New York City is one of the modern food capitals of the world, but if you’re willing to venture just 12 miles outside the Big Apple, there is a restaurant that is a living monument to American history in the village of Tappan. Built in 1668, the ’76 House, is regarded as the state’s oldest restaurant.
Originally constructed as a home by a merchant named Casparus Mabie, ’76 House was later operated as a tavern. One of the country’s oldest operating restaurants, it functioned as a key social and political hub that drew locals and soldiers alike during the Revolutionary War. Plenty of history has been made in the restaurant in the past two and a half centuries. In 1780, British spy Major John André, the man who conspired with Benedict Arnold in an infamous plot to surrender West Point to the British, was held prisoner inside the ’76 House. His short imprisonment ended with a conviction and hanging.
For over 250 years, ’76 House has remained in the heart of the Tappan Historic District, which was first settled by the Dutch in the late 1600s. The neighborhood is home to many buildings and preserved landmarks from the Colonial Era, so if you have a soft spot for all things historical, tree-lined streets, and antique shops, keep Tappan in mind for a weekend trip!
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The ’76 House today
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The ’76 House in Tappan, New York – Brian Logan Photography/Shutterstock
The ’76 House manages to avoid the tourist trap vibe that can be associated with historic eateries. Featuring its original stone exterior from Colonial times, it still looks like a humble house, but naturally, after 300 years, the current owners, the Norden Family, have had to restore the building to keep it well-maintained. The foundation has been updated, and timbers and floors have been restored with materials sourced from other historic sites. Modern necessities such as electricity and air conditioning are present but well-hidden to maintain the atmosphere of being in a centuries-old building.
The building is registered as a National Landmark, and stepping inside, it quickly transports you to the past. Antique portraits and artifacts line the walls, along with many early American flags with 13 stars representing the first colonies. The low-timbered ceilings and four fireplaces make for an especially cozy dinner. The restaurant also hosts live music several times a month.
On the food front, the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with mains like fish and chips, chicken pot pie, pork chops, and vegan moussaka. There are also dishes that give a nod to Colonial American cooking, like the Thanksgiving sandwich (made with roasted turkey breast, stuffing, and cranberry aioli), venison medallions, and Yankee pot roast. Additionally, the restaurant features an extensive wine list and signature cocktails such as The American, a mix of American rye whiskey, cinnamon, maple syrup, fresh lime, and ginger beer. (If you’re looking to check out more historical food destinations in New York state, head to Kingston, New York, to dine at some award-winning restaurants.)
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‘76 House: New York’s Oldest Restaurant Serves Revolutionary War History Just 12 Miles From NYC
Built in 1668 in the village of Tappan, the ‘76 House is regarded as New York state’s oldest restaurant, a living monument to American history located just 12 miles outside New York City.
A Revolutionary-era gathering place
Originally constructed as a home by merchant Casparus Mabie, the building later operated as a tavern. One of the country’s oldest operating restaurants, it served as a key social and political hub that drew locals and soldiers alike during the Revolutionary War.
In 1780, British spy Major John André — the man who conspired with Benedict Arnold in an infamous plot to surrender West Point to the British — was held prisoner inside the ‘76 House. His short imprisonment ended with a conviction and hanging, a chapter that cements the tavern’s place in early American history.
Preserved architecture, discreet updates
The ‘76 House manages to avoid the tourist trap vibe often associated with historic eateries. Featuring its original stone exterior from Colonial times, it still looks like a humble house, though the current owners, the Norden Family, have restored the structure to keep it well-maintained. The foundation has been updated, and timbers and floors have been restored with materials sourced from other historic sites. Modern necessities such as electricity and air conditioning are present but well-hidden to preserve the centuries-old atmosphere.
The building is registered as a National Landmark, and stepping inside quickly transports diners to the past. Antique portraits and artifacts line the walls, along with early American flags bearing 13 stars representing the first colonies. Low-timbered ceilings and four fireplaces create an especially cozy setting, and the restaurant hosts live music several times a month.
In the heart of the Tappan Historic District
For over 250 years, the ‘76 House has remained in the heart of the Tappan Historic District, which was first settled by the Dutch in the late 1600s. The neighborhood retains many buildings and preserved landmarks from the Colonial Era, and its tree-lined streets and antique shops make Tappan an appealing weekend trip for history-minded travelers.
Comfort classics with Colonial nods
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with mains such as fish and chips, chicken pot pie, pork chops, and vegan moussaka. The menu also nods to Colonial American cooking with items like a Thanksgiving sandwich made with roasted turkey breast, stuffing, and cranberry aioli, as well as venison medallions and Yankee pot roast. An extensive wine list complements signature cocktails such as The American, a mix of American rye whiskey, cinnamon, maple syrup, fresh lime, and ginger beer.
As a preserved gathering place that still feeds its community, the ‘76 House illustrates how historic restaurants can anchor local heritage while offering an accessible, meaningful stop for travelers exploring the New York region.
