The Oldest Restaurant In Delaware Has a Truly Incredible History

Delaware was settled by the Dutch in the 1630s, making it one of the earliest European settlements in the New World. For hundreds of years, people have been making a life in Delaware, and it did not take long for taverns, pubs and colonial restaurants to appear amongst the early Delaware residents. Delaware is home to many of the oldest things in America – from the oldest Methodist church, to the oldest church building still used as it was built, to the first DuPont home in the Country. It’s no surprise, then, that Delaware is home to some incredibly old restaurants.

Deciding exactly what the oldest restaurant in Delaware is could be a little tricky, because there are three to consider. Cantwell’s Tavern in Odessa first opened up in 1822 and ran as a Hotel and Tavern for the next 100 years, before closing down. It has since been restored to its colonial glory, but it did not re-open until the early 2000s. Then, there’s everybody’s first guess – Jessop’s Tavern, in Old New Castle. The building that houses Jessop’s was built in 1624, making it one of the oldest restaurant buildings in the state, but Jessop’s did not begin serving food until the 1940s. However, it is still a great place to go for a full colonial experience, where waiters serve you in period clothes.

So, if it’s not Jessop’s, and it’s not Cantwell’s Tavern, then what could possibly be the oldest restaurant in Delaware?