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 is a historic restaurant at 138 South 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia, operating as a recreation of the original City Tavern*** that served as a gathering place for the Founding Fathers from 1773 to 1834***. The current restaurant opened in 1994*** under chef Walter Staib***, who has meticulously recreated 18th-century colonial American cuisine*** using period recipes and ingredients. The setting—servers in colonial costume, candlelit rooms, and historically accurate decor—provides a unique dining experience that connects guests to Philadelphia's revolutionary history. City Tavern is particularly notable for its partnership with Yards Brewing Company to serve Ales of the Revolution***, beers brewed from the recipes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin.[1]
History
The Original Tavern (1773-1834)
The original City Tavern opened in 1773:
Historical significance:***
- Meeting place for Continental Congress delegates
- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin dined here
- Founding Fathers debated here
- Revolutionary-era social center
Key events:***
- 1774***: First Continental Congress delegates met here
- ***1777***: Used during British occupation
- 1787***: Constitutional Convention delegates dined here
- 1834***: Closed after fire damage
The Building's Fate
After 1834:
- Original building demolished (1854)
- Site remained empty for over a century
- Historical importance remembered
Reconstruction (1976)
For America's Bicentennial*** in 1976:
Rebuilding:***
- National Park Service commissioned reconstruction
- Built on original site
- Historically accurate design
- Part of Independence National Historical Park
Modern Restaurant (1994)
Walter Staib*** opened the current restaurant in 1994:
Vision:***
- Historically accurate cuisine
- Period atmosphere
- Educational mission
- Operating restaurant in historic space
The Cuisine
Colonial Recipes
City Tavern serves authentic 18th-century dishes:
Research:***
- Recipes from colonial cookbooks
- Thomas Jefferson's notes
- Martha Washington's cookbook
- Period documents
Signature Dishes
Notable items:***
- West Indies Pepper Pot Soup*** - Colonial Philadelphia staple
- ***Tavern Lobster Pie*** - Seafood classic
- Turkey Pot Pie*** - Period recipe
- ***Venison*** - Game meats
- Johnnycakes*** - Colonial bread
Desserts
Period sweets:***
- Sweet Potato-Pecan Pie
- Shrewsbury cake
- Apple tart
- Colonial ice cream
Modern Adaptation
The balance:***
- Historical authenticity
- Modern food safety
- Accessible flavors
- Educational presentation
Ales of the Revolution
The Beer Program
City Tavern partners with Yards Brewing Company:
Historical 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
Authenticity:***
- Based on Founding Fathers' actual recipes
- Jefferson's honey wheat from Monticello
- Washington's porter from Mount Vernon
- Franklin's writings on brewing
The Experience
Drinking what the Founders drank:
- Historical connection
- Unique to City Tavern
- Available nowhere else on draft
- Educational element
The Experience
Atmosphere
Historical recreation:***
- Colonial-era decor
- Candlelit rooms
- Multiple dining rooms
- Period furniture
Service
Colonial costumes:***
- Servers in period dress
- Historical roleplay
- Educational context
- Unique presentation
Events
Special programming:***
- Thanksgiving (historical recipes)
- Fourth of July
- Historical celebrations
- Private events
Walter Staib
The Chef
Walter Staib*** is the driving force:
Background:***
- German-born chef
- Classical training
- Historical food expert
- Author and television host
Television
A Taste of History:***
- PBS television series
- Staib hosts
- Colonial recipes explored
- Filmed at City Tavern and historical sites
Books
Publications:***
- City Tavern Cookbook
- Colonial recipe research
- Historical food writing
Location
Old City
138 South 2nd Street:***
Context:***
- Heart of Old City
- Steps from Independence Hall
- Near Independence National Historical Park
- Historic neighborhood
Accessibility
Getting there:***
- Walking distance from major sites
- SEPTA accessible
- Parking challenging (Old City)
- Best combined with historical tourism
Significance
Historical Education
City Tavern provides:
- Tangible history connection
- Educational dining
- Revolutionary era experience
- Living history
Unique Experience
Unlike any other restaurant:
- Historically accurate cuisine
- Period environment
- Founding Fathers' recipes and drinks
- Nowhere else offers this
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:***
- ***Reserve in advance*** - Popular with tourists
- ***Try the Ales of the Revolution***
- ***Ask about the history*** - Staff are knowledgeable
- ***Combine with Independence Hall***
What to know:***
- Higher price point ($$$ )
- Appropriate for special occasions
- Family-friendly
- Dress: Smart casual acceptable
See Also
References
- ↑ "City Tavern". City Tavern. Retrieved December 31, 2025