The South’s Oldest Restaurants, Still Operating Today
We compiled a list of the oldest restaurants still operating in each Southern state. That's 12 spots to add to your road trip bucket list! Image: Facebook / Oark General Store
While the South is brimming with restaurants that have been open for generations, this list zooms in on the oldest restaurants still operating today — or at least the best general consensus. These businesses have stood the test of time, enduring everything from natural and economic disasters to cultural shifts and beyond. While some have changed addresses, many are still serving from their original locations!
*Organized alphabetically by state
ALABAMA: The Bright Star
Location: Bessemer, AL
Operating since: 1907
More info: thebrightstar.com
Located in the small Alabama town of Bessemer, just outside of Birmingham, The Bright Star first opened its doors in 1907 as a 12-seat bar. After outgrowing its original space, The Bright Star landed in the Bessemer’s Realty Building in 1915, where its original tile floors and hand-painted murals still exist. The restaurant was purchased by Greek immigrant cousins Peter and Bill Koikos in the 1920s and remains in the family today.
The Bright Star offers a menu of elevated Southern comfort foods with an occasional Greek spin — seafood, steak, gumbo, and just about any Southern side you can dream up.
ARKANSAS: Oark General Store
Location: Oark, AR
Operating since: 1890
More info: facebook.com/oarkgeneralstore
Located in the Ozark Mountains and surrounded by the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas, the Oark General Store was added to the state’s Register of Historic Places in 1995. Primarily functioning as a general store that also served prepared food options since the late 1800s, the business officially converted to a cafe in the 1990s and is a popular stop today for hikers.
Open every day except Tuesday, you can stop into the cafe for breakfast and lunch. Expect a small but mighty selection of classics like eggs, bacon, and pancakes for breakfast, plus burgers and sandwiches for lunch.
FLORIDA: Columbia Restaurant
Location: Tampa, FL
Operating since: 1905
More info: columbiarestaurant.com
Now a chain with seven locations across Florida, Columbia Restaurant was first established in 1905 in Tampa‘s historic Ybor City area. Spanish-Cuban immigrant Casamiro Hernandez, Sr. actually opened the space as Columbia Saloon in 1903, which would become Columbia Restaurant two years later.
Today, the restaurant occupies an entire city block and is widely accepted as the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. The extensive menu features a mix of Spanish and Cuban influences — tapas, gazpacho, Cuban sandwiches, and more.
GEORGIA: The Plaza Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Location: Thomasville, GA
Operating since: 1916
More info: theplazarestaurant.com
Though the restaurant has changed locations and ownership more than once since its opening, it has been a dining staple in downtown Thomasville since 1916. Today, The Plaza operates under the ownership of NYC restaurateur Michael Regina.
You can choose your own adventure at The Plaza — casual or formal, indoors or out, a full dining experience or a round of cocktails and oysters at the bar.
KENTUCKY: Old Talbott Tavern
Location: Bardstown, KY
Operating since: 1779
More info: talbotttavern.com
The second-oldest restaurant on this list, Bardstown’s Old Talbott Tavern has been in operation since 1779, originally a stagecoach stop and inn for early pioneers. As the structure still boasts much of its original craftsmanship, diners are surrounded by history — stone walls, roaring fireplaces, and even a dozen or so bullet holes with some lore of their own.
You can still stay at the inn today, or stop in for a meal, a history tour, and a tasting at the bourbon bar. The menu offers hearty Southern fare with lots of Kentucky influences: beer cheese, bourbon barbecue meatballs, and tons of tempting entrées.
LOUISIANA: Antoine’s
Location: New Orleans, LA
Operating since: 1840
More info: antoines.com
If you’ve spent much time in New Orleans, you’ve probably been to the longtime (very longtime) French Quarter staple, Antoine’s. The history outlined on its website sets the scene best:
“It was spring in 1840, when New Orleans was queen city of the Mississippi River, when cotton was king and French gentlemen settled their differences under the oaks with pistols for two and coffee for one. ‘Dixie’ had not yet been written, destined to become the marching anthem for Confederate forces in the Civil War. This was the city young Antoine Alciatore adopted, after stopping in New York, to establish a restaurant that would endure under his family’s direction for more than 180 years and set the standard that has made New Orleans one of the great dining centers of the world.“
Today, the restaurant is still operating in all its original glory, with opulent dining rooms, quintessential New Orleans fare with French influences, and craft cocktails flowing.
MISSISSIPPI: Weidmann’s
Location: Meridian, MS
Operating since: 1870
More info: weidmanns1870.com
Located in the small Mississippi town of Meridian, Weidmann’s welcomes you in with an old-school neon sign and a second-floor patio. The restaurant was originally established in 1870 by Swiss immigrant Felix Weidmann, with only a small counter and four stools. Its long history involves several changes in ownership, including a 20-year stint under Heisman Trophy winner Shorty McWilliam and his wife, Gloria.
Owned today by Charles Frazier, Weidmann’s is open for lunch, brunch, and dinner service, and is dedicated to honoring the restaurant’s long history. Known for Southern comfort favorites, it’s beloved by locals. Each table is outfitted with a crock of homemade peanut butter and a selection of crackers. Don’t skip it!
NORTH CAROLINA: Carolina Coffee Shop
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Operating since: 1922
More info: carolinacoffeeshop.com
In 1922, UNC Chapel Hill’s student post office was converted into the Carolina Coffee Shop. All these years later, it’s still a downtown favorite, especially loved by UNC students. But don’t let the name fool you — they have a range of items on offer beyond coffee (and yes, they’ve got plenty of that). The eatery also offers daily brunch and a full bar!
SOUTH CAROLINA: Villa Tronco
Location: Columbia, SC
Operating since: 1940
More info: villatronco.com
There is some debate around the oldest restaurant in South Carolina, but Villa Tronco is generally agreed upon as the titleholder, since it has been in continuous operation since it was established in 1940.
Villa Tronco traces its roots to a fruit stand in Columbia that evolved into a restaurant during World War II, when “Mama Tronco” began serving Italian dishes to homesick soldiers — introducing many locals to foods like spaghetti for the first time. The concept eventually evolved into Villa Tronco, now recognized as Columbia’s first Italian restaurant. Still family-owned and operated, the restaurant continues to serve Mama’s original recipes.
Honorable Mention: Hyman’s Seafood
What is now Hyman’s Seafood, a favorite on the Charleston dining scene, actually began back in 1890 as a dry goods wholesaler. While it did not become the restaurant we know today until the late 1980s, the building’s history — and the ongoing ownership of the Hyman family — is remarkable!
TENNESSEE: The Arcade Restaurant
Location: Memphis, TN
Operating since: 1919
More info: arcaderestaurant.com
Founded in 1919 by Greek immigrant Speros Zepatos, The Arcade is widely regarded as Memphis’s oldest cafe and a defining landmark of South Main Street. From its early days serving railroad workers and downtown residents, it became known for classic diner fare and a welcoming, old-school atmosphere, which has remained largely intact.
Known for comfort food staples like sweet potato pancakes and peanut butter–banana dishes often linked to Elvis Presley, The Arcade continues to operate in its original location as both a working diner and a living piece of Memphis history.
Honorable Mention: Varallo’s Chili Parlor
Varallo’s in Nashville held the title of oldest restaurant in the state until February 2026, when it sadly closed its doors after 119 years in business.
TEXAS: Scholz Garten
Location: Austin, TX
Operating since: 1866
More info: scholzgarten.com
While Austin‘s Scholz Garten was established around the same time as the Stagecoach Inn in Salado, Scholz Garten gets bragging rights because it’s been in continuous operation since its inception in 1866.
Founded by German immigrant and Civil War veteran August Scholz, Scholz Garten began as a small bar and cafe in Austin and quickly became a gathering place for the city’s German community. It was eventually acquired by the Austin Saengerrunde, a German singing society that added a bowling alley and helped cement its role as a cultural hub.
Today, it remains an Austin institution, serving beer and traditional German fare like pretzels, bratwurst, and schnitzel, plus Southern infusions like hot chicken and pulled pork sandwiches.
VIRGINIA: The Red Fox Inn & Tavern
Location: Middleburg, VA
Operating since: 1728
More info: redfox.com
Last but definitely not least, the OLDEST restaurant on today’s list is the dining room at The Red Fox Inn & Tavern, located in Virginia‘s historic town of Middleburg.
Established in 1728 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Red Fox Inn & Tavern sits at the heart of Virginia Hunt Country. For nearly three centuries, it has evolved to meet modern sensibilities while maintaining its historic character and traditions. Today, the culinary program emphasizes fresh, regional ingredients, with experiences that range from refined multi-course dinners to relaxed pub fare and craft cocktails.
Stay a night or two in the inn for the full experience, or stop in on your tour of downtown Middleburg!
Do you happen to know lore of longer-standing restaurants than these? Let us know!
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Alissa Harb
Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 14 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.