10 Oldest Coffee Shops in the United States: A Journey through History

Coffee shops hold a special place in the hearts of coffee lovers, serving as gathering spots for friends, intellectuals, and artists throughout the ages. In the United States, there are several historic coffee shops that have stood the test of time. Let’s take a journey through history as we explore the 10 oldest coffee shops in the country, learning about their founders, the cities they were founded in, the number of locations they have today, their most traditional product, top-selling item, and other intriguing facts about each establishment.

1 – The Green Dragon Coffee House

Established: 1697
Founder: Unknown
City: Boston, Massachusetts
Number of Locations: 1
Traditional Product: Freshly brewed coffee
Top-Selling Item: Boston Cream Pie
Curiosity: The Green Dragon Coffee House was a popular meeting place for American Revolution patriots, including Paul Revere and John Adams.

2 – The Merchants’ Coffee House

Established: 1737
Founder: Unknown
City: New York City, New York
Number of Locations: N/A
Traditional Product: Turkish-style coffee
Top-Selling Item: Espresso
Curiosity: The Merchants’ Coffee House played a crucial role in the city’s financial district and was a hub for early American stockbrokers.

3 – The White Horse Tavern

Established: 1673
Founder: Unknown
City: Newport, Rhode Island
Number of Locations: 1
Traditional Product: Drip coffee
Top-Selling Item: Lobster rolls
Curiosity: The White Horse Tavern is not solely a coffee shop but is considered one of the oldest operating taverns in the United States, attracting locals and tourists alike.

4 – The Union Oyster House

Established: 1826
Founder: Unknown
City: Boston, Massachusetts
Number of Locations: 1
Traditional Product: Freshly brewed coffee
Top-Selling Item: Oysters
Curiosity: The Union Oyster House is not only renowned for its coffee but also for being the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States.

5 – Antoine’s Restaurant

Established: 1840
Founder: Antoine Alciatore
City: New Orleans, Louisiana
Number of Locations: 1
Traditional Product: Café au lait
Top-Selling Item: Oysters Rockefeller
Curiosity: Antoine’s Restaurant is famous for popularizing the New Orleans-style café au lait, a delightful combination of coffee and chicory.

6 – Café du Monde

Established: 1862
Founder: Moncharmin Family
City: New Orleans, Louisiana
Number of Locations: Multiple
Traditional Product: Beignets and café au lait
Top-Selling Item: Beignets
Curiosity: Café du Monde is an iconic coffee shop known for its French-style beignets, powdered sugar delights that perfectly accompany a cup of café au lait.

7 – The White Horse Coffee & Spirits

Established: 1802
Founder: Unknown
City: St. Cloud, Minnesota
Number of Locations: 1
Traditional Product: Drip coffee
Top-Selling Item: White Horse Burger
Curiosity: The White Horse Coffee & Spirits boasts a rich history and charming atmosphere, making it a beloved local hangout.

8 – The Tontine Coffee House

Established: 1793
Founder: Unknown
City: New York City, New York
Number of Locations: N/A
Traditional Product: Turkish-style coffee
Top-Selling Item: Cappuccino
Curiosity: The Tontine Coffee House was a prominent gathering place for traders and merchants in the early years of the New York Stock Exchange.

9 – The Old Log Cabin Inn

Established: 1789
Founder: Unknown
City: Columbia, Pennsylvania
Number of Locations: 1
Traditional Product: Drip coffee
Top-Selling Item: Pennsylvania Dutch apple pie
Curiosity: The Old Log Cabin Inn’s rustic ambiance and comforting coffee have made it a favorite stop for travelers since its founding.

10 – The Blue Anchor Coffee House

Established: 1652
Founder: Unknown
City: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Number of Locations: 1
Traditional Product: Freshly brewed coffee
Top-Selling Item: Fish and chips
Curiosity: The Blue Anchor Coffee House has witnessed centuries of history and continues to serve locals and visitors with its rich coffee and delectable seafood dishes.

These 10 coffee shops have persevered through time, preserving their rich traditions and offering a glimpse into the past. Whether you’re seeking a taste of history or simply looking for a comforting cup of coffee, these establishments provide an opportunity to experience the legacy and charm of some of the oldest coffee shops in the United States.