Courtesy of J. Huston Tavern
Oldest Tavern
In Arrow Rock, J. Huston Tavern, the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River, serves up hands-on experience for Hospitality and Tourism Management students of the Missouri Valley College in Marshall. The program works in conjunction with Pfoodman Holdings, and lets students intern at the Tavern and work in a variety of areas: waiting tables, cooking meals, and managing the restaurant.
Built in 1834 by Joseph Huston, Sr., the building functioned as the Huston family home. Using the outdoor summer kitchen, Huston began offering meals and overnight lodging to westward-traveling immigrants. By the mid-1800s, the tavern had added a store, ballroom, dining room, and indoor kitchen.
Today, visitors can enjoy drinks in the old mercantile and eat in any of the three dining rooms: the Sappington Parlor, Huston Room, or Bingham Room.
Lunch features sandwiches, salads, and seasonal specials. On nights when the Lyceum Theatre has a performance, the tavern offers family-style dining, with fried chicken, glazed ham, and country sides. The regular dinner menu includes steaks, seafood, and
pasta.
