Sure, we all want to try the new, hip places when we go out to eat. But why not check out a place loaded with history? These Illinois restaurants are among the most historic in the state.
- Pump Room
Pump Room/Facebook If walls could talk. In operation since 1938, this restaurant has had many notable guests over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, and David Bowie.
- The Berghoff
Berghoff/Facebook Cool tidbit about the Berghoff: they were actually the first restaurant to get a liquor license post-Prohibition. Also, there was a men’s only bar here until 1969.
- Long Grove Village Tavern
Long Grove Village Tavern/Facebook If you are wondering what the oldest restaurant in Illinois is, this is it. This tavern and restaurant has been in operation since 1847, and has been frequented pretty much ever since then.
- Maldaner’s
Maldaner’s/Facebook The state’s capital is home to Maldaner’s, a restaurant in operation since 1884. The heavy wood will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
- Ariston Cafe
Ariston Cafe/Facebook Ariston has been an anchor on Route 66 and is even on the National Registry of Historic Places. It’s been owned since 1924.
- Daley’s Restaurant
Daley’s Restaurant/Facebook This has to be the best place to get soul food in Illinois. That’s probably because they’ve only been doing it since 1892.
- Green Mill
Keith Cooper/Flickr Some of the greatest moments in the Chicago jazz scene happened here. Oh, and Al Capone used to go here. You can still sit in his booth.
- Billy Goat Tavern
Billy Goat Tavern/Facebook I’m not sure there is an Illinois restaurant with more history than Billy Goat Tavern. From supposedly cursing the cubs, to being famously featured on SNL, this place is a must-go.
For dinner with a side of history, consider going to one of these historic restaurants next time you decide to go out for a bite.
Pump Room/Facebook
If walls could talk. In operation since 1938, this restaurant has had many notable guests over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Bette Davis, and David Bowie.
Berghoff/Facebook
Cool tidbit about the Berghoff: they were actually the first restaurant to get a liquor license post-Prohibition. Also, there was a men’s only bar here until 1969.
Long Grove Village Tavern/Facebook
If you are wondering what the oldest restaurant in Illinois is, this is it. This tavern and restaurant has been in operation since 1847, and has been frequented pretty much ever since then.
Maldaner’s/Facebook
The state’s capital is home to Maldaner’s, a restaurant in operation since 1884. The heavy wood will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Ariston Cafe/Facebook
Ariston has been an anchor on Route 66 and is even on the National Registry of Historic Places. It’s been owned since 1924.
Daley’s Restaurant/Facebook
This has to be the best place to get soul food in Illinois. That’s probably because they’ve only been doing it since 1892.
Keith Cooper/Flickr
Some of the greatest moments in the Chicago jazz scene happened here. Oh, and Al Capone used to go here. You can still sit in his booth.
Billy Goat Tavern/Facebook
I’m not sure there is an Illinois restaurant with more history than Billy Goat Tavern. From supposedly cursing the cubs, to being famously featured on SNL, this place is a must-go.
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