The White Horse TavernYe olde pub and restaurantYou can feel the history oozing out of the walls. Great menu and wine list. Food cooked to perfection. I would recommend dining upstairs as we were in the bar which is the oldest part of the establishment, it has great atmosphere but it makes it hard to see what you are eating, its a little dark.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMRomantically HistoricThe White Horse Tavern bills itself as the oldest tavern in America; whether or not that is true (or even knowable) is, to my mind, besides the point. In a city known for its historic charm, the White Horse stands out as a notch above the rest.
Expect old fashioned elegance, with a touch rustic (large brick fireplaces, old style spindle back chairs), and outstanding food (which is NOT old fashioned). The servers are good, but they were overwhelmed by a large party the most recent time that I was there - the management should have anticipated this). Noise level is (usually) low, not uncomfortably hushed, but quiet.6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful place to take visitorsWe enjoyed our dining experience at White Horse Tavern. Had not been there in a few years and don't know why---it really is a gem. I would not hesitate to return. Service by our seasoned waiter was attentive and not rushed and the food was excellently prepared. Wine selections were affordable and reasonably priced. The creme brulee was as good as I have ever tasted. All of this in a most perfect 18th Century setting. What could be better. It is not every day that one has the opportunity to dine in such a historic place. Also I might mention that the Tavern is located just a short distance away from all the chatter and clatter of the tourist-y part of Newport yet very close by, definitely another plus.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Historic Spot in NewportFascinating historic building, great menu and food, super service. Our server, Amy, was particularly good in every way. Atmosphere is a bit dark, might feel more comfortable in fall and winter than in summer. There is a small patio for drinks/appetizers.6/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and serviceOur group of 6 all enjoyed amazing food and superlative service. Highly recommended!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGood dinnerWe went here for the history of the place. The food was good, along with the atmosphere.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMNewport DiningWith the exception of a very loud noise level from groups in the upper dining area, the experience was great. The servers and hostess were very warm and receiving. I'd recommend for management to enforce a more pleasant dining experience by reminding guests to keep conversations within the tables. The environment of the tavern is to dine and not to be treated as a pub or bar. Our waitress was very knowledgeable of the compelling history of the tavern.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMPleasant Newport BrunchMy sisters and I enjoyed the tavern very much. It was a little quiet when we first arrived, but then came to life. The service was top notch, however the food could have been a little better. We enjoyed the cheese tasting, so I highly recommend trying that. The pairings were great and the waiter was well educated on local cheeses. Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed our visit to the tavern.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMHistory & Great FoodWe recently had the opportunity to spend a few nights in Newport and were so pleased to have chosen the White Horse Tavern for our first dinner. There is something very special about being immersed in the history of the area and enjoying excellent food and service. Very enjoyable evening all around.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat ambience and charmGreat place for a quiet dinner. The lighting is dim because they are using traditional lighting along the walls which goes along great with the "first tavern in America" theme. If they had modern lighting it would take away from the experience. The building still has its charm and detail. The food was fantastic, a little pricey perhaps, but still delicious.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGo for the ambienceTrue to the other reviews, my husband and I found White Horse Tavern to be worth the trip but mostly for the history. Service was mixed on a Saturday night ... had to wait at the bar for more than 30 minutes beyond our reservation time. At the bar, we were forced to listen to an insufferable know-it-all plus loud companions until we were seated. Not the fault of the restaurant but it didn't help! Thankfully, we had a table upstairs, away from the din. Our waiter wasn't very knowledgeable and curt at best ... when the food arrived, it was good, but there was a LONG wait between courses. Overall I would recommend it but expect to wait.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat graduation dinnerWe enjoyed a large family dinner here for a graduation in the family. Amber, the manager, was very patient as the size of our party changed 3 times. The menu had a nice variety of options. I had the lobster mac 'n cheese which had big chunks of lobster in it and was delicious. Definitely recommend going here if you have a big group.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Old DaysFor many years, going to White Horse Tavern, has always had a special air and presented a more formal dining experience. We have not been in five years. The atmosphere, although very colonial and romantic, is now much less formal with larger groups in very casual dress. Although I would still rate as excellent our time there - and the overboard cooperation in making our 'surprise anniversary dinner with flowers and gifts so very special - I was disappointed that some of the formality and reserve to which we had become accustomed is no longer part of the experience. We will adjust our expectations accordingly on or next visit. The wait staff and the management were outstanding as always. The food: out of this world delicious!5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMNice atmosphere in historicNice atmosphere in historic tavern, good food, great service.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWhite Horse TavernLoved the atmosphere - authentic feeling of a rustic tavern. Food was tasty but lacked a little soething ro make it truly memorable. Clam chowder was good and was not overwhelmed by dill; mussels appetizer was the best part of the lunch - plentiful and tender with a great broth that begged for bread (of which there was none) for dipping; finally, the lobster croissant sandwich had a wonderfully flaky croissant but could they have spared the lobster? For $20.00 you should expect enough to satisfy. Would we go again? Probably not, but we needed to try it once. Finally, out waitress was efficient and cordial without being intrusive.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWe enjoyed a quiet, deliciousWe enjoyed a quiet, delicious meal in this favorite historical gem. Was there last October on a trip with girlfriends and brought my husband to enjoy it this time.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMNice place in NewportWe came upon The White Horse Tavern 20 years ago on a trip to Newport. In our memory, it was a very fancy venue with waiters in tuxedos and fine china. We went back there this weekend - possibly our memory was jaded, but it didn't seem as upscale as it used to be. Having said that, the food was as good as we remember and we had a lovely lunch in a quiet area of Newport. The only problem that I saw was that I was sitting by a cabinet and the wait staff constantly was going in to the cabinet to get plates out and banging the door. Either move the table, or move the cabinet! Otherwise, an overall pleasant experience which I would recommend if you are in Newport.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMEverytime we come to Newport,Everytime we come to Newport, this is our first stop. Dominic is a phenomenal server and Nark makes the best Old Fashioneds! Don't miss out!4/16/2013 12:00:00 AMHistoric tavern off of ThamesHistoric tavern off of Thames serving a lovely Restaurant Week lunch. Several selections to choose from and prepared nicely. Good service. Just wish they had bread at lunch. I asked but was told they don't serve bread at lunchtime. Some people judge a place by the bread. How much would it cost to add?4/14/2013 12:00:00 AMThe White Horse Tavern wasThe White Horse Tavern was a great place. We had lunch during Restaurant week so we didn't get to see their regular menu, but the specials were very good. The atmosphere was totally rustic and historic (of course). The server was very good and I would definitely go back and recommend this restaurant to friends.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMThis restaurant is all theThis restaurant is all the about the ambiance. Good food, excellent atmosphere and service. Perfect fall or winter spot. It is a must see in Newport4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of the best restaurantsOne of the best restaurants in Newport. Very good menu selections, food preparation and service. All in a appropriate setting for historic Newport.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experience overall.Great experience overall. I would highly recommend it.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMOur service was excellentOur service was excellent and we had our own little room in the front. (There were four of us in our party). It made dining feel like we were special. The food was very good overall, however my steak was undercooked for my tastes. I prefer medium and it came out closer to rare. Everything else was delicious.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe took advantage of RestaurantWe took advantage of Restaurant Week in Newport to eat dinner at the White Horse Tavern. We had previously eaten here for Sunday Brunch. It was wonderful to sit at the bar and talk to the bartender and take in the historic atmosphere. Because it was restaurant week, the price was very good. Will definitely eat there again.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a wonderful familyWe had a wonderful family dinner at the White Horse. Our waiter Dereck was great!4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMSublime Holiday Meal to Remember!What an exceptional meal and overall dining experience from start to finish! Dominick was an outstanding server who was knowledgeable, attentive, and funny. He was a skilled professional and made our dining experience complete. The food was excellent and everyone in our party of 7 thoroughly enjoyed each course. The White Horse Tavern has an outstanding ambience and historic period charm. It is a special occasion place and not your average Saturday night dining experience. It is very expensive. We dined on Easter Sunday and there was a special menu which, while excellent, was significantly more expensive then the regular dining menu. That said, this place is well worth visiting and you will have a decadent meal you won't soon forget3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was phenomenal andThe food was phenomenal and the staff was courteous and attentive. This is definitely a special occasion-type place because it can be pricey, but worth every penny. The dining area is quaint, but you don't feel on top of other people. We went for Easter dinner and it was crowded, but not very loud. We started with the New England cheese tasting and the seasonal sausage, my entre was the line caught salmon, and topped off the evening with the White Horse Triple Silk, which is the best dessert I've had in my entire life.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMPeterIt's been twenty five years since we were here last and our dining experience was every bit as magical. Still a most memorable meal with excellent service, in the colonial setting.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and uniqueExcellent food and unique historic setting. Great place and highly recommend it.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMDefinitely would recommendWe were visiting our daughter for a long weekend and decided to enjoy Easter brunch at the White Horse Tavern. We were also celebrating our daughter's birthday. Lisa, our server, was knowledgeable and very professional. The food was delicious, especially the lobster benedict. Very tasty Bloody Mary! All in all, a great experience. Definitely would go back next time we are visiting from Philadelphia.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious food with a wonderfulDelicious food with a wonderful variety. The staff was pleasant and attentive without being hovering. The price was steeper than expected (especially for a "$$" rating).3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat restaurant with an authenticGreat restaurant with an authentic feeling of an old (but elegant) tavern - which is exactly what it is!!3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThe White Horse Tavern isThe White Horse Tavern is always great . The beet salad was exceptional tonight.
We live on Boston and this is a must every time we stay over night in Newport.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had a birthday dinner atWe had a birthday dinner at the White Horse Tavern on March 23 and found the restaurant to be an absolute gem! The atmosphere is very romantic, and the food was outstanding! We happened upon it by accident, having never been there and not really reading too much about it, but we will definitely go back.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was excellent and theFood was excellent and the ambiance was great. Waiter was very professional but seemed to have too many tables assigned to him. Would definitely go back.3/22/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful experience. VeryWonderful experience. Very good food (particularly the local fish!), great service and a choice of reasonably priced wines.
If the fireplace had been visible to more diners than those at the tables right alongside, the room as a whole would have had an even lovelier ambiance.3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMA must to try in NewportWhat a fabulous restaurant from the time we stepped in the door til the moment we left. Food was phenominal along with service. I made a request for a special table for my boyfiend's birthday and they sat us right in front of the fire and welcomed us with a Happy Birthday. Very dark inside but we loved it found it very romantic. We shared the sausage sampler, I had the the butter poached lobster and he had the beef wellington. Loved everything!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe White Horse Tavern hasThe White Horse Tavern has been an "automatic" for our most romantic occasions (our wedding anniversary) - we've celebrated 33 of them - at least 15 or more at the White Horse - we're hoping for many more - service and ambiance is the best!3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMExceptional as always. GreatExceptional as always. Great evening by the fire with our granddaughter.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMI would definitely suggestI would definitely suggest the White Horse Tavern for the food, ambiance and charm. The interior is beautiful and takes you back to colonial times. Our waiter was very attentive and made sure we were taken care of. The food was excellent. I'd suggest the pan roasted clams appetizer which had a delicious tomatoe and spices sauce. The grilled hangar steak was a special that night and was an excellent entree. The portion was very generous and well worth it. If you enjoy eating and want to try different dishes, expect to pay more than you might normally spend. There are some more modest priced entrees on the menu if you are on a budget.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall excellent experience.Overall excellent experience. Even though the lamb special was overpriced and a poor cut, the Wellington and wine offered as suggestions by out server were superb!3/9/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday KeeperAppetizers were out of this world. Beef Wellington was to die for~3/9/2013 12:00:00 AM