Editing City Tavern

{{Infobox Restaurant
| name = City Tavern
| image =
| image_caption = City Tavern
| cuisine = Colonial American
| address = 138 South 2nd Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| coordinates = 39.9467,-75.1447
| phone = (215) 413-1443
| website = https://www.citytavern.com
| established = 1773 (original); 1994 (reopened)
| founder = Original: Samuel Powell; Modern: Walter Staib
| owner = Walter Staib
| price_range = $$$
| hours = Lunch and Dinner daily
| rating =
| reviews =
}}

'''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.<ref name="citytavern-official">{{cite web |url=https://www.citytavern.com |title=City Tavern |publisher=City Tavern |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== 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 ==
* [[Old City]]
* [[Independence Hall]]
* [[Yards Brewing Company]]
* [[Philadelphia Food Culture]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==
* [https://www.citytavern.com City Tavern Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=City Tavern - Colonial American Cuisine, Founding Fathers' Philadelphia
|description=City Tavern in Old City Philadelphia, serving authentic 18th-century cuisine in a historical setting. Ales of the Revolution brewed from Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin's recipes.
|keywords=City Tavern, colonial cuisine, Founding Fathers, Old City Philadelphia, Ales of the Revolution, Walter Staib, historic restaurant
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Restaurants]]
[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Historic Philadelphia]]
[[Category:American Revolution]]