4 Classic Pennsylvania Restaurants for Date Night  

Pennsylvania is home to many of the country’s oldest restaurants still in operation. Understandably, many of these historic establishments are in the eastern part of Pennsylvania since it was settled by colonists first.

Many of them started as guest inns, where in the 1700s and 1800s, food was almost always served.

Here’s a handful of some of the oldest that are perfect for date night.

Duffy’s Tavern

For over 200 years, Duffy’s Tavern has catered to Boalsburg’s townspeople and the many travelers who pass through given its close proximity to Penn State’s main campus in Centre County. Built in 1819 by Colonel James Johnston and his wife Hannah, Duffy’s had several proprietors before it was damaged by a fire in 1934. Meticulously restored by Roanna Hill Winsor for its reopening in 1938, its current owners operate the historic tavern as a fine dining establishment with a gastro pub-inspired menu and a casual vibe. 

Ralph’s Italian Restaurant

The oldest Italian restaurant in the country, Ralph’s Italian Restaurant opened in 1900 and has been serving iguests ever since. Ralph’s is located just beyond the Italian Market (the one Rocky regularly jogged through) in South Philadelphia. The storied eatery changed locations in its early years and is run today by the fourth and fifth generations of the Dispigno/Rubino family. Ralph’s serves old-school Italian-American fare in generous portions. The gravy (tomato sauce) is so good you can buy a jar to take home, the wine list is extensive with plenty of Italian red, and the atmosphere is casual and friendly.

King George II Inn

A meal at King George II Inn, named for the king of both Great Britain and Ireland from 1727 to 1760, comes complete with over 340 years of history. Founded in 1681, it’s the oldest continuously operating inn in the United States. Once a public house—where legend has it George Washington once stayed—it’s now a dining establishment only, with spectacular views of the Delaware River from its riverfront location in Bristol, Bucks County. The menu is decidedly American with soups, salads, appetizers like chicken wings and cheesesteak egg rolls, burgers and sandwiches, and entreés of steak, pork, and seafood with a few vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Logan Inn

In 1727, John Wells opened the Ferry Inn along the Delaware River in what is now New Hope, Bucks County. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington and Aaron Burr stayed here, and the inn acted as a field hospital for wounded soldiers. Completely renovated in the past decade, the Logan Inn is now a luxury hotel, albeit one with a reputation of being haunted by several ghosts. The inn’s restaurant, Ferry + Main, has an open kitchen with an upscale menu and a popular weekend brunch. Guests can enjoy small plates and drinks on the patio, three-course meals in the dining room, or drinks at one of the inn’s three bars.

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