White Horse Tavern
Dine in America's oldest tavern (est. 1673) for upscale American cuisine and a journey through colonial history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
White Horse Tavern
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dine in America's oldest tavern (est. 1673) for upscale American cuisine and a journey through colonial history.
"Step back in time at America's oldest tavern, where history meets delicious farm-to-table cuisine."
🎯 Book Your Table in Advance
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner. This place gets busy! 🎟️
🍽️ Dress Code is Flexible
While a dress code is mentioned, it's often unenforced. Come as you are, but smart casual is a safe bet. 👗
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 1,726 reviews
Type
American Restaurant
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
America's Oldest Tavern
Dine in a piece of history, operating since 1673. Experience colonial charm and a truly unique atmosphere.
Beef Wellington
A standout dish praised for its superb preparation and flavor. A must-try for steak lovers.
Lobster Ravioli
Described as 'insane' and 'amazing' with a rich, generous sauce. A highly recommended seafood option.
Duck Scotch Egg
A surprisingly perfect and filling appetizer with subtle flavors, earning a perfect score from one diner.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for This Historic Gem
Embrace the Colonial Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Table in Advance
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner. This place gets busy! 🎟️
🍽️ Dress Code is Flexible
While a dress code is mentioned, it's often unenforced. Come as you are, but smart casual is a safe bet.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early to snag a spot in their free parking lot, or be prepared to walk from your accommodation. 🚗
👻 Embrace the History & Haunts
It's America's oldest tavern and rumored to be haunted! Soak in the colonial atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Table in Advance
Reservations are essential, especially for dinner. This place gets busy! 🎟️
🍽️ Dress Code is Flexible
While a dress code is mentioned, it's often unenforced. Come as you are, but smart casual is a safe bet.
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Arrive early to snag a spot in their free parking lot, or be prepared to walk from your accommodation. 🚗
👻 Embrace the History & Haunts
It's America's oldest tavern and rumored to be haunted! Soak in the colonial atmosphere.
🥂 Try a Smokey Old Fashioned
A recommended cocktail to start your meal, adding to the historic tavern experience. 🍸
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the White Horse Tavern for its exceptional historical ambiance and its status as America's oldest tavern. Many highlight standout dishes like the Beef Wellington and Lobster Ravioli, alongside attentive service. While the food is generally well-regarded, a few find it good rather than extraordinary. Some also note that the dress code can be inconsistently enforced.
"Scotch eggs were about as flavorful and perfectly cooked as you can expect. Clam chowder was excellent. We also ordered endive salad blackened sword fish and beef Wellington. Bread pudding and candy bar rounded out the meal. Smokey Old fashioned to start. Everything was impeccably prepared. Best meal we had for this trip. Service was warm and attentive."
SCSS 98
"Excellent restaurant which is also the oldest tavern in America. Lot of history, beautiful stories and architecture. Really nice old woody feel. Lovely service and staff who are friendly. Highly recommend you book in advance guys it gets full fast. We have been three times on three different trips. The food is nice but not overwhelmingly good. The best dishes were the Brussels sprouts aide dish- must have! Also the dessert mousse was amazing!! The duck chicken and steak were 7/10."
Akshay Sinha
"Full moon on a Friday and lucky me there was a table near the bar. Beef Wellington was superb, see pics and the wine was outstanding. Great hostess and bartender. Efficient, friendly and scrumptious. So glad I made the walk from my air bnb! Thank you for graciously welcoming me from Nashville!"
Julie Davy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The White Horse Tavern is located in Newport, Rhode Island. If you're driving, parking can be challenging, so arriving early for their free lot is advised. Many visitors also find it walkable from accommodations in the downtown area.
While specific public transport routes might vary, Newport is a walkable city. Check local bus schedules for routes that stop near the historic downtown area where the tavern is located.
The tavern has a free parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Visitors recommend arriving early, especially for dinner reservations, or being prepared to find street parking or use a ride-sharing service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and on weekends. The tavern is very popular due to its historic status and can fill up quickly.
Hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead. They are typically open for dinner and sometimes lunch.
While a dress code is mentioned on their website, many reviews suggest it's not strictly enforced. Smart casual attire is generally appropriate, but some visitors note it can vary.
It's possible, especially if you arrive early or during off-peak times, but not guaranteed. Making a reservation is the safest way to ensure you get a table.
Established in 1673, the White Horse Tavern is recognized as America's oldest operating tavern and the 10th oldest in the world. It's steeped in colonial history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular recommendations include the Beef Wellington, Lobster Ravioli, Duck Scotch Egg, and the Brussels sprouts side dish. Many also praise the clam chowder and desserts. +2
They serve upscale farm-to-table American cuisine with a focus on classic dishes and seasonal ingredients. +1
While the menu focuses on American classics, it's always best to check with the restaurant directly or inquire when making your reservation about current vegetarian or vegan offerings.
The Smokey Old Fashioned is a popular choice. They also have a good wine selection and offer various cocktails.
Reviews suggest the food is delicious and well-prepared, with generous portions. Many find it to be a worthwhile experience given the historic setting and quality.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the tavern offers a classic colonial New England look. Inside, the historic architecture, cozy dining rooms, and beautifully presented dishes provide great photo opportunities. +1
Yes, you can take photos inside to capture the historic ambiance and your meal. Be mindful of other diners and avoid flash photography that might be disruptive.
The main dining rooms with their wooden beams and fireplaces offer a quintessential historic tavern feel. The bar area can also be atmospheric. +1
🎫 👻 Haunted History
The White Horse Tavern is widely considered one of America's most haunted taverns, with tales of ghostly encounters and disembodied sounds.
Legends include the disembodied laugh of a child and tales of spirits from its long history, including a story of two gentlemen visiting and one ending up dead by the fire. +1
For many, the haunted history adds to the unique and atmospheric dining experience. It's a conversation starter and part of the tavern's allure.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit