History | The White Horse Tavern, Newport, Rhode Island (2024)

FAQs

History | The White Horse Tavern, Newport, Rhode Island? ›

The White Horse Tavern is a National Historic Landmark being America's oldest restaurant, having served guests since 1673. The White Horse Tavern was originally constructed as a two-story, two-room residence for Francis Brinley. It was acquired by William Mayes, Sr. and converted to a tavern.

Along with being a place to eat and drink publicly, the building was the site of the Rhode Island colony's General Assembly meetings, a criminal court, and also a city hall. In 1730, a man named Jonathan Nichols became the tavern's owner and first dubbed the establishment formally as the White Horse Tavern.

And one of the White Horse Tavern's first owners was a local pirate, William Mayes, so it's no surprise the tavern holds a bit of maritime history. Prominent patrons included George Washington, brothers James and Benjamin Franklin who ran a printing press nearby, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, said LaPlante.

We suggest business casual attire, which includes slacks, denim trousers, blazers, button down shirts, sweaters, dresses. Please no athletic wear, sleeveless shirts or distressed denim. with dining rooms on both the first and second floors.

The White Horse Tavern was constructed before 1673 and is believed to be the oldest tavern building in the United States. It is located on the corner of Farewell and Marlborough streets in Newport, Rhode Island.

The White Horse is a famous landmark that was probably cut into the chalk about 400 years ago, but its appearance has changed over time. The earthworks protected a settlement, containing round houses, granaries, stores and workshops.

Notable patrons

Other famous patrons include James Baldwin, The Clancy Brothers (who also performed at the establishment), Bob Dylan, Richard Farina, Michael Harrington, Jane Jacobs, Seymour Krim, Norman Mailer, Jim Morrison, Adam Leonard, Delmore Schwartz, Hunter S. Thompson and Mary Travers.

After Washington's death, his step-grandson, George Washington Parke Custis, described Prescott as “a fine parade horse, purely white, and sixteen hands high.” Washington, proud of his white chargers, made sure they received the best care out of any of his steeds. He made it a routine to ride early every morning.

City Tavern, also called the Merchants' Coffee House, was the political, social, and business center of the new United States. Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, and Paul Revere all ate here. The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution both owe much to the food and spirits consumed in this building.

Formerly known as the Halfway House, the building contains original brickwork some 700 years old, and is mentioned in texts by Geoffrey Chaucer, Samuel Pepys and Charles Dickens. In 2002, artist Pauline Forster bought the derelict building at auction and has reopened it as a music, performance and arts venue, and pub.

Can you wear a black dress to the horse races? ›

A Derby Day dress code is strict, so opt for a refined monochrome look with black and white tones. Block colours are suitable for almost every race day dress code, and a bold colour like red will have you standing out from the crowd. Pair our Aerin dress with a statement fascinator for a bright and glamorous ensemble.

What can men wear at a pub? Men can never go wrong with a button-down Shirt for men, black jeans, & dress shoes. Roll up your sleeves and untuck your shirt's front for a laid-back vibe. Men can benefit from the casual appeal of a graphic men's printed t-shirt and jeans or shorts.

For a more casual look, equestrian enthusiasts also often layer vests with classic white blouses.

The White Horse Tavern is the “oldest operating restaurant in the U.S.” and is acknowledged as the 10^tholdest in the world. The White Horse Tavern is a National Historic Landmark being America's oldest restaurant, having served guests since 1673.

The Warren Tavern is one of the most historic taverns in America. It is the oldest tavern in Massachusetts and was visited by many famous individuals including George Washington and Paul Revere. The Warren Tavern was first erected in 1780 in Charlestown, MA.

The oldest bar in the US is the White Horse Tavern, which was established in 1673 in Newport, RI. George Washington frequented historic taverns such as Middleton Tavern in Maryland. The Old '76 House in Tappan, New York, imprisoned a British spy during the Revolutionary War.

Bell in Hand Tavern served its first drink back in 1795 and is America's oldest continuously operating tavern (except during Prohibition, which shut down every legitimate bar in the U.S.). It's located around the corner from the Green Dragon, in Boston's historic downtown.

A hotel known as the White Horse Hotel is known to have existed on the site since 1866 when it was operated by Daniel Donovan. It was a two storeyed brick building with verandahs to Ruthven Street. In 1873, the property was acquired by Toowoomba storekeeper James Tant.

1. The oldest bar in New York City is Fraunces Tavern. Located at 54 Pearl Street in New York City, this place is both a bar/restaurant and a museum, both honoring the tradition of taverns in New York City.

The Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington's oldest saloon, was founded in 1856 when, according to legend, innkeeper William E. Ebbitt bought a boarding house. Today, no one can pinpoint the house's exact location, but it was most likely on the edge of present-day Chinatown.