These are the oldest restaurants in NJ. Take a visit!

Just over 250 years ago, America didn't exist.

Settlers had landed in the "New World," established colonies and — so we assume — hosted a Thanksgiving or two. Nowhere, though, could you find a White House, capital building, national flag or even a title for the developing country.

Even amidst the pre-Revolution, however, Garden Staters still had their priorities straight; as they were already investing their silver dollars into the local culinary industry.

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All dating back before 1776, then, here are the three oldest restaurants you can currently visit in New Jersey.

The Clinton House, Clinton; 1743

The Clinton House has been a Jersey gastronomic hot spot since it opened its doors in 1743. Once an inn that housed travelers crossing between New York and Pennsylvania, the hotel and restaurant quickly gained popularity for its mouthwatering food, always served — tavern-style — with cool drinks.

Fast forward to the mid-1900s, and the residential rooms of the venue were closed, marking Clinton House's transition to a full-time bar and restaurant. The menu evolved to include tender seafood and melt-in-your-mouth steaks, and the historic spot was quickly regarded as one of Hunterdon County's top steakhouses. Served in Colonial-era digs, the chef-crafted fare kept Clinton House at the forefront of an ever-changing, increasingly competitive culinary scene.

Today, The Clinton House is a special occasion destination for many Central Jersey locals. Though some frequent it on the regular for Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail and Prime Steak Frites with herbed garlic butter, many reserve it for date nights, anniversaries, rehearsal dinners and more; each eager to celebrate their significant life moments with medium rare meats and a step back in time.

Go: 2 W. Main St., Clinton; 908-730-9300, theclintonhouse.com.

The Black Horse Tavern & Pub, Mendham; 1742

Pre-Revolutionary charm meets 2026's farm-fresh culinary standards at The Black Horse Tavern & Pub; North Jersey's oldest continually operating restaurant. Priding itself on retaining its Colonial Era vibes — yet elevating its eats — the historical Mendham destination is putting new spins on near-extinct culinary classics.

Similar to other restaurants of the 18th century, the Pub was once a pit stop for those traveling between Easton and New York. Unlike most competitors, however, it was also said to have hosted George Washington (and, in the time since, Whitney Houston, Jim Breuer and more). From political leaders to local craftsman, common folks and founding fathers alike have enjoyed its rustic atmosphere and chilled clam dip.

In the 21st century, the Black Horse Tavern is most visited by Morris County, Bergen and Essex residents in search of old-school dishes in nostalgic vibes. The team flawlessly transforms those wishes to reality, as the chefs whip up Pot Pie and Parker House Rolls, and the front of house staff ensures that every wooden beam is polished, each gold rail shiny and all patches of walls be covered in vintage, country-inspired signs.

Stop in for a bite, then, and savor crocks of French Onion Soup in a dining room yet to bid adieu to the "good old days."

Go: 1 W Main St., Mendham; 973-543-7300, blackhorsenj.com.

Ye Olde Centerton Inn, Pittsgrove; 1706

Ye Olde Centerton Inn opened to the public in 1706. Just a few years after the turn of the 18th century, our state's most senior restaurant was already turning out pub grub and boozy mugs of beer to friendly locals. Each winter, it was a communal hub of warmth for amiable South Jersey residents to gather for a sip, and, in the summer, it was a centralized stomping grounds for socialization.

The roaring fireplaces, wood paneling and brick walls — which the Inn has since become known for — were already in place.

Now owned and operated by Brian and Joanne Goode, a pair of French-trained chefs completely infatuated with history, the Inn persists to thrive as it did in the early 1700s. The couple's attention to yesteryear (and commitment to timely restorations) has kept the building as close to its original form as possible, with multiple dining rooms evoking different old-world vibes (some boast Colonial Era artwork, while others resemble private country kitchens). At Christmas time, the whole place feels like it was plucked from a Dickens-inspired holiday tale.

For those who have yet to see the Inn in person, a dinner at the restaurant is a Jersey must — if not just for the chefs' decadent Crab Imperial, or buttery Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

Go: 1136 Almond Road, Pittsgrove; 856-358-3201, centertoninn.com.

Kara VanDooijeweert is a food writer for NorthJersey.com and The Record. If you can't find her in Jersey's best restaurants, she's probably off running a race course in the mountains. Catch her on Instagram: @karanicolev & @northjerseyeats, and sign up for her North Jersey

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: These are the oldest restaurants in NJ. Take a visit!