One Of The Oldest Restaurants In The US Is Delaware's Cantwell's Tavern And It’s Delicious
By Kim Magaraci|Published April 09, 2022
×
Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Delaware has so much history to discover – including a restaurant that’s one of the oldest in the country! While Cantwell’s Tavern hasn’t operated continuously like some of the longest-standing dining rooms in the US, it dates back to the earliest days of America.
Back in 1822, Delaware entrepreneur William Polk opened up Cantwell's Bridge Hotel and Tavern to serve travelers making their way through the town of Cantwell's Bridge, which is now known as Odessa.
Cantwell's Tavern operated as a pub and hotel for 100 years, before taking a brief hiatus in the early 20th century. In the 2000s, it opened back up, and today is one of the finest places in the First State for a flavorful homestyle meal.
Come sit in the historic dining room, which was been completely restored to match the period when it was originally used. You'll love the warmth and coziness of the space.
All along the walls, historic photos and clippings tell the story of this space and of the town that was a bustling destination for so long. Today, much of Odessa is designated as a historic area.
Of course, the best reason to visit Cantwell's Tavern is the food! You'll find seasonally-inspired American cuisine on the menu, and everything is sourced locally and fresh when it can be!
Come in for lunch or dinner and you'll leave with a smile on your face. After dining in this historic, timeless restaurant, you'll want to come back again and again.
