When it comes to long-standing restaurants, Louisiana takes the cake. We have so many restaurants that have stood the test of time, many of them have been around for well over a century, like Commander’s Palace (1893) and Galatoire’s (1905). There’s one restaurant in Louisiana that’s not only the oldest family-run restaurant in Louisiana, but this crown jewel is also the oldest family-run restaurant in the entire country.

Tucked away in the historic streets of the French Quarter, Antoine’s has been a New Orleans staple for over 180 years.

The restaurant first opened its doors in 1840 and is still owned by the same family, making it the oldest family-run restaurant in both Louisiana and the United States. The fine dining eatery has long been a tradition for locals and tourists looking to celebrate a special occasion.

Now, New Orleans is the birthplace of many iconic dishes, but you may be surprised to learn that some of the most famous got their start right here at Antoine’s.

Oysters Rockefeller is just one of the many dishes that were invented here, along with eggs sardou, and pommes de terre souffles (puffed potatoes).

Fun fact: Oysters Rockefeller was named due to the richness of the sauce.

There are 14 dining rooms at Antoine's, and each one is just as impressive as the last.

Each one can accommodate different needs for private rentals, and each one has a unique flare and history. With a capacity of up to 700, no event is too big or too small. Pictured above is the Capital Room, AKA the Roy Alciatore Room. It's named for the wooden panels on the walls, which were actually taken from the old capitol building in Baton Rouge.

The Rex Room is a wonderful nod to Mardi Gras, and what better way to honor the celebration than with Rex, the King of Carnival.

The room is adorned with historic photographs, crowns, scepters, and costumes from parades that runs a fine line between a dining room and a museum. Even if you don’t visit during Mardi Gras season, you’ll leave this room feeling like it’s Fat Tuesday.

One of the most fascinating rooms is the Mystery Room.

During Prohibition, you obviously couldn’t buy alcohol legally, so people started to get creative. There used to be a door in the women’s restroom that would lead to a secret room, where you could get a coffee cup filled with liquor to bring back to your table. The standard response if anyone was ever questioned where they got it was, "it’s a mystery to me!" The name stuck!

Whether you're dining in the main dining room or your own private space, you'll never forget a meal at Antoine's.

Between the history and the menu, you're in for a top-shelf dining experience.

A visit to Antoine's isn't complete without ordering the signature Baked Alaska.

Just be sure to order it at the beginning of your meal, as it takes some extra time to prepare.

For more information, visit Antoine's website, and don't forget to give them a follow on Facebook. For more family-run restaurants in Louisiana, check out this legendary list.