Massachusetts restaurants don't just serve up meals: they've created now-classic dishes, hosted famous figures from past eras and served as time capsules of another time period.
Here are some of the oldest eateries you can still visit today, from one that JFK proposed to Jackie to others that will transport you back in time. These iconic establishments will take you back in time!
Jacob Wirth’s
According to The Boston Globe, an iconic Boston landmark once known for its legendary beer hall has come up for sale after being run for 142 years by German immigrant Jacob Wirth since 1868. Renowned for its wide selection of beers and Bavarian dishes such as wiener schnitzel and spaetzel, as well as original round mahogany tables it has served an array of guests such as Babe Ruth, Conan O'Brien and Broadway cast members over time - becoming a gathering spot where generations gather to share stories and drink together!
Kevin Fitzgerald plans to keep Jacob Wirth's as a locals' bar and restaurant under new ownership for decades to come, saying it should remain with its original atmosphere preserved while also respecting it as an icon landmark, possibly taking up to one year before any plans can be finalized by neighborhood groups.
The new owner of Daisy Buchanan's on Newbury Street plans to relaunch it this summer under a different name and concept, using his old liquor license that was purchased from their owners, Scores. He was approved by the licensing board in 2021 for this plan despite previous proposals to turn it into both a sports bar and marijuana dispensary.
Scores is one of the oldest bars in America and is a beloved destination for Bostonians. Renowned for its wide variety of beers and frequented by numerous celebrities, its owner has expressed his desire to continue this longstanding tradition while adding additional televisions. He hopes to introduce live music performances - though details on these will likely remain under wraps - along with food prepared by Chef Mike O'Keefe and his staff at Scores.
The Green Dragon
If you're craving wine and food, The Green Dragon Tavern in Boston is an excellent place for both. Established in 1654, this ancient establishment was known as one of the "Headquarters of the Revolution", hosting many secret meetings such as those for Sons of Liberty and Boston Committee of Correspondence; furthermore it served as the location where Boston Tea Party plans were drawn up.
The original Green Dragon Tavern was located on Union Street in Boston's North End and featured a large metal sign depicting a dragon over its entrance. Notable patrons of this establishment included Paul Revere and Samuel Adams among many others. Additionally, alcohol was available here along with meeting spots for various secret organizations, such as Sons of Liberty Lodge of St Andrew and Boston Caucus meetings held here.
After the Revolutionary War, it was purchased and renamed by the Freemasons of St. Andrew's and given a new identity - The Green Dragon Tavern. Over time it eventually evolved into a restaurant until Prohibition put an end to operations, yet has remained one of Boston's most beloved eateries ever since its initial purchase by them.
Today, Green Dragon serves lunch and dinner to both locals and tourists, featuring traditional New England dishes on its menu. Tourists and locals alike often frequent this establishment due to its historic significance.
The Green Dragon Tavern Historical Foundation of California is a non-profit organization that operates the Green Dragon Tavern and Museum. A great resource for anyone interested in Boston history and the American Revolution, their museum includes antiquities dating back to Pilgrim times as well as primary source documents covering every era from Pilgrim through Revolutionary War eras.
The Green Dragon restaurant in Lancaster County is a beloved landmark that attracts many visitors and Amish tours alike. However, in recent years the Green Dragon has experienced several suspicious incidents which have alarmed some locals; one involved a vehicle hitting it and causing its building to explode while also injuring patrons inside; however the driver was unharmed during this event.
Amrheins
Few major American cities can rival Boston when it comes to offering restaurants in historic buildings as many can boast of. Though many of Boston's old-time eateries are nationally-renowned, others hold special significance within local neighborhoods they call home.
Amrheins is a classic neighborhood spot located at the corner of West Broadway and A Street in Southie since 1890, boasting several accolades such as being home to America's oldest hand-carved bar as well as Boston's first draft beer pump. Generations of Southie residents have visited, frequenting this establishment for everything from quick bites to drinks with friends.
But as Broadway's Lower End continues to experience rapid development, Amrheins is in danger of disappearing. Recently, its owner put the building and parking lot up for sale, potentially fetching upwards of $20 million. Under new ownership, these brick and wood buildings may likely be replaced with something that fits more seamlessly with its surroundings - likely with apartments similar to those found nearby.
Some patrons of Amrheins and its neighbor Mul's Diner in Lower End are upset over its sale, fearing they may lose a familiar spot they have been visiting regularly for years. Carolee Salerno is among those shocked that Amrheins is up for sale; Salerno frequently dines there herself as well as at Mul's Diner nearby and was "shocked" to learn it is up for auction. Salerno and other customers have asked whomever buys it to keep Amrheins on site - although few hold out hope of that happening!
One developer has come forward with a proposal to conserve two facades of Amrheins building while replacing its interior with a four-story residential complex, featuring public outdoor space and indoor community spaces. Their plan has been presented to both BPDA staff and Alliance members who support preservation.
If these plans go forward, they are sure to meet some resistance from local residents, who have voiced their reservations over its size and scale. A meeting of BPDA's Impact Advisory Group is scheduled for June.
Union Oyster House
Not every day can one dine at a restaurant that can boast over two centuries of history, which makes the Union Oyster House truly remarkable - literally written into its walls are stories and moments from past centuries!
Our restaurant dates back to its construction as a commercial building in the early 1700s. At first it housed Hopestill Capen's dress goods store before becoming home for revolutionary-era newspaper The Massachusetts Spy, published by Issiah Thomas.
Union Oyster House opened for business in 1826, quickly becoming an iconic destination both locally and worldwide. Awarded National Landmark status, it's become a must-see stop on Boston's Freedom Trail - an exhibition of museums, churches, and meeting houses that highlights Boston's American Revolution history and heritage.
Though Union Oyster House has kept up with modern trends and innovations, its old-world charm still shines through. From its Oyster Bar where experienced shucking techniques are showcased on granite stones to its rows of painted wooden booths - everything about Union Oyster House exudes historical authenticity.
Union Oyster House has long been popular with notable patrons. Daniel Webster enjoyed enjoying a bowl of clam chowder before his fatal carriage ride to Marshfield; and John F. Kennedy visited weekly to enjoy lobster stew.
Leonardo DiCaprio visited while filming The Departed and was seen there during that visit, along with celebrities like Rihanna. Additionally, there have been reports of paranormal activity such as seeing "Lady in Black." She has been seen moving tables or silverware by herself!
The Union Oyster House has maintained its popularity through the years primarily because of its dedication to remaining true to its roots and maintaining the integrity of its historic surroundings. Its menu boasts classic New England dishes that pay homage to regional culinary history; their seafood offerings rank amongst some of the best available; signature fried oysters can be found alongside lobster Newburg dishes.
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