Unearth The Voyage
California’s culinary landscape is filled with history, and some restaurants have been serving hungry diners for over a century. From gold rush-era establishments to early 20th-century gems, these iconic spots have survived wars, earthquakes, and changing tastes. Walking into one of these historic restaurants is like stepping back in time, where you can taste the same recipes and soak in the same atmosphere that generations before you enjoyed.
1. Tadich Grill, San Francisco
Since 1849, Tadich Grill has stood as California’s oldest restaurant still welcoming guests through its doors. Born during the gold rush era, this San Francisco landmark has witnessed the city transform from a bustling frontier town into a modern metropolis.
The restaurant’s classic seafood menu remains largely unchanged, featuring dishes like cioppino and sand dabs that have delighted customers for generations. Walking through the entrance feels like traveling back in time, with its long wooden bar and private booths creating an authentic old-world atmosphere.
When exploring San Francisco’s rich history and culinary roots, stopping at Tadich Grill isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for understanding how the city’s food culture began.
2. The Old Clam House, San Francisco
Opening its doors in 1861, The Old Clam House has remained in its original Bayview location for over 160 years. Wars, natural disasters, and economic shifts couldn’t shake this seafood institution from its roots.
The pandemic brought challenges that led to an ownership change, but the restaurant reopened in 2022 with renewed energy. Today’s menu focuses on sustainably sourced seafood, blending traditional recipes with modern environmental awareness.
Locals and visitors alike appreciate how this establishment honors its past while adapting to present-day values. The combination of historical significance and responsible sourcing makes every meal here feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking, connecting diners to San Francisco’s maritime heritage.
3. Chicago Cafe, Woodland
Archival records suggest Chicago Cafe has been serving Woodland residents since somewhere between 1903 and 1910, making it possibly California’s oldest continuously operating Chinese restaurant. The exact founding date may be fuzzy, but its impact on the community remains crystal clear.
Step inside and you’ll find vintage charm preserved in every corner, from old photographs lining the walls to furniture that’s witnessed countless family gatherings. The menu features classic Chinese-American fare that bridges two cultures beautifully.
For over a century, this humble establishment has been more than just a restaurant—it’s a living museum of Chinese-American history in California’s Central Valley, where recipes pass from generation to generation.
4. Philippe’s (Philippe the Original), Los Angeles
Founded in 1908, Philippe’s stakes its claim as the birthplace of the legendary French dip sandwich. Whether that story is completely accurate or not, the restaurant has certainly perfected the art of this simple yet satisfying meal.
Located in downtown Los Angeles, the establishment maintains its no-frills approach with sawdust-covered floors and communal seating that encourages strangers to become friends. The menu focuses on hearty, straightforward food without pretension or fancy plating.
Philippe’s proves that great restaurants don’t need constant reinvention—sometimes sticking to what works for over a century is the smartest recipe for success. The long lines at lunchtime tell you everything about its enduring popularity.
5. Frank Fat’s, Sacramento
Frank Fat opened his namesake restaurant in 1939, creating what would become Sacramento’s most respected gathering place for politicians, business leaders, and families alike. The restaurant sits just blocks from the State Capitol, making it a natural hub for political discussions and community events.
The Chinese-American menu reflects Frank Fat’s vision of blending his heritage with California flavors, resulting in dishes that feel both familiar and unique. Photographs of governors, legislators, and community figures line the walls, telling stories of deals made and friendships formed over shared meals.
This Sacramento institution proves that restaurants can be more than places to eat—they become the living rooms of entire cities.
6. El Cholo, Los Angeles
Since 1923, El Cholo has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine to Los Angeles diners, becoming one of the city’s most enduring culinary landmarks. The restaurant’s classic décor transports guests to another era, with Spanish colonial architecture and colorful tile work creating a festive atmosphere.
Generations of Southern California families have celebrated birthdays, anniversaries, and regular Tuesday nights within these walls. The menu features traditional dishes prepared using recipes that have remained largely unchanged for decades.
In a city known for constant change and reinvention, El Cholo stands as a comforting reminder that some traditions deserve preservation. Its continued popularity in 2025 proves that authentic experiences never go out of style.
7. Tam O’ Shanter, Los Angeles
Established in 1922, Tam O’ Shanter brings a taste of Scotland to Los Angeles with its distinctive Tudor-style architecture and cozy, pub-like atmosphere. The restaurant’s consistent menu has kept customers returning for over a century, proving that reliability builds loyalty.
Dark wood paneling, Scottish memorabilia, and intimate booths create an ambiance that feels worlds away from the sunny California streets outside. Prime rib, shepherd’s pie, and other hearty fare remind diners of simpler times when meals were about comfort and conversation.
As one of Los Angeles’s oldest continuously operating eateries, Tam O’ Shanter represents a rare breed—a restaurant that values tradition over trends and atmosphere over Instagram-worthiness.
