Try City Tavern for great food and historical fun!

The City Tavern is a replica of a historic 18th-century building located at 138 South 2nd Street,.Owner and Executive Chef Walter Staib cooks a variety of entrées using authentic 18th-century recipes, served in seven period dining rooms, three wine cellar rooms and an outdoor garden.

Called the “most genteel tavern in America” by John Adams- it was the favorite meeting place of many of the Founding Fathers and many members of the 1s continental Congress. The land on which City Tavern was built was conveyed in 1772 by Samuel Powell to a group of seven wealthy citizens. The City Tavern was built by subscription in 1773. It was partially destroyed by fire on March 22, 1834 and the structure was demolished in 1854.

The entire building was reconstructed in the 1970s and re-opened in 1976 for the United States Bicentennial ass a functioning tavern and restaurant.

Good for: Families with children, Romance, Large groups, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients

Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, Dessert

Dining style: Casual Elegant

Neighborhood: City Center East

Cross street: 2 nd & Walnut Streets

Description: With over 230 years of hospitality, City Tavern has been the centerpiece of affairs now immortalized in history. An evening at City Tavern is certain to be remembered. Just imagine sampling specialties, such as pepperpot soup, colonial turkey pot pie, roast duckling, Thomas Jefferson’s sweet potato biscuits paired with ales the ales of the revolution made from George Washington & Benjamin Franklin’s recipes — all served by costumed wait staff.

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One of the recent visits to  this restaurant by a family produced this review. Read below for a great review:

Reviewed April 30, 2014 NEW

The dinner was beyond anything we’ve experienced. The portions were incredible – almost 2″ thick pork chop??? Perfectly done and so tender, the lasagna was mouth watering and all made from scratch – perfect! The turkey pot pie was incredible and had all fresh ingredients with plenty of turkey. Then there is the atmosphere with old world charm as if you were transported back in time…Cheyenne, our waitress, was excellent and gave us all the historical back story of the place about George Washington and the rest of the founding fathers who would meet there.

Here are a few more reviews to give you an honest assessment of what City Tavern has to offer:

•  “Had a wonderful lunch with a colleague during a conference at a nearby hotel; the day was windy and cold and the warm toddy and delicious kielbasi special were perfect. We were easily able to chat at the early part of the meal, and the rooms were all filled to capacity when we left. Everyone appeared happy and content with their meals; this is a hot spot for tourists but definitely worth a trip for even die-hard locals who tend to migrate to everything new and different. The authentic early American fare is a nice change from the new, more inventive cuisines; would try dinner on a return trip. The wait staff is eager to please and dressed in period clothing- all in all a great experience.”

Dined on 4/4/2014

•  “Our experience was a serendipity! We were visiting Elfreth’s Alley and the tour guide suggested we go to City Tavern that evening. We walked there after the tour and had a lovely dinner. From the moment we stepped in the door and were greeted by two friendly gentlemen we felt welcomed and immediately relaxed. Our server was perfectly attentive and we never felt rushed. Our food was delicious and perfectly timed. Good wine and the mushroom toast was heavenly! It was a wonderful evening and we will return soon. We felt like Ben Franklin would certainly show up before the night was over!”

Dined on 4/4/2014

It seems that Philadelphia’s City Tavern is a MUST for your next visit to the city. Enjoy and let us know what you think. We love to recommend new attractions and restaurants to our Philadelphia limousine service passengers.