A tavern established in 1750 in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County), a saloon that opened in 1775 (Baltimore), and an inn that opened its doors in Potomac in 1860 (Montgomery County) make up the three oldest restaurants in the state of Maryland that continue to operate today. Per Webster’s, a restaurant is a business place where meals or refreshments may be bought.
Middleton Tavern (2 Market Space, Annapolis, MD) played a significant role in American history, hosting many of the nation’s esteemed leaders after the American Revolution, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.
In 1983, Middleton Tavern underwent remodeling and expansion, which resulted in the new Tavern and Oyster Bar. The greatly expanded and beautifully appointed upstairs dining rooms allow the Tavern to accommodate private parties, meetings and the heavy weekend crowds. Now, addition to the raw bar, they have a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and entrees. Read more about its rich history here.
The Horse You Came In On (1626 Thames St., Baltimore, MD) is not only one of the oldest operating restaurants in Maryland, but it is the oldest continually running saloon in America, established in 1775. It has also been said, and disputed, that the saloon is the last place Edgar Allan Poe was seen before his delirium and mysterious sudden death.
The Horse, as it’s referred to be many, was built as Al and Ann’s in 1775. It was a “watering hole” in the historic port of Fell’s Point and was renamed to The Horse You Came in On in 1972 when new ownership bought it. It changed hands again in 2006. Now, you can order menu items like crab cake bites, Wild West wings, a Philly cheesesteak served with a side of crab dip, and more. Read more about its rich history here.
The Old Angler’s Inn (10801 MacArthur Blvd in Potomac) first opened its doors in 1860– initially catering to travelers heading to DC, as well as affluent families who established estates in Potomac and throughout the Maryland countryside. This makes it the one of the oldest operating restaurant in all of Maryland, and second oldest in the Washington DC Metro Area behind Old Ebbitt Grill (1856) in DC.
In 1957, the property was purchased by prominent attorney John Reges, at which point his wife, Olympia, undertook its restoration. Olympia was the mother of Mark Reges who currently owns and operates the restaurant. In recent years, the site has gained recognition as a restaurant, beer garden, wedding venue, and a popular stop for hikers exploring Great Falls or the C&O Canal. Additional photos from Old Angler’s Inn can be seen below (includes seasonal items from this past summer).
