoming and a popular steakhouse.
Sidle up to the historic bar and you can channel your inner prospector with a shot of whiskey from one of 35 selections. Once you've whet your whistle, head to one of the tables for a decadent dinner of USDA Prime Black Angus steak that has been hand-cut and trimmed in-house. Pair your meat with a classic wedge salad, a side of jumbo shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms with a blue cheese crust. Be sure to save room for dessert because they make delectable treats like creme brûlée and chocolate cake with cheesecake in the middle.
Miners & Stockman's Steakhouse
(307) 836-2008
608 Main Street, Hartville, WY 82215
The Buckhorn Exchange, Denver, CO
Step inside The Buckhorn Exchange and you could be forgiven for thinking you've entered a hunter's showroom. The walls are lined with taxidermy, including mountain sheep, buffalo, and moose. This is Denver's oldest restaurant and one of the oldest steakhouses in the United States. It was founded in 1893 by Henry Zeitz, who was friends with Chief Sitting Bull and Buffalo Bill. Over the years, it has attracted everyone from cattle ranchers to railroad workers, presidents, and movie stars.
Just like the interior, the menu is eclectic. Your meal could start with an order of fried alligator tail or Rocky Mountain oysters (head's up — they're not oysters). The boneless rattlesnake marinated in lime and red chile is another adventurous choice. The meat-centric mains include USDA prime grade beef steak, buffalo steak, and lamb chops. If you're trying to cut back on red meat consumption, opt for quail, cornish hen, or salmon. It's not the best spot for vegetarian diners, but carnivores will be in absolute heaven.
(303) 534-9505
1000 Osage St, Denver, CO 80204
Delmonico's, New York City, NY
When Delmonico's Restaurant opened in 1837, it changed New York City's dining scene. Taking cues from European restaurants, the Delmonico brothers introduced private dining rooms and offered a la carte menus. Prior to this, diners were limited to public eating houses and inns that served only one dish at one price. Delmonico's became the country's first fine dining restaurant and its chefs invented many classic dishes we know and love today like eggs Benedict, baked Alaska, and the Delmonico steak.
Delmonico's Restaurant has moved locations and undergone many transformations over the years. Its current incarnation is at 56 Beaver Street in Manhattan, and it serves many of the dishes it became famous for. It goes without saying that steak lovers should try the signature Delmonico steak. Purists can enjoy the 18-ounce boneless ribeye as is, while those looking for a flavor enhancer can top it with black garlic butter, shallot beef jus, or creamy blue cheese sauce. Sides include creamed spinach, pureed potatoes, and king crab garlic spaetzle.
(212) 381-1237
56 Beaver St, New York, NY 10004
St. Elmo's Steakhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Established in 1902, St. Elmo's Steakhouse is the oldest steakhouse in Indianapolis that still stands in its original location. Locals will tell you it's one of the key restaurants you can't miss in Indianapolis. More than a few celebrities have dined at the restaurant, including Lady Gaga, John Travolta, and Jon Bon Jovi. One Reddit user said, "You're really going for the experience and the atmosphere. It's a throwback to a certain type of old-school cool."
Scroll through St. Elmo's Instagram feed and you'll see shot after shot of the shrimp cocktail. It's been on the menu since 1902, and it continues to be one of the restaurant's most popular dishes. It comes with four jumbo shrimp slathered in a spicy cocktail sauce. As you would expect, the steaks are also big sellers. They come with either navy bean soup or tomato juice and your choice of fries, baked potato, mashed redskin potatoes, or green beans. Reviewers also rave about the white chocolate blueberry bread pudding with bourbon cream sauce.
(317) 635-0636
127 S. Illinois St., Indianapolis, IN 46225
Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Oklahoma City, OK
Cattlemen's Steakhouse has a colorful history that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. It opened in 1910 to feed hungry cowboys and ranchers who were in Stockyard City to sell their herds. It was one of the only spots that stayed open late, so it attracted a big drinking crowd. That didn't change during Prohibition, as the steakhouse served special homemade libations. In 1945, owner Hank Frey lost the restaurant to a man named Gene Wade in a dice game. Wade expanded the venue into what it is today — a renowned spot for great steak in what is now Oklahoma's oldest continuously operating restaurant.
You can see Cattlemen's Steakhouse's history in the wooden ceiling beams and photos of famous people who have dined at the restaurant over the years. Slide into one of the vinyl booths and settle in for a hearty Midwest meal that's heavy on meat and potatoes. Cattlemen's sources only corn-fed USDA Prime and Choice beef. Cuts include strip sirloin, filet mignon, and porterhouse. Each steak is broiled over charcoal flames and served in its natural jus. All entrées come with a salad, rolls, and your choice of fries, baked potato, or steamed vegetables.
(405) 236-0416
1309 S. Agnew, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
Keens Steakhouse, New York City, NY
Keens Steakhouse is not only one of the oldest steakhouses in the United States, but also home to the biggest collection of churchwarden pipes in the world. When Albert Keen opened the bar and restaurant in 1885, he set up a pipe club where patrons could store their pipes at the restaurant. You can admire pipes that belonged to guests like Babe Ruth and Theodore Roosevelt as you tuck into dishes like the famous mutton chops and prime porterhouse.
The dish that put Keen's on the map for carnivores was the mutton chops. A New York Times article from 1935 detailed how the restaurant served its millionth mutton chop. It stated, "Enthroned on a huge platter the chop was served to Mr. Godfroy, a patron of the house for a quarter of a century, with royal service, which included a procession and the blowing of an ancient English bugle, said to have been used in the War of the Roses, by a beefeater in the traditional bright red costume." You may not get the same fanfare today, but tucking into those massive mutton chops is a thrilling experience nonetheless.
(212) 947-3636
72 West 36th Street, New York, NY 10018
Charlie's Steakhouse, New Orleans, LA
New Orleans' oldest steakhouse is Charlie's, an institution that's been serving steaks since 1932. As the website says, "There's nothing fancy at Charlie's, just a great steak, a cold drink, and a good time. You don't ask for a menu at Charlie's unless it's your first time, and that's when everybody laughs at you ... Just tell your waiter which steak you want and how you would like it cooked. Oh, and when it arrives, hold your napkin up in front of you so the spattering butter doesn't ruin your shirt."
Much like New Orleans, Charlie's is resilient. The restaurant has managed to come back after several tragedies, including Hurricane Katrina, COVID-19, and the death of an owner. Today it carries on its tradition of being a New Orleans landmark that serves some seriously good steaks. You can order cuts like the ribeye, T-Bone, and New York strip with sides like onion rings, potatoes au gratin, or a classic wedge salad. Wash it all down with a glass of wine or a specialty bourbon.
(504) 895-9323
4510 Dryades St, New Orleans, LA 70115
The Golden Steer, Las Vegas, NV
If you want a taste of nostalgia in Las Vegas, make your way to the Golden Steer Steakhouse. While it isn't as old as some of the other restaurants on this list, it is the longest running continually operating steakhouse in the city. Illustrious guests have included Elvis Presley, Nat "King" Cole, and Frank Sinatra. It's undergone several upgrades since it opened in 1958, but the menu stays mostly true to the original with classic steakhouse offerings.
As soon as you step through the doors of the Golden Steer, you feel like you've been transported back to the time when the Rat Pack used to hang out there. The dark wooden wall panels and red leather booths create a cozy atmosphere. The servers are dressed in tuxedos and will whip up Caesar salads next to your table. The menu has indulgent starters like the seafood stuffed mushroom capsand French onion soup. The steaks are USDA Prime certified and cooked just the way you like them with an array of sauce and side options. If you really want a blast from the past, finish your meal with an order of cherries jubilee flambéed tableside.
(702) 384-4470
308 W Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89102
Peter Luger Steakhouse, Brooklyn, NY
Peter Luger Steakhouse is often called one of the best steakhouses in America thanks to its commitment to serving only the highest quality meat. The establishment started life as Carl Luger's Cafe Billiards & Bar in 1885 and later evolved to focus primarily on steak with sides like creamed spinach and the house special German fried potatoes. The exceptional food once earned the restaurant a Michelin star. While they have since lost that star, they still receive praise in the Michelin Guide, as well as accolades from the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
In an exclusive interview with Food Republic, Peter Luger Steakhouse vice president and co-owner Jody Storch told us that the secret to the restaurant's success is sticking to the basics and starting with top-notch beef. She said, "We go to the market several times a week, and we hand-select all the [steak] for the restaurant. It's very important to actually look at each piece and make sure the quality is there." The family only selects USDA prime beef with ample marbling. The meat is then dry-aged, butchered, and trimmed in-house before being broiled to perfection.
(718) 387-7400
178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Gene & Georgetti, Chicago, IL
In a foodie city like Chicago where new places seem to open daily, it's hard to keep people coming back to one restaurant year after year, let alone for more than eight decades. Gene & Georgetti opened its doors in 1941 and quickly became a fan favorite with diners in the Windy City. That legacy has endured. To this day, the restaurant has a slew of regular customers, some of whom have been eating there for over 50 years.
Gene & Georgetti was founded by bartender Gene Michelotti and chef Alfredo "Georgetti" Federighi. The duo offered classic Italian dishes from their homeland, many of which are still on the menu today. These include Tuscan-style pastas, eggplant parmigiana, and Fiorentina style steaks. All of the steaks are USDA Prime beef, most of which have been wet-aged for at least 21 days. The Fiorentina steaks are dry-aged and include the tomahawk and T-bone. You can also find unique creations on the menu that were inspired by customer requests like the Garbage Salad and the Chicken alla Joe with sweet and hot peppers.
(312) 527-3718
500 N Franklin St.Chicago, IL 60654
Jess & Jim's, Kansas City, MO
For more than 85 years, Jess & Jim's has been satisfying hungry diners with hearty steaks, burgers, and seafood. The restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family since 1938, and they pride themselves on the quality and value they provide. Diners seem to agree. One TripAdvisor reviewer said, "This place has been around for a long, long time. Why? Because it is a great restaurant. Start with good wait staff, add many local microbrews on tap — and oh yes — add great meat. The filet was top notch and the baked potato had to weigh a pound. Add Texas toast and a salad that is included — top-notch value."
Jess & Jim's serves lunch and dinner every day of the week. The lunch menu features lighter fare like the J&J Salad and the 5-ounce sirloin filet wrapped in bacon and served with salad and one side. The dinner menu has heftier options like the 20-ounce T-bone and the mammoth 30-ounce porterhouse. All the steaks are served unseasoned so you get nothing but the pure flavors of the meat and char. However, house seasoning is available on request. For those who want to try their Prime aged beef, but can't make the trip to their Kansas City restaurant, they can ship their raw steaks anywhere in the country.
(816) 941-9499
517 East 135th Street, Kansas City, MO 64145
Gallaghers Steakhouse, New York City, NY
If you're looking for a classic New York City steakhouse experience, Gallaghers is a good bet. The restaurant began life as a speakeasy in the Roaring Twenties, and later became a steakhouse when Prohibition ended. The restaurant was revamped in 2014 , but it still retains much of its old-school charm. Think leather booths, a horseshoe-shaped bar, and lots of dark wood. You can't miss the glass-fronted meat locker at the front of the restaurant that displays thick cuts of meat, labeled and awaiting their ready-to-eat dates.
You'll find all your favorite steakhouse dishes on the menu at Gallaghers. You could start with some items from the raw bar like the chilled seafood medley with a smorgasbord of lobster, oysters, clams, jumbo shrimp, and jumbo lump crab meat. The USDA Prime steaks come in a variety of cuts and can be served with sides like hash browns, sautéed mushrooms, and asparagus. End the meal with a slice of decadent New York cheesecake or pecan pie.
(212) 586-5000
228 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
Doe's Eat Place, Greenville, MS
Don't expect white linen tablecloths or leather banquettes at Doe's Eat Place. This hole-in-the-wall spot is very homey and no-frills. When Dominick "Doe" Signa and his wife Mamie took over Doe's father's grocery store in 1941, they opened a honkey tonk in the front of the store and sold food out the back. It soon became known as one of the best spots in town to get a great steak. Many will tell you that it still is.
The entrance to Doe's leads you through the kitchen to a cheerful dining room featuring tables with checkered tablecloths. The servers will likely make you feel right at home and let you know what the cooks are serving up that day. The tamales are one of the must-have dishes that have been a staple since back in Doe and Mamie's days. The steaks are huge and juicy, and served with fries on the side. It won't be a fancy meal by any means, but you'll have the opportunity to experience a place that has contributed so much to the culinary landscape of the area that it earned a James Beard Foundation America's Classics award.
(662) 334-3315
502 Nelson St, Greenville, MS 38701