White Horse Tavern

The White Horse Tavern is a restaurant in Newport, Rhode Island, established in 1673 and described on its official website as "America's Oldest Tavern." It presents a contemporary culinary experience within a colonial-era building, serving local seafood, produce, and other fare, and also offers gift cards and merchandise through its Tavern Shop.

The White Horse Tavern was originally constructed in 1652 as a two-story, two-room residence for Francis Brinley. In 1673 it was acquired by William Mayes, Sr. and converted to a tavern. For almost 100 years, the tavern was the meeting place of the Colony's General Assembly, Criminal Court and City Council. In 1702 William Mayes succeeded his father as innkeeper and was granted a license to sell "all sorts of strong drink." Mary Mayes Nichols, William's sister, and her husband Robert followed as innkeepers, and for the next 200 years, with one brief interruption, the tavern remained in the Nichols family. In 1708 the tavern became "home of the businessman's lunch" as councilors dined here and charged their meals to the public treasury. In 1730 Jonathan Nichols became tavern keeper and gave the White Horse Tavern its name. In 1776 Walter Nichols, the new proprietor, moved his family out of the tavern. The official website states the tavern is the "oldest operating restaurant in the U.S." and acknowledged as the 10th oldest in the world, and that it is a National Historic Landmark having served guests since 1673.

A fresh, contemporary culinary experience in "America's Oldest Tavern," combining colonial charm with sophisticated local cuisine.

Product categories. local seafood · local produce · wine pairings · gift cards · glassware · shirts

1. 1White Horse Tavern - Newport, Rhode Islandwhitehorsenewport.com
2. 2History | The White Horse Tavern, Newport, Rhode Islandwhitehorsenewport.com
3. 3White Horse Tavernwikidata.org