City Tavern
| Address | 138 South 2nd Street |
|---|---|
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 413-1443 |
| Website | Official site |
| Cuisine | Colonial American |
| Price range | $$$ |
| Established | 1773 (original); 1994 (reopened) |
| Owner | Walter Staib |
| Hours | Lunch and Dinner daily |
City Tavern sits at 138 South 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia. It's a recreation of the original City Tavern, which operated from 1773 to 1834 as a gathering place where the Founding Fathers met, debated, and shaped a nation. Chef Walter Staib reopened the doors in 1994, determined to recreate 18th-century colonial American cuisine using period recipes and authentic ingredients. Walking in, you're greeted by servers in colonial costume, candlelit rooms, and historically accurate furnishings that pull you straight back two and a half centuries. What really sets City Tavern apart: its partnership with Yards Brewing Company to serve Ales of the Revolution. These aren't marketing gimmicks. They're beers brewed from actual recipes belonging to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.[1]
History
The Original Tavern (1773-1834)
In 1773, Samuel Powell opened the original City Tavern. What made it special? Everything.
Why it mattered:
- Continental Congress delegates gathered here
- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin dined at these tables
- The Founding Fathers argued, planned, and debated here
- It was the revolutionary-era social center of Philadelphia
Key moments:
- 1774: First Continental Congress delegates met here
- 1777: The British occupied the city; the tavern stayed open
- 1787: Constitutional Convention delegates came through for meals
- 1834: A fire damaged the building beyond repair
The Building's Fate
What happened after 1834 was tragic. The original building came down in 1854. Then nothing. For over a century, that historic ground lay empty. People remembered, though. They couldn't forget what had happened there.
Reconstruction (1976)
America's Bicentennial changed things. In 1976, the National Park Service commissioned a reconstruction of the tavern on the original site. It was historically accurate, built to match what had stood there, and became part of Independence National Historical Park.
Modern Restaurant (1994)
Walter Staib had a vision. Not just preserving history, but bringing it back to life. He opened the current restaurant in 1994 with three things in mind: authentic food, period atmosphere, and education. A working restaurant in a living historical space.
The Cuisine
Colonial Recipes
The food doesn't come from guesswork. Staib and his team dug into actual colonial cookbooks and historical records.
Their sources:
- Colonial-era cookbooks
- Thomas Jefferson's personal notes
- Martha Washington's cookbook
- Original period documents
Signature Dishes
What you'll find on the menu:
- West Indies Pepper Pot Soup - A staple in colonial Philadelphia kitchens
- Tavern Lobster Pie - Seafood the way they made it
- Turkey Pot Pie - Exactly as the recipe specified
- Venison - Game meats prepared period-style
- Johnnycakes - Colonial-era bread
Desserts
After dinner:
- Sweet Potato-Pecan Pie
- Shrewsbury cake
- Apple tart
- Colonial ice cream
Modern Adaptation
Here's the thing: they balance historical authenticity with modern food safety standards. The flavors remain accessible. Every dish tells a story.
Ales of the Revolution
The Beer Program
This is where City Tavern gets truly distinctive. Partnership with Yards Brewing Company brings three beers to the table, each tied to a Founding Father.
The beers:
- Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale - Wheat with honey
- George Washington's Tavern Porter - Dark with molasses
- Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce - Spruce-flavored
Historical Recipes
These aren't recreations. They're based on the Founding Fathers' actual recipes.
Jefferson's honey wheat comes from Monticello's historical records. Washington's porter draws from Mount Vernon's brewing traditions. Franklin wrote about his brewing methods. Staib didn't make this up. He researched it.
The Experience
You're drinking what they drank. Not a substitute. Not an interpretation. The real thing, as close as modern brewing can get. You can't get this on draft anywhere else.
The Experience
Atmosphere
Walking in, you see colonial-era decor everywhere. Candlelit rooms. Multiple dining spaces, each with period furniture. It's immersive.
Service
Servers wear period dress. They're not just serving food; they're providing historical context. It's educational roleplay that actually works.
Events
City Tavern hosts special programming throughout the year. Thanksgiving with historical recipes. Fourth of July celebrations. Private events with historical themes.
Walter Staib
The Chef
Walter Staib is the reason this place exists. German-born, classically trained, and obsessed with historical food. He's not just running a restaurant.
What he brings:
- Deep expertise in colonial history
- Classical culinary training
- Real scholarly work on historical recipes
- Published author and television host
Television
He hosts A Taste of History on PBS. The show explores colonial recipes and cooking techniques. Much of it's filmed right at City Tavern and historical sites across the country.
Books
Staib published the City Tavern Cookbook. It's not just recipes; it's research. Historical context. Deep dives into colonial food culture.
Location
Old City
138 South 2nd Street puts you in the heart of Old City. Steps from Independence Hall. Walking distance to Independence National Historical Park. Everything historic is nearby.
Accessibility
Getting there is easy if you're exploring the historical district. SEPTA serves the neighborhood. Parking? That's the Old City challenge. Your best bet: combine it with a walking tour of Independence Hall and the surrounding sites.
Significance
Historical Education
City Tavern does something other restaurants can't do. It gives you a tangible connection to the Revolutionary era. You're not reading about history. You're eating it. You're drinking what the Founders drank.
Unique Experience
Nothing else like this exists. Historically accurate cuisine. Period environment. Beers brewed from actual Founding Fathers' recipes. The specificity matters.
Tips for Visitors
You should know:
- Reserve in advance. It fills up with tourists and locals alike
- The Ales of the Revolution are worth trying
- Staff are knowledgeable about the history; ask questions
- Combine your visit with Independence Hall for the full experience
Before you go:
- Expect higher prices ($$$)
- It's perfect for special occasions
- Family-friendly, but dress smart casual
- Go during off-peak hours if you want conversation with staff
See Also
References
- ↑ "City Tavern". City Tavern. Retrieved December 31, 2025