the atmosphere was great and fit perfectly with Thanks Giving, Our table was ready when we arrived. The Appetizer was "OK" at best it arrived cold and was more tot he standard of an inexpensive banquet and not a $85 per person dinner. The salad was good not too wet, but nothing special. The Main course was very very good, the turkey was moist, the mashed potatoes were good, as were the sweet potatoes. I enjoyed the stuffing, my wife didn't care for it. The gravy was very good. The portion were generous. The deserts were just OK, really didn't care for my cobbler and for a Diabetic not to care for a sweet is saying something. The bread pudding my wife ordered read great but left all its potential in the description because the taste did not make it to the plate. The Service and atmosphere exceeding my expectations the food did not even come close to my expectations and that is after making adjustments downward for thanksgiving. I think Chef Walter is better at TV appearances and Cook books then actual execution. We had a great thanksgiving because we were together and not because of the food. Last year we had a much better dinner at Smithville Inn for less then 1/2 the price at only 38 per person. So if you are looking for somewhere to go next thanks giving I would suggest you pass by City Tavern
(2)
Olga D.
Love this place! Never ate here but we come here for drinks and their specialty beers. Nice, cozy, and historic. It's great after a day of strolling around Old City.
(5)
Dan S.
You, like me, may be tempted to discount the negative reviews as mere petty gripes. Or isolated occurrences. Don't. The chef should be ashamed of the service his waitstaff provided tonight. It will go down as some of my all time WORST service. EVER. And that's saying something. Why? Let me count the ways. Another table which sat down 15 mins after us got served their appetizer and main course even before our appetizer (of soup! And a crab cake) was served. It took over an hour to get our appetizer (did I mention some of it was SOUP which is surely prepared head of time). Our waitress disappeared for seemingly hours on end. Had to ask for our initial water and bread. Which didn't come til well after we ordered (which took forever as well). And a water refill? Good luck. We asked and spoke with our waitress 3 times and waited 25 mins just for that. Of course, just 3 minutes after our appetizers were brought, our main dishes were out too. But not all of them. One of them. (a kids ham and cheese) took another 10 minutes (at least it was brought out warm) The waitress when asked, said the kitchen got slammed. Which would be fine except it's a quiet Tuesday night and two other tables which came after us got their food. So not only is she a poor server, but a liar too. And how was the food? The soup was way too salty. The barley somewhat tasteless. The other dishes were better but with service poor as this, really, who cares. For 150 dollars, I have never felt so ripped off. No even attempt to Make it up with a free app or drink. No apology from a manager. Nothing. For tourists, you have been warned. This is coming from someone who never gives out 1 star ratings. Don't be fooled.
(1)
Christina M.
I had the utmost pleasure of visiting City Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last night. For those of you who are not familiar with City Tavern, to step into City Tavern is literally to step into history. Some historical points of interest: 1. John Adams himself frequented City Tavern and called it, "the most genteel tavern in America."This was during his time in Philadelphia attending the First Continental Congress. 2. Paul Revere rode up to City Tavern when he received news of the port of Boston closing. 3. Members of the Second Continental Congress dined there every Saturday. It was no surprise to find George Washington at the Tavern along with other delegates. On this evening I dined in what was the old Subscription Room (where newspapers the Tavern used to subscribe to where housed). I was warmly greeted by my waitress, dressed in authentic period ensemble. I started with their Country Salad ($6.50) made with Julienned carrots, cucumber, field greens, raspberry shrub and extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette. Their dressing was so light but still had an explosion of flavor mixed with its ingredients. An ample portion of salad was given to satisfy my most hungry stomach. For the main course, I ordered their Colonial Turkey Pot Pie ($21.95) made with tender chunks of turkey, mushrooms, early peas, red potatoes, sherry cream sauce served in a flaky pastry crust baked in a pewter casserole. All I can say is that this pot pie was extraordinary, worth every cent of $21.95. One is given a more than a full serving, creamy and very thick chunks of turkey throughout. A most hearty meal, glad I saved my appetite throughout the day for this celebration! Country Salad Along with this whole meal, I was also given a selection of their breads, one of which easily became my favorite, Thomas Jefferson's own recipe of sweet potato rolls. The sweet potato gave a hint of sweetness just enough to make it taste more dessert-like. Nevertheless a delicious roll indeed! To pair along with this historical meal, I drank a glass of Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. I was quick to find out that he made beer only twice a year. This ale was made especially following Jefferson's original ale. The ale was rugged and smooth at the same time, complete body for a filling and delicious ale. They also have ales from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Overall experience at City Tavern was amazing. For any history buffs or those simply wanting to experience Philadelphia history at its finest, you must visit City Tavern - it does not get any more original than this!
(5)
Mimsterynyc M.
the beer sample is great! The food is fine, it's not a 3 star michelin restaurant but it is good. The service was fine.
(4)
Phillip Y.
I came here last year with friends from Boston who were touring Philadelphia. It was nice to see all the historic stuff in a restaurant. The nice host let us in without a reservation. We just stuck with the first course since menu was pretty pricey. Plus, we were not terribly hungry or starving. Just needed something small to fill us. I had the trout and smoked salmon with some crackers/bread. It was pretty good. Plus, we had nice metal goblets with water. It felt like the olden days. My friends had the crab cakes which I sampled. It was good too. Overall, I thought it was pretty nice just not worth the trouble of reservation. It's the experience more than the food.
(4)
Mindy M.
I only gave this place 3 stars because I didn't actually eat here- I knew I was going to walk 2 blocks to Khyber Pass Pub so I held off. I do hear that the food is authentic to the American Revolutionary times and is good, but I can't say myself. This place has a TON of history- check out the website for the complete info (too much to include) but basically Washington, Adams, and that whole crew would dine here regularly AND upstairs is where the very first 4th of July was celebrated. The place is historically accurate with regards to food, drink, and atmosphere and was even featured on PBS a while back. What we did have was the flight of beers and the Cooler which is a mix of cold Apple Cider, Maderia, Whiskey, and Rum- WOW- it is good and packs a whollop (I only had 1 thank you very much). The flight of beer, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, is all very interesting - a stout, ale, spruce, and lager are brewed at the Yards brewery. The 6 pack take home is expensive ($15 for a 6-pack) so we passed on that.
(3)
Ling X.
Excellent Service, Very good food and ambiance. I went to this gem of a restaurant this past weekend with a group girlfriends for dinner. After a day of exploring the historic district oh Philly in some rather unpleasant weather, we were ready for a great meal to close out the day. We were not disappointed! We started off with some crab cakes and fried oysters. Delicious! I had the turkey pot pie, which was definitely the best pot pie I have ever had. I was a little doubtful about the turkey, because I normally find turkey dry, but this was delicious! It's also HUGE! I finished a little more than half, but ate all the crust. My other girlfriends had the lobster pot pie, rabbit, and steak. Everyone loved their food. I didn't eat the dessert that we ordered, but my friend felt that the bread pudding was just so-so. The service was very good and you definitely get that colonial feel.
(4)
Ray T.
8/30/2013 If you want to be served great food by people dressed in 1800's attire, this is the place to go. Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson, may greet you, at leat their modern day versions. At first it appears to be a tourist site, but it really isn't. The place goes back to Ben Franklin's time. The Chicken Pot Pie my wife had was great - the quantity, large. It comes with a side dish of noodles and some kind of sauce. This wasn't listed on the menu and this side dish wasn't needed with the large pot pie. The Braised Rabbit I had was fantastic. The rabbit rests upon a layer of noodles and is smothered in vegetables (the menu did not mention vegetables.) Fortunately the vegetables were something I could eat. There was no room for dessert, but when the server found out that this meal was a day after our anniversary, she brought us a complimentary bowl of ice cream for two with spoons and a lit candle. That was a nice touch. The price at this restaurant is reasonable for the location it is in and its history. 4 or 5 stars? This is a toss up. 4 1/2 stars would be accurate. And the specialty beers, brewed the old way, were pretty good too.
(4)
Jonathan R.
Excellent food, good service and great authentic ambiance. Highly recommend the hot cider warmer on a cold winter day.
(5)
Chris P.
Didn't eat here but stopped in to try the flight of beers developed by George Washington Thomas Jefferson Ben Franklin John Adams. What fun - like stepping back in time. Fitting atmosphere to regroup after touring the Old City all day.
(5)
John G.
Wife is a British in Philadelphia. To visit family. We visited independence park lunched at city tavern. FANTASTIC...
(4)
Moe H.
I found out about City Tavern on an About Philadelphia tourist channel in our hotel. Because I love historical sites I went right to their website and WOW they have Tofu! We were sold on the spot. Our server was really great, my mom even took a picture of him because he looked so great in his outfit. He was nice enough to double check that our meal would be Vegan, made sure he provided us Vegan bread and recommended one of the beers for me. We wanted to go back but next time we were in the area they were just closing.
This restaurant is excellent. We just happened to be walking by and it looked so nice that we decided to go in for lunch. It was more expensive than expected but well worth the price. The food was truly excellent and homemade, as well as authentic for the period. The surroundings were very historic in keeping with the theme of the area and the waiters were dressed in colonial costume. The turkey potpie, salad with artichokes and smoked chicken, and the homemade bread and biscuits were to die for, as were the chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake with homemade real whipped cream. It was one of the most delicious meals we have ever eaten in a restaurant. We would definitely come back.
(5)
Robert B.
This could be a Disney, nightmare, theme park kind of restaurant. But it is not. Chef/Owner Walter Staib has found just the right balance... updating the traditional and the historical. You would think being served by a waitstaff in colonial garb would be kitschy... but somehow in this setting it is not. Even though the building is a recreation of the original you can still feel the history. Drinking beer made from Thomas Jefferson's recipe and eating the soup that Washington served to his troops after crossing the Delaware... in this setting... it's just very cool. That all of the food is so good certainly is the key. This was my third visit over ten years and I've always been very happy!
(4)
Laura M.
This is a fun place to visit when you are in Philly with family. The food is basically comfort food and the beer selection (founding fathers recipes) are really good. The service is attentive and quick. Definitely, you should put it on your "to do" list when you are here.
(4)
Roy G.
Had to check out the oldest pub. Didn't stay long, but worth visiting to get a view of history.
(3)
Stef S.
It's a charming little restaurant for what it's worth. Romantic and novel, it's a place you should check out if you haven't been before! The menu's cool... and it's fun to pretend you're Martha Washington's BFF and you've stopped by the tavern for supper. Or something like that. The food's on the pricier end of things (Uh hello, $22 for a pot pie without tax and tip?). Personally, the food wasn't that great. I'd go anywhere else for a solid good meal, but the 'ye olde times' atmosphere is fun. Ambiance? 4 stars. Food? 2 stars. On average: 3 stars. The peach and plum cobbler was gross, btw. I had a puckered face the whole time i ate it. Blech.
(2)
Cassandra R.
If you're a tourist in Philly, you've got to go to City Tavern. The people dress up in old-timey clothes and you're served dishes that the Founding Fathers would've eaten during Revolution times. The food was tasty but very expensive (you're paying for the atmosphere). Realize that this is not the original building where the Founding Fathers ate: The original partially burned down and was demolished, but I like to pretend it was the actual building. You may want to go during lunch because at dinner time it gets pretty dark in there.
(4)
Carol Anne T.
I read some negative reviews and had some locals roll their eyes BUT if you are visiting Phily, you must eat here.! We ate here after exploring Independence Hall, etc so it kept with our theme for the day. The food was OUTSTANDING! From my rochefort salad to the beef medallions to Martha Washington's chocolate cake...OUTSTANDING! Try Washington's porter and Jefferson's ale....fabulous beers...we left with a few 6-packs! They have a great wine selection as well! The service was top notch...almost like they had been waiting for US all day. Very friendly, very attentive. We really couldn't have picked a more perfect place to have dinner. So ignore the locals when they say it's a tourist trap. So what if it's geared for us, the tourists! Ignore the negative reviews; there is always going to be an unhappy customer no matter where you go. It is worth every penny and, should I ever be in Philly again...it's top of my list!
(5)
Jenna S.
I am a total sucker for anything that advertises people wearing period clothing and serving in some kind of old time-y environment. Really, I try to do all of these things at any time that I can because it's awesome. And so should you. Very cool place to be since it's the original building from the 18th century. DJ M sums up the history nicely in the review, so I don't think I need to recap here, but you get the idea. Dining here is a cool experience because our Founding Fathers, foreign dignitaries, etc. dined here during the 18th century and beyond. That, in and of itself, warrants a trip here if you're in the neighborhood. The rooms inside the restaurant are all restored to look as they were when the restaurant opened in 1733, so choose to dine inside, especially if it's hot out. The rooms are mostly candlelit, so it offers a great ambiance at night. The servers are wearing 18th century period clothing to add to the atmosphere of the whole place, which is definitely appreciated. There's a lot of cool stuff to see if you get up and walk around (original artwork, sculptures, kitchen utensils, etc.) so definitely take a look around. When we where here, there was a great harp player on the lower level near the lower dining rooms, which was very awesome. He played really well and was playing period songs (I asked since I didn't know what he was doing). The food was pretty good. The menu is pretty large and each night they have a list of specials from the 18th century. Obviously, I say you should get those just because you're there and why not, but take your pick. There's a lot of colonial dishes made by the chef, so you have a large selection. I will also take this opportunity to ask that you try the beer if you come. The beer was fabulous and you can order a sampler with the four "Colonial Ales" that are made from actual Founding Fathers' recipes. There was a Ben Franklin Ale, Alexander Hamilton, etc. They were really cool and the recipes haven't been changed from the ones that were written by these men, so that's pretty awesome. The beer was also delicious, which surprised me. I highly recommend it to sample because it's really unique and you can't get it anywhere else. Stop in, for sure. It's right in the heart of Old Philadelphia, the food is yummy and the history is great.
(4)
Jackee K.
Yeah, it's kind of cheesy, the staff is in period clothing, but the history of this place is pretty cool. The bread they serve is based on colonial era recipes (you can even try Jefferson's favorite bread...it wasn't my thing). My husband and I both had the medallions of beef tenderloin which came with delicious sauces (the demi-glace and bearnaise). Other than the bread, our meals were SO good!
(4)
Chris M.
There are two dishes here that just blow my mind. The lobster pot pie, and whatever the beef in the puff pastry is. Every year when I come to Philly, I cannot wait to eat here again.
(4)
Rebecca H.
This is a place you go for the ambiance more than the food. Staff dresses from the revolutionary period. It's old and it's fun. Menu is from the period as well, with a large selection of interesting beers including a tasting assortment that you can order. I had the Wiener schnitzel because that's the kind of food you feel like you should eat in this building. It was good, nothing special. Salad with shrimp was fresh but pricey.
(3)
Alison K.
My boyfriend and I decided to have dinner here after going on the Grim Philly Tour which ended across the street. During the tour, we heard a ghost story about the City Tavern and were intrigued. That's probably part of the tourist-trappiness of this place. All that aside, the food was OK. I had the fried tofu, even though it was only the second time I'd had tofu. It was good; the portion was huge (it had veggies and linguine too.) The tomatoes were tasty, but the rest was pretty bland. I only ordered it because it sounded so strange and unique and was apparently a recipe that Ben Franklin received in the letter (I still need some convincing on that point...) Boyfriend had the NY Strip Steak/shrimp. He seemed underwhelmed by it and said it was all pretty bland tasting. We skipped dessert, figuring it wasn't worth it. I think what really left a bad taste in our mouths (HA!) was the service and ambiance. Don't get me wrong; the restaurant is beautiful and looks like an old house. We had the unfortunate experience of being seated in the same room as a group of people who were very loud and talking about suicide...nice dinner conversation, huh? Naturally, this is not the fault of City Tavern, but it did kill the mood a little bit (no pun intended.) The servers are dressed in colonial garb, which is cute if a little mortifying for them. Our server was a little brusque and kind of seemed like he was hating his life (possibly due to costuming requirements? who knows...) The guy who brought around water was nice but spilled it a little bit on my foot (but I can forgive that; these things happen.) The pumpkin pecan biscuits were actually very good, as was the brownish bread (the white bread was pretty dry and tasteless.) I guess our waiter just had a very dry (like the bread) sense of humor--when I said I was ordering the tofu, he was like, "Oh, is that the only thing on the menu you can eat?" and I replied, "No, I'm not a vegetarian, but it looked interesting." It was off-putting. He seemed put off that we didn't order wine (which was priced up to $4,999/bottle...uh, no thanks) and dessert. The host standing in the front hall was adorable and friendly, so no complaints there. Am I glad we went and checked it out? Sure. Did I see any ghosts? Nah. Would we go back? Probably not. The turkey pot pie is tempting, but I can find that elsewhere. I will say that I've heard great things from people who had their wedding reception there, and it seems like a cool venue. Apparently the ghost pops into the pictures of the bride and groom. My aunt got married there so I'm going to get her to check out her wedding pics and see if there are any uninvited guests in the background.
(2)
Ellen M.
Sure, its touristy but I was there as a tourist. The food was good and everything so authentic. I can't wait to take my kids here one day.
(4)
Jennifer A.
A must visit on your trip to Independence Mall State Park. An 18th century tavern, complete with period-costumed wait staff and authentic 18th century food and drinks. We only stopped in for drinks an dessert though. I recommend the slub or one of the Colonial Ales. And the chocolate mousse cake based on a Martha Washington recipe is pretty close to chocolate heaven.
(4)
Daren Y.
If you're visiting the historical parts of Philly, this is a must try. "The most genteel tavern in all the land." A lot of history behind this quaint little tavern/restaurant. The service was excellent. Your metal goblet was never low on water. The food was pretty good as well. A bit pricey but such is the places in a tourist site. All of the staff were dressed in colonial outfits. The tables are set decently well and the drinks are great. We ordered the George Washington's Porter, one that still uses Mr. Washington's original recipe. $7.50 for a large wine glass of it but it was quite worth it. The atmosphere was warm and classy, but still fit for the random tourist to walk in. You can sit inside or out depending on the weather. We chose to sit inside to see the decor. Various paintings adorn the walls and the trimming is nice, a little victorian/colonial style too. I ordered the Mallard Sausage and a Porter which went very well together. Overall, a nice place that is a must try for those who are new in town. For those who are locals, they may consider this a tourist trap, but I think the food and beer speaks for itself. Perhaps not a weekly ordeal, but certainly a nice place for a different atmosphere and definitely delicious food. 3.75 stars from me.
(4)
Reymond D.
Nope. lol Great idea, great interior... horrible food and service. We had a reservation for 7:30 but weren't seated until 7:50, it took another 15 minutes to get our drink order, then we ordered food that took another nearly half hour to come out, and it was cold and gross. The place is pricey, so you'd think it would be delicious, but it was cheap food and not well prepared at all. All of this not to mention we were seated in some creepy basement room, right next to the kitchen (where we could hear the staff talking smack on one another) even though we made reservations days in advance. Our waiter was on another planet, ignored our table and even dropped a plate full of food everywhere. It was my mom's 70th birthday and I was starting to think it was like a SNL episode or something. I guess if you are a tourist this would be really cool, and I guess it is one of those "do once for the experience" kind of things, but in terms of food and experience I would never recommend this place to anyone, ever.
(1)
Wesley A.
Only based on the service, atmosphere and beer. Will have to come back for food someday. Love the colonial feel and dress of the staff. Very friendly and a definite must next time I'm in Philly.
(5)
Tabitha U.
This is a great culinary experience for any history buff or foodie! With an award winning chef, a great location, and an Historic building with rich history. The staff dress in colonial period attire and service in pewter goblets and plates is quaint and historic, the scones and biscuits served before your meal are excellent and the menu has many historic and excellent dishes to choose from. A MUST SEE IF YOU GO TO PHILLY FOR THE HISTORY! It is pricey, be prepared.
(4)
Dave B.
One of the best family dinners we have had. Our waiter was great, the Colonial ambience was just right. Glad we came.
(5)
Scott B.
Food was good. The staff were great, all in period costume. A lady came through in character and put on a show for the kids. Probably a little pricey to bring the kids to,
(4)
Diane J.
We had a very delicious meal -6 of us on a Friday evening. The service was great and the food was served perfectly. We will definitely return. If I was the owner, I would have some period costumed people around other than the waitress-just for a little more atmosphere. Otherwise everything was great!
(4)
Rachel B.
Delicious old style recipes await as you dine in a recreated colonial tavern/restaurant, where the founding father's once dined. They staff are very knowledgable and friendly. The food is delicious for any time period. The cider and pot pie are recommended. This is a great place to go for a good meal with a historic flavor.
(5)
Courtney M.
What a historical little spot, although not the original, still is full of history. Menu is great and all traditional American. I had the beer sampler and loved all of them, especially George Washington's recipe. Also ordered the fried oysters while sitting in the tavern reading their books they have above the fireplace and soaking in the history. A must do in Philly!
(5)
Vlad B.
Turned out to be worth the hype, despite our mixed expectations. For lunch, we tried the smoked fish platter and Benjamin Franklin's tofu (which, incidentally was some of the best fried tofu I've ever tasted), based on his 1770 letter. Our waiter described the historic background behind the food and drinks in detail, and served us promptly and courteously. The Revolutionary Ales on the menu, recreating the beer brewed by some of the Founders, were a true highlight - if you're a craft beer enthusiast, make City Tavern a required stop in Philly. We bought a variety pack at the Yards Brewery during a later point in our trip.
(5)
K T.
Great food. Our waitress, Jessica, gave a great historical narrative of the Tavern. This is definitely part of the historical Philadelphia experience.
(5)
Marla S.
The food was delicious and unique. The staff was very friendly. We had 4 children with us and they were very accommodating and friendly to all of the children.
(5)
Marina V.
I've been to the City Tavern 4 times now, every time I'm in Philly we go there.. Love love love the Martha Washington's recipe duckling + barley, yum!!!! it's really great!! And it's neat to drink the madeira and to try the founding fathers' (by their recipes and micro-breweries) beers. Attentive waiters in their old-timey costumes, and it's cool to be in this historic building! Highly recommend it!!
(4)
L P.
Period costumes worn by servers are fun, as well as the authentic pewter cups, serve ware and overall ambience. I had an great turkey pot pie and everyone else in our family really liked whatever it was that they ordered. Our tavern wench (waitress) was adorable and really good at her job. It is very dark inside and we were seated next to one of the fireplaces. It felt like another time without feeling kitchy like Disney World. My parents insisted we go here as they had been last fall and I was prepared for it to be cheesey but it was actually really nice. They also do historic dinners (we didn't do but my parent did) these are private dinners in the evening limited to about 10 or 12 people. While dinning costumed actors portraying Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the gang apparently lead a fascinating oration of events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and it culminates with a private tour of Constitution Hall. It's pricey if I remember, maybe $90 per person but they couldn't say enough great things about the experience. *** Please be thoughtful to those enjoying the period ambiance and turn of your cell phone*** Stated right on the menu in bold letters. But there is always one loudmouth who thinks it doesn't apply to them. I know all about Aunt Sue in Atlanta, her will, who's fighting over her stuff, and cousin so and so...... blah, blah, blah. If it were truly authentic I would have challenger the other diner to a duel! Overall a great lunch, good beers and a great respite from the Philly heat.
(4)
Jj G.
My husband and I ate here for thanksgiveing . 89.95 pet person, I almost fell off my chair. It's turkey and potatoes and green beans. Not expensive food to prepare at all.its also very dark inside which I do not care for when I'm eating. The staff was friendly and helpful. We would not go again on a holiday.
(2)
Ashley L.
Get the City Tavern Warmer and see where George Washington & Ben Franklin celebrated the first 4th of July!! Fun stop if you're touring historical Philly.
(4)
Peter W.
When did the National Debt begin? How about our Founding Father's bar tab, here, at the City Tavern. Several people recommended this place, so a group of colleagues (in Philly for a conference) decided to give it a try even though we didn't have a reservation, They were able to accommodate us on the second floor which had surprisingly high ceilings (but makes sense as a way to cope with hot days). The servers in colonial attire were friendly and effective. I especially liked the five minute history lesson at the end of the meal. Ask about the ghosts in the building. Food wise, I had the beer sampler and enjoyed the Jefferson ale the most. For the main course, I had the veiner (sp) schnitzel which was hearty. The pork chop looked really good and there was nothing left on my colleague's plates.
(4)
Beeg R.
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me...I admit it is my fault to come here again. The first time I came here was 14 years ago, before we moved to Center City Philly. It was, after all, full of history, so even though we don't like tourist traps, we figured that we should check it out. I remembered I had the shrimps, because it was so bad that it left a lasting BAD impression. The service was slow, and by the time I got my shrimps, they were stone cold. When I sent it back (which I rarely do), they took forever to bring the food back. By the time I got the "reheated" shrimps back, they were cold again. I basically swallowed each bite trying not to chew just so that I could fill up. I said I'd never ever come back again. Fast forward 14 years to last weekend, and my husband suggested that we come here again. Since we were here to check out historical sites with our kid, he wanted to take her to experience a piece of history by eating there. We had a 7 pm reservation, and arrived 15 mins early, so they sat us. We waited 15 mins for our drinks, then another full hour before getting our food. Our LO got the kid menu fish and chips for $12, which was so hot that she burnt her tongue. Her entree was good, but it was so large that I doubt most kids could finish it. BTW, drinks were separate for kids, which cost another $3. So budget around $15 just for the kids meal. I had the port chop and my husband got the pot pies. Our entrees were good, but they were so cold when we got it, that I could barely taste the flavor. It was such an irony that the kid's food was hotter than the adults'. I don't care if it was made by a great chef, if it wasn't served in proper temperature, it was tasteless to me. We also ordered white wine by the glass. The first glass arrived luke warm. When we finally flagged down our waitress, she brought back another one that was also lukewarm (after another long wait). I didn't want to wait again, so I didn't send it back. The waitress was nice, but she had so many tables to serve, some were outside the patio while others were throughout different dining rooms, that we rarely saw her. We promised our LO dessert after dinner, but she actually said she didn't want it because she didn't want to wait, as it was close to her bedtime. We waited to get our waitress's attention so we could get our check. It took almost 2 hours for dinner, and normally it would be fine with me, but not when we have a child in tow. Lukewarm wine, lukewarm food, lukewarm service...We don't get to eat in Center City that often now that we have a kid, so each dinner in Philly is special to us and we always made sure we picked a great place. Unfortunately, we made an unwise choice by coming here. Like Ben says, a penny saved is a penny earned. Save your pennies instead of spending them here.
(2)
Raj S.
Walked by this restaurant and decided to try it out. Well the turkey pot pie was absolutely amazing. Best thing of the menu. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Naked T.
This is a very interesting place and definitely one of those 'experience' type restaurants. The place bathes in 18th century America and is really quite enjoyable in that vein. I met and chatted with Ben Franklin and other representatives from the era. For that, it was quite fun, The entire decor and dress is really authentic and good sport. We were first served a varieties of breads. This was the only real negative to our dining experience. They served us three different type breads from the period and all of them were terrible. After the bread, the foods improved noticably. My friend and I had the Roquefort salad which was quite nice. The Roquefort cheese was plentiful and quite good.My wife had the corn soup that was very tasty though a tad salty. My friend's wife had the oysters that were very nice, For dinner, my wife and friend's wife had the turkey pot pie which was very good (but not good enough evidently for them to ask for a doggie bag). I had the beef tenderloin which I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I asked for the waiter to wrap the leftover and he did not. My friend had the veal sausage which he said was ok but would not reorder. Would we go back if we were ever in Philadelphia again, not sure. The experience of the 18th century was good fun but it was a struggle to select my entree.
(3)
Donna K.
My group ate here last night and it was wonderful. We ordered a seafood platter appetizer and ate it up!!! The turkey pot pie was amazing. Sierra was our server. She was awesome- always checking that we were happy. Great evening!!
(5)
Kelly B.
After having a large sandwich from DiNic's for lunch, we hit the town again seeing more sights. It was over 100 degrees with high humidity, so I was ready for a break. We were in the area of the City Tavern which I wanted to visit. In 1774, John Adams called the City Tavern "the most genteel tavern in America". In 1777, the Continental Congress celebrated the first July 4th here. Because of my mom, I appreciate old cities such as Philadelphia or historical places such as the City Tavern. Everyone working was dressed in 18th century costumes. We mentioned we wanted some snacks and drinks, so we sat in the front room. We shared a cheese and crackers platter and an assortment of bread. Hubby had a glass of Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. This ale was made especially following Jefferson's original ale. The ale was rugged and smooth at the same time. They also have ales from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. After our snack, I mentioned how full I was. My hubby said I had to order Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse Cake because he did not want to hear the rest of the week how I wished I had gotten the cake. Let me just say I was not disappointed. The bottom layer was chocolate cake, the middle layer was chocolate mousse and the top layer was a chocolate ganache. It was sinfully decadent. After getting back home I read up on the City Tavern some more because I was so intrigued. I was slightly disappointed to read that the original building had burned in 1834. In 1948, Congress commissioned the site to be accurately reconstructed. The City Tavern reopened in 1976. It was still a great stop.
(4)
Shannon A.
City tavern is down in the Old City in Philly and is a really cool place to go and have beer. We have been here twice and never eaten here, only drank beer so this review is for the drinking aspect. First, it is in a really old historic building, and the staff is dressed as if they are in the 1700's. Cool, but then sort of strange when the server is telling you that a beer is "really awesome" in his powdered wig and knee highs. All of the beers are made after our founding fathers' recipes. Thomas Jefferson's beer recipe edges out the recipes of Franklin, Washington and Alexander Hamilton as my personal fave! Neat place for a beer, or two, or three, but it's hot inside. Guess they want it to be like it was before a/c? They have a renowned chef with apparently wonderful food, but we've just never partaken in the food options here, although it is on our list of 'to do" for next time.
(4)
Just Y.
(2.5 Stars) Obviously the draw is the age of the establishment, making it a somewhat obligatory tourist draw. We opted to sit in the "tavern" portion of the place instead of the dining floors. Some things I understand looking old, and often look better with age and wear - like wood floors and real fireplaces. But the Tavern room looked distressed and neglected, with unsanded and unpainted patching on all the walls, around the windows, and on the ceiling, and wooden booths that looked beat-up and in good need of refinishing. They are not a brewery, but do focus on many beers with recipe's from at that era, which is produced for them by a third party brewer. Food was OK at best, but way overpriced. Like $9 for literally 3/4 cup of mostly-broth french onion soup that was served with two bay leaves still floating in it. A salad we split had over-cooked asparagus and black-forest ham so dry it bordered on prosciutto. Maybe the main dishes are better, but I'm not going to find out. Staff dress in period-piece costumes, which always sends up the red flag for me at restaurants, but turned out to not be such a problem as we rarely saw any of then except for when we got up and went to look for them, usually to discover all of them chatting about in the central hallway. If you're on the tourist loop, stop in mid-day for a beer to say you've been here, then go a few blocks west into the old city area and find any of the dozen places with better food and atmosphere to have dinner at.
(2)
Fiona C.
Fine this appears to be a tourist spot, but I LOVED IT. Tourist traps usually don't have good food, but this one does! I loved the decor and the uniform the waitstaff had to wear. I assume that most of the stuff here is the chef's take on the dish, because the food back then probably didn't taste as good - an elevated version of colonial style food. Anyways, we started off with the beer sampler - which I highly recommend - the Alexander Hamilton pale ale was my favorite on its own. The George Washington dark porter did not taste so good on its own, but was definitely good when paired with their take on Martha Washington's chocolate cake. The city tavern warmer tasted like the holidays and was nice for defrosting in this cold weather. The bread basket was good. The crab cakes were slamming. The west indies pepperpot soup was decent. Turkey pot pie was great. Apparently lots of people make reservations here, so it might be something you want to do if you want to have dinner here.
(4)
Matthew L.
My girlfriend and I recently went to Philadelphia for a 4-day sight-seeing trip. We're both teachers, so we had a week off for Spring Break. While I was planning the trip, City Tavern was a restaurant that was recommended on all the touristy websites, so I decided to make a reservation. The place is a historical building from the 18th Century that was frequented by the original founding fathers. Today, the building has been restored to the way it looked when the founding fathers dined there. The staff all dress in period clothing and people eat by candlelight. There are no lightbulbs. This was all pretty cool because you felt like you were eating at a tavern in 1776. I ordered the Apple-Smoked Porkchop with mashed potatoes and my girlfriend ordered the turkey pot pie. The food was delicious!! Due to the apple-smoking process, the pork chop tasted more like smoked ham, which was fine with me. My girlfriend let me try some of her turkey pot pie. I'm not a huge fan of pot pies, but this pot pie was fantastic. I also ordered the 'Ales of the Revolution' beer flight by Yards Brewing Company. One of the beers, the Alexander Hamilton Federalist Ale, was not featured at Yards Brewing when we visited there earlier in the day. I wonder if this is a special beer that they brew exclusively for City Tavern. They even had a musician dressed in period clothing and playing the harp while people ate. It sounded really nice. In all, we were very happy with our experience and would come here again.
(5)
Jonathan N Sarah B.
Love the City Tavern! Staff is always friendly and the food delicious! Highly recommend for any trip into Philadelphia
(5)
Mallory D.
Sometimes even native Philadelphians enjoy the touristy stuff, like waiters in colonial garb. I know this Philly girl loved the ambiance and experience that was City Tavern. As soon as you walk in, you get the feeling you are walking in the famous footsteps of hungry patriots of yesteryear. The building looked very period-appropriate, which I find fascinating. Our waiter was adorable in his colonial get-up, too. Most places like this would rest on their gimmick and forgo great food, but not City Tavern. The food here was nothing short of phenomenal. If you're like me and venison and rabbit meat don't necessarily do it for you, thankfully there are a few specials nightly that appeal to a larger audience. I ordered the lobster pot pie, which was a culinary masterpiece. The lobster pieces were quite large and delicious, as were the accompanying shrimp and scallops. The sauce was a delicious buttery concoction, as was the pastry crust. Simply amazing. I washed it all down with a Tavern Porter (brewed by Yards) for the closest thing to an authentic 18th century dining experience as I was willing to try. City Tavern is the kind of place to visit if you are a tourist or just rediscovering your own city. The food is delicious, service impeccable, and ambiance can't be beat.
(5)
Ernest B.
The pepper pot soup was good and there's a big selection of wines. But crammed into a small area. Wasn't worth the hype. Probably a good place for kids because of the historic theme.
(3)
Jeff R.
Bring you history books kids... THERE WILL BE A TEST !! Okay it's a taste test... This is the BEST place to experience dining in old town Philadelphia. We spent 2 days in Philly... and we were amazed by this place. The people are very nice and are dressed in old style clothing.... and that adds to the experience. The decor is straight out of the 1800s...so much fun. The food was fantastic. We split the $ 35 steak and shrimp and a $7 garden salad. Plenty of food for two. The meat was likely a 12 ounce cut... really huge.. the mashed taters were great.... BEER -- oh yah... get a beer... they run $ 7 but talk to the server about them and choose the "most distinctive" tasting... I asked for that and got a real good home brew ! Cannot go wrong... it's not a cheap price place... but well worth it !
Just stopped in for a drink. Great atmosphere. I had a Raspberry Shrub with champagne and husband had a Tavern Spruce beer. Drinks were great. Shared the mushroom toast. We both loved it! Will definitely be back for dinner!
(4)
Mary O.
Bring your biggest appetite. The website gave me the impression that this restaurant probably would serve smaller servings due to the quality of the food. I was SO wrong. Very good food and fantastic service!
(5)
Rodney E.
Wait staff dressed in vintage Colonial clothing. Food was served very hot. I ordered the Colonial turkey pot pie. It was delicious. The crust was helpful in getting the last of the gravy out of the bowl!
(5)
Jackie A.
This place was so cool! I loved how the workers are dressed up in colonial gear. I had the duck which was amazing! My husband had the venison and duck sausage and loved both. He also enjoyed his flight of presidential beer. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Katya B.
Authentic atmosphere. However the dishes have more to do with the Chef's German heritage rather than traditional local US flavors...
(3)
Natalie B.
I used to pass this spot by many times thinking that it's "just an okay touristic place". Finally decided to have a lunch there on September 1, during our week end trip to Pennsylvania. The place keeps the period style interior, the dressed up staff looks a little bit cartoonish but it's ok - the restaurant wants to bring you the atmosphere. We got a table in a quiet room, by the fire place, and the table was stylishly served with metal coblets and plates resembling the Delft style. This all does add the necessary ambiance. The meal was also good - German-Polish home made sausage, turkey pot pie, pasta, local beer... We had a good time, overall, theatrical, relaxed, laid back. I guess we'll be back again in Fall or Winter for more comfort food :-)
(5)
Zafrina S.
I really love the corn soup. Seriously, it was the first time I drank the soup without adding any black pepper. I think it's because I don't know how to eat the turkey pie, so I found it okay. I was expected the server would tell me how to taste them though. One disappointment is that I expected the black tea to be good, but it was Lipton. They should at least have some good black tea. Overall, it was an interesting experience to try 18th century cuisine.
(4)
Dawn C.
So romantic, the place is dimly lit and toasty warm. We enjoyed Turkey pot pie and Tenderloin tips after the fabulous Crab cake appetizer that was perfect. For dessert the Martha Washington Choc Mousse cake was decedent and the cherry on my husband's birthday dinner
(4)
Jersey V.
Whether you are a tourist or a local, this is THE place you need to visit. They not only offer delicious menu options but provide an exceptional and memorable experience. You feel like you have transported through time, you can almost hear Paul Revere in the background. I took my Grams here for lunch during Restaurant week. The servers are dressed in colonial wear, and you are submerged in the buildings history. The menu had something for everyone, and we all left craving more. Grams watches Chef Staib on tv almost every single day. When he got wind of this he immediately came to meet us and tell us about the history and food. He is much more than an Emmy winning chef, he takes pride in what he loves, and he shows so much appreciation to his fans and foodies. He brought her a gift, and we purchased a recipe book which he gladly signed. I am a Concierge for the city of Philadelphia, and because he made my Grams so happy by the end of our fantastic dining experience, I will happily refer anyone and everyone to the City Tavern time and time again. So if you, or your family and friends are looking to fill up on the most original food and libation recipes in the country, learn more than you did in any history class, and have a sensational night out, trust me on this one. It truly is one of a kind.
(5)
Lily A.
This review is just for the bar area. The bartenders are nice, but you get the notorious Philly "indifference" attitude. It's cool, it's Philly. I only tried the beer tasting "Ales of the Revolution" which was around $12. The tasting is for four 6 oz pours of Philly's different Yard beers, and themed after the founding fathers. The bottles are cool looking but that's about it. Supposedly, some of the recipes were taken from that founding father's diaries or memos... No wonder why these guys didn't become brewmasters! they were much better off starting this country. The beers were decent but some were really harsh and left bitter after tastes. The only one I could possibly drink again is Washington's Porter which had hints of coffee, but still a bitter aftertaste. The rest were pretty hoppy which (unlike all other Californians it seems) doesn't sit well with me -- Jefferson's Ale, Poor Richard's Ale, and Hamilton's Ale. Here's a photo of the beer tastings yelp.com/biz_photos/city…
(3)
Vinny P.
City Tavern certainly has history on its side. It seems that many (if not all) of the details have been well preserved and the servers are well versed not only in the ingredients, the preparations but also in anecdotes which I'm sure help them sell certain dishes. It's a model that works quite well apparently since they've been doing it for quite some time. The stars of the night for me were the pecan muffins to start, the fried oysters and the duck sausage. Each of these items were excellent in their own right. The muffins had solid texture and what I felt was perfect sweetness. The oysters, while fried had that little bit of brine that was still evident and the duck sausage was gamey and spiced very delicately. I was underwhelmed by my braised rabbit because the whole dish just tasted like the volume was turned down. I was excited since usually braised items have deeply developed flavors. The rabbit, had a good texture, but it just didn't taste like much other than that. The egg noodles that it sat upon were also nothing to write home about. For dessert, the table split a massive hunk of chocolate mousse cake which tasted even better than it looked. Our service was quite excellent and we didn't want for anything during our time dining. History buffs and people looking for what I would consider a "safe" meal will really enjoy it here. It's probably a good place to take your parents since it has an older and more formal (well behaved) vibe to it.
(3)
Sara W.
All in all this place was great. The candle lit dinner was so romantic. Everyone is dressed in traditional 18th century outfits which makes it even more exciting. The food was amazing. We both had medallions of beef with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Yummy!! I also tried Alexander Hamilton's beer which was really good. This was the perfect place for a tourist to come and get the whole experience of earlier times. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting to check this place out.
(5)
Helen P.
Food was very good. Atmosphere, overlooking Philadelphia on a winter night and the chello playing was wonderful.
(4)
S N.
I give Chef Staib much credit for keeping the tradition of early American fare alive. Without culinary historians ilke him, the rich history of early fare would be under appreciated...and possibly forgotten. With this in mind, I was very excited to try City Tavern last week. Unfortunately, after dining there, I have mixed feelings. The restaurant was nearly empty on a rainy Saturday night, but I think that was a result of the inclement weather, not the restaurant or its menu. The decor of the restaurant was historic and pleasant. It reminded me in some ways of the restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg (VA). It is dimly lit and the decor is very early-American. The food was definitely enjoyable, as its taste and visual presentation were very good. The server was very attentive (though I'm not sure if this level of service would have been the same had the restaurant been busy instead of nearly empty). My girlfriend and I started with the crab cakes, which were tasty. For the main course, I had the Escallopes of Veal and she had the night's special: linguine with seafood (which I was surprised to see served there, but soon learned that this kind of food was served back in the day). We finished with an apple crisp-type of dessert, which was delicious. My problem with the restaurant are the very high prices. I am used to paying $25+ per entrees in restaurants in major U.S. cities. But the higher prices at City Tavern didn't quite seem appropriate. I don't think I'd go back again. If you want to enjoy a meal in a setting like the founding fathers of the U.S. did, then try City Tavern. But expect to pay higher prices for it.
(3)
Beth O.
Food was delicious. Definitely a touristy-type restaurant. Our server could not have been nicer (yay George!). Prices were high, expected though for the kind of restaurant it is.
(4)
t c.
Unique menu, great food, nice ambiance, old world touches like drinks in pewter cups and staff dressed in colonial garb... I loved it!! Kid friendly too! I had the crab cakes and roasted duckling while my kids had the turkey pot pie. Delicious!!! Made reservations online with ease on their website. This place is a MUST when visiting!!! Will definitely be back
(5)
Zach M.
Was touring the historical sites and needed a bite to eat. This place was a perfect find! Only a few blocks from the major historical sites, it's another historic site in itself. The server was attentive and friendly, and made great recommendations both for beer and meals. The entire staff was dressed in period attire, and were great for the entire meal. The beer list was amazing - recipes from the founding fathers, recreated and well-matched with the food. Overall a great experience!
(5)
Paula W.
Beef tips and mushrooms. This is fabulous- I can't wait for dessert! Highly recommended.
(5)
Jessica Y.
We stopped in here for afternoon drinks and had a blast. The time period drinks were tasty(beer flights, cocktails). Servers were very friendly. Decor brings you back into historical times. Great atmosphere. For a gimicky place everything was done well. Would come back to try lunch.
(4)
Gregg M.
Channeling my inner Spicoli, I've always thought that food and drink go hand in hand with learning about history. City Tavern brings these two things together in a Congress-approved, historically relevant way. The original City Tavern was the Founding Fathers' favorite watering hole back in Colonial times. Although a fire destroyed it in the 1800's, a historically accurate reconstruction was built in time for the Nation's Bicentennial Celebration. Fast forward to today and the City Tavern continues to operate as faithfully as possible to recreate the dining and drinking experience of the late 1700's. Stepping into the City Tavern is like stepping into a time machine, but with present day prices. Hostesses, bar, and wait staff are dressed in period costumes. Furnishings, some of which are museum pieces, are true to the period and lend an authentic feel. Since we already had dinner reservations, we elected to have a drink while there...for educational purposes only, of course! I had the Ales of the Revolution sampler ($12), featuring four beers from Philadelphia's own Yards Brewing Co., three of which were beers based on/inspired by original recipes from Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The sample-size pours seemed generous (4-6 oz.?). As expected, the beers differed greatly from each other in color, bouquet, and flavor. All were interesting and enjoyable, although I found the Tavern Porter to be the most enjoyable while the Tavern Spruce Ale to be the most unique. Saying City Tavern is a tourist trap is a bit unfair. I liken the experience to something you'd experience at Colonial Williamsburg except with beer and food. 3.5 stars.
(4)
Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: historic Philly tavern. City Tavern makes you feel like your sitting down for a beer with the Founding Fathers, and that's the point. It's old, it's an odd layout, but it's great. I sat in the tiny "bar" area, which had a couple wood booths and a U-shaped bench with small tables. Service was a bit slow but I was in no rush. $12 for 4 flights of their signatures Founding Father brews: Alexander Hamilton ("Federalist Ale"), Benjamin Franklin ("Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce"), Thomas Jefferson ("1774 Tavern Ale"), and George Washington ("Tavern Porter"). Some are original recipes, one is original yeast. The Spruce was too herbal for me, but I enjoyed the rest. Pretty good deal for the price. Waiters are in period-garb. You can explore the building, which has a few upper floors with large banquet areas. A server took a moment to talk to me about the history without me even asking. They seem genuinely interested in their place of work. City Tavern is a must-stop for anyone visiting the historic sites in Philly.
(4)
Charles Griffin G.
I lived in Philadelphia for years and always considered this place to be a tourist trap. I just ate here and still think it is. Having said that, I thought the food was high quality and our server was very pleasant. Some of the best crab cakes I've ever had. Two stars down for an awkward welcome (5 minutes in the foyer with several employees passing us without any greeting) and my girlfriend thought the vegetables were too buttery. Fun if you're visiting from out of town. Good for parties of 2-8.
(3)
Frank P.
Went here for the price fix menu in Thanksgiving 2013. Worst restaurant choice ever. The meal for the two of us was over $100. The food was luke-warm or cold. Obviously sitting under a heat lamp for a long time. We ordered beers when we were seated, and within minutes food was brought out. Before drinks. They simply book way too many people for the holiday. It was simply about turing over tables and taking your money. They weren't allowing you to enjoy the company of the people you were with. We were given our check before we finished our first drink, and never asked if we wanted another. Overall, the food was cold and mediocre. The experience was expensive, and not at all fun. Maybe it's ok when it's not a holiday. But I'll never know. Never going back.
(1)
Stephanie G.
West Indies Pepperpot Soup is to die-for! Everyone is well-trained in gluten-free and I felt very comfortable eating there. Had to buy the City Tavern cookbook-- it has every menu item plus more! The pewter water goblets were a lot of fun, too, and we were able to purchase a few before leaving!
(5)
Helene B.
Amazing staff! I ordered a drink that calls for sour mix which they were out of, so the staff made homemade sour mix for me. Best drink every. Love this place!!!
(5)
Alex F.
Only tried the beer, sitting outdoors in the garden, but man were they good. We tried the sampler of four beers, then a pint of our favorite, the Hamilton Ale. Great for a hot afternoon when you need a flavorful beer.
(4)
Kevin A.
Overpriced food, mediocre service. Our group was 5 people. We arrived on time for our reservation but were told we'd have to wait maybe 15 minutes. No problem, we'll have a drink at the bar. The cramped bar area had only unclean tables. After a couple of awkward minutes, a waitress cleaned an area for us and we were able to sit down. Not 10 seconds after sitting, we were told our table was ready. Good news, but disorganized. We waited about 5 minutes for water and to place drink orders, then another 5 minutes for drinks to arrive. We placed appetizer and entree orders. The appetizers took about 30 minutes to arrive. I had the crab cakes. Two cakes ($12) came, looking quite burnt. The crust was fried and too thin, providing no crunch and little texture. The filling was quite good, with adequate crab meat, but little contrasting flavor. It was a bit of a shaped mushy thing. I ordered the venison. I was asked how I'd like it cooked, and I replied as rare as possible. My colleague who ordered the same said well done. After waiting for 30 minutes for the appetizers, the mains came out relatively quickly. But they were a disappointment. First, both venisons came at the same time, but without regard to who ordered their meat, obviously no regard to temperature preferences. Both were obviously overcooked, even for well done and I had wanted rare. The serving sizes were small, with 3 or 4 small bits of venison ($34), some zucchini, mushrooms, and cooked barley. While the accompaniments were tasty, they plus overcooked tasteless venison wasn't worth $10, much less 3.5 times as much. Really the only thing I very much enjoyed was the beer. Stay away from the food!!
(2)
Pam S.
Completely based on making my parents happy. So you have parents and they're visiting you in Philly. Congratulations! Luckily, there're lots of things people want to see when they visit Philly, and City Tavern is one of those things. Chef has a TV show, it's historical, you know, whatever. We went for lunch and had absolutely NO issues with seating/etc, and I even got there a little early to sit in the "subscription room", the historical version of a reading room, which is the historical version of your couch. Parents enjoyed the food and drinks (hot boozy apple cider for fall/winter!). Dad ordered the special (kielbasa) and mom had the pot pie. They enjoyed both. Meanwhile, I had a specially made vegan dish (veggies and pasta) that they were really kind about putting together. Service was excellent, they bring a cute bread basket ("this is mrs. jefferson's recipe!") and for not being vegan friendly, they were so nice about being accommodating. Highly recommended for the tourist crowd/parent appeasement.
(5)
Katrina C.
Certainly something every Philadelphian should do at least once. The historical significance of the building and the colonial vibe is fun. *The founding fathers beer flight is really neat. *The TJ sweet potato biscuits are as good as other yelpers say! *The country salad was refreshing and light. *The pot pie is probably the best I've ever had in my life. *The Martha Washington chocolate mousse cake was also yummy. The food was good, and the service was satisfactory, but the experience just wasn't quite at the 4-5 star level for me. I would've enjoyed more enlightenment from the server about the factual origins of the menu items to bring more background and depth to the meal.
(3)
Brynson S.
One of the coolest restaurants I have ever been to. The history of this tavern is incredible. The fact that some of our founding fathers hung out here is pretty awesome. I have eaten here a few times. I really enjoyed Martha washingtons pot pie. Apparently it was the same recipe that she would make for George. They also have some great historical beers as well, this place is a must! Great Ambience!
(5)
Natasha M.
Loooooove love love. Get the turkey pot pie. Amazing, perfect for a cold winter evening. The spiked apple cider and egg nog were a unique, yummy change of pace for me. Just don't order two egg nogs or you won't be able to finish your pot pie. Our table also got the beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, they were fine. The corn chowder soup was tastier and heartier than the West Indies soup. And only the porter of the entire flight was worthwhile if you have a discerning palate for beer. Ambience is perfect for tourists and especially in the winter. So nice and cozy!! Dining ware and decorations were representative of the time period. Only thing I didn't like was our server. He was a little inattentive. Come here if you want a memorable dinner!!
(5)
Anthony C.
A colleague recommended we try City Tavern on our first family trip to Philadelphia. Having driven from Boston, we went straight there before the hotel. The restaurant is located in Old City, an area bursting with history and with numerous options for food and drink. We were surprised upon entry that the staff are in period-appropriate garb. They're not being kitschy or playing characters, just trying to give you an authentic colonial dining experience (see also: the live harpsichord music). The restaurant provides literature about its history, its cuisine, and colonial dining custom. (It's a colonial history nerd's dream.) Pam was out waitress and she was extraordinarily attentive, informative, and kind. We had a wonderful experience with our kids - an infant and a toddler - as the restaurant is child-friendly (with a great kids menu too). I had the soup of the day and the Mrs. had corn chowder to start. Both were obscenely delicious. The colonial breads baked in house were wonderful, especially the pecan sweet potato biscuits Jefferson liked. My main was the duck with a honey glaze. The Mrs. had a crab cake app as her main, and our toddler had grilled chicken with butter noodles. They were all outstanding. The seasonal vegetables were so unbelievably fresh! We finished with dessert: I had bread pudding and the Mrs. had Martha Washington's recipe for chocolate mousse cake and while mine was good... hers was evidently delicious... because it disappeared quickly! We requested some fresh fruit for the kids and it was accommodated easily; the fruit was wonderfully presented and super fresh. All in all, this will be a staple of every family trip to Philly. Highly recommended. Food, ambiance, and service all top notch. Pro Tip: If you like beer, try the colonial beer sampler!
(5)
Roger Y.
Come here for the history and ambiance. Having a meal in a historic building is always special for someone like me who is somewhat of a history buff. The pewterware, candle lit rooms, wait staff in period costumes etc make a visit worthwhile. Food is better than many touristy restaurants but is overall mediocre only. Many better meals foodwise can be had elsewhere in Philadelphia.
(3)
Madhu R.
Unbelievably good! The perfect blend of history (mead cups for water, grand old building, people in period costumes), great beer (an original recipe Porter from Washington's time), yummy food made with pure ingredients in cast iron, and super friendly and personable staff (especially Tahera who showed me to my awesome table near the window upstairs). I can't say enough good things about this place.
(5)
Shawn V.
Chicken Madiera was wonderful. The food was great.
(4)
Todd D.
Is it touristy? A bit but not as much as you'd think - and you'll enjoy the ambiance, the historical accuracy, the recipes culled from our Founding Fathers' own cookbooks, etc. Anyway: Washington's pre-inaugural ball was held here! Ben Franklin hung out here! If you're a "When in Rome" type, when visiting the Old City you must give this a go ... It's not cheap, but unlike typical tourist spots, the portions are not only generous but also tasty and excellent. Service was good, too: the waitress originally brought me the wrong order, so my plate came out maybe 5 min after my family's dinners. I wasn't upset at all, but they removed my $20+ meal from the final bill without even mentioning it. Quality shows. P.S. Get the apple pie a la mode! Yum!
(5)
Dave H.
We had a party of 7 for New Year's at City Tavern, and enjoyed everything about the experience. Our server, Sierra, shared the right amount of background and information about the restaurant, the chef and the food, and made the evening great. Everyone in the party tried something different and all was really good. Why go anywhere else when you're in historic Philadelphia?
(4)
Sarah P.
This place is AWESOME!!!!! I love the concept and think they bail it on the head. The restaurant is all about giving you a dining experience reminiscent of 1770's. We ordered the beer sampler and it was fantastic! By this time in the evening we had stuffed ourselves on Cheesesteaks and only ordered salads, but the Roquefort was awesome! There was a chunk of cheese in the center of the salad and it was great quality! I loved the sweet potato biscuits they serve at the beginning of the meal. My only complaint is that they say it is kid friendly...it IS NOT! When a place says they are kid friendly I assume for all ages. This is appropriate for t'weens and older.
(5)
Ina V.
Oh my God. I absolutely love love love this spot. Historical building where George Washington's room is located on the first floor! Colonial food recopies are delicious! All of the silver wear and mugs are from colonial times, waitstaff is dressed in traditional American colonial times clothing. It's super exciting to be able to share the Old American history in 21st century. I even bought their cook book, that's how excited i was to be there!
(5)
Peter B.
This was was great. JP was one of the nicest servers I've had - knowledgeable about the menu, the recipes behind the menu (Martha Washington's Chocolate cake recipe, Thomas Jefferson's ale recipe used lemons from China), and shared the types of historical tidbits that make dining at a place like the City Tavern fun. The setting and building itself are cool enough to allow the kitchen to slack a little bit, but everything out party of ten got was really, really good. Beef medallions, bone-in ribeye, chicken breasts, veal sausages with sauerkraut - all very good, and I grew up eating high quality PA Dutch food. You can tell they have a pastry chef on staff, I usually don't eat bread, but made exceptions for the terrific muffins served in the bread bowl and the cobbler served for dessert. There aren't prices on the kids menu, and items are $12.95, but the fish and chips were good enough for adults to eat.
(5)
Amanda F.
I thought this place was so fun - call me a geek, but I was so into the colonial theme! The staff are all dressed in colonial-stlye outfits, and the dishes are colonial-inspired. The dishes are pretty and mugs are pewter. The flight of beers was so cool - made from the founding fathers' own recipes, which are on file in the national archives. I had the turkey pot pie, which was so delicious and filling, along with Martha Washington's recipe for a fruity cocktail. It really puts you in the mood for a fun historical tour of Philadelphia.
(4)
Miguel F.
Went for Mother's Day and sat outside since it was a beautiful day..decided to do the tasting menu (59.99 per person) which came with a 3 dishes and a dessert and coffee. I started out with an IPA by Yards Brewing Company. Great beer! For my first plate, I ordered the duck sausage which was good. It came served over some red cabbage. For the second plate, a salad, nothing spectacular, but hey, it's salad. For my entree I ordered the beef medallions which came with a side of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The only issue I had with the entree was that I asked for the meat medium rare- closer to rare if the chef could do it. When I received the meal though, the meat was at most medium well- closer to well done. I would have sent it back but by the time it would have came back, the rest of my party would have been done their meals, so I ate it anyway. Wasn't that bad just really over cooked per my request. The rest of the plate was excellent though. For my dessert I ordered a raspberry tart accompanied with cinnamon ice cream- Amazing! Over all, I was impressed but disappointed in how my meat came to me. Tad pricey but for the amount of food, I suppose it was worth it. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone in the area who hasn't been.
(4)
Andy K.
Outstanding place to visit. If you've never been to Philly(and even if you have), this place is a must. Lobster pie was amazing as was the duck. Historical atmosphere combined with great food and service really made for a great lunch. Jay, our server, was outstanding as well.
(5)
Gabrielle S.
Went to dinner here during a sightseeing trip to philly. So quaint and filled with history! Expected it to be a tourist trap with crappy food but I was pleasantly surprised! The pepper soup was great as was the porkchop. But be prepared, the portions are huge! The sweet potato biscuits (a Thomas Jefferson recipe!) will definitely be on my thanksgiving table. Oh yeah, I'm getting the cookbooks!
(4)
Deidra S.
Love this place and the fact that they dress of the day, circa 1700's. The vinegar shrug drinks are great!!!
(5)
Thee E.
Ales of the Revolution was one of the highlights of my trip. The staff was awesome and easy to talk to. Go here and try the old beer recipes!
(4)
Simone A.
Took some friends here last weekend who were visiting from out of town. Such a great way to continue our tour of Philadelphia and get our drink on. Didn't eat, but did enjoy a few beers. Word of advice - Get the flight. It's $7.25 for a single pint or $12 for the flight which are nice sized (larger that most flights). So the 4 of us each ordered a flight and split the cheese plate (which was fine - normal). Loved the experience (servers in colonial costumes and the general decor) and they give a great description/story regarding each beer. There's also a cheat sheet with more information which was nice. My favorite was Alexander Hamilton, but honestly each of the four were tasty. Highly recommend for wrapping up an afternoon in historical Philadelphia.
(4)
Germaine S.
Food was good and our waiter was nice. It was pricey. Truthfully I am glad we tried it and would recommend to try, but would not rush back. I expected more history and ambience from inside the restaurant.
(3)
Kimberly Y.
Honestly, I think I just expected too much from City Tavern, and it ended up being pretty much a normal restaurant with a menu and server uniforms from the 18th century. Firstly, no one greeted us at the door, and I was pretty confused as to where I should be going--if there was a lobby or hostess somewhere else. I stood around waiting until someone showed up to serve me. Then I was taking upstairs and seated at a table that I distinctly noticed was pretty long (in that there was a lot of room between my boyfriend and me), but close enough to the next table for me to hear their conversations (though I do have good ears!). I found the decor in the second floor dining area to be underwhelming; the room just looked like a dining room in a house with a bunch of tables--rather than a restaurant. I pretty much just looked at wallpaper the whole time. My boyfriend and I even went exploring upstairs in the bathroom area to see if there was more. The goblets, candles, and server uniforms were the main historical decorations, as far as I could tell on the second floor. Our server was very nice and accommodating though! Didn't try to role play, which I found to be nice. The menu definitely delivered in terms of the colonial era theme. My boyfriend ordered the colonial turkey pot pie, which I also tried and thought was great (even though I barely ever eat pot pie!). His portion was humongous; I definitely recommend it if you like pot pie! I got the tenderloin tips and mushrooms, which had an extremely strong flavor from the marinated beef that I didn't really enjoy. The taste got old pretty quickly. My portion was sizable, but definitely not worth $30, in my opinion. The prices are steep, but I suppose you're paying for the decor, service, and unique menu... and hopefully your food is worth it.
(3)
Aaron B.
Great food. Great ambience in the different rooms. If you're interested in good period eating this is the place...
(5)
Ben F.
I stopped at this place while in Philly. I really like the history around it. Didn't have the food but tried the ales of the revolution sample and it was great. I would like to try this place again if I ever make it back to Philly.
(5)
Iris I.
Made a pit stop here on my way home last night. I love pepper pot soup so a few friends have suggested I try it here. While the soup was not the type of pepper pot soup I'm used it was delicious!!! I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere (sat out on the porch, perfect weather and place for my hot soup) and the service was awesome. My waiter Steven was so amazing!!! I asked for dinner roll and he brought me out a tray of different types of breads including some biscuit that come from a recipe that Thomas Jefferson had :-) (soooo good!). I enjoyed myself so much that although my bill was about $12.00 I left him a $5.00 tip for his service!!! I will be back :-)
(5)
Steve K.
Nice restaurant with a great atmosphere. Food was great and the sampler beer selection was a good choice. Definitely recommend if you are in Philadelphia.
(4)
Jeremy P.
A rustic reproduction of what an idyllic revolutionary tavern would have been like at the start of the 19th century. Stopped in for a snack during a recent visit. Despite the shutdown, Philly has made sure this NPS site stays open. Highly recommend the flight of colonial beers. The brews are historically based on the recipes and tastes of founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin. My favorite was the Washington Porter. None were very hoppy or bitter and made a lovely afternoon snack. One flight was enough for two to get a good taste. Also try the bread tray as a perfect compliment to the libations.
(4)
Eric W.
Went to Philly while on vacation with my wife and we decided to go to City Tavern. The food was excelent (I recommend the Duck). Sure it's a little touristy because they're all dressed up in period clothing, but that doesn't mean the the quality suffers at all. I highly recommend.
(5)
Mike B.
A fantastic eating experience for history buffs. The Wiener schnitzel was excellent. The Ales of the Revolution sampler (produced by the Yards Brewery in Philly) was great.
(5)
Paul P.
Good beer I had the Thomas Jefferson Ale which was very good! Just had the smoked seafood salad very good. My co-worker had the corn chowder and he said it was very good. Very spacious eating area and the overall ambiance is good as well.
(4)
Ruth W.
I came here with my school for dinner. The service was good considering they had to serve 120 students. The wait for the food was short and before the main course there was their signature bread which was very tasty. They gave all of us ice tea which tasted like water with very little flavoring. As a main course we were served turkey pot pie, which I was looking forward to, but I was disappointed to find that mine had no potatoes. I am a very big potato eater and in the description of the dish it was stated there were potatoes, but when I got the dish I searched and searched and found none. Also the turkey in the dish was chewy. They also served salad before the main meal. My friend had to send her salad back because it had no dressing. Overall this place was okay but I would not go back. If you are looking for a not so fancy place close to attractions like the liberty bell this may be a good option for you.
(2)
Shelly L.
We ate Easter brunch here. We had a wonderful time. The kids (ages 9 and 14) really enjoyed it as well. My son had the steak and eggs. He cleaned his plate clean. I had the shrub with champagne.....get it...you will love it. Not too sweet, just the way I like it. My husband enjoyed the brook trout dinner. I loved the Sally Luna chicken....cooked to perfection. The only negative was the corn chowder soup....tasty, but cold. We all enjoyed the medley of bread too. The apple crisp was delicious with big chunks of apples and cinnamon. All in all...a great experience from beginning to end.
(4)
Michael C.
City Tavern has a lot of potential, but sadly it is let down by the food in a big way. The restaurant claims that some of the founding fathers ate and drank there when it first opened in 1776. Now the tavern is a themed restaurant, the staff dress in period costumes and the restaurants boasts a menu from the era and beer based on recipes from Washington, Jackson, Franklin and Jefferson. The beer: 4 stars Brewed by a local brewery exclusively for the restaurant. The "colonial ale sampler" is $12 for 4 samples. All are worth trying, but Washington's porter is probably the winner of the bunch and Franklin's spruce ale the loser, unless you really like the taste of spruce. The service: 2 stars The servers are all dressed in period costume which adds a touch of character. Service is friendly, but slow. Don't come here if you're looking for a quick meal. The ambiance: 1 star There isn't any. There's been an effort to keep the feel of the original establishment, so the dining rooms are small, dimly lit and with tables closed packed together. The food: 1 star The colonial bread plate is reasonable as other's have mentioned. The Thomas Jefferson biscuits are quite tasty. The other breads are ok, but taste more mass-produced that home made. I tried the wiener schnitzel. At $30 I was expecting a great interpretation of this classic dish. It's served with fries and seasonal vegetables. The fries don't seem to be authentic to the period and taste like standard mass-produced fries. The seasonal vegetables also look to have come pre-prepared. The schnitzel was extremely disappointing, rather than a very thin breaded and fried piece of veal I got a tough, thick soggy mess. The breading was slimy, soggy and slid off the meat. Deeply unappetizing. At half the price this dish would have been overpriced. Avoid. Probably the best thing to do here, is to visit, have a beer and soak in some of the history, just avoid the food. You'll be much happier that way.
(2)
Frank D.
One of my favorite restaurants. If you like history and good food, it's the place to go. Chef Walter Staib makes the best Sauerkraut. It's the only place where I actually like to eat Sauerkraut. It's a unique dinning experience.
(5)
Robby F.
One of my favorites. Love the pot pie and fried oysters. The George Washington and Thomas Jefferson recipe beers are the best!
(5)
Eileen C.
Found in the heart of Old City. Its like dinning at home. Its quiet dimly lit with candles. Incredibly cozy and thankfully the dress code does not match their prices.The crab cakes were THE BEST I have ever had in my life. I ordered the Salmon. My Dinner was perfect however the portions are too big. I could have shared one entree with my dinning partner. I loved the touristy uniforms simply because it was not over done. I was thankful our waiter did not role play. That would have killed the experience. I will be going back!
(4)
Sara G.
I literally can't wait til our fall Philly trip when its cold outside and we can sit in the cozy Tavern room, hear trivia (do YOU know where the term Bar and Grille comes from?) and ease our way through a beer sampler at the hands of a period costumed gentleman. Touristy and the food didn't really appeal for a hot summer day, but we wanted historical fun and indeed we got it here. Lacks pretention, fun and a nice little stop on our way through Philly.
(4)
Jack G.
This place is touristy, but fun. We tend to recommend it to friends and family visiting from out of town. Food, service, and gimmick come recommended. Tonight my wife took our kids, and her mother and sister who were visiting. My wife has celiac sprue, and was excited to see a menu item listed as gluten free. Usually she can't eat when she goes with people to restaurants. It definitely wasn't gluten free. Maybe the item was prepared without wheat. Maybe most of the ingredients were gluten free. But either they used spices that they didn't realise contained gluten, or cross contamination occurred on cooking or prep surfaces. We really appreciate that more places are trying to cater to customers looking to avoid gluten. But if you can't successfully deliver that, we'd prefer that we not be misled. She'll be sick for a week or two. The symptoms are unpleasant, so I won't list them, but they're severe. Eventually it can lead to cancer.
(2)
Brian B.
Solid food. Good service. I had the turkey pot pie which was good. Nothing out of this world, but certainly good enough and the remarkable history surrounding the location make it a worthwhile stop. The breads were interesting, and I wish I could have tried the beer selection it sounds good! The prices were reasonable, I thought. Far from tourist gouge material. Hey, it's lunch on the spot (in a replica building) where the birth of this great nation was contemplated. I'm glad I gave it a shot.
OMG!!!! Lobster pot pie was the best thing that I've eaten in a looong time. The hubby had turkey pot pie and the kids menu options were delicious as well. We were afraid that the setting and costumes would be too schticky. It wasn't. We went at lunch as we had a little sticker shock at dinner, but I would like to try it at night with a little more mood lighting.
(5)
Jennifer N.
Just what we were looking for on our family visit to historic Philadelphia. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was good. Honestly, though, we've eaten at similar colonial-era restaurants where the food seemed more authentic.
(3)
Gary P.
Anytime I travel to Philly, I must come here. Great ambience and wonderful food. I recommend the Ales of the revolution to start.
(5)
T. B.
Great atmosphere. Really good traditional fare (a la 1700s). This place is dripping in history and tradition. Check it out. Great service too!
(5)
Elaine K.
Touristy or not, we decided to come here to check out the ambiance and history. It didn't seem overly touristy while we were there. This could have been the season (it's not so busy this time of year). The waiters wear cute colonial outfits and the place has so much charm. They definitely don't make houses like that anymore (solid wood floors and doors, nice molding, beautiful and tall windows). It has a pretty unique menu and that drew us there. To start, I had the pepperpot soup. It was my favorite thing. It has a strong, spiced (not spicy but heavy allspice) taste which I just loved. I could have eaten only that. We also tried the duck sausage which was great and can kind of be described as a duck hot dog. My hubby had the turkey noodle soup which was thick and chunky and reminded me of what you'd eat when sick with a cold. Yum. For my main meal, I ordered the rabbit and noodles. Holy mega portion! I'm not a vegetable fan but many would enjoy that it was loaded with fresh veggies. It also had a significant amount of rabbit meat (on the bone) and noodles. The sauce was a brown sauce that was pretty good. Rabbit tastes a little like chicken which was unexpected. There is both white and dark meat. It had a little bit of gamey flavor but not overly so. Overall I liked, but not loved, the dish. The portion was huge and because I don't like veggies, it hardly looked like I touched it. My uncle ordered the pork chop which he said was the best he'd ever had. My aunt ordered the salmon which she cleared from her plate. My husband ordered the trout which was another huge portion and came with four pieces of fish. The food is very rich and filling. It definitely seems more of a winter comfort food place...I couldn't imagine eating such a meal in the summer. Save room for the dessert! I had the coffee cake which was generously sized, buttery and crumby. My hubby had the bread pudding which had just a small but amazing hint of ginger. My aunt had the chocolate mousse cake which she said was great. My uncle had the cobbler which he said was fantastic. The whole meal was great. The ambiance was fabulous. The service was just okay (our waiter was a bit blah). Overall a great experience. I'd love to come back and try a pot pie. I'd also definitely get more pepperpot soup.
(4)
Jennifer D.
Nice place to hear some stories about old Philadelphia. If you are going here thinking that you will be eating exactly where George Washington ate think again. The original building was demolished and this one was built in the 70s. Food was decent but the service was great. The servers had some great stories to tell about the original house. Definitely worth at least one trip here.
(4)
Coral H.
Yes it is touristy and the costumes are silly, but you are in historic Philadelphia. Flight of colonial beers is good. OK wine list. They have a German wine with a raised monkey on the bottle. I kept the bottle. Soup was good and the turkey pot pie huge and tasty. All dishes were solid with our large group.
(4)
Carol H.
I had planned on eating here because I love Chef Staib's TV show, "A Taste of History". So I was thrilled to get a coupon for one free entree. The food was awesome. Our favorite was the smoked fish appetizer. Also sampling the beers made by our forefathers was fun and delicious. The wait staff (in period costumes) was competent and friendly. Love this place!
It is strictly for tourists, of which I was one. The decor is pretty beat up and in need of refreshing. The staff, when we were there, (5pm on a Saturday) were very disengaged. The food was OK, although the chicken pot pie, was crust, 2/3 soup with some random vegetables that looked like they were out of a bag and some chicken breast. Very disappointing. Also disappointing, we ordered a bottle of wine, and because it was over $50, apparently the waitstaff has to track down a manager to unlock the liquor cabinet. REALLY poor planning guys, we waited over 15 minutes for a manager to get tracked down. I know many others on Yelp had a great time, which is why we went, but I really cannot recommend it... sorry
(2)
Erin H.
I normally eschew places like City Tavern unless I'm at Disney World. I don't think that wearing colonial garb is every really appropriate outside of a museum. But, my friend from Philly had heard good things, so off to City Tavern we went. Of course, the poor servers looked pretty cheesy. But the rest of the experience was pretty cool. We only came to drink (surprising, I know), so we sat in the bar area. It had great dark paneling, with a taper on each table. We pretended that we were the Framers for about 30 seconds, then moved on to more serious business: beer. The beer at City Tavern is from Yards' Ales of the Revolution line of brews. My favorite was the Tavern Spruce, which is based on Ben Franklin's original recipe. It had a really interesting flavor because of the spruce, and is worth a try if you are looking for something different. The service was great, and no one seemed put off by the fact that we weren't sticking around for dinner. Despite outward appearances, I definitely recommend City Tavern for those who want a little booze with their history.
(4)
Lizzie D.
This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants of all time! I've honestly never experienced an ambiance quite like City Tavern. You walk into what looks like an old Victorian house. As you are seated at a table that looks like a scene out of a vintage history book, you are soon enraptured by the calming and captivating sound of the harp. (A woman in her time specific attire was playing the harp downstairs towards the bathrooms.) Your meals are presented to you with edible flowers and do not come short in terms of presentation. The taste will envelop your senses and take you to a time long past! This is a restaurant that enables you to live in a time that Philadelphia's rich history will not let you forget. If you are visiting Philadelphia, have visited the restaurant before, or have lived in Philadelphia and never checked into this place, visiting this is a huge MUST! It truly does allow you to visit the history that Philadelphia was built upon and will satisfy your senses and taste buds! Do not pass this place up!
(5)
Kevin A.
HAPPY PBS FAN BOY I watch PBS - A LOT of PBS. So of course I had to try the restaurant run by Chef Staib of 'A Taste of History' fame. I love watching this show and how Chef Staib brings colonial America to life through food. I am always mesmerized by his ability to wield heavy cast iron dutchies and spiders over menacingly hot fires and of course, the reckless abandon with which he uses pork fat, butter, and heavy cream. I also love learning new things (e.g. Ben Franklin introducing tofu to America or the existence of curry in colonial cuisine). The whole experience was terrific from the food to the service. Yes, the staff are wearing period costumes, but the experience doesn't come off as a cheesy. I highly recommend getting a flight of beers, the clam chowder (among the best I've ever had), and the turkey pot pie. Be warned, the food is rich and the portions are HUGE. My friend and I split the pot pie which was absolutely the right call. My neighbor (who was the spitting image of Stone Cold Steve Austin) got the lobster pie which looked amazing. Judging by his oohs and aahs, I'll definitely be getting that next time.
(4)
Jim T.
City Tavern is a very good restaurant and ambiance at the edge of the historic sites in Philadelphia! The wait staff and menu have a colonial theme in an historic building. The beer sampler, bread, and turkey pot pie were very good. The crab cake was delicious.
(5)
Jana S.
The food war good, the service very nice and charming. I was a bit suprised by the food. Everything we ordered was the same decent stuff my mom is cooking nowadays. Iam German and the housewives kitchen has obviously not changed a lot in the past 250 year. Or the German cook is using contemporay recipies...
(4)
Daniel L.
This is the best resturant there pot pie is the best best restaurant ever!!!!!!!!
(5)
Loren H.
Just went to City Tavern for the first time for Restaurant Week lunch. Great food and great service. Must try the beer flight. Waiter gave us a interesting short history of the place. City Tavern would be a fun place to take visitors. The food is not just good for a "tourist restaurant" It is good for any restaurant. The chocolate cake and the apple cobbler with cinnamon ice cream were standouts for dessert.
(5)
Dinah L.
They are keeping to Old Philly tradition within reason. The language is very 2013, but the history is very 18th century. The food is very good. Go for something you haven't tried. Our table did Braised Rabbit, Roasted Duck and the Turkey Pot pie. A great way. to warm up was the Apple Cider, Whiskey, Rum drink warmed. Wow! A great place to take Tourist & family that wants the feel of Ye Ole Philadelphia. The table breads are very nice also.
(4)
Courtney L.
My favorite 'bar' of the trip: We didn't eat here and sat in the bar area. We ordered the Tavern Warmer with apple cider which was a delicious hot cider alcohol drink and it was really good. We also got the sampler of the president beers and this was the highlight. They all have a different taste and a notecard explaining more about the beers. I LOVED the Ben Franklin Tavern Spruce ale. I don't like porters or really hoppy beers and this one was my absolute favorite. For being a touristy trap of sorts, the drinks were reasonable priced and it was fun to drink by candlelight and enjoy the character waiters. From what I have read, we played it right: skip the food, come for drinks and TRY THE BEN FRANKLINE TAVERN SPRUCE. Very easy to catch a cab outside of the building.
(4)
Adam C.
I see what they are going for but I'm not sure they've quite got it. Between the quaint uniforms and the alleged presidential beer recipes it all felt a little too gimicky. I liked that the server was a fount of revolutionary trivia but he also was not even close to accurate with some of the claims he made. Like he attributed an Abe Lincoln Quote to Ben Franklin. Yes I know. I'm a big nerd. Sorry but it rubbed me the wrong way and then I had to do a terrible thing; whip out my 21st century smart phone in this 18th century style restaurant to verify that I was right and the server was wrong. I didn't embarrass him with the correction but I just had to know. (I was right). I was also a little disappointed at the menu. I felt that it was too modern and yet too out of date at the same time. What I mean is that although the menu items might have been served in revolutionary times, too many of the options were simply not combinations that actually were. Then, I felt like the food on my plate would have felt more appropriate in the 1990s. So too modern to be revolutionary but not modern enough to belong in a restaurant today. The taste was fine and as we all sampled from each other's orders I can make that statement across the board. Overall, I had a good time but I doubt I'd return unless it was with some tourist frineds or something along those lines, which is actually what brought me in this time too.
(3)
Susan L.
What an interesting place. The decor, the uniforms, the silverware...everything is pretty committed to the theme here. Its a tourist trap for sure; tour buses literally stop here for large groups to come in for lunch and dinner. We went here for a family lunch and we were a little put off by being ignored for 20 minutes and then the lack of apology from our waitress. There was hardly anyone there at the time which also doesn't make any sense. At least the food was good; I really enjoyed my roasted duckling; creamy potatoes, crispy glazed duck, and a medley of perfectly cooked vegetables. The rest of the meal went smoothly. I don't think its a place I would want to visit again especially if I was footing the bill because it was pretty pricey (especially as a lunch).
(3)
Erin B.
In honor of President's day - my husband was kind enough to take me to one of my favorite spots ... CITY TAVERN (ode to our lovely forefathers)! There was a time when this gal visited City Tavern on a monthly (dare I say weekly) basis. On the "dog days of winter" I would go in to get a warmer or two or three for good measure. When I originally moved into the city, I went there so often that I knew the (period clad) bartenders by name. When I went in today, the bartender (David) remarked that he had not seen me in ages and assumed that I moved out of the city. Surely, a sign that I was going waaaaay too often at one point. Check out city tavern on a super cold day - order the warmer and I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Kerry G.
We decided to stop here for lunch after a morning spent exploring the historic sites nearby and had a very enjoyable meal. Our server was friendly and very attentive and the atmosphere was touristy but fun. Our daughter loved the costumes and unique dishware. The meal was bit pricier than we are accustomed to - the lunch menu prices were more comparable to what we usually pay for dinner, and the dinner prices made me blanch a bit - definitely a date night destination and not for everyday dining. However, the portions were generous. My husband ordered the veal sausage, which he said was good (I don't eat veal) and which came with some very tasty sauerkraut. I had the turkey pot pie, which had a nice buttery crust and a hearty filling. It came with egg noodles on the side, which were fine but didn't really add anything special. Our daughter had fish and chips, which were good, too. We had the Martha Washington chocolate mousse cake and the pumpkin cheesecake with candied pecans for dessert and enjoyed both. We also liked the bread sampler, which included Sally Lunn bread, Anadama, and Thomas Jefferson's favorite sweet potato pecan biscuits. The biscuits were my favorite, and tasted a lot like pumpkin bread.
(4)
Amy G.
I expected the food to be nothing special since it looked to be a tourist trap. I was pleasantly surprised. The fried tofu entree was yummy with lots of fresh veggies. The others in our party had turkey pot pie and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bread (3 different types) came before our entrees and it was good too. Hubby and I shared the beer sampler an enjoyed the spruce beer more than the others. We shared the Martha Washington cake which was very good.
After much hype from someone in my group who lived here many years ago, this bunch of "Touristy" people descended upon the City Tavern. We had made reservations two days prior for 7pm. At 730 we were seated. In the basement. At 745 we got water! At 8, (Hey, it IS July) we requested more water. We got it at 830. The food? Okay. My pork chop was heaven. At least I think it was. It may have been heavenly because I was extra hungry as the order taker screwed up and I didn't get what I ordered till almost everyone else was finished. The service? See above. I think our experience here may have been better had we not been seated in the basement. We had more people walking into our room looking for the loo then wait staff. We were forgotten so often I was beginning to think our waiter was the "ghost" we were told about because he kept disappearing. I mean, Milk Carton disappearing. Would I recommend? Oh no, no no. Would I return? Only in the dead of winter so that I could disguise myself under scarfs and layers while I snuck in to get a to-go order of those little biscuit things. Because I can't not share....they are the bomb!
(3)
Rachel H.
My mother enjoyed her food. But my Turkey Pot Pie was not very good. The breading on top was sticky, the turkey was dry even with all that sauce. The waiter was rude and off putting. But I did quite enjoy the colonial grab. The food wasn't horrible but it was not good sub par at best. I would give it another try. Just not the pot pie.
(3)
Ed L.
We went there for lunch on January 17. The food, drinks, and staff were all excellent, particularly when sorting out some dietary restrictions. Sierra, in particular, was awesome. We had been there several times for drinks but this was our first meal there, and we would definitely go back.
(5)
Virginia C.
Very good food with colonial ambiance. Great for entertaining.
(4)
May L.
City Tavern failed to mention that Remy's cousin from the movie Ratatouille would be making guest appearances on the evening of 21-Sep-2013! First and last experience at this place for me! I saw a baby RAT or little MOUSE while we were eating! It scurried under the table on the second floor into the fireplace, then scurried back and forth from the fireplace a few more times, and then came out and stayed under one of the chairs for a bit before it scurried into the other dining room. My friend thought I was seeing things until she saw the rat for herself! She went closer to it and said it was a black, baby rat and found holes in the fireplace! So disgusting! We mentioned that we saw a baby rat to our server and he mentioned that other customers have seen them before, too and was unapologetic about it and asked if we had seen rats before in Philly. Well, I understand that rats can be found anywhere in Philly, but it's unsanitary to find it in a restaurant, especially visible in the dining area! As for the food, it was nothing special. The schnitzel that I ordered was dry and wasn't even tasty! So overpriced here! I definitely do not recommend this place!
(1)
Courtney K.
If you want to be served by someone who looks like Ben Franklin - this is your place. I know it may seem touristy, but I love this place. I love that I can sit on a park bench and be served a flight of beers. I love that I can sit in the tiniest room with a bar and have a beer and eat cheesecake. I love the history behind it, and I love the attire the staff wears. If you ask me, that's a win, win, win.
(4)
Justin M.
It's a cool little place... Had the duck and it was just mediocre. Would not recommend if looking for the tastiest meal in town
(3)
Steve M.
Excellent from start to finish!! Very cool to try the soup served to the men who crossed the Delaware River with Washington, but the mushroom toast appetizer, duckling, crab cake, and the chocolate cake stole the show! Absolutely fabulous time, everyone was super friendly and knowledgeable, and Sara our server arranged for us to meet Chef Staib, who shared his wealth of knowledge on food and history. Just an absolutely great time here! Will return for sure!!
(5)
Andrea F.
This place was awesome!! I was disappointed that I didn't get to try the beer but the trout was amazing.
(5)
Geoff Z.
Great food. Very friendly and helpful. The steak and shrimp were perfect!!!
(5)
Matt S.
I really enjoyed the look and feel of the place, the pewter cups were a nice touch. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was. I had a seafood pasta and my girlfriend had a salmon dish and we (along with the rest of our party) thoroughly enjoyed our dishes. The prices were pretty reasonable as well. We went for lunch and I was still recovering from a slight hangover so I wasn't able to try the several "founding fathers" beers they have there, but someone in my group had said they were pretty good. You can get a flight which allows you to try them all. You can also tour the building as they have historical information about colonial taverns and a replicated tavern set up upstairs. Overall, I would recommend checking it out if you're in the Old City area.
(5)
Treebw B.
Went to City Tavern after having horrible service at Amada. Yes, this matters because we were completely thrilled that Rich was our bartender! He was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. We only had desert and drinks but they were good. My daughter got the beer sampler and I got the champagne with raspberry (I can not remember what it is called and the menu on their website does not seem to be working) per Rich's recommendation. They were perfect! For desert I got the blackberry cheesecake (holy cow!) and my daughter chose Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse cake. We both loved both deserts and Rich was correct- we only needed one desert as they were huge but we were happy to eat the leftovers the next evening. I was pleasantly surprised with this place as it was not just a tourist destination. It felt like a very comfortable restaurant/bar that I would likely frequent if I lived in the area. All of the employees were incredibly nice and I loved that they were very willing to provide information about the building and the history of the area.
(5)
Seattle G.
Charming and quaint. Delightful setting and staff. The food was great on two visits, and I loved the historic beer selection. It seemed pricey to me, but looking at neighboring restaurants it seems typical. The pot pie takes awhile to make - so be prepared for a wait with that order.
(4)
Pratik P.
This place SCREAMS tradition. They definitely got this part right. Most of the (men) waitstaff sport knee-high tight white socks, cravats, waistcoats, and straight leg white trousers. I didn't catch that many female staff members in the restaurant, but I'm sure they'd be decked out in the female equivalent of 18th century attire. It's been a while since I stepped into a place where staff are required to wear a fairly intricate wardrobe, so prepare yourself otherwise you'll be shocked the first time you walk in. Most of the other reviews below are spot on, so I won't spend time adding any more detail, but... If you do go, get the turkey pot pie. Seriously, just get the pot pie. It's absolutely huge in size and comes with probably the best outer crust I've ever tasted: golden brown, soft, and flaky (but not too flaky). I'm not sure what their secret is when it comes to baking, but they make it beautifully. They also give you a side of pasta with some random sauce with the order, but I'm guaranteeing you that you won't be able to finish it. The extra pasta doesn't really have much flavor, and at that point, it's just extra carbs that'll turn into love handles in a few days, so don't bother. Prices are a little steep (think ~$30-35/entree), so this place is more of a 'fine dining' place when it comes to Philly restaurants. You won't walk out with a cheap bill, but you'll definitely eat some complex and traditional foods, perhaps get a history lesson or two from the staff, and a couple of laughs as you watch the waitstaff awkwardly go about their job in trousers and cravats :)
(3)
Marie L.
This is a historic tavern from the Ben Franklin years, located in Old City. All of the staff is dressed in period garb, which I wasn't expecting. They have 4 signature beers, all brewed by Yards Brewing. The staff was really helpful in explaining the differences between each beer. There's lots of history in this building and we had a great time. It's a total tourist trap, but in the best way.
(4)
David K.
Love the charm and history of this place as well as the friendly, period-dressed staff. Drinks are generous, but a bit overpriced ($11.00 for a SoCo Manhattan). The pecan rolls are tiny but a delight. However the bread was ordinary and dry. The corn chowder soup is fantastic. Ordered the Seafood Salad Melange for my entre. The greens were excellent but the dressing that comes with it is super oniony and garlicky. The salad is topped with smoked salmon and smoked trout, which were ok but a bit on the dry side. The shrimp were ordinary and tasteless. Worst of all is the crabmeat on top of the salad. It had to be right out of a can and I found it to be totally inedible. Desert tray is really good. I do recommend the Blueberry Cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. Coffee is strong and very good. Highly recommend the dining experience here but stay away from the seafood salad. Smoked chicken and artichoke heart salad wasn't any better. Dave K
(3)
Matt W.
This was a nice experience with good friends! The place is interesting and I'd say the server made the difference between this being a 3 and a 4 because she (Sarah "Martha" the Sociologist Extraordinaire) shared a lot of interesting tidbits with us in a manner that was not annoying or in-your-face. She also did it in a fan manner as well (probably b/c our group is a bit goofy!!) The food is decent, some of it very good, some of it average. All of it is some American fare made in a homestyle/homespun fashion. Some of the sauces were a bit too heavy (i.e. the fish, the mushrooms). It overwhelmed these dishes to the point where it's a bit hard to really taste the main part of the dish (fish or mushroom). The bread served with the soup was absolutely fantastic! The duck was also really solid. Mashed potatoes were just ok while veggies served with it were oily and overcooked. Dessert was all phenomenal- apple cobbler, creme brulee and the chocolate mousse cake. All excellent!! So the highlights for me- the edifice itself, the service and tidbits learned along the way, bread and dessert...I'd say it's worth coming. Just be warned that it is pricey. If you have a beer, entree and share dessert, you will run close to 70$. I think I'd target this at closer to $50 and feel good about it...it was worth the experience for a single visit though. I wouldn't be eating here if I was a local...
(4)
Yuan C.
Love the decor but the food is just terrible.
(3)
Alex X.
I once had a foodie german/english bf who knew to bring me to unusual places- at least unusual to me. We came here once for Sunday brunch. A tad bit pricey but that's the price you pay for something not so common. The dishes can be quite unique here. If that's what you are looking for try City Tavern. If I find the pics I will put them up. The colonial theme was out of the ordinary. I will be back now that I found this location again. Thanks yelp. PS. I loved the back outdoor seating. The entire experience minded me of being in on a mansion porch in the South during the cotton plantation era in history. I have pretty wild imagination: must be my trigger of reincarnated past lives. :-p
(4)
Matt C.
Great Beer. Tried the Colonial Ale Sampler but let me save you the trouble... Jeffersons is best. Turkey pot pie, yummy flaky and doughy crust, creamy piping hot goodness inside. Chicken breast Oscar pretty good, moist chicken and good breading. DO NOT east outside though. The sent you to a makeshift tent in the back and you feel like a second class citizen out there.
(3)
Roger I.
Our kids liked going back in time, too. I loved the beer selections and their recipe histories, especially. The menu strives to reproduce choices from the Colonial Era. I'm not sure if they succeeded on that account but it was fun trying the turkey pot pie along with George Washington's beer recipe. If you're looking to go, bring your imagination and BIG wallet. Your creativity helps put you in that frame of mind. The Big Billfold helps pay the bill.
(4)
Allen S.
A true historic restaurannt with authentic atmosphere, good service and food.
(3)
Andrea G.
Gary and I attended a conference in downtown Philadelphia recently. A friend recommended we go here. A TREAT! I highly recommend it to visitors, for a real authentic experience of Colonial dining. It was great fun eating in the old building, sectioned into separate dining rooms in each room and on several floors. The waitstaff and hosts were all in Colonial attire. Great family destination. We saw groups, families and friends all gather here for an excellent meal. The tableware is of the time period, including pewter-type (heavy duty) drinkware and candles on the tables. The menu reflects foods from that period, mostly meaty fare such as pork loin, turkey pot pie, lamb chops, steak, etc. TIP: A vegetarian would not like the menu choices. They served some special breads, including these delightful little sconelike muffin items that we loved. I found the pricing within reason, given the special nature of this restaurant. And the food servings and quality were excellent! I told another in my convention to go here, and he wrote me how grateful he was for that tip. Don't miss it if you can get there!
(5)
Kate K.
Came Here on a tour after our tour guide insisted we get a cocktail here. If anything just go for the building, it is beautiful. There was a hArp player as we entered the building and everyone was dressed in costumes reminiscent of Ben Franklin days. Great selection of beers, and the crowd was friendly. Try the beer sampler. Will go back to try the food, it all looked really good coming out. Check out the back patio.
(3)
Samantha I.
Sooooo much cool history here. Food and beer are great. Original beer recipes from our 4 fathers
(4)
Alyx F.
I had to adjust my expectations quickly since I hadn't picked this place and I expected more of a Tavern-y feel, but I thought that everything was good with the experience element pushing it to 4 stars over 3. I got the turkey pot pie and a sampler of the founding father's beers. Ben Franklin's beer was my favorite since it was the most interesting of all the beers, the others I don't think I would get again. The turkey pot pie was good, but it was a lot of cream and little substance. I thought it was great that the servers and hosts were dressed in traditional garb, so that element made it a cool experience. They also had metal goblets for your water which I was a huge fan of - I need to buy one of those for my home. :)
(4)
Dave B.
I'm told this is a tourist trap, and the interesting costumes (I mean uniforms?) of the waitstaff does nothing to dilute that impression. However, it does have a small group of regulars, one of whom I was visiting so I was able to look past the tourist facade and enjoy what was one of the best meals I've had in town. My steak and shrimp was insanely huge - and delicious. Good beer. Good breads, too. Oh, and good everything. Check downstairs -- there's often live music down there to compensate for (or take your mind off) the fact that you're eating in the basement :-) I'll name drop Sarah here, too. Absolutely excellent service, that merits recognition.
(5)
Prasanna R.
Update! The pending transaction dropped off and the staff sorted out the confusion. But I won't go back again because there is nothing else special to try on the menu, for a vegetarian like me.
(2)
Emily V.
Excellent food and fun colonial concept! The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the harpist was the cherry on top! I really loved that the food is period appropriate, but yet actually was yummy! I highly recommend the pepper pot soup and the colonial pot pie. Excellent! I was surprised by how yummy the sweet potato and pecan biscuits were which come standard in the bread platter. As for the service. Terrible. We counted 4 tables in the entire place with patrons so it was relatively empty. When we arrived we waited 13 minutes until my boyfriend got on foot to go and track someone down to start the ordering process. And she didn't apologize--What? Then she just asked what our order was without taking our drink order first--What? It took and average of 8 minutes for her to return with our pop refills--Really? Ridiculous. We decided not to get dessert because it probably would have taken 30 minutes. I'm chalking it up to her just having a bad day and I'm assuming the rest of the waitstaff is terrific. The only reason why they aren't 5 stars is due to the service. Oy vey!
(4)
tony m.
This is my second review of City Tavern. My last review, written during Restaurant Week last year was more than positive. I am sorry to say that such is not the case after my second visit. After my first experience, which you can read about in my earlier post, I thought it would be wonderful to take my 87 year old mother to City Tavern since she is a history buff and also watches Chef Staib's program. While the service and ambiance were fine, the portions of the servings were less than deplorable. On my first visit the chicken cutlet covered the plate. This time the chicken piece was no more than 3" x 3' at best. The veal (Veiner Shnitzel) was even smaller and curled into nothingness. The turkey pot pie was no match to the beef turnover of my earlier visit. If these paltry dishes are what they serve to Philadelphia visitors they should hang their head in shame..
(2)
Sandy M.
Such a great venue and the atmosphere was wonderful. Felt it was alittle pricey My husband had the pot pie and 21.95 is a bit much. He was disappointed there was no carrots in the pie. The speciality beers the guys loved. I had the corn chowder and the only things that bothered me was it was cold and not hot. However, we would go back because of the uniqueness of the place
(4)
Amy B.
We held our rehearsal dinner at City Tavern recently. Since nearly all of our guests were from out of town, we wanted to share Philly's history as well as our great experiences at City Tavern. The banquet coordinator was incredibly helpful and flexible, especially with our planning from across the country. The food was, as always, exceptional, and our server also served as the Tavern's historian and gave a great presentation on the history of the building. I'm so glad that this venue worked out for our rehearsal dinner! I can't wait to come back next time I'm "home".
(5)
Harold F.
I ate there a couple of years ago. I still remember that it was one of the best meals I have ever had. I had the basil shrimp, lobster pot pie, and the Martha Washington Chocolate Mousse cake. Great salad and homemade bread too!
(5)
Jan T.
Taking advantage of the last "nice" weekend of the year, we chose to take a trip up to Philly to see the sights again and, since it was cool out, to deviate from the usual Philly routine (historical sites, Chinatown, historical sites), to eat at City Tavern. Initially promoted during a walking tour of Philadelphia, and later reinforced through PBS and Food Network watching, my expectations were somewhat mixed. The food sounded great and the concept sounded very good, but the nagging "tourist trap" gremlin had to be blocked out. Fortunately the experience was worth it. A more or less faithful reconstruction of a Revolutionary War era tavern, City Tavern features a menu of traditional colonial American and German cuisine (the chef is German), while selling a Yards Brewery line of revolutionary ales. I had the Thomas Jefferson, and it made the second half of the day considerably warmer and merrier. The food itself was excellent. I started with the pepperpot soup, a spicy mix of beef, beef broth, kale, and potato. The perfect starter for a somewhat dreary day and a good companion to the selection of three traditional breads served prior to lunch. Other members of my party had the mushrooms on toast (excellent), and smoked fish platter (delicious). For the main course we went with two types of pies (beef and turkey), and a traditional sausage platter with pasta. All were excellent, with a nice meld of German and British influences (pie with sweet and sour cabbage, etc.). All dishes were large and somewhat heavy, but went great with beer and wine. Dessert was (since we were all stuffed) a shared portion of bread pudding. It too was delicious. The ambiance was very traditional. From the liveried servers (who fortunately did not try to be re-enactors) to the lack of electrical lighting, the place took you back in time. Some more natural light would have been nice (an awning over the entrance blocked it), but the candles made up for it. While expensive, this is one "traditional experience" restaurant I can get behind.
(5)
M S.
Lunch - stale bread or are we eating Thomas Jefferson's 'original recipe' asked for a recommendation - the waiter suggested the 2 most expensive things on the menu -suspicious. hmmm- did i order one of them - yes - was it good - laughable 2 dried out pieces of duck covered in - hey guess what, DUCK SAUCE!!! it was a good laugh! so sorry if you've been scammed too
(1)
Taylor H.
Lovely place for tourists, and amazing food!! I always love a good dinner and a dining experience at the same time. The bread basket is also very cool (old recipes), try the pecan/sweet potato biscuits
(5)
K T.
i love this place. been here before for lunch. Sun eve dinner after thanksgiving wkend was not at all crowded, they took us early from open table reservation. Turkey Pot Pie was AB FAB! My guy had the tenderloin tips over egg noodles and it was yummy! warmed up with the apple cider beverage by candlelight and that did it for me. i like the historical vibe here. staff don't overplay their attire so it didn't feel hokey. def come back next time in Philly.
(5)
James B.
Being a fan of history, City Tavern is a restaurant tailor-made for me. Legitimate historical significance, a menu that would have been served to George Washington, and a wait staff dressed in period attire all serve to make the guest feel like they have stepped back into 1776. I was even seated in the very place that was Washington's favorite spot: corner window on the second floor. Opening the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the "Ales of the Revolution" selection. These are four beers made from recipes of the Founding Fathers. I particularly enjoyed Alexander Hamilton's pale ale. I ended up ordering the Pork Chop Applewood Smoked. When it came out, it was steaming and red (from the salt) and lying on a bed of mashed potatoes. Every bite was so succulent and juicy. It is supposed to come with sour kraut, but since I hate sour kraut, I withheld it. The best part was that since I went midday and off-season, there was almost no one there. Which, as the waitress said (shout out to Joan), was rare. I am giving this restaurant my highest recommendation. One note though, I learned that Benjamin Franklin helped introduce tofu, of all things, to America when he wrote the recipe in a letter to someone while he was in France. Now I know who to blame. Oh, and that tofu recipe is made here, if you are into that.
(5)
Joe B.
Went to City Tavern last night for dinner with GF. This had been on our to-do list for a while. Part of me feared that it would be a tourist trap with crappy, overpriced food. The food and service turned out to exceed expectations. We had 6:30 reservations, and were promptly seated and attended to. Our waitress, Sarah, was terrific. She was pleasant, knowledgeable, and personable. My girlfriend got the special, which was crab claws, scallops, and shrimp over linguini with garlic, basil, and tomatoes. She was very pleased, and said if she had anything negative to say about it it would be that it could have been served hotter. I inquired about the lobster pot pie's price. Sarah told me $42 and I hesitated. She assured it me it was all that. I was reluctant because I visualized a few measly pieces of lobster in a bunch of cream sauce. She assured me there was plenty of lobster, so I tried it. It was well worth it. It was very rich and flavorful with lots of tender lobster pieces. It was a great dish. I only could eat half, so it was nicely portioned too. If you figure getting two meals out of it, it comes to $21 a meal. Also, they serve you a nice bread plate with dinner. It comes with a variety of homemade breads that are all very tasty. Overall, a great meal and I would definitely come back.
(4)
Nayeli A.
Amazing! We had Sara as our server and she was great, so friendly and attentive. Loved being able to get up and look around while our food was being made. We split the pot pie and pepper pot soup, both of which we were very happy happy! Also recommend the mouse cake. Loved the atmosphere and clothing, and after our ghost tour last night, it just added to the surroundings.
(5)
Ben P.
If you are looking for traditional food from the colonial era. This is your place the whole staff is dressed like they are from the 1700s and the place itself is a historical landmark just steps away from where the Declaration of Independence was signed. You feel the history int he building and the food is great. I had the roasted vegetables with the carved turkey.
(4)
Anne H.
Be prepared to spend at least $100 per couple for drinks, appetizer and two entrees. But these portions are worth it. The chicken pot pie was epic, I couldn't even finish half of it. Split this with someone if you don't eat like a lumberjack. The ambiance is pretty cool knowing you're sitting in the space space as some of our founding fathers once broke bread. Totally worth the splurge if you're looking for a historical experience and delicious food. TIP: they give you free bread to start, so lay off an appetizer if if you're trying to save $.
(5)
Franklin M.
The place takes you back to yesteryear, if you are in Philly I recommend that you visit this place. The food was delicious but a bit pricey. To add to authenticity the waitresses should light the candles with matches and not lighters.
(4)
Brad E.
Ok...so I know this place seems like a total tourist trap...and it is touristy for sure, but the food is legitimately good. We tried the pepperpot soup. It was spicy but not overly so. Good appetizer on a cold November day. The best dish we tried was the turkey pot pie. The crust was flaky and the filling was loaded with white breast meat and mushrooms bathed in a delicious broth. My wife's tavern lobster pie also gad a great crust. The filling was a little underwhelming. It was full of lobster and quality seafood but the sauce left something to be desired. I had the lamb chops. They were tender and cooked medium rare. The flavor was good but not top shelf. I washed it all down with a glass of wasel (spiced wine). Definitely the right drink for the occasion. I recommend trying this place if you are in town to see the sights. It is surprisingly good.
(4)
Steven B.
In every large city there are eateries that if you ask a native about them you'll hear "tourist trap!" Is the City Tavern popular with tourists? You bet but don't dismiss them so quickly. They deserve a look and a taste. The atmosphere is wonderful and you are surrounded by history complete with period costumes for the staff. Said staff is also very knowledgeable about the early years of our country. As for the food, as many have said the recipes are supposedly from this time period. Most of it is quite heavy. I find it good but definitely not great. I do have a problem with the price point of the menu. With a drink or two, if you're not careful you can easily blow past $50 and head towards $75. For that price I expect a lot and for me they are not quite there. I suggest you try them for lunch before you commit to dinner. Even lunch won't be cheap but it will give you a chance to see if you like the style of food.
(3)
Daniel G.
Just like old times of the founding fathers, this restaurant caters to your historical needs. We felt like we were back in time and very much enjoyed every part of our meal. We wish we could dine here more often. Here is our video of the place. youtu.be/jSt7XiVNjkE?t=4s
(5)
Nicole D.
I wish I could rant and rave about the service and historical fun at City Tavern, but I'm here to say otherwise. Yes, the staff was dressed in colonial garb, but our waitress was far from friendly. We were there for drinks only, and were put in the back corner of the "bar", where workers were loading and unloading carts of glasses for the majority of the time we were there. Our waitress barely made eye contact with us as we ordered the beer sampler. There was no explanation of the significance of each beer upon their arrival (hey, we're tourists, we want to know this stuff), and a card with information was tossed, literally tossed, as an after thought onto our table. We did like the beers, esp Franklin's spruce, but due to the atmosphere and cold service, we decided not to stay for more. Our waitress murmured our total without even dropping off a check, she moseyed on back, grabbing by husband's debit card off the table and bringing it back in the same manner without even a "Have a nice day". We had better service and fun at the Irish pubs we stopped at along the way. Maybe if we were sat in the dining area the service would have been up to par. I would not recommend this place for drinks!
(2)
Kai M.
I had my suspicions that this place was going to be the tourist trap that it looked like, but the GF and I have a serious love for all things historic and she finally bullied me into giving this place a shot. We went for lunch on Sunday. It was this perfect autumn day, crisp and sunny and warm all at the same time, and we were disappointed that outdoor seating was no longer an option (it's still September and was at least 70 outside, and more than that in the sun). Inside, we were led upstairs to a very stuffy room with no air circulation whatsoever. Our menus, and the table, contained advertisements for the chef's books and DVDs. Tacky. Very tacky. Service wasn't malicious, but that's about the kindest thing I can say about it. "Mediocre" seems generous. Staff were disinterested, inattentive, and bored. At one point I was apparently expected to eat my main entree with the dessert fork. When asked for a fork, the waiter first looked at the (perfectly good, apparently) dessert fork next to my plate, then at me with this quizzical expression, before finally acquiescing to my request. The food was only ok. We were expecting heavy dishes (we've seen the chef's show on PBS and know he's old-school German) but they were nothing special. I can say that the apps and mains were cooked reasonably well, but the presentation and flavor profiles left much to be desired. Dessert was clearly an afterthought, and the schpiel about "traditional" chocolate mousse cake was really just overkill. We spent a Benjamin (plus tip) on dining where Benjamin did. But you know what? He'd be ashamed.
(1)
Jessica S.
My husband and I had dinner here over July 4th weekend, which is their busiest week of the year. The waitress was very friendly and was great at giving out recommendations. She also stopped dinner at one point to give a little history on the tavern. The service was on a slower end, though, compared to other restaurants. Our dinners were very good. The prices are a bit higher than most other restaurants for the same food, but not all restaurants are this historic and have servers in colonial outfits. :)
(4)
Jennifer E.
City Tavern was the perfect experience for us. We went for dinner to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We loved the historic feel of the building and the old fashioned cuisine. The costumes were a little cheesy, but hey, what can you do? I had the roasted duckling and my husband had the rack of lamb. Both were served perfectly and were delicious. Now don't let the prices trick you.... the portion sizes are HUGE - especially when stacked against comparable restaurants. We easily could have split an entree. My husband sampled their beer - favorite was the Alexander Hamilton. Loved it so much, I bought the cookbook - which is OUTSTANDING. Not only are the recipes easy to understand... Chef Staib gives directions for finding the foods and the best way to prepare them. Absolutely love it. My only complaint was our waiter was kind of boring (showed no personality at all) and was far to quiet. In fact, he didn't even introduce himself when he came to table, which is bad customer service. The receipt said his name was Mike... so... Mike... you need to loosen up and speak up. Half the time we couldn't hear or understand him when he was talking to us. Overall, 2 thumbs up and we will definitely be returning when we head back to Philadelphia.
(4)
Alex. B.
Stumbled across this place while walking around. We walked and were pleasantly greeted by two gentlemen in colonial period clothing. Decor and food seemed to be authentic from colonial times and we had a very nice time. Would very much recommend.
(4)
Brian T.
Where else can you drink beer from the recipes of our forefathers? I went with the flight that had all 4 beers in tasting glasses. My fave, by a LONG SHOT, was the Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce from Ben Franklin's recipe
(5)
Frank H.
Incredible place to eat with the ambiance and history! I fully recommend the West Indies Pepperpot Soup (if you don't mind spicy) and the Pork Chop "Apple-Wood Smoked". I actually ordered the Braised Rabbit with vegetable and egg noodles and gravy which was also good but I looked and got a taste of the Pork Chops and they were unbelievable!!!! Beware, portions are huge!
(4)
Qingqing C.
Really good place. Food is delicious, I ordered a beer " Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale" and seafood pasta, really good! Enjoy it, nice place.
(4)
Steve C.
I acted as a tour guide for some friends, and we found ourselves here for lunch. Pros: Ambiance, food, beers, quick service, and general layout of the restaurant (we were by ourselves in our section). I had the rabbit, and the portion was huge. I also had the Thomas Jefferson off the beer list. I'm assuming it was the same selection brewed by Yard's. It was a great beer and enhanced the experience, but only have one because drinks are very expensive. The server was okay. Our table was by the waitstation - if you're really into the experience, then watching your colonially dressed server on her smartphone in the station will be off-putting.
(4)
Kevin C.
City Tavern is easily one of my top 5 places to dine in Philadelphia, especially when I'm with my fiancee or family. The historical Old World atmosphere is incredible, and if you just want to stop in to check the building out it is totally worth your time. Now, onto the more important items, food and drinks! The food is not only bursting with flavor and originality, but the portions are massive and the dishes are all very well presented. My favorite appetizers are the Cornmeal Fried Oysters and the Mallard Duck Sausages, with the oysters probably being the best out of the two. As for the dinner main course my go to favorite is the Turkey Pot Pie which is absolutely to die for. It comes packed full of turkey and vegetables with a savory sherry cream sauce, a firm yet flaky crust, and a side of egg noodles covered in a delectable brown gravy (just typing this has me wanting to go back for some). It's very filling so if you are going to go with this you're probably better off skipping the appetizer and ordering an extra beer (which I will get to in a moment). Some other main course favorites of mine are the Braised Rabbit and the Tenderloin tips & Mushrooms, both of which are phenomenal. Once again, pretty much every main course is filling so be careful not to over order. When it comes to drinks City Tavern does them just as well as they do food, which is to say they are nothing short of awesome. If you have never had any of the beers from the "Ales of the Revolution" line by Yards I highly recommend getting the tasting flight which allows you to taste all 4, a deal not worth passing up on. My favorite is the "Thomas Jefferson Ale" (I LOVE stronger beers and this clocks in at 8% ABV), but each one is very good. If you aren't much of a beer person City Tavern also offers a wide selection of mixed drinks (many which were popular during the Colonial period) and they seem to always have the perfect one for each season. All things considered, City Tavern is an excellent restaurant and an even better place to take friends or family for an intimate, yet simple, dinner. I highly recommend trying it at least once, because odds are, you'll be looking forward to coming back again and again!
(4)
Athena O.
Start with the crab cakes and try the fried tofu. Yummy. And, you can't beat the history of the building and area.
(4)
Tara L.
Wow, this was an awesome historic restaurant, awesome food and excellent service. First of all, I was totally tempted to stick a pewter (?) goblet in my bag (I did resist that temptation though) because they are so nice and kept the cold water colder than anything I've ever encountered. We started out with the pepper pot soup (having seen it on Best Thing I Ever Ate) Celeste had the turkey pot pie which was amazing...creamy filling with a crispy puff crust. Eric's smoked pork chop with mashed potatoes was more similar to a thick cut of ham but that wasn't a bad thing at all. It had the perfect amount of salt and smoke. The potatoes were just plain but perfect with the flavor of the ham. My beef tips with mushrooms and noodles were perfect. The gravy was thick and each piece of meat was cooked to tender fork cutting perfection. For dessert, Celeste and I shared a slice of cheesecake with berries on top. It was her choice and it ended up being a fantastic dessert. Eric had a glass of madeira (sp?) which we both enjoyed. Great service from all the waitstaff and the histories beers were really good. I got a sampler and liked them all.
(4)
Angel H.
It's like those three lines from that Gang of Four song, "At Home He's A Tourist." "At home he feels like a tourist/He fills his head with culture/He gives himself an ulcer." I really miss this place. The other reviewers pretty much covered everything. The waitstaff is costumed in historical dress, and the beer is good. Would love to come here again.
(5)
Nicolas M.
What a charming eatery near the Independence Mall and so close to some of Philly's best historical attractions. My cousin, her friend, and myself came in here for lunch today before going to see some sights. I had looked at this place online, but forgot that it was a historically themed restaurant. I loved the history and reputation of this place and the rather attractive hosts/servers dressed in full colonial garb that help to comprise the atmosphere of an 18th century pub in London. Upon entering, I was soothed and charmed by the sound of a harpsichord playing some lively background music. The quaint interior of the place is quite lovely and we were seated by a sweet waitress who politely informed us of the day's specials which were quite appealing but sounded rather pricey! I wound up ordering the Braised Rabbit having never eaten a rodent before but knowing that rabbits were often hunted for food. What I did not know was that my portion was to be very large, leaving me wishing that we had come here for dinner instead! Although I couldn't quite finish my dish, I have to say that the meal was very well done and tasty. I had to dig through the succulent sauce and finely cooked veggies in order to get to the shank of rabbit. My table-mates enjoyed their meals as well and we left happy and satisfied knowing that we had eaten in one of the city's finest and most popular restaurants. When I return to the City of Brotherly Love, I will surely be coming back here. I've never eaten in such a unique restaurant or had "historical" cuisine. Bravo.
(4)
Rina C.
I always love checking out old places and restaurant that's been running for a long time. So, I like this place a lot. over 200 years and still running. order the famous beer sampler, a brandy cocktail (too drunk to remember the name but it's very strong) and bread sampler (breads a actually pretty good). knowing that many famous people, such as Washington, from many years ago was here drinking and dining, it's great to be able to enjoy the same beer and bread that they had. I also really like the uniform the waiter and waitress wears. really make me feel like I am back in time.
(5)
Indra Z.
I love this place! Please try the Wassail and Raspberry Shrub during the holiday season, and the Turkey Pot Pie. The bread is delicious! The low-lights seem very fitting of the 18th century.
(4)
Whitney R.
Have you ever asked yourself "After a long day of writing a document that would start a war, how did Jefferson like his rabbit cooked?" or "I wonder if George Washington liked his dressing on the side?" Well at City Tavern you can party like is 1799. Grab a falgen of iced tea and get a good meal before standing in line at the Liberty Bell. I recommend this place as the perfect lunch spot to take your grandma while you show her the historical sights of Philadelphia- at least thats what I did. The food is good, the waiters are colonial and the building is nicely historic. Bottom Line: Go here with family visiting you, not otherwise.
(3)
Miz V.
This dining experience was an excellent send off for two very good friends in our group. From our arrival to our exit we were treated with the best of service.Let's start with our server. Not only did she have a vast knowledge of each meal she also told us stories about the history of the building. My soup was great.My rabbit dish was plentiful and seasoned to perfection, with loads of noodles and vegetables in a nice thick brown gravy.Good thing I wore the pants I did.Dessert was outstanding .If you love chocolate like I do order their cake.I actually had to split it with one of my dining partners.Did I tell you about my mulled apple cider? On a cold night these old bones were warmed nicely. As we were leaving the other server escorted us out amusing us with more tales.I will be back for lunch. Check out the glass case as you exit. Work well done deserves many awards and more .
(5)
Mike G.
I'm a big history buff and eating at the City Tavern always takes me back to what it must have been like during the time of the revolution. It is a cool place to go. I recommend the turkey pot pie, very good. All kinds of historical food choices, makes the dining experience fun when in the birthplace of our nation.
(5)
Jen K.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. I try to go at least once a year. The building is not original, but the original one was an extremely influential building in colonial America. It burned down in the 19th c., and was rebuilt in the 1950s. The waitstaff is costumed, and I've run into Ben Franklin here more than once. The menu and drinks are all period 18th c. The beer is excellent and locally brewed by Yards, an awesome Philly brewery. They sell take home growlers. I've never eaten anything I didn't absolutely love. Even the pre-dinner rolls are delicious. I've had numerous items from the dinner menu, and although I keep going back to the duck, I really can't say which is the best (probably the duck :) although the trout is really up there too). They also have great prices on their pre-fixe large group menus. Go. You will not regret a penny of it.
(5)
Matt D.
If you are touring the historic district of Philadelphia grabbing five beers at this tavern is something you have to do... The beer is brewed from the original recipes of our founding fathers. I was a fan of Thomas Jeffersons recipe, the fifth was just as tasty as the first... Try them all in a sampler of 4 4oz beers. The staff is dresses in authentic 1770's clothing and were all very knowledgable about the history of the building which made the interaction a lot of fun. The building itself is just as it appeared in the 1770's. Painstakingly reconstructed from old blueprints and insurance documents. This stop is highly recommended for anyone who has put a full day of sight seeing in. Enjoy the candlelit tavern after dark. Cheers bitches!
(4)
Sara V.
My husband and I were exploring Philly and decided to keep our historical day going with a trip to City Tavern. Upon entering, the place looked absolutely adorable. We loved the feel of it and loved the history that went with it. We grabbed a cozy seat in the Bar Room and started looking at the menu. After sitting there for 10 minutes without so much as a greeting, my husband got up to find our server. We honestly didn't know if we had to order on our own because we were only grabbing drinks or what. He finds someone and they explain that the server will be over momentarily. Finally, our server comes over. No smile. No hello. Just a "what are you having?" We order our drinks - for me the Tavern Warmer and for my hubs the beer sampler. Fifteen minutes pass by and our drinks finally arrive. The place wasn't exactly jam packed and there were 2 people behind the bar. Why it took so long? I don't know. The beer sample was missing one of the 4 beers and the server promised to bring it over once the keg was replaced. Meanwhile, while we're waiting, we noticed that the couple next to us was growing increasingly annoyed. We shared the same server and we gathered that she wasn't exactly speedy. From the time we sat down to the time we received our drinks, they had YET to receive their check. They were fuming and rightly so. When the server finally brings it over, she realizes she forgot to charge them for something and goes to turn around. The patron says just take my card and run it. I don't care. The server replies that the credit card machine is broken so the girl pulls out cash and throws it at her. We then watched to see how long it'd take for her to return - 10 minutes. AGAIN. I see the steam pouring out of the girls ears. She gives the server a $2 tip and leaves. We think - wow, that sucks - but when we received the same exact treatment and saw that the server took FORTY MINUTES to take the new people's order next to us, we stopped feeling so bad. On top of that, she never returned with the new sample of beer she promised. We had to ask another server for it. DOn't think we'll be going back here. The servers all seem cranky and not wanting to be there. And on top of that, I got a nasty stomach ache from the Warmer.
(2)
Paulito M.
THE BEST RESTAURANT I'VE EVER BEEN TO. The cornmeal chicken tenders is my favorite thing ever!!! Also Martha Washington's mousse cake. Go there every year for my b-day and it gets better and better!!!!!!
(5)
Erik H.
I'm glad they went with the 18th century recipes they did and not like, meat scraps and porridge, which is what anyone who wasn't Thomas Jefferson probably ate. In any case, the food here is good enough and I was pretty fond of old TJ's beer recipe. Our waiter was a fun guy as well, breaking character to give us his take on Revolutionary history and the whole character acting thing. It's not the original building, but it's all inspired by the original City Tavern and late 18th century shenanigans, and I would recommend the place to any tourist coming to Philadelphia looking for a little history (re: everyone).
(4)
John M. I.
The City Tavern is an eating establishment that cannot be truly appreciated without understanding its most crucial distinction...not only is it a place where history comes alive in the service, decor and cuisine...but a place that...if you allow it...will transport you to another time. A time when the fate of a people was hanging in the balance and a nascent republic was taking its first clumsy steps on the world stage. While I certainly don't know the man personally Chef Walter Staib has done an outstanding job of recreating the feel, taste and small of a bygone era. I dare say that I have not sampled such unique table fare in all of my travels. Make no mistake...I'm willing to try anything and have certainly done so...but the food here and its adherence to culinary history make it truly special. While you can go for lunch or dinner service I highly recommend the time in between on a weekday. Things are generally more quiet and it will give you the chance to take in all that this wonderful establishment has to offer. On my most recent visit I had the good fortune on arriving at a nearby parking garage on a rainy afternoon. As I crossed through Welcome Park and passed the Thomas Bond House I looked ahead at a most welcome sight...The City Tavern. As the water struck my rain jacket...running down over the brim of my hood...the weight of my back pack settling onto my shoulders...I could almost imagine what it must have been like for the weary traveler of a time long past...weary from a long journey...a time less certain than the one in which we live...a time when someplace like a tavern wasn't merely a respite from the elements...but more importantly...your salvation from them. I was quickly greeted as I entered the hall and was seated, thankfully, by a window. Doffing my pack, jacket and hat I sat down and watched the rain...happy to be indoors with a chance to consider just what I wanted to do with my day in the city. My server was a man named Ray and he was dressed in period clothing. Iced cold water was served in a pewter chalice and I was informed of the specials. I chose to start off with an appetizer of Mallard Duck Sausage that was served with sweet and sour cabbage and my main entree consisted of Seafood Pasta in a white wine sauce. Both dishes were amazingly flavorful and the chilled apple cider was the perfect compliment to both. Later, while finishing my raspberry tart for dessert, Ray was nice enough to engage me in a conversation while he went about his duties. Turns out that Ray has had quite an interesting and varied career in the restaurant business...cooking since he was the age of five...Ray has held many jobs in the industry including serving aboard an actual working steamship on the Mississippi River. He was also an amazing resource, not only on Philadelphia...but much of the region as well. Nothing better than someone taking pride in their work and helping to enhance an already superior dining experience. Needless to say...I'm not much of a planner...I prefer spontaneity and the randomness of surprise that it often brings. My stop at The City Tavern is a fantastic example of how the best trips we take...are the ones where we plan the least...the ones where we let out senses and imagination take us in whatever direction they dictate. And best of all...the day was just getting started.
(5)
Melissa H.
I think this is one of the most unique restaurants in Philadelphia and deserves a visit when you're in town. It's supposed to be the oldest restaurant in the city and they are very authentic in trying to keep up with the theme. The waiters are all in period clothing and the table ware was authentic with metal cups! (Note: there was also a bit of a stench, I'm assuming from the old wood, so if you have a sensitive nose it might not be the most pleasant meal for you) As for the food and drinks, we came for lunch and I ordered the colonial beer sampler which consisted of a flight of beer: Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams who brewed or drank in the past. Very interesting tastes. For my entree, I had the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie. I haven't eaten too many pot pies in my lifetime, but I really enjoyed this one. It was very wholesome and the flaky crust was delicious with the hot creamy turkey creation underneath, perfect for a chilly day. For dessert, we ordered the coffee cake which was super moist on the inside and crumbly on the outside. Super delicious and was also a hefty slice. Overall, this restaurant was really fun and definitely worth it for the experience, but I probably won't make it a frequent stop.
(3)
Jeffrey F.
Fantastic ambiance and food. They know how to make you feel welcome! The historic building, harp player, wait service staff, easy parking, and delicious food all contributed to a memorable experience. We can't wait to return.
(5)
Cherie C.
Yet another review that disappeared. I can't recall all of what I ate, but I do know that we were all impressed. I was skeptical, expecting a tourist trap. But City Tavern tries to offer an historic dining experience. The decor, while sparse, is closer to what colonials might have experienced. So is the food. Ingredients tend to be those that early Philadelphians might have enjoyed (if they had lots of money). So you'll find grains like barley instead of pasta or rice. It was delicious with a good texture. It was all well-prepared and tasted good. Each of us tried a shrub cocktail, which was pretty enjoyable as well. In all, it was a fun historical experience that was low on cheese and taught us a few things, all while enjoying a good meal.
(4)
Michael P.
City Tavern is a good restaurant for tourist and philly locals. I had a chance to dine here during lunch with my in-laws and the food was pretty good. The plus about the City Tavern and Philadelphia is the history, to dine in the same tavern as notables like George Washington was indescribable. I ordered the Giant Cornmeal Fried Oysters with herbed remoulade (appetizer) and the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie (entree), Chef Walter Staib's did not dissapoint, my food was quite delicious. The customer service was A+, our waiter gave us some key insight behind the city tavern. Overall the food and my experience was great.
(5)
Kelly G.
My friend and I went to Philly on the spur of the moment for a concert. I decided to extend our trip a few days so that we could explore the city and it's food! Many people and several web sites suggested City Tavern as a "must" to experience. I had high expectations for the ambience but not the food. I am a Pescetarian and fairly health conscious. Based on the menu I anticipated the food might be a bit heavy. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly woman dressed in period garb. Charming! The tavern has been lovingly and painstakingly restored. The day was grey and rainy and that lent even more to the ambience. We were seated by a window with a taper candle glowing softly at our table. They are known for their home brewed ale courtesy of our Founding Fathers recipes, so of course we did a tasting! What fun! My favorite was Ben Franklin's ale recipe. I must tell you, I have a huge crush on Ben, so I may be a bit biased ;) Our waiter was akward and not very helpful with menu choices. My friend ordered the lobster pot pie. I ordered Ben Franklin's fried tofu dish (big surprise!). The pot pie was very good but very rich. My salad was fresh and the tofu was presented on pasta noodles. Tasty but heavy as I expected. After lunch my friend stepped into the bar for a snap shot, she got a snap all right, the bartender told her he didn't like his photo taken! :( Overall, the Tavern is lovely and the food is good. If you like light healthy food just order a salad and a tankard of Ben's ale!
(3)
Jessica M.
City Tavern is a Philadelphia gem! It is the quintessential example of the intersection of good food and the history of our great city. On my first visit I was part of a very large party (there were 19 of us) and the staff handled our service, meal preparation and neediness with ease and grace. The food was fantastic, you absolutely have to try the turkey pot pie, if your grandma has ever made one for you, I guarantee that this one will rival hers ... and save room for dessert, Martha Washington's recipes are to die for!
(5)
Anthony A.
Great food; very heavy & rich. Easily fill your appetite. Great brew selection ( their own brew ). Great service...
(5)
Stacey O.
Ok, beer= awesome! a beer made with spruce and molases rather than hopps? TRY IT!.. crab cakes= order 2 helpings! i am not much of an adventurist when it comes to meat- co workers had duck, which they do often & said it was the best EVER, same with venison. Pepper pot soup = delish! GREAT atmosphere, and the staff and service deserve 6 stars!! now.. midiera? well... you should try it, just because you are there. i am not a whimpy drinker- but holy cow was it strong.. nice flavor though. I did learn, i can never be a ' baller" SO WORTH GOING HERE WHILE IN PHILLY
(4)
Robert F.
I took my girlfriend here for a date several weeks ago. I'm not going to touch upon the ambiance, which is very good, but on the quality of the food and the service. It was our first time at City Tavern, so we asked the waiter what he recommends. He told us the medallions of venison and roasted duck. Taking his advice, my gf ordered the venison medallions while i opted for the roasted duck. We also ordered the West Indies pepper pot soup, which we agreed was good, but not great. I doubt I will order the soup again or I may try a different type. The only other soups on the menu that evening was black bean soup and turkey noodle soup. After the waiter took our orders, he brought us homemade bread which tasted pretty good, although not best I've had. I always try not to fill up the bread, but they certainly do give you enough to call it an appetizer! Next came the entrees. They were both amazing, although I wouldn't personally order the venison medallions. I was tempting to try the tavern lobster pie, but the price (over $40) pulled me into the roasted duck. I hardly even have roasted duck so I'm not certainly how it's supposed to be cooked, glazed, etc. but this surely tasted very good. It was extremely filing and had a great taste to it. My only recommendations for it is to try it but only eat soup or a small piece of the bread before. Our entrees also came with herb barley, which was in large portion and very good. Service was excellent and we will return. The only negative I see are the prices (entrees $18-45, soup $7.50)
(4)
Douglas P.
Its the city Tavern. It should be required eating in the US. The history alone is unbelievable. The food is good and where else can you get the beers of Washington, Jefferson, Monroe and Franklin.
(5)
Jeff O.
My wife and I love City Tavern. We understand that it is in some ways a tourist attraction, but you should look past that. The food is the reason we go. My wife's favorite is the Lobster Pie. Lobster anything is often a hit with her, but this one even more so. My favorite is the George Washington Beer. It is obvious that George knew how to take care of his men. But I can always find something interesting to eat, too. We came with friends several months ago as part of an after hours tour of Independence Hall. If this is the type of thing that strikes your fancy, I highly recommend it.
(4)
Jen T.
Worth it for the historical novelty, but maybe not so much for the price. We were in the area looking at the historical stuff and were hoping to stop by dinner. Unfortunately, prices were way steeper than what we were willing to pay for what some reviews said was mediocre food. So instead, we sat in the bar and got some drinks. We shared the Tavern Warmer, the flight of beers, and duck sausage. The duck sausage was good. It was juicy and flavorful, but for $12 we got two sausages (sadface). The tavern warmer was also delicious--hot apple cider with a hodgepodge of liquors. It smelled very strong but did not taste like it. It was the perfect wintry drink. For the flight, it basically offered samples of beer recipes of 7 of our Founding Fathers, ranging from dark to light. My favorite was probably Thomas Jefferson's. Service was good. Our waitress was pretty knowledgeable about the menu and explained things when we had questions. Kind of a tourist trap, but hey, I'm a tourist.
(3)
Brooke W.
Wear your stretchy pants if you are going here for dinner! I actually didn't eat for two days afterwards, which is NOT normal for me. We went here for my mother-in-law's birthday dinner on a Saturday afternoon. We were all dressed up, but didn't need to be, all the other patrons were very casual and there were surprisingly a lot of children there. I started off with the mushroom toast, had a special of saffron and shrimp linguine for my entree and a raspberry torte with vanilla ice cream for dessert. They do give you homemade bread and butter to munch on while you wait for your meal. The mushroom toast was TO DIE FOR! After I got home I looked it up on Chef Staib's website and could definitely see why. Who wouldn't love a piece of bread soaked in butter, then cooked in a pan of butter and cream, topped with mushrooms cooked in butter and sherry??? See how many times I said butter there?!? My entree was also very good, it was very tasty and had at least 6 jumbo shrimp in it. (Although I hate when they keep the tails on...I don't get that.) Getting dessert was overkill, but what the heck, it was a celebration dinner! The raspberry torte came out warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top - it was good, but at that point I was beyond stuffed. Add a cup of coffee and I was ready to be rolled out. Yes, it is very expensive and I noticed a couple of other tables look shocked when they got their checks. But the waitstaff being dressed in period correct clothing is cool, as is the ambiance. Service could have been slightly better, we did have to ask a few times for water refills and another beer for the hubs, but other than that, it was delicious.
(4)
Leslie M.
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!... ^_^ Certainly a one of a kind eating scene in Philly at least... At first glimpse it seems just one of those kitschy tourist traps where you pay too much money to have bearded men in britches serving you. But I found myself eating lunch here last week and was pleasantly surprised! Ambiance: Authentic classic colonial america space & decor & even more authentic 21st century Philly tourists / families. Service: Courteous and informative servers that were helpful in offering suggestions & background of some of the truly historic dishes. Food: Hot damn Martha Washington can make a mean turkey pot pie! (though actually she never cooked her recipes...apparently she just made the recipe and had her cooks make it for her to taste test). But seriously this pot pie had me all hot and bothered for pot pies for the next week. They offer a generous supply of bread in the beginning of the meal which were a bit dry for the most part but I attributed that element to the authenticity...? My lunch partners enjoyed their soups immensely and as for entrees - we all unanimously chose the pot pie and boy were we satisfied. Hats off to you Martha Washington! Drinks: As it was lunch time, I didn't indulge myself on the very tempting beer flights that I spied on their menu. I have tried their beer selections before on a separate occasion and I do recall enjoying their tavern ales. I recommend a visit to City Tavern, if you nod yes to any of the following: a) have touristy friends looking for the ye olde "Philadelphia" experience b) are a history nerd & have attended a Renaissance Fair at some point c) LOVE pot pie d) enjoy a little kitsch time to time yourself!
(3)
Melissa V.
Love everything about this place! Pricey but completely worth it! The food is excellent and the service is flawless. I recommend the turkey pot pie and bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. This is a great place to take out of town guests.
(5)
Meg B.
Definitely a great place for tourists. The decor and colonial feel is a perfect to the Old City neigbhorhood. After a few years of working in the neighborhood, I finally got to check this place out for Restaurant week with some co-workers. The waitor was a little too serious for my liking- I don't know if he was just playing the part ( he was decked out in colonial get-up) or if he was just having a bad day. The food was ok- nothing special or making me want to rush back, especially for the price I do like how the menu relates to the time period for the most part. The drink menu does as well. I would take out of towners back here for sure but I'm in no rush to get back there myself.
(3)
Lisa T.
This restaurant caterers to tourists, but who cares, it was exactly what I wanted to do in Philadelphia! Our server was a historian and she told us facts about the building. Ben Franklin came over and had a chat with our table which was a nice touch. The food was excellent too. Had the Pepperpot Pie because I had seen it on the Food Network (amazing if you like hot), mushroom toast appetizer and the Turkey Pot Pie. The Turkey pot pie was really large and there was a lot of cream. I wish I had split it with someone at my table because it was too rich to eat for one. The noodles that came with it were saturated in a gravy that I didn't find to be that good. The Jefferson Beer was worth going in for alone. My one suggestion would be to have background music. Something colonial or just classical music. The ambiance could have been improved with this. Overall, great "dinning experience" if you are interested in getting a true taste of Philadelphia.
(4)
Stacey M.
Pricey for what it ended up being.... fine, but not that great. The place itself definitely has some charm. The food was just "meh." It wasn't worth the cost. It doesn't even seem worth writing about, I kind of just want to forget that it exists.
(2)
Whitney H.
I truly enjoyed this place. The food is as authentic as it can be, and there's a fabulous variety. What a cool experience to eat and socialize where our founding fathers stayed and ate and debated! Waitstaff is very friendly and accommodating. The bread was just ok, but my duckling was phenomenal, and the blueberry cobbler (served warm and a la mode!) was fantastic! Highly recommended--and this is coming from a waitress at a similar Colonial restaurant in DC!
(5)
Mike D.
It was $17 for two beers that tasted like liquid pine tree. Yikes...next.
(2)
Em D.
City Tavern was recommended to us as a tourist attraction where the servers are dressed in colonial garb and the food was decent. Probably would rate it a 3-1/2 star. We were not disappointed by the service and fairly good food. We were seated on time of our reservation even though the restaurant was a little crowded. The waiters were responsive and friendly. The pot pie was excellent, but the roast pork was just fair (maybe a little on the overcooked side). Dinner portions were decent but the dessert portions were very generous.
(3)
Chris F.
Both I, and my family, are reasonable patrons. Undisturbed by a rough ambience, loud bar guests, or even poor location, our main objective when finding a place to eat is to find good food, attentive service, and intelligent pricing. Unfortunately, City Tavern proved to be a terrible combination of the worst. The ambience was fine, as expected, but the service was lazy, the food was improperly prepared (cold), and the pricing wasn't congruent with the less-than-diner like food quality. Having spent 10 years in the restaurant business, from dishwasher to part-owner, it's a shame to see a true establishment losing credibility over what appears to be ineffective management. Do not eat here. It is not worth it.
(1)
Amy L.
The food was really good and the portions huge. I have to agree with other reviewers here, the turkey pot pie and beer sampler are top notch. The history of the place makes it a lot of fun. I would definitely go back despite the rather pricey menu.
(5)
cassie r.
I learned a very important lesson whilst dining at the City Tavern last week. Our founding fathers were not only great leaders, but extraordinarily talented brewers. While Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin and George Washington knew their way around a beer, my favorite by far was Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. I highly recommend the sampler so you can try all four, but if you're jonesin a tall, cold adult bev, TJ's version is the way to go. As far the accompanying meal, City Tavern's menu is a bevy of scrumptious options. I opted for roast duckling, and while a bit pricey, it was succulent with a bit of sweet via the side of mango chutney. And their bread is A-FLIPPIN-MAZING. I loves most bread, but this is a whole other level of good. Don't be ashamed if you have to ask for another basket to be brought out...I sure wasn't. This place has a ton of history, which is enough reason to visit at least once. The great food,drink and atmosphere is probably going to convince you a return visit might be necessary. If I didn't live in Chicago, I would happily be a City Tavern regular.
(4)
Barb D.
The staff was friendly and courteous and prompt. The food was mediocre. The pomme frites were clearly frozen french fries. The turkey in the pot pie was so gristly as to be inedible. Very disappointing."
(1)
Joel B.
Enjoyed my stop in at City Tavern. The decor is obviously pretty cool, and the locale is great for those who want to sight see before or after a good meal. The staff are pretty efficient and polite, but don't really seem to fit their outfits, haha. The food and beer were amazing...I had the pork chop. It was basically the Filet Mignon of pork chops! The beer selection is small, but each one has its own distinct character that helps them cover the entire spectrum for beer lovers. Definitely would recommend (as would the rest of Philly, probably)!
(4)
Mariam R.
Dined here in Dec. 2009 while spending a few days sightseeing in Philly. We found a "buy one, get one half off" coupon and decided to use it for dinner on our last night in the city. Loved this place!! The staff are dressed in colonial attire, the dinnerware is a replica of colonial dinnerware - everything in this place is done as if you were dining during colonial times (can you tell I've never been to colonial Williamsburg?). The building is from the 1700's. Anyway, the food was delicious, the portions were huge - or maybe we just shouldn't have had those cheesesteak's for lunch? There was a gentleman playing the harp in the hallway, which was very pleasant. The hot mulled wine was wonderful! We'll be back next time we're in Philly!
(4)
Blaine H.
An absolute must see, even if it is also a visitor attraction. Get the sample of beer...it includes the George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton brews. I personally like the IPA (Alexander Hamilton), but the George Washington and the Jefferson beer are almost as good. I like the feel of City Tavern and it is period correct, save for the electricity and those that are required by law. The costumes are great and the food is superb. Try the Turkey Pot Pie or the Lobster Pie. Just make sure you bring an appetite. The last time I went, a friend and I actually split one. The restaurant did two separate orders, so that was a great surprise. It was very relaxing and I strongly recommend City Tavern. It's a bit of the 1770's in Philadelphia.
(5)
Jesse C.
I found this place to be rather normal and non noteworthy from a beer perspective. We ordered a couple beer samplers to find out what was available. Of the 4 available I didn't care for any one in particular. Nothing wrong with the beer but I simply enjoy a hoppier beer. The sampler was $15 which we found to be a fair price. Interesting place to see with the apparent history behind it, but I for sure won't return next time. I didn't have any food here since we had just eaten at Jims Steaks, but it looked too pricey for what I saw from other patrons plates.
(3)
Nikki R.
With all of the period costume, candles and historic place settings/food choices, I expected this to be a tourist trap and as a result my expectations were not really high. Despite some of the touristy aspects, we had a nice meal. The bread was delicious and unique. We also tried the beer sampler, which provided four different types of microbrewed beer, each representing a recipe from an historic president/figure. Our appetizers were ok - my fiancee ordered the beef and barley soup, which turned out to be somewhat bland. I ordered the corn meal friedn oysters, which were fine - a bit dry in the end. But our Lobster Pie made up for all that. Our waitress had the kitchen split the usually large pie into two smaller ones, since we were splitting the order. It was delicious! Lots of lobster, the sauce was rich and flavorful, mushrooms were great. And the portion size was quite large. We left feeling quite full and happy!
(4)
Rebekka T.
As I walked up to City Tavern on Thanksgiving day, I noticed in front an almost life-sized cutout of George Washington. I joked, "hey, wouldn't it be funny if everyone here was dressed like him?" Oops. This historical and theatrical venue seemed perfect for Thanksgiving, and it turned out to be a fine afternoon, save a few annoyances. My main complaint was that our table (we had a party of 8) was littered with postcard advertisements, a DVD, and a historical looking letter all trying to sell the Chef's books and videos. Considering that Thanksgiving dinner was $85 a person, (way overpriced, but I was with my BF's parents), you think they would refrain from trying to squeeze more dollars from you. It was obnoxious and tasteless. As for the food, it was mediocre. Appetizer was cold and kind of gross, something you'd buy in bulk from Costco. Salad was a salad - nothing special. The main course, turkey with all the sides etc. was good, turkey was cooked well, and they kept re-filling our plates as we asked. But there was nothing special about it, just very typical dishes, prepared decently. I would have given only 2 stars but our waiter, I believe his name was Bernie, made our experience relaxed and enjoyable and was very attentive and polite. Still, I doubt I would go back based on the food and price.
(3)
Michelle A.
A great bit of history to include on your tour of Philadelphia. While I have not yet had the chance to taste the foodstuffs, the historic beverages were great! They offer a beer flight for just over $10.00 which includes four ounce servings of four historic recipes. Each recipe is the favorite of one of our founding fathers--from Washington to Franklin. They vary from light ales to stouts and are a true taste of history. I also tried the wassail. Our server was awesome and not only discussed the beverages, he also found the recipe in one of the Tavern cookbooks and shared it with me. He was quite awesome. We are planning a return trip centered around a lunch at the Tavern.
(4)
Caroline F.
This is a good place to go if you're visiting the city of Philadelphia. All of the waiters dress in late 1700s clothes and all of the food on the menu would have been available during Revolutionary War times. That being said, it's not just for tourists, and is also a cool place for Philly natives -- the atmosphere is cool as it mimics the time period, and the food is tasty. Definitely a must-dine place if you are in the area.
(4)
Adam L.
Boo. Tourist trap crap. Sausage tasted like hot dogs. the "founding fathers" beer recipes were suspect and our disinterested yet authentically dressed waitress used a bic lighter to get our lamp lit. On the plus side, there's some cool old maps on the walls, and the building is cozy.
(2)
Jason L.
First stop of our long weekend in Philly. Based on the other reviews, we were more interested in checking out the ambiance rather than eating dinner there. From the moment we walked through the door we were impressed. Great for reminding yourself of the history of Philly. We enjoyed a flight of beers (TJ's is definitely the best), a shrub martini (good) and crabcakes (excellent). We were seated outside in the backyard and ate at a bench--nice but not as intimate as inside. But it gave us a great view of the building and we now know that the BEST place to eat here, weather permitting, is the 2nd floor porch/balcony.
(4)
Clelia S.
Food was delicious. Large portions. Great service. Apparently, George Washington's inaugural ball was held in the upstairs dining area. This turned into an inebriated discussion about balls in the hall with our friendly and witty server. Marta Washington's chocolate cake is delicious and not too sweet. Everyone enjoyed their meals; not one complaint.
(5)
Vlad K.
This has to be one of the few MUSTs in Philly. Between the history, the atmosphere, the originality (of both the place itself and the menu), the history - it's basically one of the kind. Definitely a place you have to visit at least once (and make your own opinion and if you have out of town visitors it is the best place for lunch after going to the Independence Hall - Carpenter's Hall - Franklin House)...
(5)
Jeff V.
We circled the block to find a place to eat and were pleasantly surprised when we choose the City Tavern. The atmosphere and old style feeling was pretty cool. The food was average, nothing (at leas for me) that blew me away. The service was below average. My dinner party was 5 total people and dinner took over 2 hours, and we ordered almost immediately after sitting down. This is why I have to give it 3 stars and not 4. With that said, if you have the time and want to eat at an older style restaurant this place is for you!
(3)
Mark C.
Had a very good meal. I had the West Indies Pepper Pot soup (much fresher than what I remember having as a youth) and the tender medallions of venison (the rosemary-bourbon sauce made the dish). My wife enjoyed her seafood pasta dish. Service was pleasant, but with a sense of the history of the place. Would go back again.
(4)
Dana M.
The food was delicious, plus the authentic bread and beverages were great. The mushroom toast was fabulous. Amazing history and lovely, authentic atmosphere. Our server was a downside, he was fast but so abrupt, as we stood up to leave he asked if we'd like to know anything about the tavern - I really thought that would happen about 90 minutes back.
(4)
Kelly W.
The best thing about Philly is the food... I've gained 5 pounds within the past 3 months. We have been wanting to try out City Tavern for awhile and finally did last night. I had the Chicken Madeira, with mashed potatos and the vegetable of the season, which was squash and zucchini. It was excellent. So good... comfort food! The atmosphere was wonderful. It was like eating in the old days with Ben Franklin. For dessert, I had the chocolate moose cake which was outstanding with a glass of cold milk. It was great!!!!! I have to commend the staff. Our waiter was excellent. He had a great personality, he was extremely knowledgeable and he really made the experience better... he took it to the next level. The price was reasonable for the food as well as the experience. Additionally, we had a buy one, get one free (meal) coupon. We forgot about until after the bill came, but it was no worries, our waiter took care of it with a smile! I think we'll go again when my parents visit.
(5)
jenny A.
I'm super bummed to be writing a bad review for this place. I was so stoked to go here because I was attending the Jane Austen conference across the road and have been experimenting with eating early 19th century as much as possible. I thought I'd found the one restaurant in existence appropriate to the Jane Austen diet. I was excited. The ambiance is wonderful with the waitstaff in costume, the pewter mugs etc. The beer was great although possibly different from what I ordered. The beer recipe was supposedly "spruce beer" which while delicious it was not authentic "spruce beer." Either they brought me the wrong thing or they just pretty much named an ale variety "spruce" to give it a more authentic feel. The bread was really good and did have an authentic taste to it. The mini muffins were supposedly a Thomas Jefferson recipe. I'm assuming that's Jefferson's cook's recipe since I can't imagine 18th century plantation master really did his own baking. The soup I had was pretty good though not authentic to the colonial era at all. They also brought me the wrong one first and then it could have been hotter when it did arrive. Also the portion size was miniscule for $9. My lunch companion ordered some elaborately named salad which turned out to be chef salad and pretty mediocre at that. Our total bill for one small soup, large salad, bread, one beer and gratuity was nearly $50. That is really ridiculous, even in a tourist area. The JASNA group were having a prix fix meal here on the last day of the conference and it was $95. From what I saw of the service and food quality, I really hope they got their money's worth but I doubt it. I'd like to come back here sometime when I am hungrier and have more money to try some other things on the menu. It's kind of a bummer that such a potentially amazing place has the feel of a tourist trap.
(2)
Matthew E.
Great atmosphere and fantastic food. Great olde world charm and good service. The old style beers are fantastic and everything I ate was delicious.
(5)
Jessica D.
This was the location for our one our company's special dinners for us the staff and one of our major committees. We started going up the stairs and onto a small balcony where we had a bar and got out appetites ready for a nice dinner. We then proceeded to the dining room that was set apart for us and I totally loved it, it was completely what you'd think the fathers of our country experienced in decor, service, and food back in the heyday. The food was served family style and it was AMAZING. That was the best, traditional old time american food I've ever had: turkey, cranberry cornbread stuffing, potatoes, vegetable sides, etc. Delectable. They capped the evening off with a port or other dessert wine served in beautiful and perfect-sized, mini liqueur glasses and then provided us with a delectable chocolate cake for dessert. The entertainment was a fellow dressed as Thomas Jefferson who did a fantastic job. We all got a copy of the city tavern recipe book, which features traditional and original recipes. You cannot compare the experience of dining at one of the oldest restaurants remaining in this country. You can almost feel the presence of the fathers of our country and their neighbors walking the halls with a large glass of ale maybe chasing a wench or two... in good humor of course.
(4)
Kurt A.
We came here to try their historic beer. Jefferson's Ale was very good but pricey at $7.75 ($8.50 w/tax). I like the period furniture and decor. The Germans next to us were eating lunch, and the food looked good. Servers in period costumes may please some.
(4)
ED W.
This place is awesome! The atmosphere, the history, meat cooked on an open fire, Yards revolutionary ales, what more can one ask for? I think only stripper waitresses could have improved my dining pleasure Chef Staib( i think thats the spelling) came out and talked to a bunch of us,and handed out free Dvd's of his show on PBS. Super nice guy, what a great experience.
(5)
Lisa K.
You can really feel and taste the history here and i'm not referring to the wait staff dressed in colonial garb. Though candlelight and sitting by beautiful big old windows give this place a romantic and warm ambiance, it is the tastes here that make this place so special to me. Every time I go I swear that I will try something new, but then I end up going for my favorites again and again. They have this amazingly spiced pepper pot soup and then the turkey pot pie. Simple flavors that I have had before are truly elevated to another level. Rich flavors and the food is made with love. You can taste the love folks! Oh so delicious! I also recommend enjoying the beer sampler made from recipes that were once enjoyed by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. My favorite is the George Washington which is just so rich and balanced. And they have a drink called a Shrub made with juice and vinegar is just a wonderfully rich, interesting and sweet drink. This remains of my favorite Philly haunts!
(5)
Mio S.
Two locals recommended here for colonial lunch. They did mention the "touristy" part of the venue, but one of them also said, "at least go for the Thomas Jefferson beer." Ok, sold. My companion and I each ordered the beer flight, which was fantastic way to get warm and rest after walking around the Olde City in 10F temperature. Among all the original recipes of founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson's was indeed the best. What's more, the sweet potato & pecan biscuit also by TJ was really delicious (I want the recipe). I guess he knew how to eat good. We ordered venison ( I thought it's colonial sounding) and crab cake. Both of them were pretty good. Not "wow, this is so delicious," but above the average. The lunch tab was around $70 with two plates and two beer flight - not exactly cheap, but we fully enjoyed the experience and the great service.
(4)
Robert R.
Very nice place. Great beer and the ambiance matches the cultural history of the City. I would go back next time I am in Philly!
(4)
L K.
Great historic watering hole, or should I say the most genteel tavern? We enjoyed the beer sampler which had four different selections of old fashioned beer recipes from the likes of Ben Franklin and George Washington. Also enjoyed a raspberry shrub, a sweet but refreshing cocktail. The staff wear clothing that I assume is supposed to conjure up images of the founding fathers, and the hurricane lamps on the tables added to the ambiance. A must on your travels through this historic city.
(5)
Albert L.
if you love Colonial Williamsburg, you're in for a treat. Note, this is an exact replica of the original City Tavern which burned down many years ago. Its rumored that a bride was burned in that fire and can still be seen wandering through the restaurant but that's another story. What you should know is that the National Park Service comes in randomly to spot check the pictures on the wall to the number of ruffles on a server's uniform to make sure that they are true to history. It's that serious. Expect everyone to greet you in "costume" or a colonial uniform what have you, but they do know what Coke and credit cards are. It's a shame you can't pay in gold. I've dined here many times and the one thing i can't live without is their West Indies Pepper Pot soup. Washington and his men enjoyed this hearty meal throughout the winter at Valley Forge. It's spicy and filled with tripe. Yes, tripe. Cow intestines. Did I lose you already? It's the magic ingredient. If you've ever enjoyed PHO, you've have tripe. It's quite chewy. The menu is loaded with a good amount of pies including Lobster. Beer drinker? On tap is the historic Washington Port and Jefferson Ale. Both made by Yards Brewery and yes, you can get it to go. If you do plan on going to grab a bite at the City Tavern, make sure to go inside the Independence Visitor Center at 600 Market Street and ask for their buy one get one free coupon good for lunch and dinner.. "After all, a penny saved is a penny earned". - Ben Franklin
(4)
Lisa L.
I didn't eat here, but I did enjoy a hot toddy (cider with some rum) and an American honey brewed beer here while taking in the incredible history of the place and reading one of the cookbooks by the fireplace. I don't know why I am so obsessed with this place, but for some reason it really resonated with me and I cannot wait to go back. I think I am strange.
(5)
John H.
People told us we had to go. The touristy magazines bragged it up and well, we just had to check it out. I am so glad we did. All three of us had a pleasant experience and a delightful and filling meal. The beers were inspired by recipes that our founding fathers used to brew their beers. The beer sampler allowed me to taste each one. My favorites were the Alexander Hamilton and Ben Franklin brews. The Turkey Pot Pie was unbelievable. Generous portions of turkey, potato and veggies cooked inside a fluffy crust was just what I needed. My coworkers Pork Chop was the HUGEST pork chop i have ever seen. Definitely, the theme was here was good portions of good food. We made our waiter bring over the desert tray, and while they were tempting, we had to pass, as we were just stuffed. I may just need to go back to get some desert (or perhaps spring for one of their cookbooks and try to make it on my own).
(4)
Dave C.
Have you ever gone to Medieval Times in N. Jersey or where ever the hell else that place is located and have reenactors massacre each other to vie for your attention? Yea, ... City Tavern is just like that, but without all the bloodlust... or fun. You basically eat and drink and watch people dolled up in colonial garb NOT murder each other. Honestly, I felt shame walking out the door, did you feel shame?
(1)
DJ M.
When walking through the doors of the City Tavern, be ready to be transported back to the 18TH Century. Built in 1733, this Tavern has served the likes of George Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. It was used as the unofficial meeting place for our Country's dignitaries as well as Foreign dignitaries. You will be met by old unpolished wooden floors, high ceilings with old Light fixtures and Servers, dressed in Colonial Costumes. To the right of the long entrance hallway, is a large waiting room adorned with relics from another era. You will wait while resting in well seasoned wooden chairs. Of course you can have a seat in the Bar and Lounge, while sipping Ale from a hand blown glass. Once called upon to take your seat in one of several dining rooms or perhaps outside, you will be greeted with Pewter pitchers and Fine China. Located in the Heart of the historic district and owned by the National Park Service, this Restaurant has been rated one of Philadelphia's 4 Star gems. The Fare ranges from modern American Cuisine to the Cuisine of yester year. The Duck, Beef and Veal Sausages are hand made as well as, the Breads and Pastries. If given the chance, ttry one or two of the Sweet Potato Biscuits! They claim to be Thomas Jefferson's favorite. The Basil and Applewood Bacon wrapped Shrimp, served with a Horseradish Barbecue Sauce, is heaven on a plate! I adore their Romaine and Roquefort Salad with Bacon and a creamy Parmesan Dressing. For Lunch Entrees, which are the only times I have dined here, I would be torn between The Filet Medallions with the Brandy peppercorn Sauce or the Crab Cakes with remoulade and pommes frites or the Lobster Pie with a flaky puff pastry crust wrapped around Chunks of Lobster, Shrimps, Mushrooms, and Shallots in a Sherry Cream Sauce. It is so decadent. The Menu's hold a vast array of Colonial Fare, such as West Indies Pepperpot Soup, which is a spicy Beef Soup with Taro root. Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup, 18TH Century Salads and Entrees, such as Martha Washington Style Colonial Turkey Pot Pie, Braised Rabbit, Pork Schnitzel, Beef Pie and Medallions of Venison. On a very recent visit to Philadelphia's Historical District, I was handed a Philadelphia Gazette, by a Colonial Costumed informant. Inside of the Gazette was a coupon for the City Tavern, buy one Lunch and get one Free. Not sure if they are still running it, but it would be worth checking into. For great Fare in a grand Colonial setting, the City Tavern is a must try. You will find yourself going back in time, for more.
(4)
Evann G.
Funny story. Last time we were at City Tavern, we had just experienced a lull in the conversation when my oh-so-classy fiance let out with the loudest fart I have EVER heard. The look on his face was priceless. Clearly, he thought it was going to be silent, but oh no. It most definitely was not silent. Luckily, we had already paid, because we booked it out of there real fast after that. What does that have to do with City Tavern itself? Nothing. I'm sorry, but I love this place. I don't care that it's a tourist trap. I'm one of those ridiculous people who gets all verklempt over drinking ale in the same place Ben Franklin drank ale. It's become our standard watering hole to visit when we have friends in from out of town, because it's just so dang neat. I've only been here to drink. The food menu looks pricey, so I'm not sure I'll ever do anything here except drink. Even the drinks are a tad overpriced, but everything I've tried has been good. And INTERESTING. When we hit the holiday season, they started serving all sorts of cider drinks and WASSAIL. That's right, I'm sorry, but I find it super cool that you can walk into a historical tavern and order actual wassail. Hence the four stars.
(4)
Lilee N.
Great place-- learned a good deal of history while we dined here. Went around Easter time. Started with the duck sausage which was very flavorful and went well with the cabbage. Boy had the pepperpot soup which was creamy and hearty. Rack of lamb was great, but the starch that accompanied the lamb was a little too acidic and sour for my liking. Though, they do try to prepare dishes as if it were back in the day so maybe people just ate things differently back then. Roasted duckling was excellent-- not dry at all and flavorful. Staff and service was wonderful and the history behind the restaurant and the dishes was an added bonus (and really, the reason why we chose to eat here). They have a cookbook for you to look through (and purchase if desired). Overall, highly recommend!
(4)
Rich U.
For me, the main appeal here is the historic building/setting (although it's a replica of the original which burned down), the harpsichord played by a woman in period costume (the waitstaff also plays "colonial dress-up"), and the presumably authentic 18th century brews! I can't say I've eaten extensively here. I've only had the crab cakes and the bread tray (both good). The rest of the menu looks intriguing, but I'll lay off commenting on the food until I've sampled more of it (duh). I think the best beer here (and one of the best I've had anywhere) is Washington's Tavern Porter. I've downed many in the bar section and on the terrace/lawn seating area out back. I've taken many more home with me (a six pack of bottles is $15 AND WORTH IT). If you don't know which beer to order, get the sampler of four. BUT respectfully ask the management (as I did) to STOP putting Sam Adams (which they only recently started including) in the sampler with Washington's Porter, Jefferson's brew, and Martha's ale. Franklin would be outraged if he knew this was going on - after all, he left puritanical Boston as a young man for a reason, and Sam Adams (though a good brew), does NOT belong in a Philly City Tavern sampler. It's too mainstream and not very regional.
(4)
Harrison L.
Do yourself and your history buff friends a favor and get lunch or dinner here during a trip through the city. It really does live up to the hype. A lot of historical places bank solely on their reputations, but City Tavern takes itself very seriously as a restaurant. The chef is an award winner and it shows. The menu has good variety and blends authenticity very well with catering to the modern palette. There is something for everyone on the menu. Beer lovers will enjoy the Ales of the Revolution. Those interested in other drinks can try traditional shrub. The service is usually quite good as well, and of course the atmosphere is wonderfully authentic even if the building is a replica. Those fortunate enough to get a window seat will always be treated to good views. Plus it's quite cozy and even a bit romantic if you and your date share a love of colonial era charm. The only caveat is cost - it's a bit pricey. So unless you're fat in the wallet, City Tavern is a special occasion destination. But then again a trip into the city, especially if it's focused on visiting historical sites is always a special occasion, so top it off right by having dinner and a few drinks here. After all, it was City Tavern where the real business took place in the founding of the nation. Independence Hall and Carpenters' Hall were merely the official locations for the action...City Tavern was the real heart of it all.
(5)
Felicia K.
I don't know if the building is an original or reconstruction... I'm guessing the latter, but you wouldn't know it when you're inside. Friendly service from people wearing revolutionary-era clothing. I had Martha Washington's turkey pot pie, which was perfect after having been outside walking around for a few hours in the freezing cold. Delicious puff pastry crust on top. Boyfriend had the venison stew special, which looked delicious. I tried a couple of the wild mushrooms from his, and they were amazing. Their eggnog wasn't particularly good - served over ice in December (?) and too sweet. Would've been much better hot and with a bit less sugar. In any case, a fun experience.
Love the historic atmosphere, the decor and location. Everybody was happy with their food and beers. The service was good too. This is a tourist restaurant worth visiting.
(4)
Markus F.
Good meal, good selection of food and beers on the menu. I like the president beers in particular. Service was very friendly and attentive.
(4)
Lene P.
This is basically a good restaurant for tourists who visit the city and want to eat at a colonial themed restaurant with servers dressing the part. I've recommended this place a bunch of times until I finally ate there. Both of my visits were for dinner, in which the prices are outrageous considering what we got. The dishes were tasty and fine, but not worth the $25-30 each. Both times we were seated out back on a deck area leading down into a garden with more seating under a canopy (I usually see groups seated there). The interior looks pretty spooky, it always seems really dark to me, but that is also awesome and romantic. For parking, if you don't intend on staying long, there is 3 hour parking along the ramp from Columbus Blvd that exits onto Market Street. You can also park at the Olde City garage over the Ritz East/Pagoda but I'm not sure if City Tavern validates.
(3)
C. H.
When we arrived at The City Tavern, we were pleased to see such a fine representation of historic Philadelphia. The building and interior were lovely, and the table settings with real pewter chalices were so fun. I was a little disappointing with our seating arrangements. We were stationed very, very close to another couple, so close that it was impossible to have a private conversation. In between our two tables was some sort of closet where all the plates and glasses were kept, so we were continuously interrupted and jostled by waiters getting in and out. I had the pleasure of listening to the lady at the table next to us complain about this for the rest of the evening. We also didn't have a lot of face time with our waiter. You would think he would have been a little more attentive to us since he was constantly brushing by to get to the closet, but he seemed skilled at ignoring my hand signals for attention. This might have been because of our attire, sweaters, jeans, and tennis shoes, since we had been walking the city all day. I was also a little put-off by all the advertisements for books and take-home items. Maybe it's just me, but I don't really need 3 or 4 cards on my table telling me how awesome the chef's cook books are. The food was it's saving grace. My husband and I split the beer sampler, and then each ordered a glass of our favorite, though all were excellent. We also enjoyed the crab cakes, which were the best we have ever had, hands down. My entree was the braised rabbit and his the beef medallions, both were cooked to perfection. The veggies were zucchini and squash, again cooked perfectly, a task which I have never mastered myself. Go for the food, but not the service.
(3)
Meghan M.
The original tavern (the current restaurant is obviously a reconstruction) was a frequent meeting point for framers of the Constitution and the draw of the place today is that nothing's served that wouldn't have been readily available in the 1700s. It sounds like the Medieval Times of the American revolution, but in fact that place appears to be so authentic that many of the dishes sound borderline unappetizing. The waiters must dress up in period costumes, which makes most of them seem like better waiters than they actually are. I had the turkey pie, which was delicious by dint of being drowned in a heavy, heavy sherry cream sauce and covered with a thick buttery pastry. I washed it down with a Martha Washington summer ale (eh) and a raspberry shrub (raspberry juice reduced with fruit vinaigrette, then combined with ginger ale and champagne; delicious and potent, rendering me incapable of doing anything except blinking and yawning at the edge of Ben Franklin's grave.) As for other available alcohol, there's also an IPA from one of Jefferson's recipes and a porter from one of Washington's, a seasonal rum drink, plus an extensive selection of wines, but beyond that don't expect bar service--unlike the Southern ladies behind us who asked in rapid succession if the place served daiquiris and cheesesteak sandwiches. Oh, and go for lunch--the prices are on the steep side but reasonable, whereas dinner is highway robbery.
(4)
Keith M.
the food was fantastic, the wait staff was on the money, the atmosphere was perfect, i was very relaxed, enjoyed the meal...perfect even desert.
(5)
B B.
granted the food was good and the service was even better. Unfortunately I was not pleased with the fact that they wouldn't seat us downstairs but instead we had to climb a flight of stairs with our baby and stroller. The coctails were fabulous and we also ordered a soup a salad to try. I had the barley soup and it was surprisingly good. The salad was ok. I had the rabbit and my wife had the fish with hollondaise sauce. Both were excellent. We also ordered off the kids menu. That was a big mistake. Although it was good it was over $20. now correct me if I'm wrong I thought the kids menu is suppose to be MUCH CHEAPER than the regular menu. Overall it was a good experience and I am glad I did it. I would recommend everyone to give this place a try ONCE. I just can't see myself coming back. It felt a little touristy and a little gimmicky. It was kind of neat to eat off everything pewter, but there's a reason these kinds of restaurants no longer exist. What I really want is a nice mondern day meal on modern day silverware and not a history lesson.
(4)
Chelsea P.
A bit tourist-y, but super fun! The servers dress in historical outfits, and all the food was based on that time period as well. You get the scoop from the servers on the history of it all. However, after we left, we found out our car was towed. Womp womp.
(4)
Rich M.
Meh, I'm a huge American history fan, but..... It was interesting having a couple beers named after 2 founding fathers, but... The menu, and the beer, is supposedly of the style of that era. It was good, but the price was really high. Let's face it. You're paying for the historical ambiance. Not that the food wasn't good. The pot pie was excellent, but the price was a little astronomical. Overall, the service was ok, not commensurate with the price you pay for the meal. It started very so-so, although, it got better. I think we got there when the dinner service just started. Sorry, no excuse. People who arrive later pay the same price. If you have a few bucks to spend and want to hop into the American History time machine to enjoy the food our forefathers ate, but at a much higher price. This is your place. I read another review that recommended having lunch instead, at a lower price. Probably not a bad idea.
(3)
Tim P.
Great food and even better service. Beer was interesting. One choice included beer brewed/aged with 'spruce.' Very good selection of food, too. Yes, OK so it a bit touristy but so what.
(4)
Stosha S.
Great place to take people from out of town. The atmosphere is great, I loved the colonial outfits the staff wore and the food was delicious. Lunch is much cheaper than dinner if your looking for a more affordable option. I wish there were something more attractive than dull maps on the walls, but I suppose that's more authentic?
(5)
Christina P.
I'm not going to lie, when I heard there was a restaurant that you could eat at that the founding fathers dined in I was all for going. So it was cool to eat in that setting, and the beers were pretty nice. The food was mediocre. It reminded me of stuff I've eaten at mid-level hotels; my salmon was drenched in a buttery, oily sauce and the sides were pretty bland. The prices were also pretty high for the quality of the food. You are definitely paying for the setting and experience here. I will say those little sweet potato scones they serve at the beginning of the meal are good though. So two stars because Ben Franklin ate there and that's just awesome.
(2)
Meg R.
Delicious food, unique brews, period decor. City Tavern is a must stop for those looking to experience historical Philadelphia at it's finest. I appreciate that the wait staff, dressed in period garb, don't act as though they're in a different century, they answer questions about the menu and make great recommendations. Try the Benjamin Franklin brew or House porter. Interesting side note, you can purchase the beer for take out. And purchase the pewter serving ware, too. Had delicious pepper pot soup, beef pie, rabbit and duck, served with various veg, such as barley, cabbage and egg noodles. Delish!
(5)
Sally f.
meh. overly priced, boring food. service wasnt great, and the server was unenthuastic, which was a bummer, because other ppl write they learned a lot of history and i didnt.... dont go to touristy places to impress your guests. if u wouldnt eat here normally, dont take anyone from out of town.
(2)
Danielle R.
Great food, fun place to eat. Server full of fun facts and history. Turkey pot pie and lobster pot pie were DELISH! Great beer too. Will definitely return when we're in the area.
(5)
Kaitlin L.
In honor of President's Day weekend, I decided to start my Friday night at City Tavern. Although horribly touristy, I was amused by the server's 18th century inspired costumes and overall feel of the bar area (I didn't eat any food there, just went to the tavern area). We decided to try the sampler which included all 4 beer choices, all of which are made by Yards. The beers are all old recipes from the time of our founding fathers, including a recipe made by Jefferson that is exclusively made for City Tavern. My favorite was the George Washington one, a very tasty porter, followed by the Poor Richard's spruce ale, which comes from a recipe made by Ben Franklin. The Hamilton one didn't do it for me, but it was nice to try. They give you a good amount of beer with the sampler too, so I'd definitely suggest at least starting with this. I'm not really thinking I'll make this a regular stop for me, but it was fun to do something somewhat touristy for President's Day. This would be a fun thing to bring out-of-towners or history buffs to.
(3)
Scott R.
Historically good; since 1773. Dining at City Tavern is an experience you can't miss. It takes you back in time and the food is pretty good too. I feel like I'm wasting my breath cause John Adams called it "the most genteel tavern in America." I agree.
(4)
Scott D.
Went to Philly as a tourist and stopped here for beer and food. I read it from Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy site and it did not disappoint. Authentic 18th century food such as Rabbit Legs and Duckling (both were good) and beer based on the recipes of the Founding Fathers. It also provided an awesome 18th century atmosphere complete with music. A must-go for fellow history nerds.
(5)
Brian G.
What a pleasant surprise this Olde City is!! I hoped on the subway at 30th St and was so happy to get out of that horrible system at 2nd and Market. This was such a nice relief!! The neighborhood is great. The cobblestone, the old feel, the history. Once I saw this place I knew this is where I wanted to eat. I dropped my stuff at the Sheraton Olde City and scurried over here. 8:37 pm These 2 historically dressed Pennsylvanians greet me in a manner which it is 1775 and they have never seen a man with Chanel glasses and a black popped-collared shirt, with shiny patent leather shoes and say, "Uhh, Hi" and I said, "One please". The village girl explains to me that they stop seating people at 8:30 and I said, "Wow, it's 8:37, c'mon I don't want to linger, I just want to leave and get back to my hotel." She says "Okay, but you have to eat in the tavern". So this is cool, a whole room to myself and she actually was accomadating although it probably was because she saw anger flaring up in my eyes. The waiter was super nice, eloquently spoken, and elegantly handling my bread, water, and menus. I ordered chicken breast, mashed potatos, and vegetables. It was good, very hardy. I liked it. Something my parents would make, very American, decent portion. Sucks I'm not stuffed though 2 hours later, so I have to walk over to a grocery store to get snacks, but I guess most people would still be full. I took a walk around this historic building and I loved the atmosphere. Once I mentioned that I plan to Yelp the place, the waiter started to explain the history. I guess I put a fire under his Revolutionary ass. I loved everything about the peoples outfits, the buildings, the art, the maps on the walls. Really up my alley. Just watched John Adams last night. Perfect timing is guess.
(4)
Xinyuan W.
if you are a tourist in philly and looking for a fun time and a good beer after walking around, this place is perfect. loved their microbrews, try the George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, awesome. really fun place and food is pretty good. servers dress up in customs.
(5)
Anne P.
Ate here in 2002 on a trip to Philly, but decided I needed a good review in case people look at all my reviews and decide I am a dining curmudgeon. I got the Martha Washington pot pie. Oh glory, cardiac arrest this dish had to be made with heavy cream and was delicious. Loved the Jefferson biscuits, enjoyed his ale. Rest of the family enjoyed their dinners and the food was good. Way cool to have servers in period costume and to sit in a place where Adams, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and others had informal meetings while the Continential Congress was in session.
(5)
Tim G.
Dinner in the basement with a false fire alarm. Food was good but not great. The price was high for what you get. Without the history this place is a 2 star.
(3)
Nadezda K.
Great atmosphere, friendly stuff. Try beer sampler for $12, amazing variety. 5 stars to veal sausage and duck entrees. Perfect place for any occasion!
(5)
John A.
If you are looking for a dining experience or drinks to compliment your day in old town, the City Tavern is a good place to go. If you're expecting an exceptional meal - not so much so. The food is expensive and very bland. I'm glad we went for the experience but wouldn't recommend dining there.
(2)
Gary C.
Chef Walter Staib really hits home! The City Tavern, a Philadelphia Landmark and Tavern since before the revolution is THE PLACE to go when your in the Old City section of Philadelphia. The Service is Excellent as is the food! It's no wonder why our Founding Fathers chose this Tavern to plan the Revolution! I suggest you tried the home made Duck Sausage with Red Cabbage. This is the Best Red Cabbage I've ever had, except for my German Mothers! (Sorry Chef Staib, I had to put that there!). The Fried Oysters were PERFECT! The Roasted Rack of Ribs were beautifully prepared as well as aesthetically pleasing. I was in a historic mood so I choose the Martha Washington Turkey Pot Pie. A REAL POT PIE with Flaky Puff Pastry and fresh Vegetables. The Breads were all Freshly Baked and Delicious (NOT DAY OLD!). City Tavern has an extensive wine list, however, I chose the Beer Sampler. A collection of 7 original recipes from our Founding Fathers. All Seven were Excellent. As with any Celebrity Chef, There's plenty of opportunity to pick up a number of Chef Walter Staibs Cookbooks. There's also Plenty of history to look at on the walls. If you're traveling to Philly or you're in the area, I Strongly Suggest you make a reservation for the City Tavern and you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Jackie A.
Great atmosphere, just ok food. I really loved that this was in such an old, historic building- the place is just so famous, I felt like I really had to go during my visit to Philly. The service is great. Everyone we talked to was very kind and helpful. However, it took FOREVER to get our food. We snacked on some bread- apparently the sweet potato biscuits were Thomas Jefferson's favorites- they sure taste like it- straight from the 18th century they were so hard and dry. Yeah the bread was pretty gross. When our food came, nothing was bad, but nothing was unforgettable or amazing. Just standard, old food... My meat pie was good, the sausages were ok... they did have really good sauerkraut. We skipped out on desert because we had just been sitting at the table too long. Overall, I wouldn't go back, but if you're doing the historical thing, you should go at LUNCH... I would never pay their dinner prices for their food- I would have been much more disappointed. Maybe their dinner is really good, but I wouldn't risk it.
(3)
Lauren T.
Yes, the costumes were cheesy, but the beer was good! Try the Thomas Jefferson ale.
(4)
H M.
food was good but on the heavy side of things for lunch. ambiance is good
(3)
Charie L.
I booked my company's event at City Tavern, Phildelphia and the service was great. Staffs are all friendly and we got good feedback from our guests that they are happy with their service, especially the food--saludos to Chef Walter Staib and the ambiance of the restaurant--saludos as well to Mark Carroll who add his colonial harp music to it! Phenomenal! I would recommend City Tavern to anyone. It is a perfect place for any corporate or small events, dinner for two or just simply going back to our History.
(5)
Paul P.
TERRIBLE! Wow, as a resident here in Philadelphia I decided to plan a visit to City Tavern with friends who were visiting me. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to expose visitors to a genuine experience that encompassed the our city's history while patronizing a local establishment. I should have gone elsewhere and am embarrassed for the rude, abrasive service that I received and I can assure that I will never ever go back. It takes a minute to ruin a reputation and years to establish a good one. I sugest City Tavern to take a close look at the staff who greet those who walk through their door, answer their calls, and so on because it is hurting your reputation and surely your reservation listings.... I am proud to call Philadelphia my place of residence and am always thrilled to be part of an area which is always friendly to outsiders... However, this place sadly was the complete opposite of who we are as Philadelphians....
(1)
Kelly S.
This is a very tourist-y place to go, but it can be fun if you've got out-of-town family visiting and they're too middle-aged to take them out for a wild night of boozing it up. The staff wears period costumes, and the food is meant to be what you would have found on a menu in a tavern in Philly in the 1700's. So expect meat and potatoes and other hearty fare. The food's not bad, but it's a bit overpriced. I guess you're paying for the performance aspect of the whole dining experience, though. As mentioned in other reviews, the Founders' beer selections are pretty good. Check it out if you're looking for something a little different, or, like I said, if you've got parents in town.
(4)
Lindsay K.
We were going to go to a different restaurant for dinner, but heard that City Tavern served beer made with recipes from Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The building itself is really cool. We learned that Paul Revere went there to tell everyone about his famous ride, and that a party was held there after the Constitution was signed (sidenote..the building is a replica, but the site is the same). They also serve 18th century recipes. I should have checked how much the food was before we went, because entrees were around $30 a plate! We ordered two beer samplers and two appetizers and spent $55, including tip. Just be prepared that's even though it says it's a tavern, the prices don't reflect that at all.
(4)
Gerard M.
Really had a fun time here with the family recently, for a weekday lunch. It's authentic without being hokey. The food was terrific, and the service was steady. It's a lovely setting, and good for the kids, if they are behaved. One appetizer, 5 entrees, a couple of desserts, and a few drinks came to $170. That includes a six pack of the colonial era recipe beers, to go. Well worth the experience.
(5)
Joe D.
i took my wife for a birthday in early dec and it was better than i expected. we were seated in a romantic corner of an almost empty room upstairs. candle light and their hot cider (spiced w/ peach brandy, Canadian whisky & Jamaican rum) were a great start to our authentic colonial dinner. everything at this place is authentic and true to the period. i had a crock of french onion soup and the fresh Pennsylvania trout over a bed of barley, served with autumn vegetables. it was all prepared perfectly. every detail was top notch. i finished up with the baked apple cobbler and cinnamon ice cream. again, it was all executed without flaw.
(4)
lisa g.
City Tavern is interesting as a 'historic landmark' but the food is overpriced and very mediocre . Our food was luke warm and tasteless - it's a very tourist spot
(2)
John M.
This is a fun place, full of history and good food. I went with a group, so my experience might differ than that of a traditional diner. The wait staff was great, knowledgeable, and seemed to enjoy their job. We ate in the room upstairs and it was served buffet style. The food was all very excellent (which is rare for buffet) and I have been dying to go back. Great experience!!
(5)
Michelle S.
Experience history through food! Get greeted and served by folks dressed colonial style. Drink from goblets, not glass. That's what you'll get at City Tavern. John Adams and Paul Revere had been here before. I tried the beef pie for lunch here - twice cooked beef in a flaky puff pastry. Not bad! I didn't care too much for the sweet and sour cabbage that came with it though. The best part of the meal was the soup - chunks of savory beef and noodles. Very hearty! This is a must-see spot for tourists in Philly!
(3)
Jerry S.
Walked by several times as it is in a tourist spot but finally ate lunch with family. Great place, wonderful authentic food. Will go again next trip into the Independence Mall area.
(4)
Michael L.
i went there with a good friend in the christmas season of 2009 the food and drinks i had were very good i had the martha washingtion turkey pot pie and Thoams jefferson beer was very good there waitress and waitress dress up in colinal outfits the place has 1700 feel to it the place is expensive but its worth it stay away from the egg nog
(3)
Diana D.
OK I'm giving this place five stars for a reason: the ambiance. The food we ordered was pretty good, plus the beer. It was basic food, but well done in my humble opinion. Loved the B. Franklin stout w/ a sweet molasses after-taste. I ordered Marth Washington's pot pie and it was divine. The crust was just how I like it. We were all happy w/ the service. The bar was inviting, too. We went during a weekday at dusk. They were lighting candles and I loved the shadowy light cast. We had fun talking to the wait staff.
(5)
Claire W.
I am giving this 4 stars as "historic" taverns go - at least 2/3 of the menu is items recreating food that would have been eaten in the late 1700's. We got a wonderful waitress (unlike another reviewer) who was outgoing and attentive. From her I learned that Chicken Madeira is an American dish, as Madeira could be picked up directly by ships coming to the Americas (versus other spirits that had to come from British ports). We were seated on the second floor in what we were told would have been a nicer area. At the urging of our waitress I tried the duckling and barley, and liked it although I don't generally eat duck. The only part I didn't like were the vegetables, which I thought ought to have been cooked a bit more, but that may be a personal bias. (The duckt did stay with me all day, as duck is heavy, but that was probably good in the colonists day). My husband and I had mulled wine. The hot drinks were served in glass and the ice water in pewter, interestingly. Apparently various impersonators that are unaffiliated with the restaurant wander in sometimes. We missed chatting with "the gentleman from Massachusetts" to know who he was. There are entrees that probably have little historic significance, but the reason to go here is to experience the history, not to eat an everyday meal.
(4)
Gina S.
My husband and I stumbled upon this place. Read the ads on the outside and decided to give it a try, after all President Adams recommended this place. We ordered some fried oysters, there were shells in the oysters. Worse, they use frozen oysters. The cornmeal was totally overcooked. My chicken was dry (over cooked?), and the sauce was thick and salty, canned swanson? My husband ordered something completely different, and guess what? SAME gravy! Well we learned our lesson, great ambience and LOVED the sweet potato bread.
(3)
Dave K.
Colonial theme restaurant. A replica bldg on the site of the original where Founding Fathers, their families and friends dined. Wait staff in period dress. Tables, chairs and place settings of the period. Menu based on recipes of the time. Beers available brewed from actual recipes of the founding fathers. Food is prepared in the original style (to today's standards). Our experience was possibly that the A-Team had the evening off. Service was slow - not as attentive as we are accustomed to receiving. The waitress didn't have answers to basic questions; such as: What type of crab is used in the crab cakes? she had to be reminded to bring ordered wine and asked for a water refill, and didn't return to ask for a beer order. Our host described a much higher quality of food preparation, but had to admit that perhaps there was a new cook (not a chef) in the kitchen. Still, everyone was friendly, the food still good, if expensive, and a good time was had by all. Perhaps our expectation exceeded the delivery? I'll recommend it only for the themed experience. There is better food at more reasonable prices with better service at many restaurants in the area.
(2)
Debbie Chiou S.
nice to try beers you can't get anywhere, but it's much too kitschy.
(3)
Kerry M.
I was really excited to try this place after checking out all the historic places in Philly. I was so looking forward to having a great meal after walking quite a few blocks to get here. It was just OK. I like the atmosphere and the way the servers dress - gives you a feeling of the way it was back then. Both my husband's and my Dad's meals were cold. Had the turkey pot pie which was alright - only a few pieces of turkey. Huge-ass salad also. One plus was the beer. Can't even remember the dessert. Another good thing was that our server was very nice and she took good care of our table. I guess I had too high of expectations.
(3)
Jacky O.
Philadelphians who view this as a tourist hot-spot may be overlooking a great dinner option that is right in their back yard. We sampled a wide variety of items on the menu and thought everything was great. The recipes really do evoke a sense of colonial times in a way that's surprisingly not tacky. Try the colonial beer flight - or two. This place is, of course, great if you're hosting out-of-towners.
(4)
Nosniv X.
After spending an hour drinking Thomas Jeffersons beer and a porter by George Washington, I began to wonder how the Declaration of Independance ever got written. Tasty beer and a good place to reflect on the founding of the country. The menu is on the pricy side, if you are just touring around and over 50 this is a place for you.
(3)
miriam b.
Well I didn't really care for the potatoe leek soup because it was a bit bland, but it was fun to have a chance to sit here and go back more than 200 years and wonder what it might have been like for many of the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the discussions that went on whilst they nursed tankards of brew. Roast beef was very good. The waiter was pissy when we were there, but he soon warmed up once someone complimented him on his faux Lord Fauntleroy looking costume.
(3)
Brendan c.
Great place to go when in Philly. The food is traditional 1776 but excellent. It's a historical theme resturant. You'll have fun I promise.
(5)
Mark S.
It was authentic enough to not have "Ye Olde Vegetarean Meel" - but the mashed potatoes and apple cider I did have were fine. The salad was . . . a salad. Our waiter used some period language and was dressed funny, and the water was served in cooled metal goblets. There was a guy playing a harp. I'm not sure if these things justify the cost for the meal, but luckily I wasn't paying!
(3)
Dan S.
Terrible service! We waited a 30 minutes before anyone even acknowledged we were even there. We were seated right across from where the bartender resides. I had to plead with one of the period dressed waiters to help us. Finally, my wife and I left.
(2)
love n.
i live in the city and we have lots of great restaurants. haven't been to city tavern in years because didn't care for the food in the past. figured i'd try it again since i was with someone new to the city and thought it might be fun. the good part is the building is nice and they do a good job at making it feel like it's a place that's been around forever. the outfits the staff wear are cool for the area with all the history around. also, the service was decent... now, the food is the issue here. it's not aweful but it's not good, average at best. most items are blah and overpriced. for the same amount of money, there are tons of restaurants in the city that have much better food. nothing we had was very good or memorable... this is basically a "neat" place to eat for tourists or someone that was hangin out at the liberty bell or independence hall all day and wanted to keep the historical theme going. if you're goal is to have great food, pick one of the many other better restaurants in the area.
(2)
Gourmet G.
Originally built in 1773, this was the convening site for the Constitutional Convention, as well as the setting for one of George Washington's inaugural celebrations. The cuisine here is authentic early American, with many of the dishes adapted from 18th Century recipes. Veal sausage with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, honey-glazed duck with asparagus, and medallions of venison with leeks are among the traditional entrees served by a staff in period dress. A children's menu suggests this is an ideal place for family dining, but you may feel differently after seeing the prices.
(5)
Heather R.
Normally, I'm ware of recommendations from tour guides, but this suggestion was spot-on. We came here for lunch yesterday, were seated promptly, and given "colonial" bread (one was made with cornmeal, one with molasses, and one was a thickly-cut white loaf). My mom ordered braised rabbit, and I ordered THE BEST TURKEY POT PIE I have ever had. Both dishes came with a side, so you are full, but not stuffed when you leave. The restaurant prides itself on remaining true to colonial customs, and the staff are dressed in colonial garb, and most of the dishes (and the bread) are either authentic or variations of what was consumed during colonial times.
(5)
Dan M.
Cool historic place to visit as you are walking around and touring the Independence historic sites of Philly. Nice historic building, and interesting building. I thought there would be a bigger bar area, as the inside is mostly for sit-down eaters. They do have a nice large deck and outside patio as well. They offer 4 "historic" beers brewed especially from local brewing company Yards Brewing. I tried the historic Jefferson 1774 tavern ale as I needed to wet my whistle on a hot day, and this was a good one to try. They offer a sampler flight of all 4 historic beers as well, but I didn't have time on this trip.
(3)
Christine W.
This was truly a five star meal. An acquaintance of mine introduced me to this restaurant on July 3 rd. I must say it was a delight. Everything about the experience was 5 stars. It is in it s original location from when George Washington and friends dined and met there. It was torn down and rebuilt in it s original spot. The interior reflects what the tavern looked like as well as the exterior. We ate upstairs and it was great because no one was there and it was peace and quiet. Our waiter was also dressed in period costume as all employees were. We started with a glass of Riesling and a beer that Was Thomas Jefferson s recipe. This recipe is only available here for purchase. I would have purchased a six pack but carrying it around all day would be too much. But, it was good. We were served three types of bread made from original recipes of the period. Asked the waiter what he recommended. It was the award winning turkey pot pie. We both made the same choice and I am glad we did! It certainly was not a Swanson! And it deserved to be award winning. The only regret I have about the restaurant is that it is not closer. If in town go. tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…
(5)
Mitch E.
C'mon you can't try to be a historically accurate colonial themed establishment and not do the bathrooms. I wanted to urinate in a horse trough! Upon entering City Tavern, I was surprised to see that the place was actually a colonial themed spot. Seemed a bit touristy, which is not my thing, (except Reading Terminal Market, I'd kill for the food) but why not?!?! I probably wouldn't have gone here knowing that, but I'm not too cool for school. We got a seat in the back by the bar. I got the Ales of the Revolution. A large beer flight dedicated to some of our most important forefathers. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Hamilton. I think the Jefferson and Hamilton were the best. Which is unfortunate, if I could meet one person from the past, it would be George Washington. He's the most badass person I can think of. We split the mallard duck sausage. It was exactly what I was looking for. A small delicious snack that I could wash down with all the beers. I have to admit, I came here not expecting something touristy. When it was I was apprehensive, but I really enjoyed myself. It helped that it wasn't flooded with people, like other touristy folks. Just get a worse looking bathroom next time, and everything will be perfect.
(5)
Alex H.
First visit for us and it was fun. We were only out for lunch and were spending the day walking so we only had salads, which was not a mistake but watching the delicious meals being delivered nearby made us second guess that decision! I definitely suggest enjoying the meals as this place is geared towards these hearty dishes not so much the salads. They were good but not memorable (I can't remember what mine was called but I'll call it a Cobb) The beer flight was fun, definitely suggest that as a start. The history of the tavern made for a great time and I look forward to coming back and eating real food!
(4)
Matt D.
Visited for the first time for lunch on 8/22/15 and it was a very nice experience. As has been stated in other reviews, this restaurant is built on the original foundation of a tavern that some of the founders of our country would meet to discuss the news of the day. It has 3 floors and the decor is what you might expect to see back in the 1700's. There are plenty of pictures that others have shared here that will make my point. The water goblets are made out of pewter which was a nice touch. We were also served a basket that had several different types of bread. There were also a couple of biscuits that were made from sweet potato as well. All were very good. We ordered a beer sampler of 4 different types of beer that was called, "Ales of the Revolution". Each beer has a distinct flavor and is based on recipes by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Our favorite was Hamilton's Federalist Ale which has a nice citrus flavor. I had an appetizer that sounds simple but was very good as well. I can't remember the name of it but it was toast that was fried in butter with sliced mushrooms and cheese. It might not sound like much but it was delicious. We also had Pepper Pot Stew which was very good. The food and service was great, bathrooms were clean, and the recreation of a tavern from the 1700's was well done. I highly recommend you visit the Tavern.
(4)
Alicia H.
What can I say, the food was great, the atmosphere was on point with it's colonial decor and table settings, but the waitstaff left a lot to be desired. Upon arriving, we were asked to wait in a room to the right of the entrance, furnished with traditional colonial furniture and fixtures. It wasn't a long wait, so no complaints there. We were seated at a nice four top table in another room down the hall (there are from what I understand 10 dining rooms in all) The tables were neatly set with beautiful china from the time period, including really neat, but plain pewter chalices. My 7 year old was thrilled. Our waiter came over, dressed in colonial costume and recited the specials. He served our water in the pewter cups. Strangely, he did not ask us if we would like anything else to drink. After a short wait, we ordered. My grandmother ordered the shrimp and crab salad, myself I had the Escallope veal, and my son, of course the chicken tenders. We also ordered a beer sampler. The waiter could have been a little more interested in our order, could have checked on us mid meal, and could have acted as though he enjoyed being there, but we joked, his attitude must have been that of the colonial times. Over all, the food was excellent, the restaurant itself was very nice, and while we could care less if the waiter was friendly or not, we still enjoyed our visit.
(4)
T W.
Would definitely recommend this place. They make every effort to be true to the time period. Great rabbit dosk, pork chop is good if you favor ham and the small biscuit is awesome. Beer flight is a good taste of history
(4)
Carol H.
Very unique looking restaurant that makes you feel you're living in the days of Ben Franklin. Besides that, the restaurant is lackluster (probably just attracts the tourists). The food is simply ordinary (borderline not good), especially for the price. The dishes are exactly as it sounds on the menu. Black Forest Ham & Asparagus is a plate of ham thrown with some boiled? asparagus, nothing special to warrant the $14. Basil Shrimp included 4 bacon-wrapped shrimp drenched in BBQ sauce. For the price, you'd think there would be more effort. This is food I expect at a local dive bar.
(2)
June K.
Would I stop in every Saturday for drinks here if I lived here? Probably not. But i would definitely take any friends or family who are visiting me IF I lived in Philly. What a fun spot! My boyfriend dragged me around through museums and historical monuments and I was so happy to find this place to take a break. I really enjoyed sampling colonial beers but the cocktails were great as well! a Philly must!
(4)
Michael W.
You go here for the history, but the food is good too! This chef knows how to cook. I had the pork chop. It was thick and flavorful and NOT dry at all like many get. The potato and cole slaw that came with also good! Also tried the pepperpot soup and it was quite tasty! Yes waiters are dressed in Colonial Attire. My waiter was foreign born, but hey this is America! We all came from somewhere sometime ago. A man also in period attire played the harp at night when I was there. Very nice. Restroom is in the basement. If your reading this I expect you already know, this was the place the founding fathers gathered and visited and drank. However it burned down long long ago, and after over 150 years the National Park Service had this new version created but it was made to be as original as possible. It opened again in 1975. Many of the same dishes served for dinner can be had for approx. 2/3 the price at lunch. Helpful hint- bring a small flashlight to read the menu as they keep it was too dark in here. Maybe that is in keeping with the period as they have table lamps but one little flame isn't enough to let 2 people see a menu.
(4)
Tim S.
A delicious meal of food that's from late 1700's with a new style to it. It surprises you on flavors and how they present the food.
(5)
Tim A.
This restaurant was everything that I would hope it would have been. The food was really really good. We both had the Lobster Pie. Our appetizer was the cornmeal fried oysters and all of this was too much food that were not able to finish. I would get the beer flight. You can try all of the different types of Yards beers they have on tap. They were all very good.
(5)
David C.
Had the Benjamin Franklin chicken was perfectly breaded and fried. Came wity a glass of wine perfectly paired. Great overall experience.
We chose City Tavern as the place to host a small law school graduation dinner for my husband (6 people total), as we had enjoyed our dining experience there a year earlier. This particular visit turned out to be one of the most dysfunctional and expensive dining experiences we've ever had. The first faux pas happened almost immediately when the server and his trainee assistant neglected to serve us the champagne toast I had arranged for in advance. Hoping to keep this part of the celebration a surprise to my husband, I asked the hostess about champagne toast. She shrugged her shoulders and said that the server had been informed that we had requested the toast. I decided to let it go, since our guests had just placed their individual drink orders. Despite it being a relatively quiet Thursday evening, our appetizers took about 45 minutes to come out. The meals came out an hour later with one dish being completely cold and another being the incorrect order. Our servers were absent during most of this time, although one of our guests spotted them hanging out in the basement during a trip to the restroom, and we were only offered water refills and another round of drinks after asking. When the Martha Washington cake--which I had pre-ordered along with the champagne toast--came out as dessert, I had flashbacks of the disinterested host that had answered the phone when I called to request these meal "upgrades"--as suggested by the restaurant's reservation confirmation email. He had seemed annoyed when I asked for the cake to have writing on it: "Congrats --husband's name--, J.D." He seemed so annoyed that I was afraid to ask him to confirm the spelling. Well, my husband's name was spelled wrong on the cake and apparently we were celebrating him earning a "J.B." degree. I'm giving City Tavern 2 stars instead of 1, because the food that was served properly tasted quite good overall. Walter Staib as a strong reputation, but his restaurant has a service problem. $450 later (gratuity included for our inattentive servers, since we were a party of more than 5), we left disappointed. We will not be returning to City Tavern.
Visiting this place is like taking a trip back to history. With colonial style decor, big centre candle in glass stands and waitstaff dressed in colonial costumes, this is a great place to spend a date with past. We went in pretty late in afternoon so we ordered a corn chowder soup and a coffee cake with a cup of coffee. The soup was delicious and was served in a metal goblet. But the cake was just ok. Overall the experience is great, but the food is ok.
(3)
Rebecca K.
Touristy place, but definitely worth the visit. City Tavern is tucked away behind the trees and is claimed to be the oldest standing tavern in Philly where the Founding Fathers used to chill after writing the Declaration of Independence and stuff. The staff are wearing traditional colonial wear with the long socks and everything. The atmosphere is nice - indoors or outdoors. I didn't get any food, but I got the flight which was pretty good (and you go dark to light...which is different). My favorite was the Thomas Jefferson. I can't say anything on the food, but just come here to see it and grab a brew!
(3)
Jodie S.
I have lived in Philly for years and never made it City Tavern. My family was coming in from out of town so I decided this would be a good time to try it out. It was my sister's birthday so I went ahead to see if I could leave my credit card to cover the bill. Fighting over the check at the end of a meal is literally my biggest pet peeve. When we entered the girl at the front told me that I should have talked to her manager who just went upstairs. She just stared at me blankly and had no idea what I was talking about. I stormed out the door. I can sometimes be dramatic. I was about to change my reservation to somewhere else but my patient and gracious husband told me to chill out and leave things as they were. I'm so glad I listen to him sometimes. We arrived and were seated. Our server Davonte came to our table and within moments I knew this was going to be a fantastic dinner. He is quite possibly one of the best servers I have ever encountered. Not only did he give us a history lesson throughout the dinner, he was funny and kind from beginning to end. He paid so much attention to what we were saying and it was evident in our service. The food was great. I'm going to be honest and say that if Davonte wasn't our waiter, I probably would not have been terribly impressed with the food but sometimes atmosphere wins. I had the tenderloin medallions and they were delicious. I tried my sister's pot pie and it was spectacular but everything had bernaise sauce and mushrooms. Like everything. I understand that it is meant to mimic the food of the forefathers but can a girl get different veggie or a non cream based - salt laden sauce? Although I will say the sweet potato rolls were amazing. I may make them for Christmas. The cocktails are sugary so be warned. George Washington didn't have teeth - coincidence? All in all it was a memorable evening with a lot of laughs and I would completely return.
(4)
Sundi P.
We love old restaurants and City Tavern is amazing. The food was excellent! We didn't know that reservations are recommended, but a spot had just come open when we arrived so we were lucky. I had the lamb which was the best I've ever had. My husband had the turkey pot pie which came with a side of stroganoff. He loved it too. We ended our dinner with the pecan pie glazed with dark chocolate.
(5)
Colleen E.
Quirky, kitchy fun................. The food was ok, but the whole experience was very cool and touristy. I dont know if I would do it again, but I am glad I went.
(3)
John L.
Seafood Melange is exceptional. Try the beer sampler. Service was fantastic. Completely booked but they worked me in within 10 minutes.
(4)
Dee M.
Check out Sean b's recent review which nails it on the head. Must try: Ben Franklin's Spruce Ale. His recipe from the 1770's. Again attentive service from all involved. Having sampled mostly everything here i tried a new one. The wiener schnitzel was a buttery flavored light batter over 2 ample sized veal slices. Accompanying veggies were a delight. My friend had the Chicken Madeira and raved about it. He loved his cocktail which was colonial in nature Clean plate club for both of us !
(5)
My D.
I love going to "historical" restaurants to experience the environment and the specialties. The one I tried in Boston was a bit of a disappointment in terms of food so I did not have high expectations. But City Tavern exceeded my expectations. The food was amazing (and definitely a big portion of food) (Note: you get a metal goblet filled with icy cold water to quench your thirst after a day of sightseeing and a complimentary bread basket with butter), the service was wonderful, and the environment was cozy. I love the dinner by candlelight. The people who work there are dressed up in period costumes which was a plus! I got the Duckling and my boyfriend got the Rabbit (shared so we got to try both). Yum! Great for family. Casual dress code.
(5)
Chris H.
Once you've had their apple smoked pork chops you will never bother trying to make them at home ever again. Seriously, everything on our plates was top-notch. I didn't even know I LIKED sauerkraut! The colonial-style oysters were my 7yr old's favorite, oddly enough. And the founding fathers beer sampler - - awesome. The chef nailed it ! We are definitely going back.
(5)
Sean C.
Since 1773. Our founding forefathers Thomas Jefferson & Benjamin Franklin congregated to booze here, in fact, they came up with recipes that prevail today. Thomas Jefferson's "1774 Tavern Ale," with a splendid amber and nice frizzy finish, would make my Top Ten Beers of all-time. Tastes similar to Maine's masterful "Allagash." I wouldn't go as far to say it's the greatest bar in America, but it could be one of the most essential. I mean the foundation of not just America, but the tradition of beer, began here in Philadelphia. Oh, I almost forgot. There's food here, too. I wish I had ordered the "Roasted Duckling" instead (a few bites, amazingly tender), or even the flaky-fun "Turkey Pot Pie," but I went another way. Alas, this was the first and last time I will have "Braised Rabbit." Too heavy, so heavy and sinewy it made me throaty and felt stuck in my sternum for three days -- I was incessantly bloated. This is a rare case where food sapped my energy but couldn't keep me away from awarding the experience as a whole a grand total of 5-stars. It's about the rustic rooms, the ghosts of our forefathers, and that 1774 beer recipe. Yahoo. Serious. #bustabutton
(5)
Jason K.
My family had a fantastic dinner with a history lesson included. The food was very good and our server Dan was great. He entertained my children with stories from the colonial time and even brought our bonnets for them to wear during the meal. He made our first night in Philky a memory my kids will have forever. Thank you!
(5)
Mallory M.
We were incredibly impressed with our waiter Tom! He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the tavern's history and the executive chef. He even serenaded us!! The food did not disappoint either! The Thomas Jefferson biscuits were the highlight of the bread basket (we even took some to go). I had the tomato and onion salad. The dressing and fresh ingredients made for a delicious salad. For my main course I had the turkey pot pie. It came out piping hot. What a delicious crust for the pie! What a fun place to enjoy a meal with friends and family while learning about the food and tavern's history! Definitely should be on the list when planning a visit to Philly!
(5)
Jamie T.
I drank George Washington's beer recipe, and I liked it. How many people can actually say they drank the first president's beer in the very same tavern that he hung out in? Very historical place, it's worth stopping in for a drink and a snack. I felt bad for the staff, because they had to dress in 1700's era formal attire, but they kept a good attitude!
(4)
Matthew M.
What an absolute fantastic experience!! The ability to drink in the same building where George Washington and the continental congress partied is a dream come true!! Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to sample the food but the drinks were delicious between the yards sampler and the apple brandy cider...yum!! The employees are all dressed up in the old colonial attire, the only thing that could have made this better was to add wigs and an accent. Will definitely come back here when I visit Philly again!!
(5)
Christina S.
This is a wonderful place for the historic experience. The food is perfect for a cold winter night. The ambience is cozy, warm and dark. Think heavy, comfort food. Our server Harris was helpful and attentive. The 4 beer tasting is a great value. One criticism, the flowers used throughout the tavern looked like they were left over from Thanksgiving....dried up dead asters. Come on, buy a few poinsettias...!
(4)
Rue M.
Great idea having the Colonial Tavern but the food is so mediocre -it could be so much better
(2)
L O.
This is a review of the bar, not the restaurant. The bar was incredible, with excellent beers to boot. If you do one thing in Philadelphia, see the liberty bell. But if you do two things, drink here. I especially recommend the Revolutionary Ale, slightly pricey but they are the original recipes used by the founding fathers. No hyperbole, they are the best beers I have ever tasted. As a Brit I'm glad America won it's independence as it allowed them to make such excellent drinks.
(5)
Carlton S.
After a fun-filled day throughout historic Philadelphia, we decided to eat at what John Adams once described as "the most genteel tavern in America"...The City Tavern. A reconstructed version of the meeting place, eatery, and local watering hole that once played host to the very men that founded our great country, The City Tavern instantly takes you back to the most tumultuous time in our nation's history. The look and feel we're very authentic, having been a student of early American history for some time. The food was wonderfully prepared- certainly the highlight of our experience there. We started with the Country Salad and Tomato & Onion Salad- simple and basic in preparation for what I hoped would be a very flavorful meal. Our main courses consisted of braised rabbit and medallions of beef tenderloin. The braised rabbit dish consisted of two very good size marinated and braised rabbit legs covered in a mushroom-vegetable red wine sauce, all atop a bed of large egg noodles. The medallions dish consisted of several extremely (cut with a fork) tender pan seared medallions of beef covered in a Burgundy, demi-glaze sauce. Accompanying them were mashed potatoes, asparagus, and squash. It is hard to imagine a bad dish there as everything that came out of the kitchen looked as good as the one before. Our server was extremely friendly, although he could have been slightly more attentive and knowledgable about the menu. All in all, I would definitely return. I also recommend this restaurant for anyone wanting to get a sense of food dishes from our nation's founding.
(4)
Lilli C.
A touristy, colonial style restaurant with great service and mediocre food. The upstairs dining area looks like a large banquet hall with overly bright lighting. The front room has a cozy fireplace which would be nice for enjoying a cocktail on a cold winter evening. The west indies pepperpot soup was delicious, but overly salty. The cornmeal crusted oysters were quite sizable and nicely fried, but didn't have much flavor in the breading and could have actually used more salt. For my entree I had the pan seared brook trout, which wasn't that great. It had thick breading on it, lacked seasoning and was over a bed of herbed barley which I wasn't a fan off- they tasted like slimy beads. My dinner companion had the crispy duck which seemed amazing, although I didn't actually get to sample any. For dessert we had some kind of shortbread pastry w/ ice cream. The shortbread was good but overly sweet but the ice cream was delicious. The place was nice to try since I'd never been before but I probably wouldn't go back for dinner, but would maybe stop in for a beer/cocktail.
(3)
Chad S.
Classic and historical and a great spot to catch a drink while on your trek around Independence Park. Definitely get the ale sampler!!
(5)
Patty S.
Such a great experience to end our day in Philadelphia! Our server, Dejuan was the best! Very knowledgeable and hospitable! Try the Apple Cider Warmer and franklin's original brew! Thanks City Tavern for the great time and food!!!!
(5)
Gilbert M.
Come here and expect: $$, a restaurant that does keep to being "colonialistic"....not trendy (it's not a club) , not comfortable (it's not a coffee bar), just a blast to the past of the late 1800s, and worth your consideration (THE FOLLOWING IS BASED ON BEER OUTING ONLY) What I got from it: When I saw that this place was the site for the conversations between Jefferson, Franklin, and others who would stay up late discussing and debating the future of our nation, I HAD TO COME HERE. I dropped my plans to go visit a nationally famous beer location called Monk's Cafe, and I made sure that my evening plans were going to be spending time at the Tavern, in honor of history. So yea, expectations were high. Then I saw the plaque that basically said I was entering a reconstructed version of the Tavern that originally stood in the same place, but had been torn down a long while back, only to be resurrected by the city itself in honor of its history. Hm. I went in anyways. What I got excited about was to have some ales that were done according to the recipes that Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson used to make their own homebrews. These were produced by the famous Yards Brewery that has obviously been trying to get Philly to love it as its only brew of choice. I saw them advertised even in tourist shops. Needless to say, I still gave the ales a shot, and so very glad I did. Beer doesn't have to be pigeonholed to be only interesting and hoppy. It should be, at minimal, good to style. Whether you personally love it or not needs to be placed in that seperate context. I had the Jefferson Tavern Ale which was an English Strong Ale style. It had a subtle malt smell, was crisp and malty with an light aromatic aftertaste. So very well done to style! So, don't feel like you're dragging your values down. Order one of the "historic ales," and try to order one of the styles you will like, realizing they will not taste like our current trendy beers do. The bar area is small. It's done simply with wood benches and small chairs. Nothing interesting. But then again maybe that's how it was back in the day? The dinning room areas are where the action is, and I can believe that the men would have a good eat and drink while they were conversing. My friend told me that a guy was playing the harp downstairs, and soon enough my friends and I found ourselves sitting in awe of the angelic music the harpist made while we nursed our ales. We had a pretty fantastic experience. We'll be back, if only to have more harp encounters.
(4)
Donald J.
The history and atmosphere was terrific! Food was great, our party had the rabbit and the duck! The service was very slow! Just getting water when we were seated took 10 minutes and then it was another 10 minutes before we saw our waiter for the first time. This theme continued throughout the evening which included a 15 minute wait for the check. The upside on the service is that once we finally ordered the food was delivered to our table rapidly, but with three people in our party our waiter scored a zero % at getting the correct dish to the person who ordered it. I would return but the management needs to address the service problem!
(3)
Bry S.
Amazing lunch that filled us up all day! First, you are given a house baked bread plate with a white bread, a cornmeal/molasses bread, and sweet potato and pecan biscuits (which smells reminiscent of gingerbread) all three were mighty good. We ordered the pork medallions and turkey pot pie. Medallions tasted great with the mashed potatoes and gravy. Turkey pot pie was great but they also give you a bowl of noodles which made it even better. The Yards' "Ales of the Revolution" is worth getting. All 4 beers were very tasty and different (GW porter and TJ ale were my favorites)The wife got an apple cider with apple jack brandy, which was dangerously smooth. The old tavern feel was well done with the heavy water goblets and old looking dinnerware. Service was great especially considering the period costumes the staff has to wear. Don't worry, no one talks in olde English. I would definitely come back and bring others!
(5)
Chris R.
This was a five star restaurant weekend for the wife and I touring Philly. We were getting cold looking around the historic district and were given a coupon for lunch here. Walked a few blocks and were seated on the 2nd floor. Both of us ordered Turkey pot pie with noodles. Delicious! Server was attentive and we received a DVD on the way out with the chefs new show episode on PBS.
(5)
Frank Y.
Incredible food and beer. Both are unique and should be on everyone's bucket list. Best food I have had at a restaurant yet.
(5)
Joelle P.
Hmmm normally I am all for kitschy but this was kind of a miss for me. Apparently they rebuilt this place in the 1970s on the original site...but I'm not really a fan of replicas. I'm more of an "original or nothing" type of girl. The waitstaff dresses in period costumes from the 1700s and normally I'd be asking if I could dress up too but...I dunno...maybe I shouldn't have gone there for lunch. Or maybe I should have drank more...it was just kind of...a let down. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed drinking out of the silver cup like in the olden days. Totally felt like a wench. And the recipes/menu items were from back in the day and that was cool too...but...the whole thing felt...forced? Yes, forced is probably the word I'm looking for. There was no ease to the step back in time. More of a "I'm supposed to feel like I'm in the 1700s...but totally don't..." It almost felt like a theme park which is sad because supposedly this was the first fine dining establishment in America. If you have kids (or cheesey parents), totally go here. They will LOVE it. At least that is what I observed from the screaming ones at the table next to me. Oh, and apparently it is haunted. By a couple of ghosts. So there's that.
(3)
Maria M.
Amazing place! Drinks were great we had champagne shrubs and the spiked cider. All of us greatly enjoyed our meals (pot pie, turnover, seafood pasta. It was great seeing the servers in period dress and learning about the restaurant! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
(5)
Elliot P.
Had some visitors from out of town visiting Philly recently. They have a flair for history and apparently read somewhere (not here) good things about this place. So we ventured out to old city down to the city tavern. Parking was easier than expected, as there was ample street parking as well as a nearby garage. Not too far from the subway stop on the MFL. The decor and ambiance are super nice. The place is a bit dated, but here it's really supposed to be. They light a candle and put a glass case-like thing over it which adds a nice touch. Water is served in these metal goblets which are apparently designed so that they keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. Kind of like a colonial thermos I suppose. The waitstaff are dressed up like they are colonists which is pretty funny. The service is very good there. The waiters will pepper historical facts about the food and such and everything is very prompt. Our waiter dropped a couple of things but replaced them and then some without even having to ask. I liked that. Also a good sense of humor. The food itself was just ok. They brought a few kinds of bread which was good, the white being the best, but the butter was actually quite good. Maybe it was freshly churned or something. The fried oysters were actually really good. I like those a lot. Crispy and moist with a great cream dipping sauce. I ordered the rabbit and perhaps should not have, I haven't ever tried it and was feeling adventurous. It's like chicken, but not as good. I mean, it's probably not that popular because it's just not that good. A bit gamey tasting. It was braised, and the portions of it that were extra soft were significantly better than the less braised portion, So I would suggest asking for it "extra-braised" if that's such a thing. A friend got the lobster pot pie and I had a few bites - it was very tasty, and very pricey. The flaky crust was superb. Had the chocolate mousse cake for dessert, apparently it was Martha Washington's recipe. And apparently Martha didn't know much about chocolate mousse. It was disappointing. While I won't be back, it was not nearly as bad as I was expecting. It's a nice experience if you're into the historical stuff, but if you're not and just looking for dinner, look elsewhere.
(3)
Barry C.
Best crab cakes we had in town, good service with a great beer sampler of old brews! Worth the walk.
(5)
Hollei J.
Firstly, the attire the staff is in completely caught me off guard. But it fits the theme. The food is wholesome. Home style cooked, cut and dry, not at lot of seasoning. Not a super large menu, but very versatile. No problems with my food, i had a variation of fried chicken. Honestly, everything was regular. Can be compared to Cracker Barrel, but CB wins.
(3)
Julie F.
I read about this place and it was certainly cute and charming as the restaurant reflected the colonial days. To make it more charming and realistic, the servers dressed in period costume from back in the days. I had the colonial turkey pot pie which was not a huge portion but was adequate. It was very tasty with good ingredients and a nice gravy and crust. It came with egg noodles with a sauce that I wasn't crazy about. My water glass had some white things floating in it which resembled wax. Hopefully, it wasn't something worse... If you want to pretend you are dining way back when our forefathers did, City Tavern will give you that unique experience.
(3)
Creasy Q.
Great beer and food.
(5)
Christine W.
This was truly a five star meal. An acquaintance of mine introduced me to this restaurant on July 3 rd. I must say it was a delight. Everything about the experience was 5 stars. It is in it s original location from when George Washington and friends dined and met there. It was torn down and rebuilt in it s original spot. The interior reflects what the tavern looked like as well as the exterior. We ate upstairs and it was great because no one was there and it was peace and quiet. Our waiter was also dressed in period costume as all employees were. We started with a glass of Riesling and a beer that Was Thomas Jefferson s recipe. This recipe is only available here for purchase. I would have purchased a six pack but carrying it around all day would be too much. But, it was good. We were served three types of bread made from original recipes of the period. Asked the waiter what he recommended. It was the award winning turkey pot pie. We both made the same choice and I am glad we did! It certainly was not a Swanson! And it deserved to be award winning. The only regret I have about the restaurant is that it is not closer. If in town go. tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…
(5)
Mitch E.
C'mon you can't try to be a historically accurate colonial themed establishment and not do the bathrooms. I wanted to urinate in a horse trough! Upon entering City Tavern, I was surprised to see that the place was actually a colonial themed spot. Seemed a bit touristy, which is not my thing, (except Reading Terminal Market, I'd kill for the food) but why not?!?! I probably wouldn't have gone here knowing that, but I'm not too cool for school. We got a seat in the back by the bar. I got the Ales of the Revolution. A large beer flight dedicated to some of our most important forefathers. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Hamilton. I think the Jefferson and Hamilton were the best. Which is unfortunate, if I could meet one person from the past, it would be George Washington. He's the most badass person I can think of. We split the mallard duck sausage. It was exactly what I was looking for. A small delicious snack that I could wash down with all the beers. I have to admit, I came here not expecting something touristy. When it was I was apprehensive, but I really enjoyed myself. It helped that it wasn't flooded with people, like other touristy folks. Just get a worse looking bathroom next time, and everything will be perfect.
(5)
Alex H.
First visit for us and it was fun. We were only out for lunch and were spending the day walking so we only had salads, which was not a mistake but watching the delicious meals being delivered nearby made us second guess that decision! I definitely suggest enjoying the meals as this place is geared towards these hearty dishes not so much the salads. They were good but not memorable (I can't remember what mine was called but I'll call it a Cobb) The beer flight was fun, definitely suggest that as a start. The history of the tavern made for a great time and I look forward to coming back and eating real food!
(4)
Heather R.
Normally, I'm ware of recommendations from tour guides, but this suggestion was spot-on. We came here for lunch yesterday, were seated promptly, and given "colonial" bread (one was made with cornmeal, one with molasses, and one was a thickly-cut white loaf). My mom ordered braised rabbit, and I ordered THE BEST TURKEY POT PIE I have ever had. Both dishes came with a side, so you are full, but not stuffed when you leave. The restaurant prides itself on remaining true to colonial customs, and the staff are dressed in colonial garb, and most of the dishes (and the bread) are either authentic or variations of what was consumed during colonial times.
(5)
Dan M.
Cool historic place to visit as you are walking around and touring the Independence historic sites of Philly. Nice historic building, and interesting building. I thought there would be a bigger bar area, as the inside is mostly for sit-down eaters. They do have a nice large deck and outside patio as well. They offer 4 "historic" beers brewed especially from local brewing company Yards Brewing. I tried the historic Jefferson 1774 tavern ale as I needed to wet my whistle on a hot day, and this was a good one to try. They offer a sampler flight of all 4 historic beers as well, but I didn't have time on this trip.
(3)
Matt D.
Visited for the first time for lunch on 8/22/15 and it was a very nice experience. As has been stated in other reviews, this restaurant is built on the original foundation of a tavern that some of the founders of our country would meet to discuss the news of the day. It has 3 floors and the decor is what you might expect to see back in the 1700's. There are plenty of pictures that others have shared here that will make my point. The water goblets are made out of pewter which was a nice touch. We were also served a basket that had several different types of bread. There were also a couple of biscuits that were made from sweet potato as well. All were very good. We ordered a beer sampler of 4 different types of beer that was called, "Ales of the Revolution". Each beer has a distinct flavor and is based on recipes by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Our favorite was Hamilton's Federalist Ale which has a nice citrus flavor. I had an appetizer that sounds simple but was very good as well. I can't remember the name of it but it was toast that was fried in butter with sliced mushrooms and cheese. It might not sound like much but it was delicious. We also had Pepper Pot Stew which was very good. The food and service was great, bathrooms were clean, and the recreation of a tavern from the 1700's was well done. I highly recommend you visit the Tavern.
(4)
Alicia H.
What can I say, the food was great, the atmosphere was on point with it's colonial decor and table settings, but the waitstaff left a lot to be desired. Upon arriving, we were asked to wait in a room to the right of the entrance, furnished with traditional colonial furniture and fixtures. It wasn't a long wait, so no complaints there. We were seated at a nice four top table in another room down the hall (there are from what I understand 10 dining rooms in all) The tables were neatly set with beautiful china from the time period, including really neat, but plain pewter chalices. My 7 year old was thrilled. Our waiter came over, dressed in colonial costume and recited the specials. He served our water in the pewter cups. Strangely, he did not ask us if we would like anything else to drink. After a short wait, we ordered. My grandmother ordered the shrimp and crab salad, myself I had the Escallope veal, and my son, of course the chicken tenders. We also ordered a beer sampler. The waiter could have been a little more interested in our order, could have checked on us mid meal, and could have acted as though he enjoyed being there, but we joked, his attitude must have been that of the colonial times. Over all, the food was excellent, the restaurant itself was very nice, and while we could care less if the waiter was friendly or not, we still enjoyed our visit.
(4)
T W.
Would definitely recommend this place. They make every effort to be true to the time period. Great rabbit dosk, pork chop is good if you favor ham and the small biscuit is awesome. Beer flight is a good taste of history
(4)
Carol H.
Very unique looking restaurant that makes you feel you're living in the days of Ben Franklin. Besides that, the restaurant is lackluster (probably just attracts the tourists). The food is simply ordinary (borderline not good), especially for the price. The dishes are exactly as it sounds on the menu. Black Forest Ham & Asparagus is a plate of ham thrown with some boiled? asparagus, nothing special to warrant the $14. Basil Shrimp included 4 bacon-wrapped shrimp drenched in BBQ sauce. For the price, you'd think there would be more effort. This is food I expect at a local dive bar.
(2)
June K.
Would I stop in every Saturday for drinks here if I lived here? Probably not. But i would definitely take any friends or family who are visiting me IF I lived in Philly. What a fun spot! My boyfriend dragged me around through museums and historical monuments and I was so happy to find this place to take a break. I really enjoyed sampling colonial beers but the cocktails were great as well! a Philly must!
(4)
Jamie T.
I drank George Washington's beer recipe, and I liked it. How many people can actually say they drank the first president's beer in the very same tavern that he hung out in? Very historical place, it's worth stopping in for a drink and a snack. I felt bad for the staff, because they had to dress in 1700's era formal attire, but they kept a good attitude!
You go here for the history, but the food is good too! This chef knows how to cook. I had the pork chop. It was thick and flavorful and NOT dry at all like many get. The potato and cole slaw that came with also good! Also tried the pepperpot soup and it was quite tasty! Yes waiters are dressed in Colonial Attire. My waiter was foreign born, but hey this is America! We all came from somewhere sometime ago. A man also in period attire played the harp at night when I was there. Very nice. Restroom is in the basement. If your reading this I expect you already know, this was the place the founding fathers gathered and visited and drank. However it burned down long long ago, and after over 150 years the National Park Service had this new version created but it was made to be as original as possible. It opened again in 1975. Many of the same dishes served for dinner can be had for approx. 2/3 the price at lunch. Helpful hint- bring a small flashlight to read the menu as they keep it was too dark in here. Maybe that is in keeping with the period as they have table lamps but one little flame isn't enough to let 2 people see a menu.
(4)
Tim S.
A delicious meal of food that's from late 1700's with a new style to it. It surprises you on flavors and how they present the food.
(5)
Tim A.
This restaurant was everything that I would hope it would have been. The food was really really good. We both had the Lobster Pie. Our appetizer was the cornmeal fried oysters and all of this was too much food that were not able to finish. I would get the beer flight. You can try all of the different types of Yards beers they have on tap. They were all very good.
(5)
David C.
Had the Benjamin Franklin chicken was perfectly breaded and fried. Came wity a glass of wine perfectly paired. Great overall experience.
(5)
Neha S.
Visiting this place is like taking a trip back to history. With colonial style decor, big centre candle in glass stands and waitstaff dressed in colonial costumes, this is a great place to spend a date with past. We went in pretty late in afternoon so we ordered a corn chowder soup and a coffee cake with a cup of coffee. The soup was delicious and was served in a metal goblet. But the cake was just ok. Overall the experience is great, but the food is ok.
(3)
Rebecca K.
Touristy place, but definitely worth the visit. City Tavern is tucked away behind the trees and is claimed to be the oldest standing tavern in Philly where the Founding Fathers used to chill after writing the Declaration of Independence and stuff. The staff are wearing traditional colonial wear with the long socks and everything. The atmosphere is nice - indoors or outdoors. I didn't get any food, but I got the flight which was pretty good (and you go dark to light...which is different). My favorite was the Thomas Jefferson. I can't say anything on the food, but just come here to see it and grab a brew!
(3)
Kristin L.
We chose City Tavern as the place to host a small law school graduation dinner for my husband (6 people total), as we had enjoyed our dining experience there a year earlier. This particular visit turned out to be one of the most dysfunctional and expensive dining experiences we've ever had. The first faux pas happened almost immediately when the server and his trainee assistant neglected to serve us the champagne toast I had arranged for in advance. Hoping to keep this part of the celebration a surprise to my husband, I asked the hostess about champagne toast. She shrugged her shoulders and said that the server had been informed that we had requested the toast. I decided to let it go, since our guests had just placed their individual drink orders. Despite it being a relatively quiet Thursday evening, our appetizers took about 45 minutes to come out. The meals came out an hour later with one dish being completely cold and another being the incorrect order. Our servers were absent during most of this time, although one of our guests spotted them hanging out in the basement during a trip to the restroom, and we were only offered water refills and another round of drinks after asking. When the Martha Washington cake--which I had pre-ordered along with the champagne toast--came out as dessert, I had flashbacks of the disinterested host that had answered the phone when I called to request these meal "upgrades"--as suggested by the restaurant's reservation confirmation email. He had seemed annoyed when I asked for the cake to have writing on it: "Congrats --husband's name--, J.D." He seemed so annoyed that I was afraid to ask him to confirm the spelling. Well, my husband's name was spelled wrong on the cake and apparently we were celebrating him earning a "J.B." degree. I'm giving City Tavern 2 stars instead of 1, because the food that was served properly tasted quite good overall. Walter Staib as a strong reputation, but his restaurant has a service problem. $450 later (gratuity included for our inattentive servers, since we were a party of more than 5), we left disappointed. We will not be returning to City Tavern.
I have lived in Philly for years and never made it City Tavern. My family was coming in from out of town so I decided this would be a good time to try it out. It was my sister's birthday so I went ahead to see if I could leave my credit card to cover the bill. Fighting over the check at the end of a meal is literally my biggest pet peeve. When we entered the girl at the front told me that I should have talked to her manager who just went upstairs. She just stared at me blankly and had no idea what I was talking about. I stormed out the door. I can sometimes be dramatic. I was about to change my reservation to somewhere else but my patient and gracious husband told me to chill out and leave things as they were. I'm so glad I listen to him sometimes. We arrived and were seated. Our server Davonte came to our table and within moments I knew this was going to be a fantastic dinner. He is quite possibly one of the best servers I have ever encountered. Not only did he give us a history lesson throughout the dinner, he was funny and kind from beginning to end. He paid so much attention to what we were saying and it was evident in our service. The food was great. I'm going to be honest and say that if Davonte wasn't our waiter, I probably would not have been terribly impressed with the food but sometimes atmosphere wins. I had the tenderloin medallions and they were delicious. I tried my sister's pot pie and it was spectacular but everything had bernaise sauce and mushrooms. Like everything. I understand that it is meant to mimic the food of the forefathers but can a girl get different veggie or a non cream based - salt laden sauce? Although I will say the sweet potato rolls were amazing. I may make them for Christmas. The cocktails are sugary so be warned. George Washington didn't have teeth - coincidence? All in all it was a memorable evening with a lot of laughs and I would completely return.
(4)
Sundi P.
We love old restaurants and City Tavern is amazing. The food was excellent! We didn't know that reservations are recommended, but a spot had just come open when we arrived so we were lucky. I had the lamb which was the best I've ever had. My husband had the turkey pot pie which came with a side of stroganoff. He loved it too. We ended our dinner with the pecan pie glazed with dark chocolate.
(5)
Colleen E.
Quirky, kitchy fun................. The food was ok, but the whole experience was very cool and touristy. I dont know if I would do it again, but I am glad I went.
(3)
John L.
Seafood Melange is exceptional. Try the beer sampler. Service was fantastic. Completely booked but they worked me in within 10 minutes.
(4)
Dee M.
Check out Sean b's recent review which nails it on the head. Must try: Ben Franklin's Spruce Ale. His recipe from the 1770's. Again attentive service from all involved. Having sampled mostly everything here i tried a new one. The wiener schnitzel was a buttery flavored light batter over 2 ample sized veal slices. Accompanying veggies were a delight. My friend had the Chicken Madeira and raved about it. He loved his cocktail which was colonial in nature Clean plate club for both of us !
(5)
My D.
I love going to "historical" restaurants to experience the environment and the specialties. The one I tried in Boston was a bit of a disappointment in terms of food so I did not have high expectations. But City Tavern exceeded my expectations. The food was amazing (and definitely a big portion of food) (Note: you get a metal goblet filled with icy cold water to quench your thirst after a day of sightseeing and a complimentary bread basket with butter), the service was wonderful, and the environment was cozy. I love the dinner by candlelight. The people who work there are dressed up in period costumes which was a plus! I got the Duckling and my boyfriend got the Rabbit (shared so we got to try both). Yum! Great for family. Casual dress code.
(5)
Chris H.
Once you've had their apple smoked pork chops you will never bother trying to make them at home ever again. Seriously, everything on our plates was top-notch. I didn't even know I LIKED sauerkraut! The colonial-style oysters were my 7yr old's favorite, oddly enough. And the founding fathers beer sampler - - awesome. The chef nailed it ! We are definitely going back.
(5)
Sean C.
Since 1773. Our founding forefathers Thomas Jefferson & Benjamin Franklin congregated to booze here, in fact, they came up with recipes that prevail today. Thomas Jefferson's "1774 Tavern Ale," with a splendid amber and nice frizzy finish, would make my Top Ten Beers of all-time. Tastes similar to Maine's masterful "Allagash." I wouldn't go as far to say it's the greatest bar in America, but it could be one of the most essential. I mean the foundation of not just America, but the tradition of beer, began here in Philadelphia. Oh, I almost forgot. There's food here, too. I wish I had ordered the "Roasted Duckling" instead (a few bites, amazingly tender), or even the flaky-fun "Turkey Pot Pie," but I went another way. Alas, this was the first and last time I will have "Braised Rabbit." Too heavy, so heavy and sinewy it made me throaty and felt stuck in my sternum for three days -- I was incessantly bloated. This is a rare case where food sapped my energy but couldn't keep me away from awarding the experience as a whole a grand total of 5-stars. It's about the rustic rooms, the ghosts of our forefathers, and that 1774 beer recipe. Yahoo. Serious. #bustabutton
(5)
Jason K.
My family had a fantastic dinner with a history lesson included. The food was very good and our server Dan was great. He entertained my children with stories from the colonial time and even brought our bonnets for them to wear during the meal. He made our first night in Philky a memory my kids will have forever. Thank you!
(5)
Mallory M.
We were incredibly impressed with our waiter Tom! He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the tavern's history and the executive chef. He even serenaded us!! The food did not disappoint either! The Thomas Jefferson biscuits were the highlight of the bread basket (we even took some to go). I had the tomato and onion salad. The dressing and fresh ingredients made for a delicious salad. For my main course I had the turkey pot pie. It came out piping hot. What a delicious crust for the pie! What a fun place to enjoy a meal with friends and family while learning about the food and tavern's history! Definitely should be on the list when planning a visit to Philly!
(5)
Matthew M.
What an absolute fantastic experience!! The ability to drink in the same building where George Washington and the continental congress partied is a dream come true!! Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to sample the food but the drinks were delicious between the yards sampler and the apple brandy cider...yum!! The employees are all dressed up in the old colonial attire, the only thing that could have made this better was to add wigs and an accent. Will definitely come back here when I visit Philly again!!
(5)
Christina S.
This is a wonderful place for the historic experience. The food is perfect for a cold winter night. The ambience is cozy, warm and dark. Think heavy, comfort food. Our server Harris was helpful and attentive. The 4 beer tasting is a great value. One criticism, the flowers used throughout the tavern looked like they were left over from Thanksgiving....dried up dead asters. Come on, buy a few poinsettias...!
(4)
Rue M.
Great idea having the Colonial Tavern but the food is so mediocre -it could be so much better
(2)
Carlton S.
After a fun-filled day throughout historic Philadelphia, we decided to eat at what John Adams once described as "the most genteel tavern in America"...The City Tavern. A reconstructed version of the meeting place, eatery, and local watering hole that once played host to the very men that founded our great country, The City Tavern instantly takes you back to the most tumultuous time in our nation's history. The look and feel we're very authentic, having been a student of early American history for some time. The food was wonderfully prepared- certainly the highlight of our experience there. We started with the Country Salad and Tomato & Onion Salad- simple and basic in preparation for what I hoped would be a very flavorful meal. Our main courses consisted of braised rabbit and medallions of beef tenderloin. The braised rabbit dish consisted of two very good size marinated and braised rabbit legs covered in a mushroom-vegetable red wine sauce, all atop a bed of large egg noodles. The medallions dish consisted of several extremely (cut with a fork) tender pan seared medallions of beef covered in a Burgundy, demi-glaze sauce. Accompanying them were mashed potatoes, asparagus, and squash. It is hard to imagine a bad dish there as everything that came out of the kitchen looked as good as the one before. Our server was extremely friendly, although he could have been slightly more attentive and knowledgable about the menu. All in all, I would definitely return. I also recommend this restaurant for anyone wanting to get a sense of food dishes from our nation's founding.
(4)
Chris R.
This was a five star restaurant weekend for the wife and I touring Philly. We were getting cold looking around the historic district and were given a coupon for lunch here. Walked a few blocks and were seated on the 2nd floor. Both of us ordered Turkey pot pie with noodles. Delicious! Server was attentive and we received a DVD on the way out with the chefs new show episode on PBS.
(5)
Frank Y.
Incredible food and beer. Both are unique and should be on everyone's bucket list. Best food I have had at a restaurant yet.
(5)
Lilli C.
A touristy, colonial style restaurant with great service and mediocre food. The upstairs dining area looks like a large banquet hall with overly bright lighting. The front room has a cozy fireplace which would be nice for enjoying a cocktail on a cold winter evening. The west indies pepperpot soup was delicious, but overly salty. The cornmeal crusted oysters were quite sizable and nicely fried, but didn't have much flavor in the breading and could have actually used more salt. For my entree I had the pan seared brook trout, which wasn't that great. It had thick breading on it, lacked seasoning and was over a bed of herbed barley which I wasn't a fan off- they tasted like slimy beads. My dinner companion had the crispy duck which seemed amazing, although I didn't actually get to sample any. For dessert we had some kind of shortbread pastry w/ ice cream. The shortbread was good but overly sweet but the ice cream was delicious. The place was nice to try since I'd never been before but I probably wouldn't go back for dinner, but would maybe stop in for a beer/cocktail.
(3)
Chad S.
Classic and historical and a great spot to catch a drink while on your trek around Independence Park. Definitely get the ale sampler!!
(5)
Patty S.
Such a great experience to end our day in Philadelphia! Our server, Dejuan was the best! Very knowledgeable and hospitable! Try the Apple Cider Warmer and franklin's original brew! Thanks City Tavern for the great time and food!!!!
(5)
Bry S.
Amazing lunch that filled us up all day! First, you are given a house baked bread plate with a white bread, a cornmeal/molasses bread, and sweet potato and pecan biscuits (which smells reminiscent of gingerbread) all three were mighty good. We ordered the pork medallions and turkey pot pie. Medallions tasted great with the mashed potatoes and gravy. Turkey pot pie was great but they also give you a bowl of noodles which made it even better. The Yards' "Ales of the Revolution" is worth getting. All 4 beers were very tasty and different (GW porter and TJ ale were my favorites)The wife got an apple cider with apple jack brandy, which was dangerously smooth. The old tavern feel was well done with the heavy water goblets and old looking dinnerware. Service was great especially considering the period costumes the staff has to wear. Don't worry, no one talks in olde English. I would definitely come back and bring others!
(5)
Raj S.
Walked by this restaurant and decided to try it out. Well the turkey pot pie was absolutely amazing. Best thing of the menu. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
L O.
This is a review of the bar, not the restaurant. The bar was incredible, with excellent beers to boot. If you do one thing in Philadelphia, see the liberty bell. But if you do two things, drink here. I especially recommend the Revolutionary Ale, slightly pricey but they are the original recipes used by the founding fathers. No hyperbole, they are the best beers I have ever tasted. As a Brit I'm glad America won it's independence as it allowed them to make such excellent drinks.
(5)
Gilbert M.
Come here and expect: $$, a restaurant that does keep to being "colonialistic"....not trendy (it's not a club) , not comfortable (it's not a coffee bar), just a blast to the past of the late 1800s, and worth your consideration (THE FOLLOWING IS BASED ON BEER OUTING ONLY) What I got from it: When I saw that this place was the site for the conversations between Jefferson, Franklin, and others who would stay up late discussing and debating the future of our nation, I HAD TO COME HERE. I dropped my plans to go visit a nationally famous beer location called Monk's Cafe, and I made sure that my evening plans were going to be spending time at the Tavern, in honor of history. So yea, expectations were high. Then I saw the plaque that basically said I was entering a reconstructed version of the Tavern that originally stood in the same place, but had been torn down a long while back, only to be resurrected by the city itself in honor of its history. Hm. I went in anyways. What I got excited about was to have some ales that were done according to the recipes that Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson used to make their own homebrews. These were produced by the famous Yards Brewery that has obviously been trying to get Philly to love it as its only brew of choice. I saw them advertised even in tourist shops. Needless to say, I still gave the ales a shot, and so very glad I did. Beer doesn't have to be pigeonholed to be only interesting and hoppy. It should be, at minimal, good to style. Whether you personally love it or not needs to be placed in that seperate context. I had the Jefferson Tavern Ale which was an English Strong Ale style. It had a subtle malt smell, was crisp and malty with an light aromatic aftertaste. So very well done to style! So, don't feel like you're dragging your values down. Order one of the "historic ales," and try to order one of the styles you will like, realizing they will not taste like our current trendy beers do. The bar area is small. It's done simply with wood benches and small chairs. Nothing interesting. But then again maybe that's how it was back in the day? The dinning room areas are where the action is, and I can believe that the men would have a good eat and drink while they were conversing. My friend told me that a guy was playing the harp downstairs, and soon enough my friends and I found ourselves sitting in awe of the angelic music the harpist made while we nursed our ales. We had a pretty fantastic experience. We'll be back, if only to have more harp encounters.
(4)
Donald J.
The history and atmosphere was terrific! Food was great, our party had the rabbit and the duck! The service was very slow! Just getting water when we were seated took 10 minutes and then it was another 10 minutes before we saw our waiter for the first time. This theme continued throughout the evening which included a 15 minute wait for the check. The upside on the service is that once we finally ordered the food was delivered to our table rapidly, but with three people in our party our waiter scored a zero % at getting the correct dish to the person who ordered it. I would return but the management needs to address the service problem!
(3)
Kelly B.
After having a large sandwich from DiNic's for lunch, we hit the town again seeing more sights. It was over 100 degrees with high humidity, so I was ready for a break. We were in the area of the City Tavern which I wanted to visit. In 1774, John Adams called the City Tavern "the most genteel tavern in America". In 1777, the Continental Congress celebrated the first July 4th here. Because of my mom, I appreciate old cities such as Philadelphia or historical places such as the City Tavern. Everyone working was dressed in 18th century costumes. We mentioned we wanted some snacks and drinks, so we sat in the front room. We shared a cheese and crackers platter and an assortment of bread. Hubby had a glass of Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. This ale was made especially following Jefferson's original ale. The ale was rugged and smooth at the same time. They also have ales from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. After our snack, I mentioned how full I was. My hubby said I had to order Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse Cake because he did not want to hear the rest of the week how I wished I had gotten the cake. Let me just say I was not disappointed. The bottom layer was chocolate cake, the middle layer was chocolate mousse and the top layer was a chocolate ganache. It was sinfully decadent. After getting back home I read up on the City Tavern some more because I was so intrigued. I was slightly disappointed to read that the original building had burned in 1834. In 1948, Congress commissioned the site to be accurately reconstructed. The City Tavern reopened in 1976. It was still a great stop.
(4)
Shannon A.
City tavern is down in the Old City in Philly and is a really cool place to go and have beer. We have been here twice and never eaten here, only drank beer so this review is for the drinking aspect. First, it is in a really old historic building, and the staff is dressed as if they are in the 1700's. Cool, but then sort of strange when the server is telling you that a beer is "really awesome" in his powdered wig and knee highs. All of the beers are made after our founding fathers' recipes. Thomas Jefferson's beer recipe edges out the recipes of Franklin, Washington and Alexander Hamilton as my personal fave! Neat place for a beer, or two, or three, but it's hot inside. Guess they want it to be like it was before a/c? They have a renowned chef with apparently wonderful food, but we've just never partaken in the food options here, although it is on our list of 'to do" for next time.
(4)
Jeremy P.
A rustic reproduction of what an idyllic revolutionary tavern would have been like at the start of the 19th century. Stopped in for a snack during a recent visit. Despite the shutdown, Philly has made sure this NPS site stays open. Highly recommend the flight of colonial beers. The brews are historically based on the recipes and tastes of founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin. My favorite was the Washington Porter. None were very hoppy or bitter and made a lovely afternoon snack. One flight was enough for two to get a good taste. Also try the bread tray as a perfect compliment to the libations.
(4)
Eric W.
Went to Philly while on vacation with my wife and we decided to go to City Tavern. The food was excelent (I recommend the Duck). Sure it's a little touristy because they're all dressed up in period clothing, but that doesn't mean the the quality suffers at all. I highly recommend.
(5)
Just Y.
(2.5 Stars) Obviously the draw is the age of the establishment, making it a somewhat obligatory tourist draw. We opted to sit in the "tavern" portion of the place instead of the dining floors. Some things I understand looking old, and often look better with age and wear - like wood floors and real fireplaces. But the Tavern room looked distressed and neglected, with unsanded and unpainted patching on all the walls, around the windows, and on the ceiling, and wooden booths that looked beat-up and in good need of refinishing. They are not a brewery, but do focus on many beers with recipe's from at that era, which is produced for them by a third party brewer. Food was OK at best, but way overpriced. Like $9 for literally 3/4 cup of mostly-broth french onion soup that was served with two bay leaves still floating in it. A salad we split had over-cooked asparagus and black-forest ham so dry it bordered on prosciutto. Maybe the main dishes are better, but I'm not going to find out. Staff dress in period-piece costumes, which always sends up the red flag for me at restaurants, but turned out to not be such a problem as we rarely saw any of then except for when we got up and went to look for them, usually to discover all of them chatting about in the central hallway. If you're on the tourist loop, stop in mid-day for a beer to say you've been here, then go a few blocks west into the old city area and find any of the dozen places with better food and atmosphere to have dinner at.
(2)
Fiona C.
Fine this appears to be a tourist spot, but I LOVED IT. Tourist traps usually don't have good food, but this one does! I loved the decor and the uniform the waitstaff had to wear. I assume that most of the stuff here is the chef's take on the dish, because the food back then probably didn't taste as good - an elevated version of colonial style food. Anyways, we started off with the beer sampler - which I highly recommend - the Alexander Hamilton pale ale was my favorite on its own. The George Washington dark porter did not taste so good on its own, but was definitely good when paired with their take on Martha Washington's chocolate cake. The city tavern warmer tasted like the holidays and was nice for defrosting in this cold weather. The bread basket was good. The crab cakes were slamming. The west indies pepperpot soup was decent. Turkey pot pie was great. Apparently lots of people make reservations here, so it might be something you want to do if you want to have dinner here.
(4)
Hollei J.
Firstly, the attire the staff is in completely caught me off guard. But it fits the theme. The food is wholesome. Home style cooked, cut and dry, not at lot of seasoning. Not a super large menu, but very versatile. No problems with my food, i had a variation of fried chicken. Honestly, everything was regular. Can be compared to Cracker Barrel, but CB wins.
(3)
Julie F.
I read about this place and it was certainly cute and charming as the restaurant reflected the colonial days. To make it more charming and realistic, the servers dressed in period costume from back in the days. I had the colonial turkey pot pie which was not a huge portion but was adequate. It was very tasty with good ingredients and a nice gravy and crust. It came with egg noodles with a sauce that I wasn't crazy about. My water glass had some white things floating in it which resembled wax. Hopefully, it wasn't something worse... If you want to pretend you are dining way back when our forefathers did, City Tavern will give you that unique experience.
(3)
Matthew L.
My girlfriend and I recently went to Philadelphia for a 4-day sight-seeing trip. We're both teachers, so we had a week off for Spring Break. While I was planning the trip, City Tavern was a restaurant that was recommended on all the touristy websites, so I decided to make a reservation. The place is a historical building from the 18th Century that was frequented by the original founding fathers. Today, the building has been restored to the way it looked when the founding fathers dined there. The staff all dress in period clothing and people eat by candlelight. There are no lightbulbs. This was all pretty cool because you felt like you were eating at a tavern in 1776. I ordered the Apple-Smoked Porkchop with mashed potatoes and my girlfriend ordered the turkey pot pie. The food was delicious!! Due to the apple-smoking process, the pork chop tasted more like smoked ham, which was fine with me. My girlfriend let me try some of her turkey pot pie. I'm not a huge fan of pot pies, but this pot pie was fantastic. I also ordered the 'Ales of the Revolution' beer flight by Yards Brewing Company. One of the beers, the Alexander Hamilton Federalist Ale, was not featured at Yards Brewing when we visited there earlier in the day. I wonder if this is a special beer that they brew exclusively for City Tavern. They even had a musician dressed in period clothing and playing the harp while people ate. It sounded really nice. In all, we were very happy with our experience and would come here again.
(5)
Jonathan N Sarah B.
Love the City Tavern! Staff is always friendly and the food delicious! Highly recommend for any trip into Philadelphia
(5)
Mallory D.
Sometimes even native Philadelphians enjoy the touristy stuff, like waiters in colonial garb. I know this Philly girl loved the ambiance and experience that was City Tavern. As soon as you walk in, you get the feeling you are walking in the famous footsteps of hungry patriots of yesteryear. The building looked very period-appropriate, which I find fascinating. Our waiter was adorable in his colonial get-up, too. Most places like this would rest on their gimmick and forgo great food, but not City Tavern. The food here was nothing short of phenomenal. If you're like me and venison and rabbit meat don't necessarily do it for you, thankfully there are a few specials nightly that appeal to a larger audience. I ordered the lobster pot pie, which was a culinary masterpiece. The lobster pieces were quite large and delicious, as were the accompanying shrimp and scallops. The sauce was a delicious buttery concoction, as was the pastry crust. Simply amazing. I washed it all down with a Tavern Porter (brewed by Yards) for the closest thing to an authentic 18th century dining experience as I was willing to try. City Tavern is the kind of place to visit if you are a tourist or just rediscovering your own city. The food is delicious, service impeccable, and ambiance can't be beat.
(5)
Ernest B.
The pepper pot soup was good and there's a big selection of wines. But crammed into a small area. Wasn't worth the hype. Probably a good place for kids because of the historic theme.
(3)
Jeff R.
Bring you history books kids... THERE WILL BE A TEST !! Okay it's a taste test... This is the BEST place to experience dining in old town Philadelphia. We spent 2 days in Philly... and we were amazed by this place. The people are very nice and are dressed in old style clothing.... and that adds to the experience. The decor is straight out of the 1800s...so much fun. The food was fantastic. We split the $ 35 steak and shrimp and a $7 garden salad. Plenty of food for two. The meat was likely a 12 ounce cut... really huge.. the mashed taters were great.... BEER -- oh yah... get a beer... they run $ 7 but talk to the server about them and choose the "most distinctive" tasting... I asked for that and got a real good home brew ! Cannot go wrong... it's not a cheap price place... but well worth it !
Just stopped in for a drink. Great atmosphere. I had a Raspberry Shrub with champagne and husband had a Tavern Spruce beer. Drinks were great. Shared the mushroom toast. We both loved it! Will definitely be back for dinner!
(4)
Mary O.
Bring your biggest appetite. The website gave me the impression that this restaurant probably would serve smaller servings due to the quality of the food. I was SO wrong. Very good food and fantastic service!
(5)
Rodney E.
Wait staff dressed in vintage Colonial clothing. Food was served very hot. I ordered the Colonial turkey pot pie. It was delicious. The crust was helpful in getting the last of the gravy out of the bowl!
(5)
Jackie A.
This place was so cool! I loved how the workers are dressed up in colonial gear. I had the duck which was amazing! My husband had the venison and duck sausage and loved both. He also enjoyed his flight of presidential beer. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Katya B.
Authentic atmosphere. However the dishes have more to do with the Chef's German heritage rather than traditional local US flavors...
(3)
Natalie B.
I used to pass this spot by many times thinking that it's "just an okay touristic place". Finally decided to have a lunch there on September 1, during our week end trip to Pennsylvania. The place keeps the period style interior, the dressed up staff looks a little bit cartoonish but it's ok - the restaurant wants to bring you the atmosphere. We got a table in a quiet room, by the fire place, and the table was stylishly served with metal coblets and plates resembling the Delft style. This all does add the necessary ambiance. The meal was also good - German-Polish home made sausage, turkey pot pie, pasta, local beer... We had a good time, overall, theatrical, relaxed, laid back. I guess we'll be back again in Fall or Winter for more comfort food :-)
(5)
Zafrina S.
I really love the corn soup. Seriously, it was the first time I drank the soup without adding any black pepper. I think it's because I don't know how to eat the turkey pie, so I found it okay. I was expected the server would tell me how to taste them though. One disappointment is that I expected the black tea to be good, but it was Lipton. They should at least have some good black tea. Overall, it was an interesting experience to try 18th century cuisine.
(4)
Dawn C.
So romantic, the place is dimly lit and toasty warm. We enjoyed Turkey pot pie and Tenderloin tips after the fabulous Crab cake appetizer that was perfect. For dessert the Martha Washington Choc Mousse cake was decedent and the cherry on my husband's birthday dinner
(4)
Jersey V.
Whether you are a tourist or a local, this is THE place you need to visit. They not only offer delicious menu options but provide an exceptional and memorable experience. You feel like you have transported through time, you can almost hear Paul Revere in the background. I took my Grams here for lunch during Restaurant week. The servers are dressed in colonial wear, and you are submerged in the buildings history. The menu had something for everyone, and we all left craving more. Grams watches Chef Staib on tv almost every single day. When he got wind of this he immediately came to meet us and tell us about the history and food. He is much more than an Emmy winning chef, he takes pride in what he loves, and he shows so much appreciation to his fans and foodies. He brought her a gift, and we purchased a recipe book which he gladly signed. I am a Concierge for the city of Philadelphia, and because he made my Grams so happy by the end of our fantastic dining experience, I will happily refer anyone and everyone to the City Tavern time and time again. So if you, or your family and friends are looking to fill up on the most original food and libation recipes in the country, learn more than you did in any history class, and have a sensational night out, trust me on this one. It truly is one of a kind.
(5)
Lily A.
This review is just for the bar area. The bartenders are nice, but you get the notorious Philly "indifference" attitude. It's cool, it's Philly. I only tried the beer tasting "Ales of the Revolution" which was around $12. The tasting is for four 6 oz pours of Philly's different Yard beers, and themed after the founding fathers. The bottles are cool looking but that's about it. Supposedly, some of the recipes were taken from that founding father's diaries or memos... No wonder why these guys didn't become brewmasters! they were much better off starting this country. The beers were decent but some were really harsh and left bitter after tastes. The only one I could possibly drink again is Washington's Porter which had hints of coffee, but still a bitter aftertaste. The rest were pretty hoppy which (unlike all other Californians it seems) doesn't sit well with me -- Jefferson's Ale, Poor Richard's Ale, and Hamilton's Ale. Here's a photo of the beer tastings yelp.com/biz_photos/city…
(3)
Vinny P.
City Tavern certainly has history on its side. It seems that many (if not all) of the details have been well preserved and the servers are well versed not only in the ingredients, the preparations but also in anecdotes which I'm sure help them sell certain dishes. It's a model that works quite well apparently since they've been doing it for quite some time. The stars of the night for me were the pecan muffins to start, the fried oysters and the duck sausage. Each of these items were excellent in their own right. The muffins had solid texture and what I felt was perfect sweetness. The oysters, while fried had that little bit of brine that was still evident and the duck sausage was gamey and spiced very delicately. I was underwhelmed by my braised rabbit because the whole dish just tasted like the volume was turned down. I was excited since usually braised items have deeply developed flavors. The rabbit, had a good texture, but it just didn't taste like much other than that. The egg noodles that it sat upon were also nothing to write home about. For dessert, the table split a massive hunk of chocolate mousse cake which tasted even better than it looked. Our service was quite excellent and we didn't want for anything during our time dining. History buffs and people looking for what I would consider a "safe" meal will really enjoy it here. It's probably a good place to take your parents since it has an older and more formal (well behaved) vibe to it.
(3)
Sara W.
All in all this place was great. The candle lit dinner was so romantic. Everyone is dressed in traditional 18th century outfits which makes it even more exciting. The food was amazing. We both had medallions of beef with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Yummy!! I also tried Alexander Hamilton's beer which was really good. This was the perfect place for a tourist to come and get the whole experience of earlier times. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting to check this place out.
(5)
Helen P.
Food was very good. Atmosphere, overlooking Philadelphia on a winter night and the chello playing was wonderful.
(4)
S N.
I give Chef Staib much credit for keeping the tradition of early American fare alive. Without culinary historians ilke him, the rich history of early fare would be under appreciated...and possibly forgotten. With this in mind, I was very excited to try City Tavern last week. Unfortunately, after dining there, I have mixed feelings. The restaurant was nearly empty on a rainy Saturday night, but I think that was a result of the inclement weather, not the restaurant or its menu. The decor of the restaurant was historic and pleasant. It reminded me in some ways of the restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg (VA). It is dimly lit and the decor is very early-American. The food was definitely enjoyable, as its taste and visual presentation were very good. The server was very attentive (though I'm not sure if this level of service would have been the same had the restaurant been busy instead of nearly empty). My girlfriend and I started with the crab cakes, which were tasty. For the main course, I had the Escallopes of Veal and she had the night's special: linguine with seafood (which I was surprised to see served there, but soon learned that this kind of food was served back in the day). We finished with an apple crisp-type of dessert, which was delicious. My problem with the restaurant are the very high prices. I am used to paying $25+ per entrees in restaurants in major U.S. cities. But the higher prices at City Tavern didn't quite seem appropriate. I don't think I'd go back again. If you want to enjoy a meal in a setting like the founding fathers of the U.S. did, then try City Tavern. But expect to pay higher prices for it.
(3)
Beth O.
Food was delicious. Definitely a touristy-type restaurant. Our server could not have been nicer (yay George!). Prices were high, expected though for the kind of restaurant it is.
(4)
t c.
Unique menu, great food, nice ambiance, old world touches like drinks in pewter cups and staff dressed in colonial garb... I loved it!! Kid friendly too! I had the crab cakes and roasted duckling while my kids had the turkey pot pie. Delicious!!! Made reservations online with ease on their website. This place is a MUST when visiting!!! Will definitely be back
(5)
Zach M.
Was touring the historical sites and needed a bite to eat. This place was a perfect find! Only a few blocks from the major historical sites, it's another historic site in itself. The server was attentive and friendly, and made great recommendations both for beer and meals. The entire staff was dressed in period attire, and were great for the entire meal. The beer list was amazing - recipes from the founding fathers, recreated and well-matched with the food. Overall a great experience!
(5)
Paula W.
Beef tips and mushrooms. This is fabulous- I can't wait for dessert! Highly recommended.
(5)
Jessica Y.
We stopped in here for afternoon drinks and had a blast. The time period drinks were tasty(beer flights, cocktails). Servers were very friendly. Decor brings you back into historical times. Great atmosphere. For a gimicky place everything was done well. Would come back to try lunch.
(4)
Gregg M.
Channeling my inner Spicoli, I've always thought that food and drink go hand in hand with learning about history. City Tavern brings these two things together in a Congress-approved, historically relevant way. The original City Tavern was the Founding Fathers' favorite watering hole back in Colonial times. Although a fire destroyed it in the 1800's, a historically accurate reconstruction was built in time for the Nation's Bicentennial Celebration. Fast forward to today and the City Tavern continues to operate as faithfully as possible to recreate the dining and drinking experience of the late 1700's. Stepping into the City Tavern is like stepping into a time machine, but with present day prices. Hostesses, bar, and wait staff are dressed in period costumes. Furnishings, some of which are museum pieces, are true to the period and lend an authentic feel. Since we already had dinner reservations, we elected to have a drink while there...for educational purposes only, of course! I had the Ales of the Revolution sampler ($12), featuring four beers from Philadelphia's own Yards Brewing Co., three of which were beers based on/inspired by original recipes from Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The sample-size pours seemed generous (4-6 oz.?). As expected, the beers differed greatly from each other in color, bouquet, and flavor. All were interesting and enjoyable, although I found the Tavern Porter to be the most enjoyable while the Tavern Spruce Ale to be the most unique. Saying City Tavern is a tourist trap is a bit unfair. I liken the experience to something you'd experience at Colonial Williamsburg except with beer and food. 3.5 stars.
(4)
Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: historic Philly tavern. City Tavern makes you feel like your sitting down for a beer with the Founding Fathers, and that's the point. It's old, it's an odd layout, but it's great. I sat in the tiny "bar" area, which had a couple wood booths and a U-shaped bench with small tables. Service was a bit slow but I was in no rush. $12 for 4 flights of their signatures Founding Father brews: Alexander Hamilton ("Federalist Ale"), Benjamin Franklin ("Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce"), Thomas Jefferson ("1774 Tavern Ale"), and George Washington ("Tavern Porter"). Some are original recipes, one is original yeast. The Spruce was too herbal for me, but I enjoyed the rest. Pretty good deal for the price. Waiters are in period-garb. You can explore the building, which has a few upper floors with large banquet areas. A server took a moment to talk to me about the history without me even asking. They seem genuinely interested in their place of work. City Tavern is a must-stop for anyone visiting the historic sites in Philly.
(4)
Charles Griffin G.
I lived in Philadelphia for years and always considered this place to be a tourist trap. I just ate here and still think it is. Having said that, I thought the food was high quality and our server was very pleasant. Some of the best crab cakes I've ever had. Two stars down for an awkward welcome (5 minutes in the foyer with several employees passing us without any greeting) and my girlfriend thought the vegetables were too buttery. Fun if you're visiting from out of town. Good for parties of 2-8.
(3)
Frank P.
Went here for the price fix menu in Thanksgiving 2013. Worst restaurant choice ever. The meal for the two of us was over $100. The food was luke-warm or cold. Obviously sitting under a heat lamp for a long time. We ordered beers when we were seated, and within minutes food was brought out. Before drinks. They simply book way too many people for the holiday. It was simply about turing over tables and taking your money. They weren't allowing you to enjoy the company of the people you were with. We were given our check before we finished our first drink, and never asked if we wanted another. Overall, the food was cold and mediocre. The experience was expensive, and not at all fun. Maybe it's ok when it's not a holiday. But I'll never know. Never going back.
(1)
Stephanie G.
West Indies Pepperpot Soup is to die-for! Everyone is well-trained in gluten-free and I felt very comfortable eating there. Had to buy the City Tavern cookbook-- it has every menu item plus more! The pewter water goblets were a lot of fun, too, and we were able to purchase a few before leaving!
(5)
Helene B.
Amazing staff! I ordered a drink that calls for sour mix which they were out of, so the staff made homemade sour mix for me. Best drink every. Love this place!!!
(5)
Alex F.
Only tried the beer, sitting outdoors in the garden, but man were they good. We tried the sampler of four beers, then a pint of our favorite, the Hamilton Ale. Great for a hot afternoon when you need a flavorful beer.
(4)
Kevin A.
Overpriced food, mediocre service. Our group was 5 people. We arrived on time for our reservation but were told we'd have to wait maybe 15 minutes. No problem, we'll have a drink at the bar. The cramped bar area had only unclean tables. After a couple of awkward minutes, a waitress cleaned an area for us and we were able to sit down. Not 10 seconds after sitting, we were told our table was ready. Good news, but disorganized. We waited about 5 minutes for water and to place drink orders, then another 5 minutes for drinks to arrive. We placed appetizer and entree orders. The appetizers took about 30 minutes to arrive. I had the crab cakes. Two cakes ($12) came, looking quite burnt. The crust was fried and too thin, providing no crunch and little texture. The filling was quite good, with adequate crab meat, but little contrasting flavor. It was a bit of a shaped mushy thing. I ordered the venison. I was asked how I'd like it cooked, and I replied as rare as possible. My colleague who ordered the same said well done. After waiting for 30 minutes for the appetizers, the mains came out relatively quickly. But they were a disappointment. First, both venisons came at the same time, but without regard to who ordered their meat, obviously no regard to temperature preferences. Both were obviously overcooked, even for well done and I had wanted rare. The serving sizes were small, with 3 or 4 small bits of venison ($34), some zucchini, mushrooms, and cooked barley. While the accompaniments were tasty, they plus overcooked tasteless venison wasn't worth $10, much less 3.5 times as much. Really the only thing I very much enjoyed was the beer. Stay away from the food!!
(2)
Pam S.
Completely based on making my parents happy. So you have parents and they're visiting you in Philly. Congratulations! Luckily, there're lots of things people want to see when they visit Philly, and City Tavern is one of those things. Chef has a TV show, it's historical, you know, whatever. We went for lunch and had absolutely NO issues with seating/etc, and I even got there a little early to sit in the "subscription room", the historical version of a reading room, which is the historical version of your couch. Parents enjoyed the food and drinks (hot boozy apple cider for fall/winter!). Dad ordered the special (kielbasa) and mom had the pot pie. They enjoyed both. Meanwhile, I had a specially made vegan dish (veggies and pasta) that they were really kind about putting together. Service was excellent, they bring a cute bread basket ("this is mrs. jefferson's recipe!") and for not being vegan friendly, they were so nice about being accommodating. Highly recommended for the tourist crowd/parent appeasement.
(5)
Katrina C.
Certainly something every Philadelphian should do at least once. The historical significance of the building and the colonial vibe is fun. *The founding fathers beer flight is really neat. *The TJ sweet potato biscuits are as good as other yelpers say! *The country salad was refreshing and light. *The pot pie is probably the best I've ever had in my life. *The Martha Washington chocolate mousse cake was also yummy. The food was good, and the service was satisfactory, but the experience just wasn't quite at the 4-5 star level for me. I would've enjoyed more enlightenment from the server about the factual origins of the menu items to bring more background and depth to the meal.
(3)
Brynson S.
One of the coolest restaurants I have ever been to. The history of this tavern is incredible. The fact that some of our founding fathers hung out here is pretty awesome. I have eaten here a few times. I really enjoyed Martha washingtons pot pie. Apparently it was the same recipe that she would make for George. They also have some great historical beers as well, this place is a must! Great Ambience!
(5)
Natasha M.
Loooooove love love. Get the turkey pot pie. Amazing, perfect for a cold winter evening. The spiked apple cider and egg nog were a unique, yummy change of pace for me. Just don't order two egg nogs or you won't be able to finish your pot pie. Our table also got the beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, they were fine. The corn chowder soup was tastier and heartier than the West Indies soup. And only the porter of the entire flight was worthwhile if you have a discerning palate for beer. Ambience is perfect for tourists and especially in the winter. So nice and cozy!! Dining ware and decorations were representative of the time period. Only thing I didn't like was our server. He was a little inattentive. Come here if you want a memorable dinner!!
(5)
Anthony C.
A colleague recommended we try City Tavern on our first family trip to Philadelphia. Having driven from Boston, we went straight there before the hotel. The restaurant is located in Old City, an area bursting with history and with numerous options for food and drink. We were surprised upon entry that the staff are in period-appropriate garb. They're not being kitschy or playing characters, just trying to give you an authentic colonial dining experience (see also: the live harpsichord music). The restaurant provides literature about its history, its cuisine, and colonial dining custom. (It's a colonial history nerd's dream.) Pam was out waitress and she was extraordinarily attentive, informative, and kind. We had a wonderful experience with our kids - an infant and a toddler - as the restaurant is child-friendly (with a great kids menu too). I had the soup of the day and the Mrs. had corn chowder to start. Both were obscenely delicious. The colonial breads baked in house were wonderful, especially the pecan sweet potato biscuits Jefferson liked. My main was the duck with a honey glaze. The Mrs. had a crab cake app as her main, and our toddler had grilled chicken with butter noodles. They were all outstanding. The seasonal vegetables were so unbelievably fresh! We finished with dessert: I had bread pudding and the Mrs. had Martha Washington's recipe for chocolate mousse cake and while mine was good... hers was evidently delicious... because it disappeared quickly! We requested some fresh fruit for the kids and it was accommodated easily; the fruit was wonderfully presented and super fresh. All in all, this will be a staple of every family trip to Philly. Highly recommended. Food, ambiance, and service all top notch. Pro Tip: If you like beer, try the colonial beer sampler!
(5)
Roger Y.
Come here for the history and ambiance. Having a meal in a historic building is always special for someone like me who is somewhat of a history buff. The pewterware, candle lit rooms, wait staff in period costumes etc make a visit worthwhile. Food is better than many touristy restaurants but is overall mediocre only. Many better meals foodwise can be had elsewhere in Philadelphia.
(3)
Madhu R.
Unbelievably good! The perfect blend of history (mead cups for water, grand old building, people in period costumes), great beer (an original recipe Porter from Washington's time), yummy food made with pure ingredients in cast iron, and super friendly and personable staff (especially Tahera who showed me to my awesome table near the window upstairs). I can't say enough good things about this place.
(5)
Shawn V.
Chicken Madiera was wonderful. The food was great.
(4)
Todd D.
Is it touristy? A bit but not as much as you'd think - and you'll enjoy the ambiance, the historical accuracy, the recipes culled from our Founding Fathers' own cookbooks, etc. Anyway: Washington's pre-inaugural ball was held here! Ben Franklin hung out here! If you're a "When in Rome" type, when visiting the Old City you must give this a go ... It's not cheap, but unlike typical tourist spots, the portions are not only generous but also tasty and excellent. Service was good, too: the waitress originally brought me the wrong order, so my plate came out maybe 5 min after my family's dinners. I wasn't upset at all, but they removed my $20+ meal from the final bill without even mentioning it. Quality shows. P.S. Get the apple pie a la mode! Yum!
(5)
Elliot P.
Had some visitors from out of town visiting Philly recently. They have a flair for history and apparently read somewhere (not here) good things about this place. So we ventured out to old city down to the city tavern. Parking was easier than expected, as there was ample street parking as well as a nearby garage. Not too far from the subway stop on the MFL. The decor and ambiance are super nice. The place is a bit dated, but here it's really supposed to be. They light a candle and put a glass case-like thing over it which adds a nice touch. Water is served in these metal goblets which are apparently designed so that they keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. Kind of like a colonial thermos I suppose. The waitstaff are dressed up like they are colonists which is pretty funny. The service is very good there. The waiters will pepper historical facts about the food and such and everything is very prompt. Our waiter dropped a couple of things but replaced them and then some without even having to ask. I liked that. Also a good sense of humor. The food itself was just ok. They brought a few kinds of bread which was good, the white being the best, but the butter was actually quite good. Maybe it was freshly churned or something. The fried oysters were actually really good. I like those a lot. Crispy and moist with a great cream dipping sauce. I ordered the rabbit and perhaps should not have, I haven't ever tried it and was feeling adventurous. It's like chicken, but not as good. I mean, it's probably not that popular because it's just not that good. A bit gamey tasting. It was braised, and the portions of it that were extra soft were significantly better than the less braised portion, So I would suggest asking for it "extra-braised" if that's such a thing. A friend got the lobster pot pie and I had a few bites - it was very tasty, and very pricey. The flaky crust was superb. Had the chocolate mousse cake for dessert, apparently it was Martha Washington's recipe. And apparently Martha didn't know much about chocolate mousse. It was disappointing. While I won't be back, it was not nearly as bad as I was expecting. It's a nice experience if you're into the historical stuff, but if you're not and just looking for dinner, look elsewhere.
(3)
Barry C.
Best crab cakes we had in town, good service with a great beer sampler of old brews! Worth the walk.
(5)
Iris I.
Made a pit stop here on my way home last night. I love pepper pot soup so a few friends have suggested I try it here. While the soup was not the type of pepper pot soup I'm used it was delicious!!! I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere (sat out on the porch, perfect weather and place for my hot soup) and the service was awesome. My waiter Steven was so amazing!!! I asked for dinner roll and he brought me out a tray of different types of breads including some biscuit that come from a recipe that Thomas Jefferson had :-) (soooo good!). I enjoyed myself so much that although my bill was about $12.00 I left him a $5.00 tip for his service!!! I will be back :-)
(5)
Steve K.
Nice restaurant with a great atmosphere. Food was great and the sampler beer selection was a good choice. Definitely recommend if you are in Philadelphia.
(4)
Beeg R.
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me...I admit it is my fault to come here again. The first time I came here was 14 years ago, before we moved to Center City Philly. It was, after all, full of history, so even though we don't like tourist traps, we figured that we should check it out. I remembered I had the shrimps, because it was so bad that it left a lasting BAD impression. The service was slow, and by the time I got my shrimps, they were stone cold. When I sent it back (which I rarely do), they took forever to bring the food back. By the time I got the "reheated" shrimps back, they were cold again. I basically swallowed each bite trying not to chew just so that I could fill up. I said I'd never ever come back again. Fast forward 14 years to last weekend, and my husband suggested that we come here again. Since we were here to check out historical sites with our kid, he wanted to take her to experience a piece of history by eating there. We had a 7 pm reservation, and arrived 15 mins early, so they sat us. We waited 15 mins for our drinks, then another full hour before getting our food. Our LO got the kid menu fish and chips for $12, which was so hot that she burnt her tongue. Her entree was good, but it was so large that I doubt most kids could finish it. BTW, drinks were separate for kids, which cost another $3. So budget around $15 just for the kids meal. I had the port chop and my husband got the pot pies. Our entrees were good, but they were so cold when we got it, that I could barely taste the flavor. It was such an irony that the kid's food was hotter than the adults'. I don't care if it was made by a great chef, if it wasn't served in proper temperature, it was tasteless to me. We also ordered white wine by the glass. The first glass arrived luke warm. When we finally flagged down our waitress, she brought back another one that was also lukewarm (after another long wait). I didn't want to wait again, so I didn't send it back. The waitress was nice, but she had so many tables to serve, some were outside the patio while others were throughout different dining rooms, that we rarely saw her. We promised our LO dessert after dinner, but she actually said she didn't want it because she didn't want to wait, as it was close to her bedtime. We waited to get our waitress's attention so we could get our check. It took almost 2 hours for dinner, and normally it would be fine with me, but not when we have a child in tow. Lukewarm wine, lukewarm food, lukewarm service...We don't get to eat in Center City that often now that we have a kid, so each dinner in Philly is special to us and we always made sure we picked a great place. Unfortunately, we made an unwise choice by coming here. Like Ben says, a penny saved is a penny earned. Save your pennies instead of spending them here.
(2)
Mike B.
A fantastic eating experience for history buffs. The Wiener schnitzel was excellent. The Ales of the Revolution sampler (produced by the Yards Brewery in Philly) was great.
(5)
Paul P.
Good beer I had the Thomas Jefferson Ale which was very good! Just had the smoked seafood salad very good. My co-worker had the corn chowder and he said it was very good. Very spacious eating area and the overall ambiance is good as well.
(4)
Joelle P.
Hmmm normally I am all for kitschy but this was kind of a miss for me. Apparently they rebuilt this place in the 1970s on the original site...but I'm not really a fan of replicas. I'm more of an "original or nothing" type of girl. The waitstaff dresses in period costumes from the 1700s and normally I'd be asking if I could dress up too but...I dunno...maybe I shouldn't have gone there for lunch. Or maybe I should have drank more...it was just kind of...a let down. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed drinking out of the silver cup like in the olden days. Totally felt like a wench. And the recipes/menu items were from back in the day and that was cool too...but...the whole thing felt...forced? Yes, forced is probably the word I'm looking for. There was no ease to the step back in time. More of a "I'm supposed to feel like I'm in the 1700s...but totally don't..." It almost felt like a theme park which is sad because supposedly this was the first fine dining establishment in America. If you have kids (or cheesey parents), totally go here. They will LOVE it. At least that is what I observed from the screaming ones at the table next to me. Oh, and apparently it is haunted. By a couple of ghosts. So there's that.
(3)
Maria M.
Amazing place! Drinks were great we had champagne shrubs and the spiked cider. All of us greatly enjoyed our meals (pot pie, turnover, seafood pasta. It was great seeing the servers in period dress and learning about the restaurant! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
(5)
Naked T.
This is a very interesting place and definitely one of those 'experience' type restaurants. The place bathes in 18th century America and is really quite enjoyable in that vein. I met and chatted with Ben Franklin and other representatives from the era. For that, it was quite fun, The entire decor and dress is really authentic and good sport. We were first served a varieties of breads. This was the only real negative to our dining experience. They served us three different type breads from the period and all of them were terrible. After the bread, the foods improved noticably. My friend and I had the Roquefort salad which was quite nice. The Roquefort cheese was plentiful and quite good.My wife had the corn soup that was very tasty though a tad salty. My friend's wife had the oysters that were very nice, For dinner, my wife and friend's wife had the turkey pot pie which was very good (but not good enough evidently for them to ask for a doggie bag). I had the beef tenderloin which I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I asked for the waiter to wrap the leftover and he did not. My friend had the veal sausage which he said was ok but would not reorder. Would we go back if we were ever in Philadelphia again, not sure. The experience of the 18th century was good fun but it was a struggle to select my entree.
(3)
Donna K.
My group ate here last night and it was wonderful. We ordered a seafood platter appetizer and ate it up!!! The turkey pot pie was amazing. Sierra was our server. She was awesome- always checking that we were happy. Great evening!!
(5)
Simone A.
Took some friends here last weekend who were visiting from out of town. Such a great way to continue our tour of Philadelphia and get our drink on. Didn't eat, but did enjoy a few beers. Word of advice - Get the flight. It's $7.25 for a single pint or $12 for the flight which are nice sized (larger that most flights). So the 4 of us each ordered a flight and split the cheese plate (which was fine - normal). Loved the experience (servers in colonial costumes and the general decor) and they give a great description/story regarding each beer. There's also a cheat sheet with more information which was nice. My favorite was Alexander Hamilton, but honestly each of the four were tasty. Highly recommend for wrapping up an afternoon in historical Philadelphia.
(4)
Germaine S.
Food was good and our waiter was nice. It was pricey. Truthfully I am glad we tried it and would recommend to try, but would not rush back. I expected more history and ambience from inside the restaurant.
(3)
Kimberly Y.
Honestly, I think I just expected too much from City Tavern, and it ended up being pretty much a normal restaurant with a menu and server uniforms from the 18th century. Firstly, no one greeted us at the door, and I was pretty confused as to where I should be going--if there was a lobby or hostess somewhere else. I stood around waiting until someone showed up to serve me. Then I was taking upstairs and seated at a table that I distinctly noticed was pretty long (in that there was a lot of room between my boyfriend and me), but close enough to the next table for me to hear their conversations (though I do have good ears!). I found the decor in the second floor dining area to be underwhelming; the room just looked like a dining room in a house with a bunch of tables--rather than a restaurant. I pretty much just looked at wallpaper the whole time. My boyfriend and I even went exploring upstairs in the bathroom area to see if there was more. The goblets, candles, and server uniforms were the main historical decorations, as far as I could tell on the second floor. Our server was very nice and accommodating though! Didn't try to role play, which I found to be nice. The menu definitely delivered in terms of the colonial era theme. My boyfriend ordered the colonial turkey pot pie, which I also tried and thought was great (even though I barely ever eat pot pie!). His portion was humongous; I definitely recommend it if you like pot pie! I got the tenderloin tips and mushrooms, which had an extremely strong flavor from the marinated beef that I didn't really enjoy. The taste got old pretty quickly. My portion was sizable, but definitely not worth $30, in my opinion. The prices are steep, but I suppose you're paying for the decor, service, and unique menu... and hopefully your food is worth it.
(3)
Aaron B.
Great food. Great ambience in the different rooms. If you're interested in good period eating this is the place...
(5)
Ben F.
I stopped at this place while in Philly. I really like the history around it. Didn't have the food but tried the ales of the revolution sample and it was great. I would like to try this place again if I ever make it back to Philly.
(5)
Ruth W.
I came here with my school for dinner. The service was good considering they had to serve 120 students. The wait for the food was short and before the main course there was their signature bread which was very tasty. They gave all of us ice tea which tasted like water with very little flavoring. As a main course we were served turkey pot pie, which I was looking forward to, but I was disappointed to find that mine had no potatoes. I am a very big potato eater and in the description of the dish it was stated there were potatoes, but when I got the dish I searched and searched and found none. Also the turkey in the dish was chewy. They also served salad before the main meal. My friend had to send her salad back because it had no dressing. Overall this place was okay but I would not go back. If you are looking for a not so fancy place close to attractions like the liberty bell this may be a good option for you.
(2)
Shelly L.
We ate Easter brunch here. We had a wonderful time. The kids (ages 9 and 14) really enjoyed it as well. My son had the steak and eggs. He cleaned his plate clean. I had the shrub with champagne.....get it...you will love it. Not too sweet, just the way I like it. My husband enjoyed the brook trout dinner. I loved the Sally Luna chicken....cooked to perfection. The only negative was the corn chowder soup....tasty, but cold. We all enjoyed the medley of bread too. The apple crisp was delicious with big chunks of apples and cinnamon. All in all...a great experience from beginning to end.
(4)
Michael C.
City Tavern has a lot of potential, but sadly it is let down by the food in a big way. The restaurant claims that some of the founding fathers ate and drank there when it first opened in 1776. Now the tavern is a themed restaurant, the staff dress in period costumes and the restaurants boasts a menu from the era and beer based on recipes from Washington, Jackson, Franklin and Jefferson. The beer: 4 stars Brewed by a local brewery exclusively for the restaurant. The "colonial ale sampler" is $12 for 4 samples. All are worth trying, but Washington's porter is probably the winner of the bunch and Franklin's spruce ale the loser, unless you really like the taste of spruce. The service: 2 stars The servers are all dressed in period costume which adds a touch of character. Service is friendly, but slow. Don't come here if you're looking for a quick meal. The ambiance: 1 star There isn't any. There's been an effort to keep the feel of the original establishment, so the dining rooms are small, dimly lit and with tables closed packed together. The food: 1 star The colonial bread plate is reasonable as other's have mentioned. The Thomas Jefferson biscuits are quite tasty. The other breads are ok, but taste more mass-produced that home made. I tried the wiener schnitzel. At $30 I was expecting a great interpretation of this classic dish. It's served with fries and seasonal vegetables. The fries don't seem to be authentic to the period and taste like standard mass-produced fries. The seasonal vegetables also look to have come pre-prepared. The schnitzel was extremely disappointing, rather than a very thin breaded and fried piece of veal I got a tough, thick soggy mess. The breading was slimy, soggy and slid off the meat. Deeply unappetizing. At half the price this dish would have been overpriced. Avoid. Probably the best thing to do here, is to visit, have a beer and soak in some of the history, just avoid the food. You'll be much happier that way.
(2)
Frank D.
One of my favorite restaurants. If you like history and good food, it's the place to go. Chef Walter Staib makes the best Sauerkraut. It's the only place where I actually like to eat Sauerkraut. It's a unique dinning experience.
(5)
Robby F.
One of my favorites. Love the pot pie and fried oysters. The George Washington and Thomas Jefferson recipe beers are the best!
(5)
Eileen C.
Found in the heart of Old City. Its like dinning at home. Its quiet dimly lit with candles. Incredibly cozy and thankfully the dress code does not match their prices.The crab cakes were THE BEST I have ever had in my life. I ordered the Salmon. My Dinner was perfect however the portions are too big. I could have shared one entree with my dinning partner. I loved the touristy uniforms simply because it was not over done. I was thankful our waiter did not role play. That would have killed the experience. I will be going back!
(4)
Sara G.
I literally can't wait til our fall Philly trip when its cold outside and we can sit in the cozy Tavern room, hear trivia (do YOU know where the term Bar and Grille comes from?) and ease our way through a beer sampler at the hands of a period costumed gentleman. Touristy and the food didn't really appeal for a hot summer day, but we wanted historical fun and indeed we got it here. Lacks pretention, fun and a nice little stop on our way through Philly.
(4)
Jack G.
This place is touristy, but fun. We tend to recommend it to friends and family visiting from out of town. Food, service, and gimmick come recommended. Tonight my wife took our kids, and her mother and sister who were visiting. My wife has celiac sprue, and was excited to see a menu item listed as gluten free. Usually she can't eat when she goes with people to restaurants. It definitely wasn't gluten free. Maybe the item was prepared without wheat. Maybe most of the ingredients were gluten free. But either they used spices that they didn't realise contained gluten, or cross contamination occurred on cooking or prep surfaces. We really appreciate that more places are trying to cater to customers looking to avoid gluten. But if you can't successfully deliver that, we'd prefer that we not be misled. She'll be sick for a week or two. The symptoms are unpleasant, so I won't list them, but they're severe. Eventually it can lead to cancer.
(2)
Brian B.
Solid food. Good service. I had the turkey pot pie which was good. Nothing out of this world, but certainly good enough and the remarkable history surrounding the location make it a worthwhile stop. The breads were interesting, and I wish I could have tried the beer selection it sounds good! The prices were reasonable, I thought. Far from tourist gouge material. Hey, it's lunch on the spot (in a replica building) where the birth of this great nation was contemplated. I'm glad I gave it a shot.
OMG!!!! Lobster pot pie was the best thing that I've eaten in a looong time. The hubby had turkey pot pie and the kids menu options were delicious as well. We were afraid that the setting and costumes would be too schticky. It wasn't. We went at lunch as we had a little sticker shock at dinner, but I would like to try it at night with a little more mood lighting.
(5)
Jennifer N.
Just what we were looking for on our family visit to historic Philadelphia. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was good. Honestly, though, we've eaten at similar colonial-era restaurants where the food seemed more authentic.
(3)
Gary P.
Anytime I travel to Philly, I must come here. Great ambience and wonderful food. I recommend the Ales of the revolution to start.
(5)
T. B.
Great atmosphere. Really good traditional fare (a la 1700s). This place is dripping in history and tradition. Check it out. Great service too!
It is strictly for tourists, of which I was one. The decor is pretty beat up and in need of refreshing. The staff, when we were there, (5pm on a Saturday) were very disengaged. The food was OK, although the chicken pot pie, was crust, 2/3 soup with some random vegetables that looked like they were out of a bag and some chicken breast. Very disappointing. Also disappointing, we ordered a bottle of wine, and because it was over $50, apparently the waitstaff has to track down a manager to unlock the liquor cabinet. REALLY poor planning guys, we waited over 15 minutes for a manager to get tracked down. I know many others on Yelp had a great time, which is why we went, but I really cannot recommend it... sorry
(2)
Elaine K.
Touristy or not, we decided to come here to check out the ambiance and history. It didn't seem overly touristy while we were there. This could have been the season (it's not so busy this time of year). The waiters wear cute colonial outfits and the place has so much charm. They definitely don't make houses like that anymore (solid wood floors and doors, nice molding, beautiful and tall windows). It has a pretty unique menu and that drew us there. To start, I had the pepperpot soup. It was my favorite thing. It has a strong, spiced (not spicy but heavy allspice) taste which I just loved. I could have eaten only that. We also tried the duck sausage which was great and can kind of be described as a duck hot dog. My hubby had the turkey noodle soup which was thick and chunky and reminded me of what you'd eat when sick with a cold. Yum. For my main meal, I ordered the rabbit and noodles. Holy mega portion! I'm not a vegetable fan but many would enjoy that it was loaded with fresh veggies. It also had a significant amount of rabbit meat (on the bone) and noodles. The sauce was a brown sauce that was pretty good. Rabbit tastes a little like chicken which was unexpected. There is both white and dark meat. It had a little bit of gamey flavor but not overly so. Overall I liked, but not loved, the dish. The portion was huge and because I don't like veggies, it hardly looked like I touched it. My uncle ordered the pork chop which he said was the best he'd ever had. My aunt ordered the salmon which she cleared from her plate. My husband ordered the trout which was another huge portion and came with four pieces of fish. The food is very rich and filling. It definitely seems more of a winter comfort food place...I couldn't imagine eating such a meal in the summer. Save room for the dessert! I had the coffee cake which was generously sized, buttery and crumby. My hubby had the bread pudding which had just a small but amazing hint of ginger. My aunt had the chocolate mousse cake which she said was great. My uncle had the cobbler which he said was fantastic. The whole meal was great. The ambiance was fabulous. The service was just okay (our waiter was a bit blah). Overall a great experience. I'd love to come back and try a pot pie. I'd also definitely get more pepperpot soup.
(4)
Jennifer D.
Nice place to hear some stories about old Philadelphia. If you are going here thinking that you will be eating exactly where George Washington ate think again. The original building was demolished and this one was built in the 70s. Food was decent but the service was great. The servers had some great stories to tell about the original house. Definitely worth at least one trip here.
(4)
Coral H.
Yes it is touristy and the costumes are silly, but you are in historic Philadelphia. Flight of colonial beers is good. OK wine list. They have a German wine with a raised monkey on the bottle. I kept the bottle. Soup was good and the turkey pot pie huge and tasty. All dishes were solid with our large group.
(4)
Carol H.
I had planned on eating here because I love Chef Staib's TV show, "A Taste of History". So I was thrilled to get a coupon for one free entree. The food was awesome. Our favorite was the smoked fish appetizer. Also sampling the beers made by our forefathers was fun and delicious. The wait staff (in period costumes) was competent and friendly. Love this place!
(5)
Erin H.
I normally eschew places like City Tavern unless I'm at Disney World. I don't think that wearing colonial garb is every really appropriate outside of a museum. But, my friend from Philly had heard good things, so off to City Tavern we went. Of course, the poor servers looked pretty cheesy. But the rest of the experience was pretty cool. We only came to drink (surprising, I know), so we sat in the bar area. It had great dark paneling, with a taper on each table. We pretended that we were the Framers for about 30 seconds, then moved on to more serious business: beer. The beer at City Tavern is from Yards' Ales of the Revolution line of brews. My favorite was the Tavern Spruce, which is based on Ben Franklin's original recipe. It had a really interesting flavor because of the spruce, and is worth a try if you are looking for something different. The service was great, and no one seemed put off by the fact that we weren't sticking around for dinner. Despite outward appearances, I definitely recommend City Tavern for those who want a little booze with their history.
(4)
Lizzie D.
This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants of all time! I've honestly never experienced an ambiance quite like City Tavern. You walk into what looks like an old Victorian house. As you are seated at a table that looks like a scene out of a vintage history book, you are soon enraptured by the calming and captivating sound of the harp. (A woman in her time specific attire was playing the harp downstairs towards the bathrooms.) Your meals are presented to you with edible flowers and do not come short in terms of presentation. The taste will envelop your senses and take you to a time long past! This is a restaurant that enables you to live in a time that Philadelphia's rich history will not let you forget. If you are visiting Philadelphia, have visited the restaurant before, or have lived in Philadelphia and never checked into this place, visiting this is a huge MUST! It truly does allow you to visit the history that Philadelphia was built upon and will satisfy your senses and taste buds! Do not pass this place up!
(5)
Kevin A.
HAPPY PBS FAN BOY I watch PBS - A LOT of PBS. So of course I had to try the restaurant run by Chef Staib of 'A Taste of History' fame. I love watching this show and how Chef Staib brings colonial America to life through food. I am always mesmerized by his ability to wield heavy cast iron dutchies and spiders over menacingly hot fires and of course, the reckless abandon with which he uses pork fat, butter, and heavy cream. I also love learning new things (e.g. Ben Franklin introducing tofu to America or the existence of curry in colonial cuisine). The whole experience was terrific from the food to the service. Yes, the staff are wearing period costumes, but the experience doesn't come off as a cheesy. I highly recommend getting a flight of beers, the clam chowder (among the best I've ever had), and the turkey pot pie. Be warned, the food is rich and the portions are HUGE. My friend and I split the pot pie which was absolutely the right call. My neighbor (who was the spitting image of Stone Cold Steve Austin) got the lobster pie which looked amazing. Judging by his oohs and aahs, I'll definitely be getting that next time.
(4)
Jim T.
City Tavern is a very good restaurant and ambiance at the edge of the historic sites in Philadelphia! The wait staff and menu have a colonial theme in an historic building. The beer sampler, bread, and turkey pot pie were very good. The crab cake was delicious.
(5)
Jana S.
The food war good, the service very nice and charming. I was a bit suprised by the food. Everything we ordered was the same decent stuff my mom is cooking nowadays. Iam German and the housewives kitchen has obviously not changed a lot in the past 250 year. Or the German cook is using contemporay recipies...
(4)
Daniel L.
This is the best resturant there pot pie is the best best restaurant ever!!!!!!!!
(5)
Loren H.
Just went to City Tavern for the first time for Restaurant Week lunch. Great food and great service. Must try the beer flight. Waiter gave us a interesting short history of the place. City Tavern would be a fun place to take visitors. The food is not just good for a "tourist restaurant" It is good for any restaurant. The chocolate cake and the apple cobbler with cinnamon ice cream were standouts for dessert.
(5)
Dinah L.
They are keeping to Old Philly tradition within reason. The language is very 2013, but the history is very 18th century. The food is very good. Go for something you haven't tried. Our table did Braised Rabbit, Roasted Duck and the Turkey Pot pie. A great way. to warm up was the Apple Cider, Whiskey, Rum drink warmed. Wow! A great place to take Tourist & family that wants the feel of Ye Ole Philadelphia. The table breads are very nice also.
(4)
Courtney L.
My favorite 'bar' of the trip: We didn't eat here and sat in the bar area. We ordered the Tavern Warmer with apple cider which was a delicious hot cider alcohol drink and it was really good. We also got the sampler of the president beers and this was the highlight. They all have a different taste and a notecard explaining more about the beers. I LOVED the Ben Franklin Tavern Spruce ale. I don't like porters or really hoppy beers and this one was my absolute favorite. For being a touristy trap of sorts, the drinks were reasonable priced and it was fun to drink by candlelight and enjoy the character waiters. From what I have read, we played it right: skip the food, come for drinks and TRY THE BEN FRANKLINE TAVERN SPRUCE. Very easy to catch a cab outside of the building.
(4)
Ina V.
Oh my God. I absolutely love love love this spot. Historical building where George Washington's room is located on the first floor! Colonial food recopies are delicious! All of the silver wear and mugs are from colonial times, waitstaff is dressed in traditional American colonial times clothing. It's super exciting to be able to share the Old American history in 21st century. I even bought their cook book, that's how excited i was to be there!
(5)
Adam C.
I see what they are going for but I'm not sure they've quite got it. Between the quaint uniforms and the alleged presidential beer recipes it all felt a little too gimicky. I liked that the server was a fount of revolutionary trivia but he also was not even close to accurate with some of the claims he made. Like he attributed an Abe Lincoln Quote to Ben Franklin. Yes I know. I'm a big nerd. Sorry but it rubbed me the wrong way and then I had to do a terrible thing; whip out my 21st century smart phone in this 18th century style restaurant to verify that I was right and the server was wrong. I didn't embarrass him with the correction but I just had to know. (I was right). I was also a little disappointed at the menu. I felt that it was too modern and yet too out of date at the same time. What I mean is that although the menu items might have been served in revolutionary times, too many of the options were simply not combinations that actually were. Then, I felt like the food on my plate would have felt more appropriate in the 1990s. So too modern to be revolutionary but not modern enough to belong in a restaurant today. The taste was fine and as we all sampled from each other's orders I can make that statement across the board. Overall, I had a good time but I doubt I'd return unless it was with some tourist frineds or something along those lines, which is actually what brought me in this time too.
(3)
Susan L.
What an interesting place. The decor, the uniforms, the silverware...everything is pretty committed to the theme here. Its a tourist trap for sure; tour buses literally stop here for large groups to come in for lunch and dinner. We went here for a family lunch and we were a little put off by being ignored for 20 minutes and then the lack of apology from our waitress. There was hardly anyone there at the time which also doesn't make any sense. At least the food was good; I really enjoyed my roasted duckling; creamy potatoes, crispy glazed duck, and a medley of perfectly cooked vegetables. The rest of the meal went smoothly. I don't think its a place I would want to visit again especially if I was footing the bill because it was pretty pricey (especially as a lunch).
(3)
Erin B.
In honor of President's day - my husband was kind enough to take me to one of my favorite spots ... CITY TAVERN (ode to our lovely forefathers)! There was a time when this gal visited City Tavern on a monthly (dare I say weekly) basis. On the "dog days of winter" I would go in to get a warmer or two or three for good measure. When I originally moved into the city, I went there so often that I knew the (period clad) bartenders by name. When I went in today, the bartender (David) remarked that he had not seen me in ages and assumed that I moved out of the city. Surely, a sign that I was going waaaaay too often at one point. Check out city tavern on a super cold day - order the warmer and I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Kerry G.
We decided to stop here for lunch after a morning spent exploring the historic sites nearby and had a very enjoyable meal. Our server was friendly and very attentive and the atmosphere was touristy but fun. Our daughter loved the costumes and unique dishware. The meal was bit pricier than we are accustomed to - the lunch menu prices were more comparable to what we usually pay for dinner, and the dinner prices made me blanch a bit - definitely a date night destination and not for everyday dining. However, the portions were generous. My husband ordered the veal sausage, which he said was good (I don't eat veal) and which came with some very tasty sauerkraut. I had the turkey pot pie, which had a nice buttery crust and a hearty filling. It came with egg noodles on the side, which were fine but didn't really add anything special. Our daughter had fish and chips, which were good, too. We had the Martha Washington chocolate mousse cake and the pumpkin cheesecake with candied pecans for dessert and enjoyed both. We also liked the bread sampler, which included Sally Lunn bread, Anadama, and Thomas Jefferson's favorite sweet potato pecan biscuits. The biscuits were my favorite, and tasted a lot like pumpkin bread.
(4)
Amy G.
I expected the food to be nothing special since it looked to be a tourist trap. I was pleasantly surprised. The fried tofu entree was yummy with lots of fresh veggies. The others in our party had turkey pot pie and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bread (3 different types) came before our entrees and it was good too. Hubby and I shared the beer sampler an enjoyed the spruce beer more than the others. We shared the Martha Washington cake which was very good.
Went to dinner here during a sightseeing trip to philly. So quaint and filled with history! Expected it to be a tourist trap with crappy food but I was pleasantly surprised! The pepper soup was great as was the porkchop. But be prepared, the portions are huge! The sweet potato biscuits (a Thomas Jefferson recipe!) will definitely be on my thanksgiving table. Oh yeah, I'm getting the cookbooks!
(4)
Deidra S.
Love this place and the fact that they dress of the day, circa 1700's. The vinegar shrug drinks are great!!!
(5)
Thee E.
Ales of the Revolution was one of the highlights of my trip. The staff was awesome and easy to talk to. Go here and try the old beer recipes!
(4)
Shelly C.
After much hype from someone in my group who lived here many years ago, this bunch of "Touristy" people descended upon the City Tavern. We had made reservations two days prior for 7pm. At 730 we were seated. In the basement. At 745 we got water! At 8, (Hey, it IS July) we requested more water. We got it at 830. The food? Okay. My pork chop was heaven. At least I think it was. It may have been heavenly because I was extra hungry as the order taker screwed up and I didn't get what I ordered till almost everyone else was finished. The service? See above. I think our experience here may have been better had we not been seated in the basement. We had more people walking into our room looking for the loo then wait staff. We were forgotten so often I was beginning to think our waiter was the "ghost" we were told about because he kept disappearing. I mean, Milk Carton disappearing. Would I recommend? Oh no, no no. Would I return? Only in the dead of winter so that I could disguise myself under scarfs and layers while I snuck in to get a to-go order of those little biscuit things. Because I can't not share....they are the bomb!
(3)
Rachel H.
My mother enjoyed her food. But my Turkey Pot Pie was not very good. The breading on top was sticky, the turkey was dry even with all that sauce. The waiter was rude and off putting. But I did quite enjoy the colonial grab. The food wasn't horrible but it was not good sub par at best. I would give it another try. Just not the pot pie.
(3)
Ed L.
We went there for lunch on January 17. The food, drinks, and staff were all excellent, particularly when sorting out some dietary restrictions. Sierra, in particular, was awesome. We had been there several times for drinks but this was our first meal there, and we would definitely go back.
(5)
Virginia C.
Very good food with colonial ambiance. Great for entertaining.
(4)
Dave H.
We had a party of 7 for New Year's at City Tavern, and enjoyed everything about the experience. Our server, Sierra, shared the right amount of background and information about the restaurant, the chef and the food, and made the evening great. Everyone in the party tried something different and all was really good. Why go anywhere else when you're in historic Philadelphia?
(4)
Sarah P.
This place is AWESOME!!!!! I love the concept and think they bail it on the head. The restaurant is all about giving you a dining experience reminiscent of 1770's. We ordered the beer sampler and it was fantastic! By this time in the evening we had stuffed ourselves on Cheesesteaks and only ordered salads, but the Roquefort was awesome! There was a chunk of cheese in the center of the salad and it was great quality! I loved the sweet potato biscuits they serve at the beginning of the meal. My only complaint is that they say it is kid friendly...it IS NOT! When a place says they are kid friendly I assume for all ages. This is appropriate for t'weens and older.
(5)
Peter B.
This was was great. JP was one of the nicest servers I've had - knowledgeable about the menu, the recipes behind the menu (Martha Washington's Chocolate cake recipe, Thomas Jefferson's ale recipe used lemons from China), and shared the types of historical tidbits that make dining at a place like the City Tavern fun. The setting and building itself are cool enough to allow the kitchen to slack a little bit, but everything out party of ten got was really, really good. Beef medallions, bone-in ribeye, chicken breasts, veal sausages with sauerkraut - all very good, and I grew up eating high quality PA Dutch food. You can tell they have a pastry chef on staff, I usually don't eat bread, but made exceptions for the terrific muffins served in the bread bowl and the cobbler served for dessert. There aren't prices on the kids menu, and items are $12.95, but the fish and chips were good enough for adults to eat.
(5)
Amanda F.
I thought this place was so fun - call me a geek, but I was so into the colonial theme! The staff are all dressed in colonial-stlye outfits, and the dishes are colonial-inspired. The dishes are pretty and mugs are pewter. The flight of beers was so cool - made from the founding fathers' own recipes, which are on file in the national archives. I had the turkey pot pie, which was so delicious and filling, along with Martha Washington's recipe for a fruity cocktail. It really puts you in the mood for a fun historical tour of Philadelphia.
(4)
Miguel F.
Went for Mother's Day and sat outside since it was a beautiful day..decided to do the tasting menu (59.99 per person) which came with a 3 dishes and a dessert and coffee. I started out with an IPA by Yards Brewing Company. Great beer! For my first plate, I ordered the duck sausage which was good. It came served over some red cabbage. For the second plate, a salad, nothing spectacular, but hey, it's salad. For my entree I ordered the beef medallions which came with a side of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The only issue I had with the entree was that I asked for the meat medium rare- closer to rare if the chef could do it. When I received the meal though, the meat was at most medium well- closer to well done. I would have sent it back but by the time it would have came back, the rest of my party would have been done their meals, so I ate it anyway. Wasn't that bad just really over cooked per my request. The rest of the plate was excellent though. For my dessert I ordered a raspberry tart accompanied with cinnamon ice cream- Amazing! Over all, I was impressed but disappointed in how my meat came to me. Tad pricey but for the amount of food, I suppose it was worth it. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone in the area who hasn't been.
(4)
Andy K.
Outstanding place to visit. If you've never been to Philly(and even if you have), this place is a must. Lobster pie was amazing as was the duck. Historical atmosphere combined with great food and service really made for a great lunch. Jay, our server, was outstanding as well.
(5)
Courtney K.
If you want to be served by someone who looks like Ben Franklin - this is your place. I know it may seem touristy, but I love this place. I love that I can sit on a park bench and be served a flight of beers. I love that I can sit in the tiniest room with a bar and have a beer and eat cheesecake. I love the history behind it, and I love the attire the staff wears. If you ask me, that's a win, win, win.
(4)
Justin M.
It's a cool little place... Had the duck and it was just mediocre. Would not recommend if looking for the tastiest meal in town
(3)
Steve M.
Excellent from start to finish!! Very cool to try the soup served to the men who crossed the Delaware River with Washington, but the mushroom toast appetizer, duckling, crab cake, and the chocolate cake stole the show! Absolutely fabulous time, everyone was super friendly and knowledgeable, and Sara our server arranged for us to meet Chef Staib, who shared his wealth of knowledge on food and history. Just an absolutely great time here! Will return for sure!!
(5)
Andrea F.
This place was awesome!! I was disappointed that I didn't get to try the beer but the trout was amazing.
(5)
Geoff Z.
Great food. Very friendly and helpful. The steak and shrimp were perfect!!!
(5)
Matt S.
I really enjoyed the look and feel of the place, the pewter cups were a nice touch. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was. I had a seafood pasta and my girlfriend had a salmon dish and we (along with the rest of our party) thoroughly enjoyed our dishes. The prices were pretty reasonable as well. We went for lunch and I was still recovering from a slight hangover so I wasn't able to try the several "founding fathers" beers they have there, but someone in my group had said they were pretty good. You can get a flight which allows you to try them all. You can also tour the building as they have historical information about colonial taverns and a replicated tavern set up upstairs. Overall, I would recommend checking it out if you're in the Old City area.
(5)
Treebw B.
Went to City Tavern after having horrible service at Amada. Yes, this matters because we were completely thrilled that Rich was our bartender! He was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. We only had desert and drinks but they were good. My daughter got the beer sampler and I got the champagne with raspberry (I can not remember what it is called and the menu on their website does not seem to be working) per Rich's recommendation. They were perfect! For desert I got the blackberry cheesecake (holy cow!) and my daughter chose Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse cake. We both loved both deserts and Rich was correct- we only needed one desert as they were huge but we were happy to eat the leftovers the next evening. I was pleasantly surprised with this place as it was not just a tourist destination. It felt like a very comfortable restaurant/bar that I would likely frequent if I lived in the area. All of the employees were incredibly nice and I loved that they were very willing to provide information about the building and the history of the area.
(5)
Seattle G.
Charming and quaint. Delightful setting and staff. The food was great on two visits, and I loved the historic beer selection. It seemed pricey to me, but looking at neighboring restaurants it seems typical. The pot pie takes awhile to make - so be prepared for a wait with that order.
(4)
Pratik P.
This place SCREAMS tradition. They definitely got this part right. Most of the (men) waitstaff sport knee-high tight white socks, cravats, waistcoats, and straight leg white trousers. I didn't catch that many female staff members in the restaurant, but I'm sure they'd be decked out in the female equivalent of 18th century attire. It's been a while since I stepped into a place where staff are required to wear a fairly intricate wardrobe, so prepare yourself otherwise you'll be shocked the first time you walk in. Most of the other reviews below are spot on, so I won't spend time adding any more detail, but... If you do go, get the turkey pot pie. Seriously, just get the pot pie. It's absolutely huge in size and comes with probably the best outer crust I've ever tasted: golden brown, soft, and flaky (but not too flaky). I'm not sure what their secret is when it comes to baking, but they make it beautifully. They also give you a side of pasta with some random sauce with the order, but I'm guaranteeing you that you won't be able to finish it. The extra pasta doesn't really have much flavor, and at that point, it's just extra carbs that'll turn into love handles in a few days, so don't bother. Prices are a little steep (think ~$30-35/entree), so this place is more of a 'fine dining' place when it comes to Philly restaurants. You won't walk out with a cheap bill, but you'll definitely eat some complex and traditional foods, perhaps get a history lesson or two from the staff, and a couple of laughs as you watch the waitstaff awkwardly go about their job in trousers and cravats :)
(3)
Marie L.
This is a historic tavern from the Ben Franklin years, located in Old City. All of the staff is dressed in period garb, which I wasn't expecting. They have 4 signature beers, all brewed by Yards Brewing. The staff was really helpful in explaining the differences between each beer. There's lots of history in this building and we had a great time. It's a total tourist trap, but in the best way.
(4)
David K.
Love the charm and history of this place as well as the friendly, period-dressed staff. Drinks are generous, but a bit overpriced ($11.00 for a SoCo Manhattan). The pecan rolls are tiny but a delight. However the bread was ordinary and dry. The corn chowder soup is fantastic. Ordered the Seafood Salad Melange for my entre. The greens were excellent but the dressing that comes with it is super oniony and garlicky. The salad is topped with smoked salmon and smoked trout, which were ok but a bit on the dry side. The shrimp were ordinary and tasteless. Worst of all is the crabmeat on top of the salad. It had to be right out of a can and I found it to be totally inedible. Desert tray is really good. I do recommend the Blueberry Cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. Coffee is strong and very good. Highly recommend the dining experience here but stay away from the seafood salad. Smoked chicken and artichoke heart salad wasn't any better. Dave K
(3)
Matt W.
This was a nice experience with good friends! The place is interesting and I'd say the server made the difference between this being a 3 and a 4 because she (Sarah "Martha" the Sociologist Extraordinaire) shared a lot of interesting tidbits with us in a manner that was not annoying or in-your-face. She also did it in a fan manner as well (probably b/c our group is a bit goofy!!) The food is decent, some of it very good, some of it average. All of it is some American fare made in a homestyle/homespun fashion. Some of the sauces were a bit too heavy (i.e. the fish, the mushrooms). It overwhelmed these dishes to the point where it's a bit hard to really taste the main part of the dish (fish or mushroom). The bread served with the soup was absolutely fantastic! The duck was also really solid. Mashed potatoes were just ok while veggies served with it were oily and overcooked. Dessert was all phenomenal- apple cobbler, creme brulee and the chocolate mousse cake. All excellent!! So the highlights for me- the edifice itself, the service and tidbits learned along the way, bread and dessert...I'd say it's worth coming. Just be warned that it is pricey. If you have a beer, entree and share dessert, you will run close to 70$. I think I'd target this at closer to $50 and feel good about it...it was worth the experience for a single visit though. I wouldn't be eating here if I was a local...
(4)
Yuan C.
Love the decor but the food is just terrible.
(3)
Alex X.
I once had a foodie german/english bf who knew to bring me to unusual places- at least unusual to me. We came here once for Sunday brunch. A tad bit pricey but that's the price you pay for something not so common. The dishes can be quite unique here. If that's what you are looking for try City Tavern. If I find the pics I will put them up. The colonial theme was out of the ordinary. I will be back now that I found this location again. Thanks yelp. PS. I loved the back outdoor seating. The entire experience minded me of being in on a mansion porch in the South during the cotton plantation era in history. I have pretty wild imagination: must be my trigger of reincarnated past lives. :-p
(4)
Matt C.
Great Beer. Tried the Colonial Ale Sampler but let me save you the trouble... Jeffersons is best. Turkey pot pie, yummy flaky and doughy crust, creamy piping hot goodness inside. Chicken breast Oscar pretty good, moist chicken and good breading. DO NOT east outside though. The sent you to a makeshift tent in the back and you feel like a second class citizen out there.
(3)
Roger I.
Our kids liked going back in time, too. I loved the beer selections and their recipe histories, especially. The menu strives to reproduce choices from the Colonial Era. I'm not sure if they succeeded on that account but it was fun trying the turkey pot pie along with George Washington's beer recipe. If you're looking to go, bring your imagination and BIG wallet. Your creativity helps put you in that frame of mind. The Big Billfold helps pay the bill.
(4)
Allen S.
A true historic restaurannt with authentic atmosphere, good service and food.
(3)
Andrea G.
Gary and I attended a conference in downtown Philadelphia recently. A friend recommended we go here. A TREAT! I highly recommend it to visitors, for a real authentic experience of Colonial dining. It was great fun eating in the old building, sectioned into separate dining rooms in each room and on several floors. The waitstaff and hosts were all in Colonial attire. Great family destination. We saw groups, families and friends all gather here for an excellent meal. The tableware is of the time period, including pewter-type (heavy duty) drinkware and candles on the tables. The menu reflects foods from that period, mostly meaty fare such as pork loin, turkey pot pie, lamb chops, steak, etc. TIP: A vegetarian would not like the menu choices. They served some special breads, including these delightful little sconelike muffin items that we loved. I found the pricing within reason, given the special nature of this restaurant. And the food servings and quality were excellent! I told another in my convention to go here, and he wrote me how grateful he was for that tip. Don't miss it if you can get there!
(5)
Kate K.
Came Here on a tour after our tour guide insisted we get a cocktail here. If anything just go for the building, it is beautiful. There was a hArp player as we entered the building and everyone was dressed in costumes reminiscent of Ben Franklin days. Great selection of beers, and the crowd was friendly. Try the beer sampler. Will go back to try the food, it all looked really good coming out. Check out the back patio.
(3)
Samantha I.
Sooooo much cool history here. Food and beer are great. Original beer recipes from our 4 fathers
(4)
Alyx F.
I had to adjust my expectations quickly since I hadn't picked this place and I expected more of a Tavern-y feel, but I thought that everything was good with the experience element pushing it to 4 stars over 3. I got the turkey pot pie and a sampler of the founding father's beers. Ben Franklin's beer was my favorite since it was the most interesting of all the beers, the others I don't think I would get again. The turkey pot pie was good, but it was a lot of cream and little substance. I thought it was great that the servers and hosts were dressed in traditional garb, so that element made it a cool experience. They also had metal goblets for your water which I was a huge fan of - I need to buy one of those for my home. :)
(4)
Dave B.
I'm told this is a tourist trap, and the interesting costumes (I mean uniforms?) of the waitstaff does nothing to dilute that impression. However, it does have a small group of regulars, one of whom I was visiting so I was able to look past the tourist facade and enjoy what was one of the best meals I've had in town. My steak and shrimp was insanely huge - and delicious. Good beer. Good breads, too. Oh, and good everything. Check downstairs -- there's often live music down there to compensate for (or take your mind off) the fact that you're eating in the basement :-) I'll name drop Sarah here, too. Absolutely excellent service, that merits recognition.
(5)
Prasanna R.
Update! The pending transaction dropped off and the staff sorted out the confusion. But I won't go back again because there is nothing else special to try on the menu, for a vegetarian like me.
(2)
Emily V.
Excellent food and fun colonial concept! The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the harpist was the cherry on top! I really loved that the food is period appropriate, but yet actually was yummy! I highly recommend the pepper pot soup and the colonial pot pie. Excellent! I was surprised by how yummy the sweet potato and pecan biscuits were which come standard in the bread platter. As for the service. Terrible. We counted 4 tables in the entire place with patrons so it was relatively empty. When we arrived we waited 13 minutes until my boyfriend got on foot to go and track someone down to start the ordering process. And she didn't apologize--What? Then she just asked what our order was without taking our drink order first--What? It took and average of 8 minutes for her to return with our pop refills--Really? Ridiculous. We decided not to get dessert because it probably would have taken 30 minutes. I'm chalking it up to her just having a bad day and I'm assuming the rest of the waitstaff is terrific. The only reason why they aren't 5 stars is due to the service. Oy vey!
(4)
tony m.
This is my second review of City Tavern. My last review, written during Restaurant Week last year was more than positive. I am sorry to say that such is not the case after my second visit. After my first experience, which you can read about in my earlier post, I thought it would be wonderful to take my 87 year old mother to City Tavern since she is a history buff and also watches Chef Staib's program. While the service and ambiance were fine, the portions of the servings were less than deplorable. On my first visit the chicken cutlet covered the plate. This time the chicken piece was no more than 3" x 3' at best. The veal (Veiner Shnitzel) was even smaller and curled into nothingness. The turkey pot pie was no match to the beef turnover of my earlier visit. If these paltry dishes are what they serve to Philadelphia visitors they should hang their head in shame..
(2)
Sandy M.
Such a great venue and the atmosphere was wonderful. Felt it was alittle pricey My husband had the pot pie and 21.95 is a bit much. He was disappointed there was no carrots in the pie. The speciality beers the guys loved. I had the corn chowder and the only things that bothered me was it was cold and not hot. However, we would go back because of the uniqueness of the place
(4)
Amy B.
We held our rehearsal dinner at City Tavern recently. Since nearly all of our guests were from out of town, we wanted to share Philly's history as well as our great experiences at City Tavern. The banquet coordinator was incredibly helpful and flexible, especially with our planning from across the country. The food was, as always, exceptional, and our server also served as the Tavern's historian and gave a great presentation on the history of the building. I'm so glad that this venue worked out for our rehearsal dinner! I can't wait to come back next time I'm "home".
(5)
Harold F.
I ate there a couple of years ago. I still remember that it was one of the best meals I have ever had. I had the basil shrimp, lobster pot pie, and the Martha Washington Chocolate Mousse cake. Great salad and homemade bread too!
(5)
Jan T.
Taking advantage of the last "nice" weekend of the year, we chose to take a trip up to Philly to see the sights again and, since it was cool out, to deviate from the usual Philly routine (historical sites, Chinatown, historical sites), to eat at City Tavern. Initially promoted during a walking tour of Philadelphia, and later reinforced through PBS and Food Network watching, my expectations were somewhat mixed. The food sounded great and the concept sounded very good, but the nagging "tourist trap" gremlin had to be blocked out. Fortunately the experience was worth it. A more or less faithful reconstruction of a Revolutionary War era tavern, City Tavern features a menu of traditional colonial American and German cuisine (the chef is German), while selling a Yards Brewery line of revolutionary ales. I had the Thomas Jefferson, and it made the second half of the day considerably warmer and merrier. The food itself was excellent. I started with the pepperpot soup, a spicy mix of beef, beef broth, kale, and potato. The perfect starter for a somewhat dreary day and a good companion to the selection of three traditional breads served prior to lunch. Other members of my party had the mushrooms on toast (excellent), and smoked fish platter (delicious). For the main course we went with two types of pies (beef and turkey), and a traditional sausage platter with pasta. All were excellent, with a nice meld of German and British influences (pie with sweet and sour cabbage, etc.). All dishes were large and somewhat heavy, but went great with beer and wine. Dessert was (since we were all stuffed) a shared portion of bread pudding. It too was delicious. The ambiance was very traditional. From the liveried servers (who fortunately did not try to be re-enactors) to the lack of electrical lighting, the place took you back in time. Some more natural light would have been nice (an awning over the entrance blocked it), but the candles made up for it. While expensive, this is one "traditional experience" restaurant I can get behind.
(5)
M S.
Lunch - stale bread or are we eating Thomas Jefferson's 'original recipe' asked for a recommendation - the waiter suggested the 2 most expensive things on the menu -suspicious. hmmm- did i order one of them - yes - was it good - laughable 2 dried out pieces of duck covered in - hey guess what, DUCK SAUCE!!! it was a good laugh! so sorry if you've been scammed too
(1)
Taylor H.
Lovely place for tourists, and amazing food!! I always love a good dinner and a dining experience at the same time. The bread basket is also very cool (old recipes), try the pecan/sweet potato biscuits
(5)
K T.
i love this place. been here before for lunch. Sun eve dinner after thanksgiving wkend was not at all crowded, they took us early from open table reservation. Turkey Pot Pie was AB FAB! My guy had the tenderloin tips over egg noodles and it was yummy! warmed up with the apple cider beverage by candlelight and that did it for me. i like the historical vibe here. staff don't overplay their attire so it didn't feel hokey. def come back next time in Philly.
(5)
James B.
Being a fan of history, City Tavern is a restaurant tailor-made for me. Legitimate historical significance, a menu that would have been served to George Washington, and a wait staff dressed in period attire all serve to make the guest feel like they have stepped back into 1776. I was even seated in the very place that was Washington's favorite spot: corner window on the second floor. Opening the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the "Ales of the Revolution" selection. These are four beers made from recipes of the Founding Fathers. I particularly enjoyed Alexander Hamilton's pale ale. I ended up ordering the Pork Chop Applewood Smoked. When it came out, it was steaming and red (from the salt) and lying on a bed of mashed potatoes. Every bite was so succulent and juicy. It is supposed to come with sour kraut, but since I hate sour kraut, I withheld it. The best part was that since I went midday and off-season, there was almost no one there. Which, as the waitress said (shout out to Joan), was rare. I am giving this restaurant my highest recommendation. One note though, I learned that Benjamin Franklin helped introduce tofu, of all things, to America when he wrote the recipe in a letter to someone while he was in France. Now I know who to blame. Oh, and that tofu recipe is made here, if you are into that.
(5)
Joe B.
Went to City Tavern last night for dinner with GF. This had been on our to-do list for a while. Part of me feared that it would be a tourist trap with crappy, overpriced food. The food and service turned out to exceed expectations. We had 6:30 reservations, and were promptly seated and attended to. Our waitress, Sarah, was terrific. She was pleasant, knowledgeable, and personable. My girlfriend got the special, which was crab claws, scallops, and shrimp over linguini with garlic, basil, and tomatoes. She was very pleased, and said if she had anything negative to say about it it would be that it could have been served hotter. I inquired about the lobster pot pie's price. Sarah told me $42 and I hesitated. She assured it me it was all that. I was reluctant because I visualized a few measly pieces of lobster in a bunch of cream sauce. She assured me there was plenty of lobster, so I tried it. It was well worth it. It was very rich and flavorful with lots of tender lobster pieces. It was a great dish. I only could eat half, so it was nicely portioned too. If you figure getting two meals out of it, it comes to $21 a meal. Also, they serve you a nice bread plate with dinner. It comes with a variety of homemade breads that are all very tasty. Overall, a great meal and I would definitely come back.
(4)
Nayeli A.
Amazing! We had Sara as our server and she was great, so friendly and attentive. Loved being able to get up and look around while our food was being made. We split the pot pie and pepper pot soup, both of which we were very happy happy! Also recommend the mouse cake. Loved the atmosphere and clothing, and after our ghost tour last night, it just added to the surroundings.
(5)
Ben P.
If you are looking for traditional food from the colonial era. This is your place the whole staff is dressed like they are from the 1700s and the place itself is a historical landmark just steps away from where the Declaration of Independence was signed. You feel the history int he building and the food is great. I had the roasted vegetables with the carved turkey.
(4)
Anne H.
Be prepared to spend at least $100 per couple for drinks, appetizer and two entrees. But these portions are worth it. The chicken pot pie was epic, I couldn't even finish half of it. Split this with someone if you don't eat like a lumberjack. The ambiance is pretty cool knowing you're sitting in the space space as some of our founding fathers once broke bread. Totally worth the splurge if you're looking for a historical experience and delicious food. TIP: they give you free bread to start, so lay off an appetizer if if you're trying to save $.
(5)
Franklin M.
The place takes you back to yesteryear, if you are in Philly I recommend that you visit this place. The food was delicious but a bit pricey. To add to authenticity the waitresses should light the candles with matches and not lighters.
(4)
Brad E.
Ok...so I know this place seems like a total tourist trap...and it is touristy for sure, but the food is legitimately good. We tried the pepperpot soup. It was spicy but not overly so. Good appetizer on a cold November day. The best dish we tried was the turkey pot pie. The crust was flaky and the filling was loaded with white breast meat and mushrooms bathed in a delicious broth. My wife's tavern lobster pie also gad a great crust. The filling was a little underwhelming. It was full of lobster and quality seafood but the sauce left something to be desired. I had the lamb chops. They were tender and cooked medium rare. The flavor was good but not top shelf. I washed it all down with a glass of wasel (spiced wine). Definitely the right drink for the occasion. I recommend trying this place if you are in town to see the sights. It is surprisingly good.
(4)
Steven B.
In every large city there are eateries that if you ask a native about them you'll hear "tourist trap!" Is the City Tavern popular with tourists? You bet but don't dismiss them so quickly. They deserve a look and a taste. The atmosphere is wonderful and you are surrounded by history complete with period costumes for the staff. Said staff is also very knowledgeable about the early years of our country. As for the food, as many have said the recipes are supposedly from this time period. Most of it is quite heavy. I find it good but definitely not great. I do have a problem with the price point of the menu. With a drink or two, if you're not careful you can easily blow past $50 and head towards $75. For that price I expect a lot and for me they are not quite there. I suggest you try them for lunch before you commit to dinner. Even lunch won't be cheap but it will give you a chance to see if you like the style of food.
(3)
Frank H.
Incredible place to eat with the ambiance and history! I fully recommend the West Indies Pepperpot Soup (if you don't mind spicy) and the Pork Chop "Apple-Wood Smoked". I actually ordered the Braised Rabbit with vegetable and egg noodles and gravy which was also good but I looked and got a taste of the Pork Chops and they were unbelievable!!!! Beware, portions are huge!
(4)
Qingqing C.
Really good place. Food is delicious, I ordered a beer " Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale" and seafood pasta, really good! Enjoy it, nice place.
(4)
May L.
City Tavern failed to mention that Remy's cousin from the movie Ratatouille would be making guest appearances on the evening of 21-Sep-2013! First and last experience at this place for me! I saw a baby RAT or little MOUSE while we were eating! It scurried under the table on the second floor into the fireplace, then scurried back and forth from the fireplace a few more times, and then came out and stayed under one of the chairs for a bit before it scurried into the other dining room. My friend thought I was seeing things until she saw the rat for herself! She went closer to it and said it was a black, baby rat and found holes in the fireplace! So disgusting! We mentioned that we saw a baby rat to our server and he mentioned that other customers have seen them before, too and was unapologetic about it and asked if we had seen rats before in Philly. Well, I understand that rats can be found anywhere in Philly, but it's unsanitary to find it in a restaurant, especially visible in the dining area! As for the food, it was nothing special. The schnitzel that I ordered was dry and wasn't even tasty! So overpriced here! I definitely do not recommend this place!
(1)
Nicole D.
I wish I could rant and rave about the service and historical fun at City Tavern, but I'm here to say otherwise. Yes, the staff was dressed in colonial garb, but our waitress was far from friendly. We were there for drinks only, and were put in the back corner of the "bar", where workers were loading and unloading carts of glasses for the majority of the time we were there. Our waitress barely made eye contact with us as we ordered the beer sampler. There was no explanation of the significance of each beer upon their arrival (hey, we're tourists, we want to know this stuff), and a card with information was tossed, literally tossed, as an after thought onto our table. We did like the beers, esp Franklin's spruce, but due to the atmosphere and cold service, we decided not to stay for more. Our waitress murmured our total without even dropping off a check, she moseyed on back, grabbing by husband's debit card off the table and bringing it back in the same manner without even a "Have a nice day". We had better service and fun at the Irish pubs we stopped at along the way. Maybe if we were sat in the dining area the service would have been up to par. I would not recommend this place for drinks!
(2)
Steve C.
I acted as a tour guide for some friends, and we found ourselves here for lunch. Pros: Ambiance, food, beers, quick service, and general layout of the restaurant (we were by ourselves in our section). I had the rabbit, and the portion was huge. I also had the Thomas Jefferson off the beer list. I'm assuming it was the same selection brewed by Yard's. It was a great beer and enhanced the experience, but only have one because drinks are very expensive. The server was okay. Our table was by the waitstation - if you're really into the experience, then watching your colonially dressed server on her smartphone in the station will be off-putting.
(4)
Kai M.
I had my suspicions that this place was going to be the tourist trap that it looked like, but the GF and I have a serious love for all things historic and she finally bullied me into giving this place a shot. We went for lunch on Sunday. It was this perfect autumn day, crisp and sunny and warm all at the same time, and we were disappointed that outdoor seating was no longer an option (it's still September and was at least 70 outside, and more than that in the sun). Inside, we were led upstairs to a very stuffy room with no air circulation whatsoever. Our menus, and the table, contained advertisements for the chef's books and DVDs. Tacky. Very tacky. Service wasn't malicious, but that's about the kindest thing I can say about it. "Mediocre" seems generous. Staff were disinterested, inattentive, and bored. At one point I was apparently expected to eat my main entree with the dessert fork. When asked for a fork, the waiter first looked at the (perfectly good, apparently) dessert fork next to my plate, then at me with this quizzical expression, before finally acquiescing to my request. The food was only ok. We were expecting heavy dishes (we've seen the chef's show on PBS and know he's old-school German) but they were nothing special. I can say that the apps and mains were cooked reasonably well, but the presentation and flavor profiles left much to be desired. Dessert was clearly an afterthought, and the schpiel about "traditional" chocolate mousse cake was really just overkill. We spent a Benjamin (plus tip) on dining where Benjamin did. But you know what? He'd be ashamed.
(1)
Jennifer E.
City Tavern was the perfect experience for us. We went for dinner to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We loved the historic feel of the building and the old fashioned cuisine. The costumes were a little cheesy, but hey, what can you do? I had the roasted duckling and my husband had the rack of lamb. Both were served perfectly and were delicious. Now don't let the prices trick you.... the portion sizes are HUGE - especially when stacked against comparable restaurants. We easily could have split an entree. My husband sampled their beer - favorite was the Alexander Hamilton. Loved it so much, I bought the cookbook - which is OUTSTANDING. Not only are the recipes easy to understand... Chef Staib gives directions for finding the foods and the best way to prepare them. Absolutely love it. My only complaint was our waiter was kind of boring (showed no personality at all) and was far to quiet. In fact, he didn't even introduce himself when he came to table, which is bad customer service. The receipt said his name was Mike... so... Mike... you need to loosen up and speak up. Half the time we couldn't hear or understand him when he was talking to us. Overall, 2 thumbs up and we will definitely be returning when we head back to Philadelphia.
(4)
Alex. B.
Stumbled across this place while walking around. We walked and were pleasantly greeted by two gentlemen in colonial period clothing. Decor and food seemed to be authentic from colonial times and we had a very nice time. Would very much recommend.
(4)
Brian T.
Where else can you drink beer from the recipes of our forefathers? I went with the flight that had all 4 beers in tasting glasses. My fave, by a LONG SHOT, was the Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce from Ben Franklin's recipe
(5)
Jessica S.
My husband and I had dinner here over July 4th weekend, which is their busiest week of the year. The waitress was very friendly and was great at giving out recommendations. She also stopped dinner at one point to give a little history on the tavern. The service was on a slower end, though, compared to other restaurants. Our dinners were very good. The prices are a bit higher than most other restaurants for the same food, but not all restaurants are this historic and have servers in colonial outfits. :)
(4)
Daniel G.
Just like old times of the founding fathers, this restaurant caters to your historical needs. We felt like we were back in time and very much enjoyed every part of our meal. We wish we could dine here more often. Here is our video of the place. youtu.be/jSt7XiVNjkE?t=4s
(5)
Stephen C.
the atmosphere was great and fit perfectly with Thanks Giving, Our table was ready when we arrived. The Appetizer was "OK" at best it arrived cold and was more tot he standard of an inexpensive banquet and not a $85 per person dinner. The salad was good not too wet, but nothing special. The Main course was very very good, the turkey was moist, the mashed potatoes were good, as were the sweet potatoes. I enjoyed the stuffing, my wife didn't care for it. The gravy was very good. The portion were generous. The deserts were just OK, really didn't care for my cobbler and for a Diabetic not to care for a sweet is saying something. The bread pudding my wife ordered read great but left all its potential in the description because the taste did not make it to the plate. The Service and atmosphere exceeding my expectations the food did not even come close to my expectations and that is after making adjustments downward for thanksgiving. I think Chef Walter is better at TV appearances and Cook books then actual execution. We had a great thanksgiving because we were together and not because of the food. Last year we had a much better dinner at Smithville Inn for less then 1/2 the price at only 38 per person. So if you are looking for somewhere to go next thanks giving I would suggest you pass by City Tavern
(2)
Olga D.
Love this place! Never ate here but we come here for drinks and their specialty beers. Nice, cozy, and historic. It's great after a day of strolling around Old City.
(5)
Stef S.
It's a charming little restaurant for what it's worth. Romantic and novel, it's a place you should check out if you haven't been before! The menu's cool... and it's fun to pretend you're Martha Washington's BFF and you've stopped by the tavern for supper. Or something like that. The food's on the pricier end of things (Uh hello, $22 for a pot pie without tax and tip?). Personally, the food wasn't that great. I'd go anywhere else for a solid good meal, but the 'ye olde times' atmosphere is fun. Ambiance? 4 stars. Food? 2 stars. On average: 3 stars. The peach and plum cobbler was gross, btw. I had a puckered face the whole time i ate it. Blech.
(2)
Dan S.
You, like me, may be tempted to discount the negative reviews as mere petty gripes. Or isolated occurrences. Don't. The chef should be ashamed of the service his waitstaff provided tonight. It will go down as some of my all time WORST service. EVER. And that's saying something. Why? Let me count the ways. Another table which sat down 15 mins after us got served their appetizer and main course even before our appetizer (of soup! And a crab cake) was served. It took over an hour to get our appetizer (did I mention some of it was SOUP which is surely prepared head of time). Our waitress disappeared for seemingly hours on end. Had to ask for our initial water and bread. Which didn't come til well after we ordered (which took forever as well). And a water refill? Good luck. We asked and spoke with our waitress 3 times and waited 25 mins just for that. Of course, just 3 minutes after our appetizers were brought, our main dishes were out too. But not all of them. One of them. (a kids ham and cheese) took another 10 minutes (at least it was brought out warm) The waitress when asked, said the kitchen got slammed. Which would be fine except it's a quiet Tuesday night and two other tables which came after us got their food. So not only is she a poor server, but a liar too. And how was the food? The soup was way too salty. The barley somewhat tasteless. The other dishes were better but with service poor as this, really, who cares. For 150 dollars, I have never felt so ripped off. No even attempt to Make it up with a free app or drink. No apology from a manager. Nothing. For tourists, you have been warned. This is coming from someone who never gives out 1 star ratings. Don't be fooled.
(1)
Mindy M.
I only gave this place 3 stars because I didn't actually eat here- I knew I was going to walk 2 blocks to Khyber Pass Pub so I held off. I do hear that the food is authentic to the American Revolutionary times and is good, but I can't say myself. This place has a TON of history- check out the website for the complete info (too much to include) but basically Washington, Adams, and that whole crew would dine here regularly AND upstairs is where the very first 4th of July was celebrated. The place is historically accurate with regards to food, drink, and atmosphere and was even featured on PBS a while back. What we did have was the flight of beers and the Cooler which is a mix of cold Apple Cider, Maderia, Whiskey, and Rum- WOW- it is good and packs a whollop (I only had 1 thank you very much). The flight of beer, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, is all very interesting - a stout, ale, spruce, and lager are brewed at the Yards brewery. The 6 pack take home is expensive ($15 for a 6-pack) so we passed on that.
(3)
Ling X.
Excellent Service, Very good food and ambiance. I went to this gem of a restaurant this past weekend with a group girlfriends for dinner. After a day of exploring the historic district oh Philly in some rather unpleasant weather, we were ready for a great meal to close out the day. We were not disappointed! We started off with some crab cakes and fried oysters. Delicious! I had the turkey pot pie, which was definitely the best pot pie I have ever had. I was a little doubtful about the turkey, because I normally find turkey dry, but this was delicious! It's also HUGE! I finished a little more than half, but ate all the crust. My other girlfriends had the lobster pot pie, rabbit, and steak. Everyone loved their food. I didn't eat the dessert that we ordered, but my friend felt that the bread pudding was just so-so. The service was very good and you definitely get that colonial feel.
(4)
Christina M.
I had the utmost pleasure of visiting City Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last night. For those of you who are not familiar with City Tavern, to step into City Tavern is literally to step into history. Some historical points of interest: 1. John Adams himself frequented City Tavern and called it, "the most genteel tavern in America."This was during his time in Philadelphia attending the First Continental Congress. 2. Paul Revere rode up to City Tavern when he received news of the port of Boston closing. 3. Members of the Second Continental Congress dined there every Saturday. It was no surprise to find George Washington at the Tavern along with other delegates. On this evening I dined in what was the old Subscription Room (where newspapers the Tavern used to subscribe to where housed). I was warmly greeted by my waitress, dressed in authentic period ensemble. I started with their Country Salad ($6.50) made with Julienned carrots, cucumber, field greens, raspberry shrub and extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette. Their dressing was so light but still had an explosion of flavor mixed with its ingredients. An ample portion of salad was given to satisfy my most hungry stomach. For the main course, I ordered their Colonial Turkey Pot Pie ($21.95) made with tender chunks of turkey, mushrooms, early peas, red potatoes, sherry cream sauce served in a flaky pastry crust baked in a pewter casserole. All I can say is that this pot pie was extraordinary, worth every cent of $21.95. One is given a more than a full serving, creamy and very thick chunks of turkey throughout. A most hearty meal, glad I saved my appetite throughout the day for this celebration! Country Salad Along with this whole meal, I was also given a selection of their breads, one of which easily became my favorite, Thomas Jefferson's own recipe of sweet potato rolls. The sweet potato gave a hint of sweetness just enough to make it taste more dessert-like. Nevertheless a delicious roll indeed! To pair along with this historical meal, I drank a glass of Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. I was quick to find out that he made beer only twice a year. This ale was made especially following Jefferson's original ale. The ale was rugged and smooth at the same time, complete body for a filling and delicious ale. They also have ales from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Overall experience at City Tavern was amazing. For any history buffs or those simply wanting to experience Philadelphia history at its finest, you must visit City Tavern - it does not get any more original than this!
(5)
Mimsterynyc M.
the beer sample is great! The food is fine, it's not a 3 star michelin restaurant but it is good. The service was fine.
(4)
Cassandra R.
If you're a tourist in Philly, you've got to go to City Tavern. The people dress up in old-timey clothes and you're served dishes that the Founding Fathers would've eaten during Revolution times. The food was tasty but very expensive (you're paying for the atmosphere). Realize that this is not the original building where the Founding Fathers ate: The original partially burned down and was demolished, but I like to pretend it was the actual building. You may want to go during lunch because at dinner time it gets pretty dark in there.
(4)
Ray T.
8/30/2013 If you want to be served great food by people dressed in 1800's attire, this is the place to go. Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson, may greet you, at leat their modern day versions. At first it appears to be a tourist site, but it really isn't. The place goes back to Ben Franklin's time. The Chicken Pot Pie my wife had was great - the quantity, large. It comes with a side dish of noodles and some kind of sauce. This wasn't listed on the menu and this side dish wasn't needed with the large pot pie. The Braised Rabbit I had was fantastic. The rabbit rests upon a layer of noodles and is smothered in vegetables (the menu did not mention vegetables.) Fortunately the vegetables were something I could eat. There was no room for dessert, but when the server found out that this meal was a day after our anniversary, she brought us a complimentary bowl of ice cream for two with spoons and a lit candle. That was a nice touch. The price at this restaurant is reasonable for the location it is in and its history. 4 or 5 stars? This is a toss up. 4 1/2 stars would be accurate. And the specialty beers, brewed the old way, were pretty good too.
(4)
Phillip Y.
I came here last year with friends from Boston who were touring Philadelphia. It was nice to see all the historic stuff in a restaurant. The nice host let us in without a reservation. We just stuck with the first course since menu was pretty pricey. Plus, we were not terribly hungry or starving. Just needed something small to fill us. I had the trout and smoked salmon with some crackers/bread. It was pretty good. Plus, we had nice metal goblets with water. It felt like the olden days. My friends had the crab cakes which I sampled. It was good too. Overall, I thought it was pretty nice just not worth the trouble of reservation. It's the experience more than the food.
(4)
Jonathan R.
Excellent food, good service and great authentic ambiance. Highly recommend the hot cider warmer on a cold winter day.
(5)
Chris P.
Didn't eat here but stopped in to try the flight of beers developed by George Washington Thomas Jefferson Ben Franklin John Adams. What fun - like stepping back in time. Fitting atmosphere to regroup after touring the Old City all day.
(5)
John G.
Wife is a British in Philadelphia. To visit family. We visited independence park lunched at city tavern. FANTASTIC...
(4)
Moe H.
I found out about City Tavern on an About Philadelphia tourist channel in our hotel. Because I love historical sites I went right to their website and WOW they have Tofu! We were sold on the spot. Our server was really great, my mom even took a picture of him because he looked so great in his outfit. He was nice enough to double check that our meal would be Vegan, made sure he provided us Vegan bread and recommended one of the beers for me. We wanted to go back but next time we were in the area they were just closing.
This restaurant is excellent. We just happened to be walking by and it looked so nice that we decided to go in for lunch. It was more expensive than expected but well worth the price. The food was truly excellent and homemade, as well as authentic for the period. The surroundings were very historic in keeping with the theme of the area and the waiters were dressed in colonial costume. The turkey potpie, salad with artichokes and smoked chicken, and the homemade bread and biscuits were to die for, as were the chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake with homemade real whipped cream. It was one of the most delicious meals we have ever eaten in a restaurant. We would definitely come back.
(5)
Robert B.
This could be a Disney, nightmare, theme park kind of restaurant. But it is not. Chef/Owner Walter Staib has found just the right balance... updating the traditional and the historical. You would think being served by a waitstaff in colonial garb would be kitschy... but somehow in this setting it is not. Even though the building is a recreation of the original you can still feel the history. Drinking beer made from Thomas Jefferson's recipe and eating the soup that Washington served to his troops after crossing the Delaware... in this setting... it's just very cool. That all of the food is so good certainly is the key. This was my third visit over ten years and I've always been very happy!
(4)
Laura M.
This is a fun place to visit when you are in Philly with family. The food is basically comfort food and the beer selection (founding fathers recipes) are really good. The service is attentive and quick. Definitely, you should put it on your "to do" list when you are here.
(4)
Roy G.
Had to check out the oldest pub. Didn't stay long, but worth visiting to get a view of history.
(3)
Jenna S.
I am a total sucker for anything that advertises people wearing period clothing and serving in some kind of old time-y environment. Really, I try to do all of these things at any time that I can because it's awesome. And so should you. Very cool place to be since it's the original building from the 18th century. DJ M sums up the history nicely in the review, so I don't think I need to recap here, but you get the idea. Dining here is a cool experience because our Founding Fathers, foreign dignitaries, etc. dined here during the 18th century and beyond. That, in and of itself, warrants a trip here if you're in the neighborhood. The rooms inside the restaurant are all restored to look as they were when the restaurant opened in 1733, so choose to dine inside, especially if it's hot out. The rooms are mostly candlelit, so it offers a great ambiance at night. The servers are wearing 18th century period clothing to add to the atmosphere of the whole place, which is definitely appreciated. There's a lot of cool stuff to see if you get up and walk around (original artwork, sculptures, kitchen utensils, etc.) so definitely take a look around. When we where here, there was a great harp player on the lower level near the lower dining rooms, which was very awesome. He played really well and was playing period songs (I asked since I didn't know what he was doing). The food was pretty good. The menu is pretty large and each night they have a list of specials from the 18th century. Obviously, I say you should get those just because you're there and why not, but take your pick. There's a lot of colonial dishes made by the chef, so you have a large selection. I will also take this opportunity to ask that you try the beer if you come. The beer was fabulous and you can order a sampler with the four "Colonial Ales" that are made from actual Founding Fathers' recipes. There was a Ben Franklin Ale, Alexander Hamilton, etc. They were really cool and the recipes haven't been changed from the ones that were written by these men, so that's pretty awesome. The beer was also delicious, which surprised me. I highly recommend it to sample because it's really unique and you can't get it anywhere else. Stop in, for sure. It's right in the heart of Old Philadelphia, the food is yummy and the history is great.
(4)
Jackee K.
Yeah, it's kind of cheesy, the staff is in period clothing, but the history of this place is pretty cool. The bread they serve is based on colonial era recipes (you can even try Jefferson's favorite bread...it wasn't my thing). My husband and I both had the medallions of beef tenderloin which came with delicious sauces (the demi-glace and bearnaise). Other than the bread, our meals were SO good!
(4)
Tabitha U.
This is a great culinary experience for any history buff or foodie! With an award winning chef, a great location, and an Historic building with rich history. The staff dress in colonial period attire and service in pewter goblets and plates is quaint and historic, the scones and biscuits served before your meal are excellent and the menu has many historic and excellent dishes to choose from. A MUST SEE IF YOU GO TO PHILLY FOR THE HISTORY! It is pricey, be prepared.
(4)
Marla S.
The food was delicious and unique. The staff was very friendly. We had 4 children with us and they were very accommodating and friendly to all of the children.
(5)
Alison K.
My boyfriend and I decided to have dinner here after going on the Grim Philly Tour which ended across the street. During the tour, we heard a ghost story about the City Tavern and were intrigued. That's probably part of the tourist-trappiness of this place. All that aside, the food was OK. I had the fried tofu, even though it was only the second time I'd had tofu. It was good; the portion was huge (it had veggies and linguine too.) The tomatoes were tasty, but the rest was pretty bland. I only ordered it because it sounded so strange and unique and was apparently a recipe that Ben Franklin received in the letter (I still need some convincing on that point...) Boyfriend had the NY Strip Steak/shrimp. He seemed underwhelmed by it and said it was all pretty bland tasting. We skipped dessert, figuring it wasn't worth it. I think what really left a bad taste in our mouths (HA!) was the service and ambiance. Don't get me wrong; the restaurant is beautiful and looks like an old house. We had the unfortunate experience of being seated in the same room as a group of people who were very loud and talking about suicide...nice dinner conversation, huh? Naturally, this is not the fault of City Tavern, but it did kill the mood a little bit (no pun intended.) The servers are dressed in colonial garb, which is cute if a little mortifying for them. Our server was a little brusque and kind of seemed like he was hating his life (possibly due to costuming requirements? who knows...) The guy who brought around water was nice but spilled it a little bit on my foot (but I can forgive that; these things happen.) The pumpkin pecan biscuits were actually very good, as was the brownish bread (the white bread was pretty dry and tasteless.) I guess our waiter just had a very dry (like the bread) sense of humor--when I said I was ordering the tofu, he was like, "Oh, is that the only thing on the menu you can eat?" and I replied, "No, I'm not a vegetarian, but it looked interesting." It was off-putting. He seemed put off that we didn't order wine (which was priced up to $4,999/bottle...uh, no thanks) and dessert. The host standing in the front hall was adorable and friendly, so no complaints there. Am I glad we went and checked it out? Sure. Did I see any ghosts? Nah. Would we go back? Probably not. The turkey pot pie is tempting, but I can find that elsewhere. I will say that I've heard great things from people who had their wedding reception there, and it seems like a cool venue. Apparently the ghost pops into the pictures of the bride and groom. My aunt got married there so I'm going to get her to check out her wedding pics and see if there are any uninvited guests in the background.
(2)
Ellen M.
Sure, its touristy but I was there as a tourist. The food was good and everything so authentic. I can't wait to take my kids here one day.
(4)
Jennifer A.
A must visit on your trip to Independence Mall State Park. An 18th century tavern, complete with period-costumed wait staff and authentic 18th century food and drinks. We only stopped in for drinks an dessert though. I recommend the slub or one of the Colonial Ales. And the chocolate mousse cake based on a Martha Washington recipe is pretty close to chocolate heaven.
(4)
Carol Anne T.
I read some negative reviews and had some locals roll their eyes BUT if you are visiting Phily, you must eat here.! We ate here after exploring Independence Hall, etc so it kept with our theme for the day. The food was OUTSTANDING! From my rochefort salad to the beef medallions to Martha Washington's chocolate cake...OUTSTANDING! Try Washington's porter and Jefferson's ale....fabulous beers...we left with a few 6-packs! They have a great wine selection as well! The service was top notch...almost like they had been waiting for US all day. Very friendly, very attentive. We really couldn't have picked a more perfect place to have dinner. So ignore the locals when they say it's a tourist trap. So what if it's geared for us, the tourists! Ignore the negative reviews; there is always going to be an unhappy customer no matter where you go. It is worth every penny and, should I ever be in Philly again...it's top of my list!
(5)
Daren Y.
If you're visiting the historical parts of Philly, this is a must try. "The most genteel tavern in all the land." A lot of history behind this quaint little tavern/restaurant. The service was excellent. Your metal goblet was never low on water. The food was pretty good as well. A bit pricey but such is the places in a tourist site. All of the staff were dressed in colonial outfits. The tables are set decently well and the drinks are great. We ordered the George Washington's Porter, one that still uses Mr. Washington's original recipe. $7.50 for a large wine glass of it but it was quite worth it. The atmosphere was warm and classy, but still fit for the random tourist to walk in. You can sit inside or out depending on the weather. We chose to sit inside to see the decor. Various paintings adorn the walls and the trimming is nice, a little victorian/colonial style too. I ordered the Mallard Sausage and a Porter which went very well together. Overall, a nice place that is a must try for those who are new in town. For those who are locals, they may consider this a tourist trap, but I think the food and beer speaks for itself. Perhaps not a weekly ordeal, but certainly a nice place for a different atmosphere and definitely delicious food. 3.75 stars from me.
(4)
Reymond D.
Nope. lol Great idea, great interior... horrible food and service. We had a reservation for 7:30 but weren't seated until 7:50, it took another 15 minutes to get our drink order, then we ordered food that took another nearly half hour to come out, and it was cold and gross. The place is pricey, so you'd think it would be delicious, but it was cheap food and not well prepared at all. All of this not to mention we were seated in some creepy basement room, right next to the kitchen (where we could hear the staff talking smack on one another) even though we made reservations days in advance. Our waiter was on another planet, ignored our table and even dropped a plate full of food everywhere. It was my mom's 70th birthday and I was starting to think it was like a SNL episode or something. I guess if you are a tourist this would be really cool, and I guess it is one of those "do once for the experience" kind of things, but in terms of food and experience I would never recommend this place to anyone, ever.
(1)
Wesley A.
Only based on the service, atmosphere and beer. Will have to come back for food someday. Love the colonial feel and dress of the staff. Very friendly and a definite must next time I'm in Philly.
(5)
Marina V.
I've been to the City Tavern 4 times now, every time I'm in Philly we go there.. Love love love the Martha Washington's recipe duckling + barley, yum!!!! it's really great!! And it's neat to drink the madeira and to try the founding fathers' (by their recipes and micro-breweries) beers. Attentive waiters in their old-timey costumes, and it's cool to be in this historic building! Highly recommend it!!
(4)
L P.
Period costumes worn by servers are fun, as well as the authentic pewter cups, serve ware and overall ambience. I had an great turkey pot pie and everyone else in our family really liked whatever it was that they ordered. Our tavern wench (waitress) was adorable and really good at her job. It is very dark inside and we were seated next to one of the fireplaces. It felt like another time without feeling kitchy like Disney World. My parents insisted we go here as they had been last fall and I was prepared for it to be cheesey but it was actually really nice. They also do historic dinners (we didn't do but my parent did) these are private dinners in the evening limited to about 10 or 12 people. While dinning costumed actors portraying Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the gang apparently lead a fascinating oration of events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and it culminates with a private tour of Constitution Hall. It's pricey if I remember, maybe $90 per person but they couldn't say enough great things about the experience. *** Please be thoughtful to those enjoying the period ambiance and turn of your cell phone*** Stated right on the menu in bold letters. But there is always one loudmouth who thinks it doesn't apply to them. I know all about Aunt Sue in Atlanta, her will, who's fighting over her stuff, and cousin so and so...... blah, blah, blah. If it were truly authentic I would have challenger the other diner to a duel! Overall a great lunch, good beers and a great respite from the Philly heat.
(4)
Jj G.
My husband and I ate here for thanksgiveing . 89.95 pet person, I almost fell off my chair. It's turkey and potatoes and green beans. Not expensive food to prepare at all.its also very dark inside which I do not care for when I'm eating. The staff was friendly and helpful. We would not go again on a holiday.
(2)
Ashley L.
Get the City Tavern Warmer and see where George Washington & Ben Franklin celebrated the first 4th of July!! Fun stop if you're touring historical Philly.
(4)
Peter W.
When did the National Debt begin? How about our Founding Father's bar tab, here, at the City Tavern. Several people recommended this place, so a group of colleagues (in Philly for a conference) decided to give it a try even though we didn't have a reservation, They were able to accommodate us on the second floor which had surprisingly high ceilings (but makes sense as a way to cope with hot days). The servers in colonial attire were friendly and effective. I especially liked the five minute history lesson at the end of the meal. Ask about the ghosts in the building. Food wise, I had the beer sampler and enjoyed the Jefferson ale the most. For the main course, I had the veiner (sp) schnitzel which was hearty. The pork chop looked really good and there was nothing left on my colleague's plates.
(4)
Kevin C.
City Tavern is easily one of my top 5 places to dine in Philadelphia, especially when I'm with my fiancee or family. The historical Old World atmosphere is incredible, and if you just want to stop in to check the building out it is totally worth your time. Now, onto the more important items, food and drinks! The food is not only bursting with flavor and originality, but the portions are massive and the dishes are all very well presented. My favorite appetizers are the Cornmeal Fried Oysters and the Mallard Duck Sausages, with the oysters probably being the best out of the two. As for the dinner main course my go to favorite is the Turkey Pot Pie which is absolutely to die for. It comes packed full of turkey and vegetables with a savory sherry cream sauce, a firm yet flaky crust, and a side of egg noodles covered in a delectable brown gravy (just typing this has me wanting to go back for some). It's very filling so if you are going to go with this you're probably better off skipping the appetizer and ordering an extra beer (which I will get to in a moment). Some other main course favorites of mine are the Braised Rabbit and the Tenderloin tips & Mushrooms, both of which are phenomenal. Once again, pretty much every main course is filling so be careful not to over order. When it comes to drinks City Tavern does them just as well as they do food, which is to say they are nothing short of awesome. If you have never had any of the beers from the "Ales of the Revolution" line by Yards I highly recommend getting the tasting flight which allows you to taste all 4, a deal not worth passing up on. My favorite is the "Thomas Jefferson Ale" (I LOVE stronger beers and this clocks in at 8% ABV), but each one is very good. If you aren't much of a beer person City Tavern also offers a wide selection of mixed drinks (many which were popular during the Colonial period) and they seem to always have the perfect one for each season. All things considered, City Tavern is an excellent restaurant and an even better place to take friends or family for an intimate, yet simple, dinner. I highly recommend trying it at least once, because odds are, you'll be looking forward to coming back again and again!
(4)
Athena O.
Start with the crab cakes and try the fried tofu. Yummy. And, you can't beat the history of the building and area.
(4)
Tara L.
Wow, this was an awesome historic restaurant, awesome food and excellent service. First of all, I was totally tempted to stick a pewter (?) goblet in my bag (I did resist that temptation though) because they are so nice and kept the cold water colder than anything I've ever encountered. We started out with the pepper pot soup (having seen it on Best Thing I Ever Ate) Celeste had the turkey pot pie which was amazing...creamy filling with a crispy puff crust. Eric's smoked pork chop with mashed potatoes was more similar to a thick cut of ham but that wasn't a bad thing at all. It had the perfect amount of salt and smoke. The potatoes were just plain but perfect with the flavor of the ham. My beef tips with mushrooms and noodles were perfect. The gravy was thick and each piece of meat was cooked to tender fork cutting perfection. For dessert, Celeste and I shared a slice of cheesecake with berries on top. It was her choice and it ended up being a fantastic dessert. Eric had a glass of madeira (sp?) which we both enjoyed. Great service from all the waitstaff and the histories beers were really good. I got a sampler and liked them all.
(4)
Angel H.
It's like those three lines from that Gang of Four song, "At Home He's A Tourist." "At home he feels like a tourist/He fills his head with culture/He gives himself an ulcer." I really miss this place. The other reviewers pretty much covered everything. The waitstaff is costumed in historical dress, and the beer is good. Would love to come here again.
(5)
Nicolas M.
What a charming eatery near the Independence Mall and so close to some of Philly's best historical attractions. My cousin, her friend, and myself came in here for lunch today before going to see some sights. I had looked at this place online, but forgot that it was a historically themed restaurant. I loved the history and reputation of this place and the rather attractive hosts/servers dressed in full colonial garb that help to comprise the atmosphere of an 18th century pub in London. Upon entering, I was soothed and charmed by the sound of a harpsichord playing some lively background music. The quaint interior of the place is quite lovely and we were seated by a sweet waitress who politely informed us of the day's specials which were quite appealing but sounded rather pricey! I wound up ordering the Braised Rabbit having never eaten a rodent before but knowing that rabbits were often hunted for food. What I did not know was that my portion was to be very large, leaving me wishing that we had come here for dinner instead! Although I couldn't quite finish my dish, I have to say that the meal was very well done and tasty. I had to dig through the succulent sauce and finely cooked veggies in order to get to the shank of rabbit. My table-mates enjoyed their meals as well and we left happy and satisfied knowing that we had eaten in one of the city's finest and most popular restaurants. When I return to the City of Brotherly Love, I will surely be coming back here. I've never eaten in such a unique restaurant or had "historical" cuisine. Bravo.
(4)
Rina C.
I always love checking out old places and restaurant that's been running for a long time. So, I like this place a lot. over 200 years and still running. order the famous beer sampler, a brandy cocktail (too drunk to remember the name but it's very strong) and bread sampler (breads a actually pretty good). knowing that many famous people, such as Washington, from many years ago was here drinking and dining, it's great to be able to enjoy the same beer and bread that they had. I also really like the uniform the waiter and waitress wears. really make me feel like I am back in time.
(5)
Indra Z.
I love this place! Please try the Wassail and Raspberry Shrub during the holiday season, and the Turkey Pot Pie. The bread is delicious! The low-lights seem very fitting of the 18th century.
(4)
Whitney R.
Have you ever asked yourself "After a long day of writing a document that would start a war, how did Jefferson like his rabbit cooked?" or "I wonder if George Washington liked his dressing on the side?" Well at City Tavern you can party like is 1799. Grab a falgen of iced tea and get a good meal before standing in line at the Liberty Bell. I recommend this place as the perfect lunch spot to take your grandma while you show her the historical sights of Philadelphia- at least thats what I did. The food is good, the waiters are colonial and the building is nicely historic. Bottom Line: Go here with family visiting you, not otherwise.
(3)
Miz V.
This dining experience was an excellent send off for two very good friends in our group. From our arrival to our exit we were treated with the best of service.Let's start with our server. Not only did she have a vast knowledge of each meal she also told us stories about the history of the building. My soup was great.My rabbit dish was plentiful and seasoned to perfection, with loads of noodles and vegetables in a nice thick brown gravy.Good thing I wore the pants I did.Dessert was outstanding .If you love chocolate like I do order their cake.I actually had to split it with one of my dining partners.Did I tell you about my mulled apple cider? On a cold night these old bones were warmed nicely. As we were leaving the other server escorted us out amusing us with more tales.I will be back for lunch. Check out the glass case as you exit. Work well done deserves many awards and more .
(5)
Mike G.
I'm a big history buff and eating at the City Tavern always takes me back to what it must have been like during the time of the revolution. It is a cool place to go. I recommend the turkey pot pie, very good. All kinds of historical food choices, makes the dining experience fun when in the birthplace of our nation.
(5)
Jen K.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. I try to go at least once a year. The building is not original, but the original one was an extremely influential building in colonial America. It burned down in the 19th c., and was rebuilt in the 1950s. The waitstaff is costumed, and I've run into Ben Franklin here more than once. The menu and drinks are all period 18th c. The beer is excellent and locally brewed by Yards, an awesome Philly brewery. They sell take home growlers. I've never eaten anything I didn't absolutely love. Even the pre-dinner rolls are delicious. I've had numerous items from the dinner menu, and although I keep going back to the duck, I really can't say which is the best (probably the duck :) although the trout is really up there too). They also have great prices on their pre-fixe large group menus. Go. You will not regret a penny of it.
(5)
Matt D.
If you are touring the historic district of Philadelphia grabbing five beers at this tavern is something you have to do... The beer is brewed from the original recipes of our founding fathers. I was a fan of Thomas Jeffersons recipe, the fifth was just as tasty as the first... Try them all in a sampler of 4 4oz beers. The staff is dresses in authentic 1770's clothing and were all very knowledgable about the history of the building which made the interaction a lot of fun. The building itself is just as it appeared in the 1770's. Painstakingly reconstructed from old blueprints and insurance documents. This stop is highly recommended for anyone who has put a full day of sight seeing in. Enjoy the candlelit tavern after dark. Cheers bitches!
(4)
Sara V.
My husband and I were exploring Philly and decided to keep our historical day going with a trip to City Tavern. Upon entering, the place looked absolutely adorable. We loved the feel of it and loved the history that went with it. We grabbed a cozy seat in the Bar Room and started looking at the menu. After sitting there for 10 minutes without so much as a greeting, my husband got up to find our server. We honestly didn't know if we had to order on our own because we were only grabbing drinks or what. He finds someone and they explain that the server will be over momentarily. Finally, our server comes over. No smile. No hello. Just a "what are you having?" We order our drinks - for me the Tavern Warmer and for my hubs the beer sampler. Fifteen minutes pass by and our drinks finally arrive. The place wasn't exactly jam packed and there were 2 people behind the bar. Why it took so long? I don't know. The beer sample was missing one of the 4 beers and the server promised to bring it over once the keg was replaced. Meanwhile, while we're waiting, we noticed that the couple next to us was growing increasingly annoyed. We shared the same server and we gathered that she wasn't exactly speedy. From the time we sat down to the time we received our drinks, they had YET to receive their check. They were fuming and rightly so. When the server finally brings it over, she realizes she forgot to charge them for something and goes to turn around. The patron says just take my card and run it. I don't care. The server replies that the credit card machine is broken so the girl pulls out cash and throws it at her. We then watched to see how long it'd take for her to return - 10 minutes. AGAIN. I see the steam pouring out of the girls ears. She gives the server a $2 tip and leaves. We think - wow, that sucks - but when we received the same exact treatment and saw that the server took FORTY MINUTES to take the new people's order next to us, we stopped feeling so bad. On top of that, she never returned with the new sample of beer she promised. We had to ask another server for it. DOn't think we'll be going back here. The servers all seem cranky and not wanting to be there. And on top of that, I got a nasty stomach ache from the Warmer.
(2)
Paulito M.
THE BEST RESTAURANT I'VE EVER BEEN TO. The cornmeal chicken tenders is my favorite thing ever!!! Also Martha Washington's mousse cake. Go there every year for my b-day and it gets better and better!!!!!!
(5)
Erik H.
I'm glad they went with the 18th century recipes they did and not like, meat scraps and porridge, which is what anyone who wasn't Thomas Jefferson probably ate. In any case, the food here is good enough and I was pretty fond of old TJ's beer recipe. Our waiter was a fun guy as well, breaking character to give us his take on Revolutionary history and the whole character acting thing. It's not the original building, but it's all inspired by the original City Tavern and late 18th century shenanigans, and I would recommend the place to any tourist coming to Philadelphia looking for a little history (re: everyone).
(4)
John M. I.
The City Tavern is an eating establishment that cannot be truly appreciated without understanding its most crucial distinction...not only is it a place where history comes alive in the service, decor and cuisine...but a place that...if you allow it...will transport you to another time. A time when the fate of a people was hanging in the balance and a nascent republic was taking its first clumsy steps on the world stage. While I certainly don't know the man personally Chef Walter Staib has done an outstanding job of recreating the feel, taste and small of a bygone era. I dare say that I have not sampled such unique table fare in all of my travels. Make no mistake...I'm willing to try anything and have certainly done so...but the food here and its adherence to culinary history make it truly special. While you can go for lunch or dinner service I highly recommend the time in between on a weekday. Things are generally more quiet and it will give you the chance to take in all that this wonderful establishment has to offer. On my most recent visit I had the good fortune on arriving at a nearby parking garage on a rainy afternoon. As I crossed through Welcome Park and passed the Thomas Bond House I looked ahead at a most welcome sight...The City Tavern. As the water struck my rain jacket...running down over the brim of my hood...the weight of my back pack settling onto my shoulders...I could almost imagine what it must have been like for the weary traveler of a time long past...weary from a long journey...a time less certain than the one in which we live...a time when someplace like a tavern wasn't merely a respite from the elements...but more importantly...your salvation from them. I was quickly greeted as I entered the hall and was seated, thankfully, by a window. Doffing my pack, jacket and hat I sat down and watched the rain...happy to be indoors with a chance to consider just what I wanted to do with my day in the city. My server was a man named Ray and he was dressed in period clothing. Iced cold water was served in a pewter chalice and I was informed of the specials. I chose to start off with an appetizer of Mallard Duck Sausage that was served with sweet and sour cabbage and my main entree consisted of Seafood Pasta in a white wine sauce. Both dishes were amazingly flavorful and the chilled apple cider was the perfect compliment to both. Later, while finishing my raspberry tart for dessert, Ray was nice enough to engage me in a conversation while he went about his duties. Turns out that Ray has had quite an interesting and varied career in the restaurant business...cooking since he was the age of five...Ray has held many jobs in the industry including serving aboard an actual working steamship on the Mississippi River. He was also an amazing resource, not only on Philadelphia...but much of the region as well. Nothing better than someone taking pride in their work and helping to enhance an already superior dining experience. Needless to say...I'm not much of a planner...I prefer spontaneity and the randomness of surprise that it often brings. My stop at The City Tavern is a fantastic example of how the best trips we take...are the ones where we plan the least...the ones where we let out senses and imagination take us in whatever direction they dictate. And best of all...the day was just getting started.
(5)
Melissa H.
I think this is one of the most unique restaurants in Philadelphia and deserves a visit when you're in town. It's supposed to be the oldest restaurant in the city and they are very authentic in trying to keep up with the theme. The waiters are all in period clothing and the table ware was authentic with metal cups! (Note: there was also a bit of a stench, I'm assuming from the old wood, so if you have a sensitive nose it might not be the most pleasant meal for you) As for the food and drinks, we came for lunch and I ordered the colonial beer sampler which consisted of a flight of beer: Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams who brewed or drank in the past. Very interesting tastes. For my entree, I had the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie. I haven't eaten too many pot pies in my lifetime, but I really enjoyed this one. It was very wholesome and the flaky crust was delicious with the hot creamy turkey creation underneath, perfect for a chilly day. For dessert, we ordered the coffee cake which was super moist on the inside and crumbly on the outside. Super delicious and was also a hefty slice. Overall, this restaurant was really fun and definitely worth it for the experience, but I probably won't make it a frequent stop.
(3)
Jeffrey F.
Fantastic ambiance and food. They know how to make you feel welcome! The historic building, harp player, wait service staff, easy parking, and delicious food all contributed to a memorable experience. We can't wait to return.
(5)
Cherie C.
Yet another review that disappeared. I can't recall all of what I ate, but I do know that we were all impressed. I was skeptical, expecting a tourist trap. But City Tavern tries to offer an historic dining experience. The decor, while sparse, is closer to what colonials might have experienced. So is the food. Ingredients tend to be those that early Philadelphians might have enjoyed (if they had lots of money). So you'll find grains like barley instead of pasta or rice. It was delicious with a good texture. It was all well-prepared and tasted good. Each of us tried a shrub cocktail, which was pretty enjoyable as well. In all, it was a fun historical experience that was low on cheese and taught us a few things, all while enjoying a good meal.
(4)
Michael P.
City Tavern is a good restaurant for tourist and philly locals. I had a chance to dine here during lunch with my in-laws and the food was pretty good. The plus about the City Tavern and Philadelphia is the history, to dine in the same tavern as notables like George Washington was indescribable. I ordered the Giant Cornmeal Fried Oysters with herbed remoulade (appetizer) and the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie (entree), Chef Walter Staib's did not dissapoint, my food was quite delicious. The customer service was A+, our waiter gave us some key insight behind the city tavern. Overall the food and my experience was great.
(5)
Kelly G.
My friend and I went to Philly on the spur of the moment for a concert. I decided to extend our trip a few days so that we could explore the city and it's food! Many people and several web sites suggested City Tavern as a "must" to experience. I had high expectations for the ambience but not the food. I am a Pescetarian and fairly health conscious. Based on the menu I anticipated the food might be a bit heavy. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly woman dressed in period garb. Charming! The tavern has been lovingly and painstakingly restored. The day was grey and rainy and that lent even more to the ambience. We were seated by a window with a taper candle glowing softly at our table. They are known for their home brewed ale courtesy of our Founding Fathers recipes, so of course we did a tasting! What fun! My favorite was Ben Franklin's ale recipe. I must tell you, I have a huge crush on Ben, so I may be a bit biased ;) Our waiter was akward and not very helpful with menu choices. My friend ordered the lobster pot pie. I ordered Ben Franklin's fried tofu dish (big surprise!). The pot pie was very good but very rich. My salad was fresh and the tofu was presented on pasta noodles. Tasty but heavy as I expected. After lunch my friend stepped into the bar for a snap shot, she got a snap all right, the bartender told her he didn't like his photo taken! :( Overall, the Tavern is lovely and the food is good. If you like light healthy food just order a salad and a tankard of Ben's ale!
(3)
Jessica M.
City Tavern is a Philadelphia gem! It is the quintessential example of the intersection of good food and the history of our great city. On my first visit I was part of a very large party (there were 19 of us) and the staff handled our service, meal preparation and neediness with ease and grace. The food was fantastic, you absolutely have to try the turkey pot pie, if your grandma has ever made one for you, I guarantee that this one will rival hers ... and save room for dessert, Martha Washington's recipes are to die for!
(5)
Anthony A.
Great food; very heavy & rich. Easily fill your appetite. Great brew selection ( their own brew ). Great service...
(5)
Stacey O.
Ok, beer= awesome! a beer made with spruce and molases rather than hopps? TRY IT!.. crab cakes= order 2 helpings! i am not much of an adventurist when it comes to meat- co workers had duck, which they do often & said it was the best EVER, same with venison. Pepper pot soup = delish! GREAT atmosphere, and the staff and service deserve 6 stars!! now.. midiera? well... you should try it, just because you are there. i am not a whimpy drinker- but holy cow was it strong.. nice flavor though. I did learn, i can never be a ' baller" SO WORTH GOING HERE WHILE IN PHILLY
(4)
Robert F.
I took my girlfriend here for a date several weeks ago. I'm not going to touch upon the ambiance, which is very good, but on the quality of the food and the service. It was our first time at City Tavern, so we asked the waiter what he recommends. He told us the medallions of venison and roasted duck. Taking his advice, my gf ordered the venison medallions while i opted for the roasted duck. We also ordered the West Indies pepper pot soup, which we agreed was good, but not great. I doubt I will order the soup again or I may try a different type. The only other soups on the menu that evening was black bean soup and turkey noodle soup. After the waiter took our orders, he brought us homemade bread which tasted pretty good, although not best I've had. I always try not to fill up the bread, but they certainly do give you enough to call it an appetizer! Next came the entrees. They were both amazing, although I wouldn't personally order the venison medallions. I was tempting to try the tavern lobster pie, but the price (over $40) pulled me into the roasted duck. I hardly even have roasted duck so I'm not certainly how it's supposed to be cooked, glazed, etc. but this surely tasted very good. It was extremely filing and had a great taste to it. My only recommendations for it is to try it but only eat soup or a small piece of the bread before. Our entrees also came with herb barley, which was in large portion and very good. Service was excellent and we will return. The only negative I see are the prices (entrees $18-45, soup $7.50)
(4)
Douglas P.
Its the city Tavern. It should be required eating in the US. The history alone is unbelievable. The food is good and where else can you get the beers of Washington, Jefferson, Monroe and Franklin.
(5)
Jeff O.
My wife and I love City Tavern. We understand that it is in some ways a tourist attraction, but you should look past that. The food is the reason we go. My wife's favorite is the Lobster Pie. Lobster anything is often a hit with her, but this one even more so. My favorite is the George Washington Beer. It is obvious that George knew how to take care of his men. But I can always find something interesting to eat, too. We came with friends several months ago as part of an after hours tour of Independence Hall. If this is the type of thing that strikes your fancy, I highly recommend it.
(4)
Jen T.
Worth it for the historical novelty, but maybe not so much for the price. We were in the area looking at the historical stuff and were hoping to stop by dinner. Unfortunately, prices were way steeper than what we were willing to pay for what some reviews said was mediocre food. So instead, we sat in the bar and got some drinks. We shared the Tavern Warmer, the flight of beers, and duck sausage. The duck sausage was good. It was juicy and flavorful, but for $12 we got two sausages (sadface). The tavern warmer was also delicious--hot apple cider with a hodgepodge of liquors. It smelled very strong but did not taste like it. It was the perfect wintry drink. For the flight, it basically offered samples of beer recipes of 7 of our Founding Fathers, ranging from dark to light. My favorite was probably Thomas Jefferson's. Service was good. Our waitress was pretty knowledgeable about the menu and explained things when we had questions. Kind of a tourist trap, but hey, I'm a tourist.
(3)
Brooke W.
Wear your stretchy pants if you are going here for dinner! I actually didn't eat for two days afterwards, which is NOT normal for me. We went here for my mother-in-law's birthday dinner on a Saturday afternoon. We were all dressed up, but didn't need to be, all the other patrons were very casual and there were surprisingly a lot of children there. I started off with the mushroom toast, had a special of saffron and shrimp linguine for my entree and a raspberry torte with vanilla ice cream for dessert. They do give you homemade bread and butter to munch on while you wait for your meal. The mushroom toast was TO DIE FOR! After I got home I looked it up on Chef Staib's website and could definitely see why. Who wouldn't love a piece of bread soaked in butter, then cooked in a pan of butter and cream, topped with mushrooms cooked in butter and sherry??? See how many times I said butter there?!? My entree was also very good, it was very tasty and had at least 6 jumbo shrimp in it. (Although I hate when they keep the tails on...I don't get that.) Getting dessert was overkill, but what the heck, it was a celebration dinner! The raspberry torte came out warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top - it was good, but at that point I was beyond stuffed. Add a cup of coffee and I was ready to be rolled out. Yes, it is very expensive and I noticed a couple of other tables look shocked when they got their checks. But the waitstaff being dressed in period correct clothing is cool, as is the ambiance. Service could have been slightly better, we did have to ask a few times for water refills and another beer for the hubs, but other than that, it was delicious.
(4)
Leslie M.
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!... ^_^ Certainly a one of a kind eating scene in Philly at least... At first glimpse it seems just one of those kitschy tourist traps where you pay too much money to have bearded men in britches serving you. But I found myself eating lunch here last week and was pleasantly surprised! Ambiance: Authentic classic colonial america space & decor & even more authentic 21st century Philly tourists / families. Service: Courteous and informative servers that were helpful in offering suggestions & background of some of the truly historic dishes. Food: Hot damn Martha Washington can make a mean turkey pot pie! (though actually she never cooked her recipes...apparently she just made the recipe and had her cooks make it for her to taste test). But seriously this pot pie had me all hot and bothered for pot pies for the next week. They offer a generous supply of bread in the beginning of the meal which were a bit dry for the most part but I attributed that element to the authenticity...? My lunch partners enjoyed their soups immensely and as for entrees - we all unanimously chose the pot pie and boy were we satisfied. Hats off to you Martha Washington! Drinks: As it was lunch time, I didn't indulge myself on the very tempting beer flights that I spied on their menu. I have tried their beer selections before on a separate occasion and I do recall enjoying their tavern ales. I recommend a visit to City Tavern, if you nod yes to any of the following: a) have touristy friends looking for the ye olde "Philadelphia" experience b) are a history nerd & have attended a Renaissance Fair at some point c) LOVE pot pie d) enjoy a little kitsch time to time yourself!
(3)
Melissa V.
Love everything about this place! Pricey but completely worth it! The food is excellent and the service is flawless. I recommend the turkey pot pie and bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. This is a great place to take out of town guests.
(5)
Meg B.
Definitely a great place for tourists. The decor and colonial feel is a perfect to the Old City neigbhorhood. After a few years of working in the neighborhood, I finally got to check this place out for Restaurant week with some co-workers. The waitor was a little too serious for my liking- I don't know if he was just playing the part ( he was decked out in colonial get-up) or if he was just having a bad day. The food was ok- nothing special or making me want to rush back, especially for the price I do like how the menu relates to the time period for the most part. The drink menu does as well. I would take out of towners back here for sure but I'm in no rush to get back there myself.
(3)
Lisa T.
This restaurant caterers to tourists, but who cares, it was exactly what I wanted to do in Philadelphia! Our server was a historian and she told us facts about the building. Ben Franklin came over and had a chat with our table which was a nice touch. The food was excellent too. Had the Pepperpot Pie because I had seen it on the Food Network (amazing if you like hot), mushroom toast appetizer and the Turkey Pot Pie. The Turkey pot pie was really large and there was a lot of cream. I wish I had split it with someone at my table because it was too rich to eat for one. The noodles that came with it were saturated in a gravy that I didn't find to be that good. The Jefferson Beer was worth going in for alone. My one suggestion would be to have background music. Something colonial or just classical music. The ambiance could have been improved with this. Overall, great "dinning experience" if you are interested in getting a true taste of Philadelphia.
(4)
Stacey M.
Pricey for what it ended up being.... fine, but not that great. The place itself definitely has some charm. The food was just "meh." It wasn't worth the cost. It doesn't even seem worth writing about, I kind of just want to forget that it exists.
(2)
Whitney H.
I truly enjoyed this place. The food is as authentic as it can be, and there's a fabulous variety. What a cool experience to eat and socialize where our founding fathers stayed and ate and debated! Waitstaff is very friendly and accommodating. The bread was just ok, but my duckling was phenomenal, and the blueberry cobbler (served warm and a la mode!) was fantastic! Highly recommended--and this is coming from a waitress at a similar Colonial restaurant in DC!
(5)
Mike D.
It was $17 for two beers that tasted like liquid pine tree. Yikes...next.
(2)
Em D.
City Tavern was recommended to us as a tourist attraction where the servers are dressed in colonial garb and the food was decent. Probably would rate it a 3-1/2 star. We were not disappointed by the service and fairly good food. We were seated on time of our reservation even though the restaurant was a little crowded. The waiters were responsive and friendly. The pot pie was excellent, but the roast pork was just fair (maybe a little on the overcooked side). Dinner portions were decent but the dessert portions were very generous.
(3)
Chris F.
Both I, and my family, are reasonable patrons. Undisturbed by a rough ambience, loud bar guests, or even poor location, our main objective when finding a place to eat is to find good food, attentive service, and intelligent pricing. Unfortunately, City Tavern proved to be a terrible combination of the worst. The ambience was fine, as expected, but the service was lazy, the food was improperly prepared (cold), and the pricing wasn't congruent with the less-than-diner like food quality. Having spent 10 years in the restaurant business, from dishwasher to part-owner, it's a shame to see a true establishment losing credibility over what appears to be ineffective management. Do not eat here. It is not worth it.
(1)
Amy L.
The food was really good and the portions huge. I have to agree with other reviewers here, the turkey pot pie and beer sampler are top notch. The history of the place makes it a lot of fun. I would definitely go back despite the rather pricey menu.
(5)
cassie r.
I learned a very important lesson whilst dining at the City Tavern last week. Our founding fathers were not only great leaders, but extraordinarily talented brewers. While Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin and George Washington knew their way around a beer, my favorite by far was Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. I highly recommend the sampler so you can try all four, but if you're jonesin a tall, cold adult bev, TJ's version is the way to go. As far the accompanying meal, City Tavern's menu is a bevy of scrumptious options. I opted for roast duckling, and while a bit pricey, it was succulent with a bit of sweet via the side of mango chutney. And their bread is A-FLIPPIN-MAZING. I loves most bread, but this is a whole other level of good. Don't be ashamed if you have to ask for another basket to be brought out...I sure wasn't. This place has a ton of history, which is enough reason to visit at least once. The great food,drink and atmosphere is probably going to convince you a return visit might be necessary. If I didn't live in Chicago, I would happily be a City Tavern regular.
(4)
Barb D.
The staff was friendly and courteous and prompt. The food was mediocre. The pomme frites were clearly frozen french fries. The turkey in the pot pie was so gristly as to be inedible. Very disappointing."
(1)
Joel B.
Enjoyed my stop in at City Tavern. The decor is obviously pretty cool, and the locale is great for those who want to sight see before or after a good meal. The staff are pretty efficient and polite, but don't really seem to fit their outfits, haha. The food and beer were amazing...I had the pork chop. It was basically the Filet Mignon of pork chops! The beer selection is small, but each one has its own distinct character that helps them cover the entire spectrum for beer lovers. Definitely would recommend (as would the rest of Philly, probably)!
(4)
Mariam R.
Dined here in Dec. 2009 while spending a few days sightseeing in Philly. We found a "buy one, get one half off" coupon and decided to use it for dinner on our last night in the city. Loved this place!! The staff are dressed in colonial attire, the dinnerware is a replica of colonial dinnerware - everything in this place is done as if you were dining during colonial times (can you tell I've never been to colonial Williamsburg?). The building is from the 1700's. Anyway, the food was delicious, the portions were huge - or maybe we just shouldn't have had those cheesesteak's for lunch? There was a gentleman playing the harp in the hallway, which was very pleasant. The hot mulled wine was wonderful! We'll be back next time we're in Philly!
(4)
Dave B.
One of the best family dinners we have had. Our waiter was great, the Colonial ambience was just right. Glad we came.
(5)
Scott B.
Food was good. The staff were great, all in period costume. A lady came through in character and put on a show for the kids. Probably a little pricey to bring the kids to,
(4)
Chris M.
There are two dishes here that just blow my mind. The lobster pot pie, and whatever the beef in the puff pastry is. Every year when I come to Philly, I cannot wait to eat here again.
(4)
Rebecca H.
This is a place you go for the ambiance more than the food. Staff dresses from the revolutionary period. It's old and it's fun. Menu is from the period as well, with a large selection of interesting beers including a tasting assortment that you can order. I had the Wiener schnitzel because that's the kind of food you feel like you should eat in this building. It was good, nothing special. Salad with shrimp was fresh but pricey.
(3)
Diane J.
We had a very delicious meal -6 of us on a Friday evening. The service was great and the food was served perfectly. We will definitely return. If I was the owner, I would have some period costumed people around other than the waitress-just for a little more atmosphere. Otherwise everything was great!
(4)
Rachel B.
Delicious old style recipes await as you dine in a recreated colonial tavern/restaurant, where the founding father's once dined. They staff are very knowledgable and friendly. The food is delicious for any time period. The cider and pot pie are recommended. This is a great place to go for a good meal with a historic flavor.
(5)
Courtney M.
What a historical little spot, although not the original, still is full of history. Menu is great and all traditional American. I had the beer sampler and loved all of them, especially George Washington's recipe. Also ordered the fried oysters while sitting in the tavern reading their books they have above the fireplace and soaking in the history. A must do in Philly!
(5)
Vlad B.
Turned out to be worth the hype, despite our mixed expectations. For lunch, we tried the smoked fish platter and Benjamin Franklin's tofu (which, incidentally was some of the best fried tofu I've ever tasted), based on his 1770 letter. Our waiter described the historic background behind the food and drinks in detail, and served us promptly and courteously. The Revolutionary Ales on the menu, recreating the beer brewed by some of the Founders, were a true highlight - if you're a craft beer enthusiast, make City Tavern a required stop in Philly. We bought a variety pack at the Yards Brewery during a later point in our trip.
(5)
K T.
Great food. Our waitress, Jessica, gave a great historical narrative of the Tavern. This is definitely part of the historical Philadelphia experience.
(5)
Jeff V.
We circled the block to find a place to eat and were pleasantly surprised when we choose the City Tavern. The atmosphere and old style feeling was pretty cool. The food was average, nothing (at leas for me) that blew me away. The service was below average. My dinner party was 5 total people and dinner took over 2 hours, and we ordered almost immediately after sitting down. This is why I have to give it 3 stars and not 4. With that said, if you have the time and want to eat at an older style restaurant this place is for you!
(3)
Mark C.
Had a very good meal. I had the West Indies Pepper Pot soup (much fresher than what I remember having as a youth) and the tender medallions of venison (the rosemary-bourbon sauce made the dish). My wife enjoyed her seafood pasta dish. Service was pleasant, but with a sense of the history of the place. Would go back again.
(4)
Dana M.
The food was delicious, plus the authentic bread and beverages were great. The mushroom toast was fabulous. Amazing history and lovely, authentic atmosphere. Our server was a downside, he was fast but so abrupt, as we stood up to leave he asked if we'd like to know anything about the tavern - I really thought that would happen about 90 minutes back.
(4)
Kelly W.
The best thing about Philly is the food... I've gained 5 pounds within the past 3 months. We have been wanting to try out City Tavern for awhile and finally did last night. I had the Chicken Madeira, with mashed potatos and the vegetable of the season, which was squash and zucchini. It was excellent. So good... comfort food! The atmosphere was wonderful. It was like eating in the old days with Ben Franklin. For dessert, I had the chocolate moose cake which was outstanding with a glass of cold milk. It was great!!!!! I have to commend the staff. Our waiter was excellent. He had a great personality, he was extremely knowledgeable and he really made the experience better... he took it to the next level. The price was reasonable for the food as well as the experience. Additionally, we had a buy one, get one free (meal) coupon. We forgot about until after the bill came, but it was no worries, our waiter took care of it with a smile! I think we'll go again when my parents visit.
(5)
jenny A.
I'm super bummed to be writing a bad review for this place. I was so stoked to go here because I was attending the Jane Austen conference across the road and have been experimenting with eating early 19th century as much as possible. I thought I'd found the one restaurant in existence appropriate to the Jane Austen diet. I was excited. The ambiance is wonderful with the waitstaff in costume, the pewter mugs etc. The beer was great although possibly different from what I ordered. The beer recipe was supposedly "spruce beer" which while delicious it was not authentic "spruce beer." Either they brought me the wrong thing or they just pretty much named an ale variety "spruce" to give it a more authentic feel. The bread was really good and did have an authentic taste to it. The mini muffins were supposedly a Thomas Jefferson recipe. I'm assuming that's Jefferson's cook's recipe since I can't imagine 18th century plantation master really did his own baking. The soup I had was pretty good though not authentic to the colonial era at all. They also brought me the wrong one first and then it could have been hotter when it did arrive. Also the portion size was miniscule for $9. My lunch companion ordered some elaborately named salad which turned out to be chef salad and pretty mediocre at that. Our total bill for one small soup, large salad, bread, one beer and gratuity was nearly $50. That is really ridiculous, even in a tourist area. The JASNA group were having a prix fix meal here on the last day of the conference and it was $95. From what I saw of the service and food quality, I really hope they got their money's worth but I doubt it. I'd like to come back here sometime when I am hungrier and have more money to try some other things on the menu. It's kind of a bummer that such a potentially amazing place has the feel of a tourist trap.
(2)
Matthew E.
Great atmosphere and fantastic food. Great olde world charm and good service. The old style beers are fantastic and everything I ate was delicious.
(5)
Jessica D.
This was the location for our one our company's special dinners for us the staff and one of our major committees. We started going up the stairs and onto a small balcony where we had a bar and got out appetites ready for a nice dinner. We then proceeded to the dining room that was set apart for us and I totally loved it, it was completely what you'd think the fathers of our country experienced in decor, service, and food back in the heyday. The food was served family style and it was AMAZING. That was the best, traditional old time american food I've ever had: turkey, cranberry cornbread stuffing, potatoes, vegetable sides, etc. Delectable. They capped the evening off with a port or other dessert wine served in beautiful and perfect-sized, mini liqueur glasses and then provided us with a delectable chocolate cake for dessert. The entertainment was a fellow dressed as Thomas Jefferson who did a fantastic job. We all got a copy of the city tavern recipe book, which features traditional and original recipes. You cannot compare the experience of dining at one of the oldest restaurants remaining in this country. You can almost feel the presence of the fathers of our country and their neighbors walking the halls with a large glass of ale maybe chasing a wench or two... in good humor of course.
(4)
Kurt A.
We came here to try their historic beer. Jefferson's Ale was very good but pricey at $7.75 ($8.50 w/tax). I like the period furniture and decor. The Germans next to us were eating lunch, and the food looked good. Servers in period costumes may please some.
(4)
ED W.
This place is awesome! The atmosphere, the history, meat cooked on an open fire, Yards revolutionary ales, what more can one ask for? I think only stripper waitresses could have improved my dining pleasure Chef Staib( i think thats the spelling) came out and talked to a bunch of us,and handed out free Dvd's of his show on PBS. Super nice guy, what a great experience.
(5)
Lisa K.
You can really feel and taste the history here and i'm not referring to the wait staff dressed in colonial garb. Though candlelight and sitting by beautiful big old windows give this place a romantic and warm ambiance, it is the tastes here that make this place so special to me. Every time I go I swear that I will try something new, but then I end up going for my favorites again and again. They have this amazingly spiced pepper pot soup and then the turkey pot pie. Simple flavors that I have had before are truly elevated to another level. Rich flavors and the food is made with love. You can taste the love folks! Oh so delicious! I also recommend enjoying the beer sampler made from recipes that were once enjoyed by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. My favorite is the George Washington which is just so rich and balanced. And they have a drink called a Shrub made with juice and vinegar is just a wonderfully rich, interesting and sweet drink. This remains of my favorite Philly haunts!
(5)
Mio S.
Two locals recommended here for colonial lunch. They did mention the "touristy" part of the venue, but one of them also said, "at least go for the Thomas Jefferson beer." Ok, sold. My companion and I each ordered the beer flight, which was fantastic way to get warm and rest after walking around the Olde City in 10F temperature. Among all the original recipes of founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson's was indeed the best. What's more, the sweet potato & pecan biscuit also by TJ was really delicious (I want the recipe). I guess he knew how to eat good. We ordered venison ( I thought it's colonial sounding) and crab cake. Both of them were pretty good. Not "wow, this is so delicious," but above the average. The lunch tab was around $70 with two plates and two beer flight - not exactly cheap, but we fully enjoyed the experience and the great service.
(4)
Robert R.
Very nice place. Great beer and the ambiance matches the cultural history of the City. I would go back next time I am in Philly!
(4)
L K.
Great historic watering hole, or should I say the most genteel tavern? We enjoyed the beer sampler which had four different selections of old fashioned beer recipes from the likes of Ben Franklin and George Washington. Also enjoyed a raspberry shrub, a sweet but refreshing cocktail. The staff wear clothing that I assume is supposed to conjure up images of the founding fathers, and the hurricane lamps on the tables added to the ambiance. A must on your travels through this historic city.
(5)
Albert L.
if you love Colonial Williamsburg, you're in for a treat. Note, this is an exact replica of the original City Tavern which burned down many years ago. Its rumored that a bride was burned in that fire and can still be seen wandering through the restaurant but that's another story. What you should know is that the National Park Service comes in randomly to spot check the pictures on the wall to the number of ruffles on a server's uniform to make sure that they are true to history. It's that serious. Expect everyone to greet you in "costume" or a colonial uniform what have you, but they do know what Coke and credit cards are. It's a shame you can't pay in gold. I've dined here many times and the one thing i can't live without is their West Indies Pepper Pot soup. Washington and his men enjoyed this hearty meal throughout the winter at Valley Forge. It's spicy and filled with tripe. Yes, tripe. Cow intestines. Did I lose you already? It's the magic ingredient. If you've ever enjoyed PHO, you've have tripe. It's quite chewy. The menu is loaded with a good amount of pies including Lobster. Beer drinker? On tap is the historic Washington Port and Jefferson Ale. Both made by Yards Brewery and yes, you can get it to go. If you do plan on going to grab a bite at the City Tavern, make sure to go inside the Independence Visitor Center at 600 Market Street and ask for their buy one get one free coupon good for lunch and dinner.. "After all, a penny saved is a penny earned". - Ben Franklin
(4)
Lisa L.
I didn't eat here, but I did enjoy a hot toddy (cider with some rum) and an American honey brewed beer here while taking in the incredible history of the place and reading one of the cookbooks by the fireplace. I don't know why I am so obsessed with this place, but for some reason it really resonated with me and I cannot wait to go back. I think I am strange.
(5)
John H.
People told us we had to go. The touristy magazines bragged it up and well, we just had to check it out. I am so glad we did. All three of us had a pleasant experience and a delightful and filling meal. The beers were inspired by recipes that our founding fathers used to brew their beers. The beer sampler allowed me to taste each one. My favorites were the Alexander Hamilton and Ben Franklin brews. The Turkey Pot Pie was unbelievable. Generous portions of turkey, potato and veggies cooked inside a fluffy crust was just what I needed. My coworkers Pork Chop was the HUGEST pork chop i have ever seen. Definitely, the theme was here was good portions of good food. We made our waiter bring over the desert tray, and while they were tempting, we had to pass, as we were just stuffed. I may just need to go back to get some desert (or perhaps spring for one of their cookbooks and try to make it on my own).
(4)
Dave C.
Have you ever gone to Medieval Times in N. Jersey or where ever the hell else that place is located and have reenactors massacre each other to vie for your attention? Yea, ... City Tavern is just like that, but without all the bloodlust... or fun. You basically eat and drink and watch people dolled up in colonial garb NOT murder each other. Honestly, I felt shame walking out the door, did you feel shame?
(1)
Tim G.
Dinner in the basement with a false fire alarm. Food was good but not great. The price was high for what you get. Without the history this place is a 2 star.
(3)
Nadezda K.
Great atmosphere, friendly stuff. Try beer sampler for $12, amazing variety. 5 stars to veal sausage and duck entrees. Perfect place for any occasion!
(5)
John A.
If you are looking for a dining experience or drinks to compliment your day in old town, the City Tavern is a good place to go. If you're expecting an exceptional meal - not so much so. The food is expensive and very bland. I'm glad we went for the experience but wouldn't recommend dining there.
(2)
Gary C.
Chef Walter Staib really hits home! The City Tavern, a Philadelphia Landmark and Tavern since before the revolution is THE PLACE to go when your in the Old City section of Philadelphia. The Service is Excellent as is the food! It's no wonder why our Founding Fathers chose this Tavern to plan the Revolution! I suggest you tried the home made Duck Sausage with Red Cabbage. This is the Best Red Cabbage I've ever had, except for my German Mothers! (Sorry Chef Staib, I had to put that there!). The Fried Oysters were PERFECT! The Roasted Rack of Ribs were beautifully prepared as well as aesthetically pleasing. I was in a historic mood so I choose the Martha Washington Turkey Pot Pie. A REAL POT PIE with Flaky Puff Pastry and fresh Vegetables. The Breads were all Freshly Baked and Delicious (NOT DAY OLD!). City Tavern has an extensive wine list, however, I chose the Beer Sampler. A collection of 7 original recipes from our Founding Fathers. All Seven were Excellent. As with any Celebrity Chef, There's plenty of opportunity to pick up a number of Chef Walter Staibs Cookbooks. There's also Plenty of history to look at on the walls. If you're traveling to Philly or you're in the area, I Strongly Suggest you make a reservation for the City Tavern and you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Jackie A.
Great atmosphere, just ok food. I really loved that this was in such an old, historic building- the place is just so famous, I felt like I really had to go during my visit to Philly. The service is great. Everyone we talked to was very kind and helpful. However, it took FOREVER to get our food. We snacked on some bread- apparently the sweet potato biscuits were Thomas Jefferson's favorites- they sure taste like it- straight from the 18th century they were so hard and dry. Yeah the bread was pretty gross. When our food came, nothing was bad, but nothing was unforgettable or amazing. Just standard, old food... My meat pie was good, the sausages were ok... they did have really good sauerkraut. We skipped out on desert because we had just been sitting at the table too long. Overall, I wouldn't go back, but if you're doing the historical thing, you should go at LUNCH... I would never pay their dinner prices for their food- I would have been much more disappointed. Maybe their dinner is really good, but I wouldn't risk it.
(3)
Blaine H.
An absolute must see, even if it is also a visitor attraction. Get the sample of beer...it includes the George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton brews. I personally like the IPA (Alexander Hamilton), but the George Washington and the Jefferson beer are almost as good. I like the feel of City Tavern and it is period correct, save for the electricity and those that are required by law. The costumes are great and the food is superb. Try the Turkey Pot Pie or the Lobster Pie. Just make sure you bring an appetite. The last time I went, a friend and I actually split one. The restaurant did two separate orders, so that was a great surprise. It was very relaxing and I strongly recommend City Tavern. It's a bit of the 1770's in Philadelphia.
(5)
Jesse C.
I found this place to be rather normal and non noteworthy from a beer perspective. We ordered a couple beer samplers to find out what was available. Of the 4 available I didn't care for any one in particular. Nothing wrong with the beer but I simply enjoy a hoppier beer. The sampler was $15 which we found to be a fair price. Interesting place to see with the apparent history behind it, but I for sure won't return next time. I didn't have any food here since we had just eaten at Jims Steaks, but it looked too pricey for what I saw from other patrons plates.
(3)
Nikki R.
With all of the period costume, candles and historic place settings/food choices, I expected this to be a tourist trap and as a result my expectations were not really high. Despite some of the touristy aspects, we had a nice meal. The bread was delicious and unique. We also tried the beer sampler, which provided four different types of microbrewed beer, each representing a recipe from an historic president/figure. Our appetizers were ok - my fiancee ordered the beef and barley soup, which turned out to be somewhat bland. I ordered the corn meal friedn oysters, which were fine - a bit dry in the end. But our Lobster Pie made up for all that. Our waitress had the kitchen split the usually large pie into two smaller ones, since we were splitting the order. It was delicious! Lots of lobster, the sauce was rich and flavorful, mushrooms were great. And the portion size was quite large. We left feeling quite full and happy!
(4)
Clelia S.
Food was delicious. Large portions. Great service. Apparently, George Washington's inaugural ball was held in the upstairs dining area. This turned into an inebriated discussion about balls in the hall with our friendly and witty server. Marta Washington's chocolate cake is delicious and not too sweet. Everyone enjoyed their meals; not one complaint.
(5)
Vlad K.
This has to be one of the few MUSTs in Philly. Between the history, the atmosphere, the originality (of both the place itself and the menu), the history - it's basically one of the kind. Definitely a place you have to visit at least once (and make your own opinion and if you have out of town visitors it is the best place for lunch after going to the Independence Hall - Carpenter's Hall - Franklin House)...
(5)
H M.
food was good but on the heavy side of things for lunch. ambiance is good
(3)
Rebekka T.
As I walked up to City Tavern on Thanksgiving day, I noticed in front an almost life-sized cutout of George Washington. I joked, "hey, wouldn't it be funny if everyone here was dressed like him?" Oops. This historical and theatrical venue seemed perfect for Thanksgiving, and it turned out to be a fine afternoon, save a few annoyances. My main complaint was that our table (we had a party of 8) was littered with postcard advertisements, a DVD, and a historical looking letter all trying to sell the Chef's books and videos. Considering that Thanksgiving dinner was $85 a person, (way overpriced, but I was with my BF's parents), you think they would refrain from trying to squeeze more dollars from you. It was obnoxious and tasteless. As for the food, it was mediocre. Appetizer was cold and kind of gross, something you'd buy in bulk from Costco. Salad was a salad - nothing special. The main course, turkey with all the sides etc. was good, turkey was cooked well, and they kept re-filling our plates as we asked. But there was nothing special about it, just very typical dishes, prepared decently. I would have given only 2 stars but our waiter, I believe his name was Bernie, made our experience relaxed and enjoyable and was very attentive and polite. Still, I doubt I would go back based on the food and price.
(3)
Michelle A.
A great bit of history to include on your tour of Philadelphia. While I have not yet had the chance to taste the foodstuffs, the historic beverages were great! They offer a beer flight for just over $10.00 which includes four ounce servings of four historic recipes. Each recipe is the favorite of one of our founding fathers--from Washington to Franklin. They vary from light ales to stouts and are a true taste of history. I also tried the wassail. Our server was awesome and not only discussed the beverages, he also found the recipe in one of the Tavern cookbooks and shared it with me. He was quite awesome. We are planning a return trip centered around a lunch at the Tavern.
(4)
Caroline F.
This is a good place to go if you're visiting the city of Philadelphia. All of the waiters dress in late 1700s clothes and all of the food on the menu would have been available during Revolutionary War times. That being said, it's not just for tourists, and is also a cool place for Philly natives -- the atmosphere is cool as it mimics the time period, and the food is tasty. Definitely a must-dine place if you are in the area.
(4)
Adam L.
Boo. Tourist trap crap. Sausage tasted like hot dogs. the "founding fathers" beer recipes were suspect and our disinterested yet authentically dressed waitress used a bic lighter to get our lamp lit. On the plus side, there's some cool old maps on the walls, and the building is cozy.
(2)
Jason L.
First stop of our long weekend in Philly. Based on the other reviews, we were more interested in checking out the ambiance rather than eating dinner there. From the moment we walked through the door we were impressed. Great for reminding yourself of the history of Philly. We enjoyed a flight of beers (TJ's is definitely the best), a shrub martini (good) and crabcakes (excellent). We were seated outside in the backyard and ate at a bench--nice but not as intimate as inside. But it gave us a great view of the building and we now know that the BEST place to eat here, weather permitting, is the 2nd floor porch/balcony.
(4)
Charie L.
I booked my company's event at City Tavern, Phildelphia and the service was great. Staffs are all friendly and we got good feedback from our guests that they are happy with their service, especially the food--saludos to Chef Walter Staib and the ambiance of the restaurant--saludos as well to Mark Carroll who add his colonial harp music to it! Phenomenal! I would recommend City Tavern to anyone. It is a perfect place for any corporate or small events, dinner for two or just simply going back to our History.
(5)
Paul P.
TERRIBLE! Wow, as a resident here in Philadelphia I decided to plan a visit to City Tavern with friends who were visiting me. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to expose visitors to a genuine experience that encompassed the our city's history while patronizing a local establishment. I should have gone elsewhere and am embarrassed for the rude, abrasive service that I received and I can assure that I will never ever go back. It takes a minute to ruin a reputation and years to establish a good one. I sugest City Tavern to take a close look at the staff who greet those who walk through their door, answer their calls, and so on because it is hurting your reputation and surely your reservation listings.... I am proud to call Philadelphia my place of residence and am always thrilled to be part of an area which is always friendly to outsiders... However, this place sadly was the complete opposite of who we are as Philadelphians....
(1)
Kelly S.
This is a very tourist-y place to go, but it can be fun if you've got out-of-town family visiting and they're too middle-aged to take them out for a wild night of boozing it up. The staff wears period costumes, and the food is meant to be what you would have found on a menu in a tavern in Philly in the 1700's. So expect meat and potatoes and other hearty fare. The food's not bad, but it's a bit overpriced. I guess you're paying for the performance aspect of the whole dining experience, though. As mentioned in other reviews, the Founders' beer selections are pretty good. Check it out if you're looking for something a little different, or, like I said, if you've got parents in town.
(4)
Lindsay K.
We were going to go to a different restaurant for dinner, but heard that City Tavern served beer made with recipes from Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The building itself is really cool. We learned that Paul Revere went there to tell everyone about his famous ride, and that a party was held there after the Constitution was signed (sidenote..the building is a replica, but the site is the same). They also serve 18th century recipes. I should have checked how much the food was before we went, because entrees were around $30 a plate! We ordered two beer samplers and two appetizers and spent $55, including tip. Just be prepared that's even though it says it's a tavern, the prices don't reflect that at all.
(4)
Gerard M.
Really had a fun time here with the family recently, for a weekday lunch. It's authentic without being hokey. The food was terrific, and the service was steady. It's a lovely setting, and good for the kids, if they are behaved. One appetizer, 5 entrees, a couple of desserts, and a few drinks came to $170. That includes a six pack of the colonial era recipe beers, to go. Well worth the experience.
(5)
Joe D.
i took my wife for a birthday in early dec and it was better than i expected. we were seated in a romantic corner of an almost empty room upstairs. candle light and their hot cider (spiced w/ peach brandy, Canadian whisky & Jamaican rum) were a great start to our authentic colonial dinner. everything at this place is authentic and true to the period. i had a crock of french onion soup and the fresh Pennsylvania trout over a bed of barley, served with autumn vegetables. it was all prepared perfectly. every detail was top notch. i finished up with the baked apple cobbler and cinnamon ice cream. again, it was all executed without flaw.
(4)
lisa g.
City Tavern is interesting as a 'historic landmark' but the food is overpriced and very mediocre . Our food was luke warm and tasteless - it's a very tourist spot
(2)
John M.
This is a fun place, full of history and good food. I went with a group, so my experience might differ than that of a traditional diner. The wait staff was great, knowledgeable, and seemed to enjoy their job. We ate in the room upstairs and it was served buffet style. The food was all very excellent (which is rare for buffet) and I have been dying to go back. Great experience!!
(5)
Michelle S.
Experience history through food! Get greeted and served by folks dressed colonial style. Drink from goblets, not glass. That's what you'll get at City Tavern. John Adams and Paul Revere had been here before. I tried the beef pie for lunch here - twice cooked beef in a flaky puff pastry. Not bad! I didn't care too much for the sweet and sour cabbage that came with it though. The best part of the meal was the soup - chunks of savory beef and noodles. Very hearty! This is a must-see spot for tourists in Philly!
(3)
Jerry S.
Walked by several times as it is in a tourist spot but finally ate lunch with family. Great place, wonderful authentic food. Will go again next trip into the Independence Mall area.
(4)
Michael L.
i went there with a good friend in the christmas season of 2009 the food and drinks i had were very good i had the martha washingtion turkey pot pie and Thoams jefferson beer was very good there waitress and waitress dress up in colinal outfits the place has 1700 feel to it the place is expensive but its worth it stay away from the egg nog
(3)
Diana D.
OK I'm giving this place five stars for a reason: the ambiance. The food we ordered was pretty good, plus the beer. It was basic food, but well done in my humble opinion. Loved the B. Franklin stout w/ a sweet molasses after-taste. I ordered Marth Washington's pot pie and it was divine. The crust was just how I like it. We were all happy w/ the service. The bar was inviting, too. We went during a weekday at dusk. They were lighting candles and I loved the shadowy light cast. We had fun talking to the wait staff.
(5)
Claire W.
I am giving this 4 stars as "historic" taverns go - at least 2/3 of the menu is items recreating food that would have been eaten in the late 1700's. We got a wonderful waitress (unlike another reviewer) who was outgoing and attentive. From her I learned that Chicken Madeira is an American dish, as Madeira could be picked up directly by ships coming to the Americas (versus other spirits that had to come from British ports). We were seated on the second floor in what we were told would have been a nicer area. At the urging of our waitress I tried the duckling and barley, and liked it although I don't generally eat duck. The only part I didn't like were the vegetables, which I thought ought to have been cooked a bit more, but that may be a personal bias. (The duckt did stay with me all day, as duck is heavy, but that was probably good in the colonists day). My husband and I had mulled wine. The hot drinks were served in glass and the ice water in pewter, interestingly. Apparently various impersonators that are unaffiliated with the restaurant wander in sometimes. We missed chatting with "the gentleman from Massachusetts" to know who he was. There are entrees that probably have little historic significance, but the reason to go here is to experience the history, not to eat an everyday meal.
(4)
Gina S.
My husband and I stumbled upon this place. Read the ads on the outside and decided to give it a try, after all President Adams recommended this place. We ordered some fried oysters, there were shells in the oysters. Worse, they use frozen oysters. The cornmeal was totally overcooked. My chicken was dry (over cooked?), and the sauce was thick and salty, canned swanson? My husband ordered something completely different, and guess what? SAME gravy! Well we learned our lesson, great ambience and LOVED the sweet potato bread.
(3)
Dave K.
Colonial theme restaurant. A replica bldg on the site of the original where Founding Fathers, their families and friends dined. Wait staff in period dress. Tables, chairs and place settings of the period. Menu based on recipes of the time. Beers available brewed from actual recipes of the founding fathers. Food is prepared in the original style (to today's standards). Our experience was possibly that the A-Team had the evening off. Service was slow - not as attentive as we are accustomed to receiving. The waitress didn't have answers to basic questions; such as: What type of crab is used in the crab cakes? she had to be reminded to bring ordered wine and asked for a water refill, and didn't return to ask for a beer order. Our host described a much higher quality of food preparation, but had to admit that perhaps there was a new cook (not a chef) in the kitchen. Still, everyone was friendly, the food still good, if expensive, and a good time was had by all. Perhaps our expectation exceeded the delivery? I'll recommend it only for the themed experience. There is better food at more reasonable prices with better service at many restaurants in the area.
(2)
Debbie Chiou S.
nice to try beers you can't get anywhere, but it's much too kitschy.
(3)
Kerry M.
I was really excited to try this place after checking out all the historic places in Philly. I was so looking forward to having a great meal after walking quite a few blocks to get here. It was just OK. I like the atmosphere and the way the servers dress - gives you a feeling of the way it was back then. Both my husband's and my Dad's meals were cold. Had the turkey pot pie which was alright - only a few pieces of turkey. Huge-ass salad also. One plus was the beer. Can't even remember the dessert. Another good thing was that our server was very nice and she took good care of our table. I guess I had too high of expectations.
(3)
Jacky O.
Philadelphians who view this as a tourist hot-spot may be overlooking a great dinner option that is right in their back yard. We sampled a wide variety of items on the menu and thought everything was great. The recipes really do evoke a sense of colonial times in a way that's surprisingly not tacky. Try the colonial beer flight - or two. This place is, of course, great if you're hosting out-of-towners.
(4)
Nosniv X.
After spending an hour drinking Thomas Jeffersons beer and a porter by George Washington, I began to wonder how the Declaration of Independance ever got written. Tasty beer and a good place to reflect on the founding of the country. The menu is on the pricy side, if you are just touring around and over 50 this is a place for you.
(3)
miriam b.
Well I didn't really care for the potatoe leek soup because it was a bit bland, but it was fun to have a chance to sit here and go back more than 200 years and wonder what it might have been like for many of the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the discussions that went on whilst they nursed tankards of brew. Roast beef was very good. The waiter was pissy when we were there, but he soon warmed up once someone complimented him on his faux Lord Fauntleroy looking costume.
(3)
Brendan c.
Great place to go when in Philly. The food is traditional 1776 but excellent. It's a historical theme resturant. You'll have fun I promise.
(5)
Mark S.
It was authentic enough to not have "Ye Olde Vegetarean Meel" - but the mashed potatoes and apple cider I did have were fine. The salad was . . . a salad. Our waiter used some period language and was dressed funny, and the water was served in cooled metal goblets. There was a guy playing a harp. I'm not sure if these things justify the cost for the meal, but luckily I wasn't paying!
(3)
Dan S.
Terrible service! We waited a 30 minutes before anyone even acknowledged we were even there. We were seated right across from where the bartender resides. I had to plead with one of the period dressed waiters to help us. Finally, my wife and I left.
(2)
love n.
i live in the city and we have lots of great restaurants. haven't been to city tavern in years because didn't care for the food in the past. figured i'd try it again since i was with someone new to the city and thought it might be fun. the good part is the building is nice and they do a good job at making it feel like it's a place that's been around forever. the outfits the staff wear are cool for the area with all the history around. also, the service was decent... now, the food is the issue here. it's not aweful but it's not good, average at best. most items are blah and overpriced. for the same amount of money, there are tons of restaurants in the city that have much better food. nothing we had was very good or memorable... this is basically a "neat" place to eat for tourists or someone that was hangin out at the liberty bell or independence hall all day and wanted to keep the historical theme going. if you're goal is to have great food, pick one of the many other better restaurants in the area.
(2)
Gourmet G.
Originally built in 1773, this was the convening site for the Constitutional Convention, as well as the setting for one of George Washington's inaugural celebrations. The cuisine here is authentic early American, with many of the dishes adapted from 18th Century recipes. Veal sausage with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, honey-glazed duck with asparagus, and medallions of venison with leeks are among the traditional entrees served by a staff in period dress. A children's menu suggests this is an ideal place for family dining, but you may feel differently after seeing the prices.
(5)
Lauren T.
Yes, the costumes were cheesy, but the beer was good! Try the Thomas Jefferson ale.
(4)
DJ M.
When walking through the doors of the City Tavern, be ready to be transported back to the 18TH Century. Built in 1733, this Tavern has served the likes of George Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. It was used as the unofficial meeting place for our Country's dignitaries as well as Foreign dignitaries. You will be met by old unpolished wooden floors, high ceilings with old Light fixtures and Servers, dressed in Colonial Costumes. To the right of the long entrance hallway, is a large waiting room adorned with relics from another era. You will wait while resting in well seasoned wooden chairs. Of course you can have a seat in the Bar and Lounge, while sipping Ale from a hand blown glass. Once called upon to take your seat in one of several dining rooms or perhaps outside, you will be greeted with Pewter pitchers and Fine China. Located in the Heart of the historic district and owned by the National Park Service, this Restaurant has been rated one of Philadelphia's 4 Star gems. The Fare ranges from modern American Cuisine to the Cuisine of yester year. The Duck, Beef and Veal Sausages are hand made as well as, the Breads and Pastries. If given the chance, ttry one or two of the Sweet Potato Biscuits! They claim to be Thomas Jefferson's favorite. The Basil and Applewood Bacon wrapped Shrimp, served with a Horseradish Barbecue Sauce, is heaven on a plate! I adore their Romaine and Roquefort Salad with Bacon and a creamy Parmesan Dressing. For Lunch Entrees, which are the only times I have dined here, I would be torn between The Filet Medallions with the Brandy peppercorn Sauce or the Crab Cakes with remoulade and pommes frites or the Lobster Pie with a flaky puff pastry crust wrapped around Chunks of Lobster, Shrimps, Mushrooms, and Shallots in a Sherry Cream Sauce. It is so decadent. The Menu's hold a vast array of Colonial Fare, such as West Indies Pepperpot Soup, which is a spicy Beef Soup with Taro root. Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup, 18TH Century Salads and Entrees, such as Martha Washington Style Colonial Turkey Pot Pie, Braised Rabbit, Pork Schnitzel, Beef Pie and Medallions of Venison. On a very recent visit to Philadelphia's Historical District, I was handed a Philadelphia Gazette, by a Colonial Costumed informant. Inside of the Gazette was a coupon for the City Tavern, buy one Lunch and get one Free. Not sure if they are still running it, but it would be worth checking into. For great Fare in a grand Colonial setting, the City Tavern is a must try. You will find yourself going back in time, for more.
(4)
Evann G.
Funny story. Last time we were at City Tavern, we had just experienced a lull in the conversation when my oh-so-classy fiance let out with the loudest fart I have EVER heard. The look on his face was priceless. Clearly, he thought it was going to be silent, but oh no. It most definitely was not silent. Luckily, we had already paid, because we booked it out of there real fast after that. What does that have to do with City Tavern itself? Nothing. I'm sorry, but I love this place. I don't care that it's a tourist trap. I'm one of those ridiculous people who gets all verklempt over drinking ale in the same place Ben Franklin drank ale. It's become our standard watering hole to visit when we have friends in from out of town, because it's just so dang neat. I've only been here to drink. The food menu looks pricey, so I'm not sure I'll ever do anything here except drink. Even the drinks are a tad overpriced, but everything I've tried has been good. And INTERESTING. When we hit the holiday season, they started serving all sorts of cider drinks and WASSAIL. That's right, I'm sorry, but I find it super cool that you can walk into a historical tavern and order actual wassail. Hence the four stars.
(4)
Lilee N.
Great place-- learned a good deal of history while we dined here. Went around Easter time. Started with the duck sausage which was very flavorful and went well with the cabbage. Boy had the pepperpot soup which was creamy and hearty. Rack of lamb was great, but the starch that accompanied the lamb was a little too acidic and sour for my liking. Though, they do try to prepare dishes as if it were back in the day so maybe people just ate things differently back then. Roasted duckling was excellent-- not dry at all and flavorful. Staff and service was wonderful and the history behind the restaurant and the dishes was an added bonus (and really, the reason why we chose to eat here). They have a cookbook for you to look through (and purchase if desired). Overall, highly recommend!
(4)
Rich U.
For me, the main appeal here is the historic building/setting (although it's a replica of the original which burned down), the harpsichord played by a woman in period costume (the waitstaff also plays "colonial dress-up"), and the presumably authentic 18th century brews! I can't say I've eaten extensively here. I've only had the crab cakes and the bread tray (both good). The rest of the menu looks intriguing, but I'll lay off commenting on the food until I've sampled more of it (duh). I think the best beer here (and one of the best I've had anywhere) is Washington's Tavern Porter. I've downed many in the bar section and on the terrace/lawn seating area out back. I've taken many more home with me (a six pack of bottles is $15 AND WORTH IT). If you don't know which beer to order, get the sampler of four. BUT respectfully ask the management (as I did) to STOP putting Sam Adams (which they only recently started including) in the sampler with Washington's Porter, Jefferson's brew, and Martha's ale. Franklin would be outraged if he knew this was going on - after all, he left puritanical Boston as a young man for a reason, and Sam Adams (though a good brew), does NOT belong in a Philly City Tavern sampler. It's too mainstream and not very regional.
(4)
Harrison L.
Do yourself and your history buff friends a favor and get lunch or dinner here during a trip through the city. It really does live up to the hype. A lot of historical places bank solely on their reputations, but City Tavern takes itself very seriously as a restaurant. The chef is an award winner and it shows. The menu has good variety and blends authenticity very well with catering to the modern palette. There is something for everyone on the menu. Beer lovers will enjoy the Ales of the Revolution. Those interested in other drinks can try traditional shrub. The service is usually quite good as well, and of course the atmosphere is wonderfully authentic even if the building is a replica. Those fortunate enough to get a window seat will always be treated to good views. Plus it's quite cozy and even a bit romantic if you and your date share a love of colonial era charm. The only caveat is cost - it's a bit pricey. So unless you're fat in the wallet, City Tavern is a special occasion destination. But then again a trip into the city, especially if it's focused on visiting historical sites is always a special occasion, so top it off right by having dinner and a few drinks here. After all, it was City Tavern where the real business took place in the founding of the nation. Independence Hall and Carpenters' Hall were merely the official locations for the action...City Tavern was the real heart of it all.
(5)
Felicia K.
I don't know if the building is an original or reconstruction... I'm guessing the latter, but you wouldn't know it when you're inside. Friendly service from people wearing revolutionary-era clothing. I had Martha Washington's turkey pot pie, which was perfect after having been outside walking around for a few hours in the freezing cold. Delicious puff pastry crust on top. Boyfriend had the venison stew special, which looked delicious. I tried a couple of the wild mushrooms from his, and they were amazing. Their eggnog wasn't particularly good - served over ice in December (?) and too sweet. Would've been much better hot and with a bit less sugar. In any case, a fun experience.
Love the historic atmosphere, the decor and location. Everybody was happy with their food and beers. The service was good too. This is a tourist restaurant worth visiting.
(4)
Markus F.
Good meal, good selection of food and beers on the menu. I like the president beers in particular. Service was very friendly and attentive.
(4)
Lene P.
This is basically a good restaurant for tourists who visit the city and want to eat at a colonial themed restaurant with servers dressing the part. I've recommended this place a bunch of times until I finally ate there. Both of my visits were for dinner, in which the prices are outrageous considering what we got. The dishes were tasty and fine, but not worth the $25-30 each. Both times we were seated out back on a deck area leading down into a garden with more seating under a canopy (I usually see groups seated there). The interior looks pretty spooky, it always seems really dark to me, but that is also awesome and romantic. For parking, if you don't intend on staying long, there is 3 hour parking along the ramp from Columbus Blvd that exits onto Market Street. You can also park at the Olde City garage over the Ritz East/Pagoda but I'm not sure if City Tavern validates.
(3)
C. H.
When we arrived at The City Tavern, we were pleased to see such a fine representation of historic Philadelphia. The building and interior were lovely, and the table settings with real pewter chalices were so fun. I was a little disappointing with our seating arrangements. We were stationed very, very close to another couple, so close that it was impossible to have a private conversation. In between our two tables was some sort of closet where all the plates and glasses were kept, so we were continuously interrupted and jostled by waiters getting in and out. I had the pleasure of listening to the lady at the table next to us complain about this for the rest of the evening. We also didn't have a lot of face time with our waiter. You would think he would have been a little more attentive to us since he was constantly brushing by to get to the closet, but he seemed skilled at ignoring my hand signals for attention. This might have been because of our attire, sweaters, jeans, and tennis shoes, since we had been walking the city all day. I was also a little put-off by all the advertisements for books and take-home items. Maybe it's just me, but I don't really need 3 or 4 cards on my table telling me how awesome the chef's cook books are. The food was it's saving grace. My husband and I split the beer sampler, and then each ordered a glass of our favorite, though all were excellent. We also enjoyed the crab cakes, which were the best we have ever had, hands down. My entree was the braised rabbit and his the beef medallions, both were cooked to perfection. The veggies were zucchini and squash, again cooked perfectly, a task which I have never mastered myself. Go for the food, but not the service.
(3)
Meghan M.
The original tavern (the current restaurant is obviously a reconstruction) was a frequent meeting point for framers of the Constitution and the draw of the place today is that nothing's served that wouldn't have been readily available in the 1700s. It sounds like the Medieval Times of the American revolution, but in fact that place appears to be so authentic that many of the dishes sound borderline unappetizing. The waiters must dress up in period costumes, which makes most of them seem like better waiters than they actually are. I had the turkey pie, which was delicious by dint of being drowned in a heavy, heavy sherry cream sauce and covered with a thick buttery pastry. I washed it down with a Martha Washington summer ale (eh) and a raspberry shrub (raspberry juice reduced with fruit vinaigrette, then combined with ginger ale and champagne; delicious and potent, rendering me incapable of doing anything except blinking and yawning at the edge of Ben Franklin's grave.) As for other available alcohol, there's also an IPA from one of Jefferson's recipes and a porter from one of Washington's, a seasonal rum drink, plus an extensive selection of wines, but beyond that don't expect bar service--unlike the Southern ladies behind us who asked in rapid succession if the place served daiquiris and cheesesteak sandwiches. Oh, and go for lunch--the prices are on the steep side but reasonable, whereas dinner is highway robbery.
(4)
Keith M.
the food was fantastic, the wait staff was on the money, the atmosphere was perfect, i was very relaxed, enjoyed the meal...perfect even desert.
(5)
B B.
granted the food was good and the service was even better. Unfortunately I was not pleased with the fact that they wouldn't seat us downstairs but instead we had to climb a flight of stairs with our baby and stroller. The coctails were fabulous and we also ordered a soup a salad to try. I had the barley soup and it was surprisingly good. The salad was ok. I had the rabbit and my wife had the fish with hollondaise sauce. Both were excellent. We also ordered off the kids menu. That was a big mistake. Although it was good it was over $20. now correct me if I'm wrong I thought the kids menu is suppose to be MUCH CHEAPER than the regular menu. Overall it was a good experience and I am glad I did it. I would recommend everyone to give this place a try ONCE. I just can't see myself coming back. It felt a little touristy and a little gimmicky. It was kind of neat to eat off everything pewter, but there's a reason these kinds of restaurants no longer exist. What I really want is a nice mondern day meal on modern day silverware and not a history lesson.
(4)
Chelsea P.
A bit tourist-y, but super fun! The servers dress in historical outfits, and all the food was based on that time period as well. You get the scoop from the servers on the history of it all. However, after we left, we found out our car was towed. Womp womp.
(4)
Rich M.
Meh, I'm a huge American history fan, but..... It was interesting having a couple beers named after 2 founding fathers, but... The menu, and the beer, is supposedly of the style of that era. It was good, but the price was really high. Let's face it. You're paying for the historical ambiance. Not that the food wasn't good. The pot pie was excellent, but the price was a little astronomical. Overall, the service was ok, not commensurate with the price you pay for the meal. It started very so-so, although, it got better. I think we got there when the dinner service just started. Sorry, no excuse. People who arrive later pay the same price. If you have a few bucks to spend and want to hop into the American History time machine to enjoy the food our forefathers ate, but at a much higher price. This is your place. I read another review that recommended having lunch instead, at a lower price. Probably not a bad idea.
(3)
Tim P.
Great food and even better service. Beer was interesting. One choice included beer brewed/aged with 'spruce.' Very good selection of food, too. Yes, OK so it a bit touristy but so what.
(4)
Stosha S.
Great place to take people from out of town. The atmosphere is great, I loved the colonial outfits the staff wore and the food was delicious. Lunch is much cheaper than dinner if your looking for a more affordable option. I wish there were something more attractive than dull maps on the walls, but I suppose that's more authentic?
(5)
Christina P.
I'm not going to lie, when I heard there was a restaurant that you could eat at that the founding fathers dined in I was all for going. So it was cool to eat in that setting, and the beers were pretty nice. The food was mediocre. It reminded me of stuff I've eaten at mid-level hotels; my salmon was drenched in a buttery, oily sauce and the sides were pretty bland. The prices were also pretty high for the quality of the food. You are definitely paying for the setting and experience here. I will say those little sweet potato scones they serve at the beginning of the meal are good though. So two stars because Ben Franklin ate there and that's just awesome.
(2)
Meg R.
Delicious food, unique brews, period decor. City Tavern is a must stop for those looking to experience historical Philadelphia at it's finest. I appreciate that the wait staff, dressed in period garb, don't act as though they're in a different century, they answer questions about the menu and make great recommendations. Try the Benjamin Franklin brew or House porter. Interesting side note, you can purchase the beer for take out. And purchase the pewter serving ware, too. Had delicious pepper pot soup, beef pie, rabbit and duck, served with various veg, such as barley, cabbage and egg noodles. Delish!
(5)
Sally f.
meh. overly priced, boring food. service wasnt great, and the server was unenthuastic, which was a bummer, because other ppl write they learned a lot of history and i didnt.... dont go to touristy places to impress your guests. if u wouldnt eat here normally, dont take anyone from out of town.
(2)
Danielle R.
Great food, fun place to eat. Server full of fun facts and history. Turkey pot pie and lobster pot pie were DELISH! Great beer too. Will definitely return when we're in the area.
(5)
Kaitlin L.
In honor of President's Day weekend, I decided to start my Friday night at City Tavern. Although horribly touristy, I was amused by the server's 18th century inspired costumes and overall feel of the bar area (I didn't eat any food there, just went to the tavern area). We decided to try the sampler which included all 4 beer choices, all of which are made by Yards. The beers are all old recipes from the time of our founding fathers, including a recipe made by Jefferson that is exclusively made for City Tavern. My favorite was the George Washington one, a very tasty porter, followed by the Poor Richard's spruce ale, which comes from a recipe made by Ben Franklin. The Hamilton one didn't do it for me, but it was nice to try. They give you a good amount of beer with the sampler too, so I'd definitely suggest at least starting with this. I'm not really thinking I'll make this a regular stop for me, but it was fun to do something somewhat touristy for President's Day. This would be a fun thing to bring out-of-towners or history buffs to.
(3)
Scott R.
Historically good; since 1773. Dining at City Tavern is an experience you can't miss. It takes you back in time and the food is pretty good too. I feel like I'm wasting my breath cause John Adams called it "the most genteel tavern in America." I agree.
(4)
Scott D.
Went to Philly as a tourist and stopped here for beer and food. I read it from Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy site and it did not disappoint. Authentic 18th century food such as Rabbit Legs and Duckling (both were good) and beer based on the recipes of the Founding Fathers. It also provided an awesome 18th century atmosphere complete with music. A must-go for fellow history nerds.
(5)
Brian G.
What a pleasant surprise this Olde City is!! I hoped on the subway at 30th St and was so happy to get out of that horrible system at 2nd and Market. This was such a nice relief!! The neighborhood is great. The cobblestone, the old feel, the history. Once I saw this place I knew this is where I wanted to eat. I dropped my stuff at the Sheraton Olde City and scurried over here. 8:37 pm These 2 historically dressed Pennsylvanians greet me in a manner which it is 1775 and they have never seen a man with Chanel glasses and a black popped-collared shirt, with shiny patent leather shoes and say, "Uhh, Hi" and I said, "One please". The village girl explains to me that they stop seating people at 8:30 and I said, "Wow, it's 8:37, c'mon I don't want to linger, I just want to leave and get back to my hotel." She says "Okay, but you have to eat in the tavern". So this is cool, a whole room to myself and she actually was accomadating although it probably was because she saw anger flaring up in my eyes. The waiter was super nice, eloquently spoken, and elegantly handling my bread, water, and menus. I ordered chicken breast, mashed potatos, and vegetables. It was good, very hardy. I liked it. Something my parents would make, very American, decent portion. Sucks I'm not stuffed though 2 hours later, so I have to walk over to a grocery store to get snacks, but I guess most people would still be full. I took a walk around this historic building and I loved the atmosphere. Once I mentioned that I plan to Yelp the place, the waiter started to explain the history. I guess I put a fire under his Revolutionary ass. I loved everything about the peoples outfits, the buildings, the art, the maps on the walls. Really up my alley. Just watched John Adams last night. Perfect timing is guess.
(4)
Xinyuan W.
if you are a tourist in philly and looking for a fun time and a good beer after walking around, this place is perfect. loved their microbrews, try the George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, awesome. really fun place and food is pretty good. servers dress up in customs.
(5)
Anne P.
Ate here in 2002 on a trip to Philly, but decided I needed a good review in case people look at all my reviews and decide I am a dining curmudgeon. I got the Martha Washington pot pie. Oh glory, cardiac arrest this dish had to be made with heavy cream and was delicious. Loved the Jefferson biscuits, enjoyed his ale. Rest of the family enjoyed their dinners and the food was good. Way cool to have servers in period costume and to sit in a place where Adams, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and others had informal meetings while the Continential Congress was in session.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Accepts Bitcoin : No Good For : Dinner Parking : Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Touristy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Creasy Q.
Great beer and food.
(5)Stephen C.
the atmosphere was great and fit perfectly with Thanks Giving, Our table was ready when we arrived. The Appetizer was "OK" at best it arrived cold and was more tot he standard of an inexpensive banquet and not a $85 per person dinner. The salad was good not too wet, but nothing special. The Main course was very very good, the turkey was moist, the mashed potatoes were good, as were the sweet potatoes. I enjoyed the stuffing, my wife didn't care for it. The gravy was very good. The portion were generous. The deserts were just OK, really didn't care for my cobbler and for a Diabetic not to care for a sweet is saying something. The bread pudding my wife ordered read great but left all its potential in the description because the taste did not make it to the plate. The Service and atmosphere exceeding my expectations the food did not even come close to my expectations and that is after making adjustments downward for thanksgiving. I think Chef Walter is better at TV appearances and Cook books then actual execution. We had a great thanksgiving because we were together and not because of the food. Last year we had a much better dinner at Smithville Inn for less then 1/2 the price at only 38 per person. So if you are looking for somewhere to go next thanks giving I would suggest you pass by City Tavern
(2)Olga D.
Love this place! Never ate here but we come here for drinks and their specialty beers. Nice, cozy, and historic. It's great after a day of strolling around Old City.
(5)Dan S.
You, like me, may be tempted to discount the negative reviews as mere petty gripes. Or isolated occurrences. Don't. The chef should be ashamed of the service his waitstaff provided tonight. It will go down as some of my all time WORST service. EVER. And that's saying something. Why? Let me count the ways. Another table which sat down 15 mins after us got served their appetizer and main course even before our appetizer (of soup! And a crab cake) was served. It took over an hour to get our appetizer (did I mention some of it was SOUP which is surely prepared head of time). Our waitress disappeared for seemingly hours on end. Had to ask for our initial water and bread. Which didn't come til well after we ordered (which took forever as well). And a water refill? Good luck. We asked and spoke with our waitress 3 times and waited 25 mins just for that. Of course, just 3 minutes after our appetizers were brought, our main dishes were out too. But not all of them. One of them. (a kids ham and cheese) took another 10 minutes (at least it was brought out warm) The waitress when asked, said the kitchen got slammed. Which would be fine except it's a quiet Tuesday night and two other tables which came after us got their food. So not only is she a poor server, but a liar too. And how was the food? The soup was way too salty. The barley somewhat tasteless. The other dishes were better but with service poor as this, really, who cares. For 150 dollars, I have never felt so ripped off. No even attempt to Make it up with a free app or drink. No apology from a manager. Nothing. For tourists, you have been warned. This is coming from someone who never gives out 1 star ratings. Don't be fooled.
(1)Christina M.
I had the utmost pleasure of visiting City Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last night. For those of you who are not familiar with City Tavern, to step into City Tavern is literally to step into history. Some historical points of interest: 1. John Adams himself frequented City Tavern and called it, "the most genteel tavern in America."This was during his time in Philadelphia attending the First Continental Congress. 2. Paul Revere rode up to City Tavern when he received news of the port of Boston closing. 3. Members of the Second Continental Congress dined there every Saturday. It was no surprise to find George Washington at the Tavern along with other delegates. On this evening I dined in what was the old Subscription Room (where newspapers the Tavern used to subscribe to where housed). I was warmly greeted by my waitress, dressed in authentic period ensemble. I started with their Country Salad ($6.50) made with Julienned carrots, cucumber, field greens, raspberry shrub and extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette. Their dressing was so light but still had an explosion of flavor mixed with its ingredients. An ample portion of salad was given to satisfy my most hungry stomach. For the main course, I ordered their Colonial Turkey Pot Pie ($21.95) made with tender chunks of turkey, mushrooms, early peas, red potatoes, sherry cream sauce served in a flaky pastry crust baked in a pewter casserole. All I can say is that this pot pie was extraordinary, worth every cent of $21.95. One is given a more than a full serving, creamy and very thick chunks of turkey throughout. A most hearty meal, glad I saved my appetite throughout the day for this celebration! Country Salad Along with this whole meal, I was also given a selection of their breads, one of which easily became my favorite, Thomas Jefferson's own recipe of sweet potato rolls. The sweet potato gave a hint of sweetness just enough to make it taste more dessert-like. Nevertheless a delicious roll indeed! To pair along with this historical meal, I drank a glass of Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. I was quick to find out that he made beer only twice a year. This ale was made especially following Jefferson's original ale. The ale was rugged and smooth at the same time, complete body for a filling and delicious ale. They also have ales from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Overall experience at City Tavern was amazing. For any history buffs or those simply wanting to experience Philadelphia history at its finest, you must visit City Tavern - it does not get any more original than this!
(5)Mimsterynyc M.
the beer sample is great! The food is fine, it's not a 3 star michelin restaurant but it is good. The service was fine.
(4)Phillip Y.
I came here last year with friends from Boston who were touring Philadelphia. It was nice to see all the historic stuff in a restaurant. The nice host let us in without a reservation. We just stuck with the first course since menu was pretty pricey. Plus, we were not terribly hungry or starving. Just needed something small to fill us. I had the trout and smoked salmon with some crackers/bread. It was pretty good. Plus, we had nice metal goblets with water. It felt like the olden days. My friends had the crab cakes which I sampled. It was good too. Overall, I thought it was pretty nice just not worth the trouble of reservation. It's the experience more than the food.
(4)Mindy M.
I only gave this place 3 stars because I didn't actually eat here- I knew I was going to walk 2 blocks to Khyber Pass Pub so I held off. I do hear that the food is authentic to the American Revolutionary times and is good, but I can't say myself. This place has a TON of history- check out the website for the complete info (too much to include) but basically Washington, Adams, and that whole crew would dine here regularly AND upstairs is where the very first 4th of July was celebrated. The place is historically accurate with regards to food, drink, and atmosphere and was even featured on PBS a while back. What we did have was the flight of beers and the Cooler which is a mix of cold Apple Cider, Maderia, Whiskey, and Rum- WOW- it is good and packs a whollop (I only had 1 thank you very much). The flight of beer, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, is all very interesting - a stout, ale, spruce, and lager are brewed at the Yards brewery. The 6 pack take home is expensive ($15 for a 6-pack) so we passed on that.
(3)Ling X.
Excellent Service, Very good food and ambiance. I went to this gem of a restaurant this past weekend with a group girlfriends for dinner. After a day of exploring the historic district oh Philly in some rather unpleasant weather, we were ready for a great meal to close out the day. We were not disappointed! We started off with some crab cakes and fried oysters. Delicious! I had the turkey pot pie, which was definitely the best pot pie I have ever had. I was a little doubtful about the turkey, because I normally find turkey dry, but this was delicious! It's also HUGE! I finished a little more than half, but ate all the crust. My other girlfriends had the lobster pot pie, rabbit, and steak. Everyone loved their food. I didn't eat the dessert that we ordered, but my friend felt that the bread pudding was just so-so. The service was very good and you definitely get that colonial feel.
(4)Ray T.
8/30/2013 If you want to be served great food by people dressed in 1800's attire, this is the place to go. Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson, may greet you, at leat their modern day versions. At first it appears to be a tourist site, but it really isn't. The place goes back to Ben Franklin's time. The Chicken Pot Pie my wife had was great - the quantity, large. It comes with a side dish of noodles and some kind of sauce. This wasn't listed on the menu and this side dish wasn't needed with the large pot pie. The Braised Rabbit I had was fantastic. The rabbit rests upon a layer of noodles and is smothered in vegetables (the menu did not mention vegetables.) Fortunately the vegetables were something I could eat. There was no room for dessert, but when the server found out that this meal was a day after our anniversary, she brought us a complimentary bowl of ice cream for two with spoons and a lit candle. That was a nice touch. The price at this restaurant is reasonable for the location it is in and its history. 4 or 5 stars? This is a toss up. 4 1/2 stars would be accurate. And the specialty beers, brewed the old way, were pretty good too.
(4)Jonathan R.
Excellent food, good service and great authentic ambiance. Highly recommend the hot cider warmer on a cold winter day.
(5)Chris P.
Didn't eat here but stopped in to try the flight of beers developed by George Washington Thomas Jefferson Ben Franklin John Adams. What fun - like stepping back in time. Fitting atmosphere to regroup after touring the Old City all day.
(5)John G.
Wife is a British in Philadelphia. To visit family. We visited independence park lunched at city tavern. FANTASTIC...
(4)Moe H.
I found out about City Tavern on an About Philadelphia tourist channel in our hotel. Because I love historical sites I went right to their website and WOW they have Tofu! We were sold on the spot. Our server was really great, my mom even took a picture of him because he looked so great in his outfit. He was nice enough to double check that our meal would be Vegan, made sure he provided us Vegan bread and recommended one of the beers for me. We wanted to go back but next time we were in the area they were just closing.
(4)Ken G.
I was expecting a highly gimmicky experience here, but it was actually great. The décor and feel of the place really does take you back to the late 1700s...the servers and hosts are dressed accordingly and even the place settings feature pieces you would expect from that era (rather than glasses of water, you get metal goblets of water). While they have a traditional 1700s feel, the service was great and very attentive. The food was very good - it's what you'd expect from a restaurant that was founded over 200 years ago - the menu included beef, venison, turkey, bison, etc. I had an entrée of beef medallions and mashed potatoes, which were really good - the beef was seasoned very well and the potatoes were rich and buttery. ..the side of sautéed vegetables wasn't overcooked. Even the bread that arrived beforehand was really good - different flavored and textured varieties. I'd definitely recommend this spot to experience something unique in Philly.
(4)Mary U.
This restaurant is excellent. We just happened to be walking by and it looked so nice that we decided to go in for lunch. It was more expensive than expected but well worth the price. The food was truly excellent and homemade, as well as authentic for the period. The surroundings were very historic in keeping with the theme of the area and the waiters were dressed in colonial costume. The turkey potpie, salad with artichokes and smoked chicken, and the homemade bread and biscuits were to die for, as were the chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake with homemade real whipped cream. It was one of the most delicious meals we have ever eaten in a restaurant. We would definitely come back.
(5)Robert B.
This could be a Disney, nightmare, theme park kind of restaurant. But it is not. Chef/Owner Walter Staib has found just the right balance... updating the traditional and the historical. You would think being served by a waitstaff in colonial garb would be kitschy... but somehow in this setting it is not. Even though the building is a recreation of the original you can still feel the history. Drinking beer made from Thomas Jefferson's recipe and eating the soup that Washington served to his troops after crossing the Delaware... in this setting... it's just very cool. That all of the food is so good certainly is the key. This was my third visit over ten years and I've always been very happy!
(4)Laura M.
This is a fun place to visit when you are in Philly with family. The food is basically comfort food and the beer selection (founding fathers recipes) are really good. The service is attentive and quick. Definitely, you should put it on your "to do" list when you are here.
(4)Roy G.
Had to check out the oldest pub. Didn't stay long, but worth visiting to get a view of history.
(3)Stef S.
It's a charming little restaurant for what it's worth. Romantic and novel, it's a place you should check out if you haven't been before! The menu's cool... and it's fun to pretend you're Martha Washington's BFF and you've stopped by the tavern for supper. Or something like that. The food's on the pricier end of things (Uh hello, $22 for a pot pie without tax and tip?). Personally, the food wasn't that great. I'd go anywhere else for a solid good meal, but the 'ye olde times' atmosphere is fun. Ambiance? 4 stars. Food? 2 stars. On average: 3 stars. The peach and plum cobbler was gross, btw. I had a puckered face the whole time i ate it. Blech.
(2)Cassandra R.
If you're a tourist in Philly, you've got to go to City Tavern. The people dress up in old-timey clothes and you're served dishes that the Founding Fathers would've eaten during Revolution times. The food was tasty but very expensive (you're paying for the atmosphere). Realize that this is not the original building where the Founding Fathers ate: The original partially burned down and was demolished, but I like to pretend it was the actual building. You may want to go during lunch because at dinner time it gets pretty dark in there.
(4)Carol Anne T.
I read some negative reviews and had some locals roll their eyes BUT if you are visiting Phily, you must eat here.! We ate here after exploring Independence Hall, etc so it kept with our theme for the day. The food was OUTSTANDING! From my rochefort salad to the beef medallions to Martha Washington's chocolate cake...OUTSTANDING! Try Washington's porter and Jefferson's ale....fabulous beers...we left with a few 6-packs! They have a great wine selection as well! The service was top notch...almost like they had been waiting for US all day. Very friendly, very attentive. We really couldn't have picked a more perfect place to have dinner. So ignore the locals when they say it's a tourist trap. So what if it's geared for us, the tourists! Ignore the negative reviews; there is always going to be an unhappy customer no matter where you go. It is worth every penny and, should I ever be in Philly again...it's top of my list!
(5)Jenna S.
I am a total sucker for anything that advertises people wearing period clothing and serving in some kind of old time-y environment. Really, I try to do all of these things at any time that I can because it's awesome. And so should you. Very cool place to be since it's the original building from the 18th century. DJ M sums up the history nicely in the review, so I don't think I need to recap here, but you get the idea. Dining here is a cool experience because our Founding Fathers, foreign dignitaries, etc. dined here during the 18th century and beyond. That, in and of itself, warrants a trip here if you're in the neighborhood. The rooms inside the restaurant are all restored to look as they were when the restaurant opened in 1733, so choose to dine inside, especially if it's hot out. The rooms are mostly candlelit, so it offers a great ambiance at night. The servers are wearing 18th century period clothing to add to the atmosphere of the whole place, which is definitely appreciated. There's a lot of cool stuff to see if you get up and walk around (original artwork, sculptures, kitchen utensils, etc.) so definitely take a look around. When we where here, there was a great harp player on the lower level near the lower dining rooms, which was very awesome. He played really well and was playing period songs (I asked since I didn't know what he was doing). The food was pretty good. The menu is pretty large and each night they have a list of specials from the 18th century. Obviously, I say you should get those just because you're there and why not, but take your pick. There's a lot of colonial dishes made by the chef, so you have a large selection. I will also take this opportunity to ask that you try the beer if you come. The beer was fabulous and you can order a sampler with the four "Colonial Ales" that are made from actual Founding Fathers' recipes. There was a Ben Franklin Ale, Alexander Hamilton, etc. They were really cool and the recipes haven't been changed from the ones that were written by these men, so that's pretty awesome. The beer was also delicious, which surprised me. I highly recommend it to sample because it's really unique and you can't get it anywhere else. Stop in, for sure. It's right in the heart of Old Philadelphia, the food is yummy and the history is great.
(4)Jackee K.
Yeah, it's kind of cheesy, the staff is in period clothing, but the history of this place is pretty cool. The bread they serve is based on colonial era recipes (you can even try Jefferson's favorite bread...it wasn't my thing). My husband and I both had the medallions of beef tenderloin which came with delicious sauces (the demi-glace and bearnaise). Other than the bread, our meals were SO good!
(4)Chris M.
There are two dishes here that just blow my mind. The lobster pot pie, and whatever the beef in the puff pastry is. Every year when I come to Philly, I cannot wait to eat here again.
(4)Rebecca H.
This is a place you go for the ambiance more than the food. Staff dresses from the revolutionary period. It's old and it's fun. Menu is from the period as well, with a large selection of interesting beers including a tasting assortment that you can order. I had the Wiener schnitzel because that's the kind of food you feel like you should eat in this building. It was good, nothing special. Salad with shrimp was fresh but pricey.
(3)Alison K.
My boyfriend and I decided to have dinner here after going on the Grim Philly Tour which ended across the street. During the tour, we heard a ghost story about the City Tavern and were intrigued. That's probably part of the tourist-trappiness of this place. All that aside, the food was OK. I had the fried tofu, even though it was only the second time I'd had tofu. It was good; the portion was huge (it had veggies and linguine too.) The tomatoes were tasty, but the rest was pretty bland. I only ordered it because it sounded so strange and unique and was apparently a recipe that Ben Franklin received in the letter (I still need some convincing on that point...) Boyfriend had the NY Strip Steak/shrimp. He seemed underwhelmed by it and said it was all pretty bland tasting. We skipped dessert, figuring it wasn't worth it. I think what really left a bad taste in our mouths (HA!) was the service and ambiance. Don't get me wrong; the restaurant is beautiful and looks like an old house. We had the unfortunate experience of being seated in the same room as a group of people who were very loud and talking about suicide...nice dinner conversation, huh? Naturally, this is not the fault of City Tavern, but it did kill the mood a little bit (no pun intended.) The servers are dressed in colonial garb, which is cute if a little mortifying for them. Our server was a little brusque and kind of seemed like he was hating his life (possibly due to costuming requirements? who knows...) The guy who brought around water was nice but spilled it a little bit on my foot (but I can forgive that; these things happen.) The pumpkin pecan biscuits were actually very good, as was the brownish bread (the white bread was pretty dry and tasteless.) I guess our waiter just had a very dry (like the bread) sense of humor--when I said I was ordering the tofu, he was like, "Oh, is that the only thing on the menu you can eat?" and I replied, "No, I'm not a vegetarian, but it looked interesting." It was off-putting. He seemed put off that we didn't order wine (which was priced up to $4,999/bottle...uh, no thanks) and dessert. The host standing in the front hall was adorable and friendly, so no complaints there. Am I glad we went and checked it out? Sure. Did I see any ghosts? Nah. Would we go back? Probably not. The turkey pot pie is tempting, but I can find that elsewhere. I will say that I've heard great things from people who had their wedding reception there, and it seems like a cool venue. Apparently the ghost pops into the pictures of the bride and groom. My aunt got married there so I'm going to get her to check out her wedding pics and see if there are any uninvited guests in the background.
(2)Ellen M.
Sure, its touristy but I was there as a tourist. The food was good and everything so authentic. I can't wait to take my kids here one day.
(4)Jennifer A.
A must visit on your trip to Independence Mall State Park. An 18th century tavern, complete with period-costumed wait staff and authentic 18th century food and drinks. We only stopped in for drinks an dessert though. I recommend the slub or one of the Colonial Ales. And the chocolate mousse cake based on a Martha Washington recipe is pretty close to chocolate heaven.
(4)Daren Y.
If you're visiting the historical parts of Philly, this is a must try. "The most genteel tavern in all the land." A lot of history behind this quaint little tavern/restaurant. The service was excellent. Your metal goblet was never low on water. The food was pretty good as well. A bit pricey but such is the places in a tourist site. All of the staff were dressed in colonial outfits. The tables are set decently well and the drinks are great. We ordered the George Washington's Porter, one that still uses Mr. Washington's original recipe. $7.50 for a large wine glass of it but it was quite worth it. The atmosphere was warm and classy, but still fit for the random tourist to walk in. You can sit inside or out depending on the weather. We chose to sit inside to see the decor. Various paintings adorn the walls and the trimming is nice, a little victorian/colonial style too. I ordered the Mallard Sausage and a Porter which went very well together. Overall, a nice place that is a must try for those who are new in town. For those who are locals, they may consider this a tourist trap, but I think the food and beer speaks for itself. Perhaps not a weekly ordeal, but certainly a nice place for a different atmosphere and definitely delicious food. 3.75 stars from me.
(4)Reymond D.
Nope. lol Great idea, great interior... horrible food and service. We had a reservation for 7:30 but weren't seated until 7:50, it took another 15 minutes to get our drink order, then we ordered food that took another nearly half hour to come out, and it was cold and gross. The place is pricey, so you'd think it would be delicious, but it was cheap food and not well prepared at all. All of this not to mention we were seated in some creepy basement room, right next to the kitchen (where we could hear the staff talking smack on one another) even though we made reservations days in advance. Our waiter was on another planet, ignored our table and even dropped a plate full of food everywhere. It was my mom's 70th birthday and I was starting to think it was like a SNL episode or something. I guess if you are a tourist this would be really cool, and I guess it is one of those "do once for the experience" kind of things, but in terms of food and experience I would never recommend this place to anyone, ever.
(1)Wesley A.
Only based on the service, atmosphere and beer. Will have to come back for food someday. Love the colonial feel and dress of the staff. Very friendly and a definite must next time I'm in Philly.
(5)Tabitha U.
This is a great culinary experience for any history buff or foodie! With an award winning chef, a great location, and an Historic building with rich history. The staff dress in colonial period attire and service in pewter goblets and plates is quaint and historic, the scones and biscuits served before your meal are excellent and the menu has many historic and excellent dishes to choose from. A MUST SEE IF YOU GO TO PHILLY FOR THE HISTORY! It is pricey, be prepared.
(4)Dave B.
One of the best family dinners we have had. Our waiter was great, the Colonial ambience was just right. Glad we came.
(5)Scott B.
Food was good. The staff were great, all in period costume. A lady came through in character and put on a show for the kids. Probably a little pricey to bring the kids to,
(4)Diane J.
We had a very delicious meal -6 of us on a Friday evening. The service was great and the food was served perfectly. We will definitely return. If I was the owner, I would have some period costumed people around other than the waitress-just for a little more atmosphere. Otherwise everything was great!
(4)Rachel B.
Delicious old style recipes await as you dine in a recreated colonial tavern/restaurant, where the founding father's once dined. They staff are very knowledgable and friendly. The food is delicious for any time period. The cider and pot pie are recommended. This is a great place to go for a good meal with a historic flavor.
(5)Courtney M.
What a historical little spot, although not the original, still is full of history. Menu is great and all traditional American. I had the beer sampler and loved all of them, especially George Washington's recipe. Also ordered the fried oysters while sitting in the tavern reading their books they have above the fireplace and soaking in the history. A must do in Philly!
(5)Vlad B.
Turned out to be worth the hype, despite our mixed expectations. For lunch, we tried the smoked fish platter and Benjamin Franklin's tofu (which, incidentally was some of the best fried tofu I've ever tasted), based on his 1770 letter. Our waiter described the historic background behind the food and drinks in detail, and served us promptly and courteously. The Revolutionary Ales on the menu, recreating the beer brewed by some of the Founders, were a true highlight - if you're a craft beer enthusiast, make City Tavern a required stop in Philly. We bought a variety pack at the Yards Brewery during a later point in our trip.
(5)K T.
Great food. Our waitress, Jessica, gave a great historical narrative of the Tavern. This is definitely part of the historical Philadelphia experience.
(5)Marla S.
The food was delicious and unique. The staff was very friendly. We had 4 children with us and they were very accommodating and friendly to all of the children.
(5)Marina V.
I've been to the City Tavern 4 times now, every time I'm in Philly we go there.. Love love love the Martha Washington's recipe duckling + barley, yum!!!! it's really great!! And it's neat to drink the madeira and to try the founding fathers' (by their recipes and micro-breweries) beers. Attentive waiters in their old-timey costumes, and it's cool to be in this historic building! Highly recommend it!!
(4)L P.
Period costumes worn by servers are fun, as well as the authentic pewter cups, serve ware and overall ambience. I had an great turkey pot pie and everyone else in our family really liked whatever it was that they ordered. Our tavern wench (waitress) was adorable and really good at her job. It is very dark inside and we were seated next to one of the fireplaces. It felt like another time without feeling kitchy like Disney World. My parents insisted we go here as they had been last fall and I was prepared for it to be cheesey but it was actually really nice. They also do historic dinners (we didn't do but my parent did) these are private dinners in the evening limited to about 10 or 12 people. While dinning costumed actors portraying Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the gang apparently lead a fascinating oration of events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and it culminates with a private tour of Constitution Hall. It's pricey if I remember, maybe $90 per person but they couldn't say enough great things about the experience. *** Please be thoughtful to those enjoying the period ambiance and turn of your cell phone*** Stated right on the menu in bold letters. But there is always one loudmouth who thinks it doesn't apply to them. I know all about Aunt Sue in Atlanta, her will, who's fighting over her stuff, and cousin so and so...... blah, blah, blah. If it were truly authentic I would have challenger the other diner to a duel! Overall a great lunch, good beers and a great respite from the Philly heat.
(4)Jj G.
My husband and I ate here for thanksgiveing . 89.95 pet person, I almost fell off my chair. It's turkey and potatoes and green beans. Not expensive food to prepare at all.its also very dark inside which I do not care for when I'm eating. The staff was friendly and helpful. We would not go again on a holiday.
(2)Ashley L.
Get the City Tavern Warmer and see where George Washington & Ben Franklin celebrated the first 4th of July!! Fun stop if you're touring historical Philly.
(4)Peter W.
When did the National Debt begin? How about our Founding Father's bar tab, here, at the City Tavern. Several people recommended this place, so a group of colleagues (in Philly for a conference) decided to give it a try even though we didn't have a reservation, They were able to accommodate us on the second floor which had surprisingly high ceilings (but makes sense as a way to cope with hot days). The servers in colonial attire were friendly and effective. I especially liked the five minute history lesson at the end of the meal. Ask about the ghosts in the building. Food wise, I had the beer sampler and enjoyed the Jefferson ale the most. For the main course, I had the veiner (sp) schnitzel which was hearty. The pork chop looked really good and there was nothing left on my colleague's plates.
(4)Beeg R.
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me...I admit it is my fault to come here again. The first time I came here was 14 years ago, before we moved to Center City Philly. It was, after all, full of history, so even though we don't like tourist traps, we figured that we should check it out. I remembered I had the shrimps, because it was so bad that it left a lasting BAD impression. The service was slow, and by the time I got my shrimps, they were stone cold. When I sent it back (which I rarely do), they took forever to bring the food back. By the time I got the "reheated" shrimps back, they were cold again. I basically swallowed each bite trying not to chew just so that I could fill up. I said I'd never ever come back again. Fast forward 14 years to last weekend, and my husband suggested that we come here again. Since we were here to check out historical sites with our kid, he wanted to take her to experience a piece of history by eating there. We had a 7 pm reservation, and arrived 15 mins early, so they sat us. We waited 15 mins for our drinks, then another full hour before getting our food. Our LO got the kid menu fish and chips for $12, which was so hot that she burnt her tongue. Her entree was good, but it was so large that I doubt most kids could finish it. BTW, drinks were separate for kids, which cost another $3. So budget around $15 just for the kids meal. I had the port chop and my husband got the pot pies. Our entrees were good, but they were so cold when we got it, that I could barely taste the flavor. It was such an irony that the kid's food was hotter than the adults'. I don't care if it was made by a great chef, if it wasn't served in proper temperature, it was tasteless to me. We also ordered white wine by the glass. The first glass arrived luke warm. When we finally flagged down our waitress, she brought back another one that was also lukewarm (after another long wait). I didn't want to wait again, so I didn't send it back. The waitress was nice, but she had so many tables to serve, some were outside the patio while others were throughout different dining rooms, that we rarely saw her. We promised our LO dessert after dinner, but she actually said she didn't want it because she didn't want to wait, as it was close to her bedtime. We waited to get our waitress's attention so we could get our check. It took almost 2 hours for dinner, and normally it would be fine with me, but not when we have a child in tow. Lukewarm wine, lukewarm food, lukewarm service...We don't get to eat in Center City that often now that we have a kid, so each dinner in Philly is special to us and we always made sure we picked a great place. Unfortunately, we made an unwise choice by coming here. Like Ben says, a penny saved is a penny earned. Save your pennies instead of spending them here.
(2)Raj S.
Walked by this restaurant and decided to try it out. Well the turkey pot pie was absolutely amazing. Best thing of the menu. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Naked T.
This is a very interesting place and definitely one of those 'experience' type restaurants. The place bathes in 18th century America and is really quite enjoyable in that vein. I met and chatted with Ben Franklin and other representatives from the era. For that, it was quite fun, The entire decor and dress is really authentic and good sport. We were first served a varieties of breads. This was the only real negative to our dining experience. They served us three different type breads from the period and all of them were terrible. After the bread, the foods improved noticably. My friend and I had the Roquefort salad which was quite nice. The Roquefort cheese was plentiful and quite good.My wife had the corn soup that was very tasty though a tad salty. My friend's wife had the oysters that were very nice, For dinner, my wife and friend's wife had the turkey pot pie which was very good (but not good enough evidently for them to ask for a doggie bag). I had the beef tenderloin which I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I asked for the waiter to wrap the leftover and he did not. My friend had the veal sausage which he said was ok but would not reorder. Would we go back if we were ever in Philadelphia again, not sure. The experience of the 18th century was good fun but it was a struggle to select my entree.
(3)Donna K.
My group ate here last night and it was wonderful. We ordered a seafood platter appetizer and ate it up!!! The turkey pot pie was amazing. Sierra was our server. She was awesome- always checking that we were happy. Great evening!!
(5)Kelly B.
After having a large sandwich from DiNic's for lunch, we hit the town again seeing more sights. It was over 100 degrees with high humidity, so I was ready for a break. We were in the area of the City Tavern which I wanted to visit. In 1774, John Adams called the City Tavern "the most genteel tavern in America". In 1777, the Continental Congress celebrated the first July 4th here. Because of my mom, I appreciate old cities such as Philadelphia or historical places such as the City Tavern. Everyone working was dressed in 18th century costumes. We mentioned we wanted some snacks and drinks, so we sat in the front room. We shared a cheese and crackers platter and an assortment of bread. Hubby had a glass of Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. This ale was made especially following Jefferson's original ale. The ale was rugged and smooth at the same time. They also have ales from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. After our snack, I mentioned how full I was. My hubby said I had to order Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse Cake because he did not want to hear the rest of the week how I wished I had gotten the cake. Let me just say I was not disappointed. The bottom layer was chocolate cake, the middle layer was chocolate mousse and the top layer was a chocolate ganache. It was sinfully decadent. After getting back home I read up on the City Tavern some more because I was so intrigued. I was slightly disappointed to read that the original building had burned in 1834. In 1948, Congress commissioned the site to be accurately reconstructed. The City Tavern reopened in 1976. It was still a great stop.
(4)Shannon A.
City tavern is down in the Old City in Philly and is a really cool place to go and have beer. We have been here twice and never eaten here, only drank beer so this review is for the drinking aspect. First, it is in a really old historic building, and the staff is dressed as if they are in the 1700's. Cool, but then sort of strange when the server is telling you that a beer is "really awesome" in his powdered wig and knee highs. All of the beers are made after our founding fathers' recipes. Thomas Jefferson's beer recipe edges out the recipes of Franklin, Washington and Alexander Hamilton as my personal fave! Neat place for a beer, or two, or three, but it's hot inside. Guess they want it to be like it was before a/c? They have a renowned chef with apparently wonderful food, but we've just never partaken in the food options here, although it is on our list of 'to do" for next time.
(4)Just Y.
(2.5 Stars) Obviously the draw is the age of the establishment, making it a somewhat obligatory tourist draw. We opted to sit in the "tavern" portion of the place instead of the dining floors. Some things I understand looking old, and often look better with age and wear - like wood floors and real fireplaces. But the Tavern room looked distressed and neglected, with unsanded and unpainted patching on all the walls, around the windows, and on the ceiling, and wooden booths that looked beat-up and in good need of refinishing. They are not a brewery, but do focus on many beers with recipe's from at that era, which is produced for them by a third party brewer. Food was OK at best, but way overpriced. Like $9 for literally 3/4 cup of mostly-broth french onion soup that was served with two bay leaves still floating in it. A salad we split had over-cooked asparagus and black-forest ham so dry it bordered on prosciutto. Maybe the main dishes are better, but I'm not going to find out. Staff dress in period-piece costumes, which always sends up the red flag for me at restaurants, but turned out to not be such a problem as we rarely saw any of then except for when we got up and went to look for them, usually to discover all of them chatting about in the central hallway. If you're on the tourist loop, stop in mid-day for a beer to say you've been here, then go a few blocks west into the old city area and find any of the dozen places with better food and atmosphere to have dinner at.
(2)Fiona C.
Fine this appears to be a tourist spot, but I LOVED IT. Tourist traps usually don't have good food, but this one does! I loved the decor and the uniform the waitstaff had to wear. I assume that most of the stuff here is the chef's take on the dish, because the food back then probably didn't taste as good - an elevated version of colonial style food. Anyways, we started off with the beer sampler - which I highly recommend - the Alexander Hamilton pale ale was my favorite on its own. The George Washington dark porter did not taste so good on its own, but was definitely good when paired with their take on Martha Washington's chocolate cake. The city tavern warmer tasted like the holidays and was nice for defrosting in this cold weather. The bread basket was good. The crab cakes were slamming. The west indies pepperpot soup was decent. Turkey pot pie was great. Apparently lots of people make reservations here, so it might be something you want to do if you want to have dinner here.
(4)Matthew L.
My girlfriend and I recently went to Philadelphia for a 4-day sight-seeing trip. We're both teachers, so we had a week off for Spring Break. While I was planning the trip, City Tavern was a restaurant that was recommended on all the touristy websites, so I decided to make a reservation. The place is a historical building from the 18th Century that was frequented by the original founding fathers. Today, the building has been restored to the way it looked when the founding fathers dined there. The staff all dress in period clothing and people eat by candlelight. There are no lightbulbs. This was all pretty cool because you felt like you were eating at a tavern in 1776. I ordered the Apple-Smoked Porkchop with mashed potatoes and my girlfriend ordered the turkey pot pie. The food was delicious!! Due to the apple-smoking process, the pork chop tasted more like smoked ham, which was fine with me. My girlfriend let me try some of her turkey pot pie. I'm not a huge fan of pot pies, but this pot pie was fantastic. I also ordered the 'Ales of the Revolution' beer flight by Yards Brewing Company. One of the beers, the Alexander Hamilton Federalist Ale, was not featured at Yards Brewing when we visited there earlier in the day. I wonder if this is a special beer that they brew exclusively for City Tavern. They even had a musician dressed in period clothing and playing the harp while people ate. It sounded really nice. In all, we were very happy with our experience and would come here again.
(5)Jonathan N Sarah B.
Love the City Tavern! Staff is always friendly and the food delicious! Highly recommend for any trip into Philadelphia
(5)Mallory D.
Sometimes even native Philadelphians enjoy the touristy stuff, like waiters in colonial garb. I know this Philly girl loved the ambiance and experience that was City Tavern. As soon as you walk in, you get the feeling you are walking in the famous footsteps of hungry patriots of yesteryear. The building looked very period-appropriate, which I find fascinating. Our waiter was adorable in his colonial get-up, too. Most places like this would rest on their gimmick and forgo great food, but not City Tavern. The food here was nothing short of phenomenal. If you're like me and venison and rabbit meat don't necessarily do it for you, thankfully there are a few specials nightly that appeal to a larger audience. I ordered the lobster pot pie, which was a culinary masterpiece. The lobster pieces were quite large and delicious, as were the accompanying shrimp and scallops. The sauce was a delicious buttery concoction, as was the pastry crust. Simply amazing. I washed it all down with a Tavern Porter (brewed by Yards) for the closest thing to an authentic 18th century dining experience as I was willing to try. City Tavern is the kind of place to visit if you are a tourist or just rediscovering your own city. The food is delicious, service impeccable, and ambiance can't be beat.
(5)Ernest B.
The pepper pot soup was good and there's a big selection of wines. But crammed into a small area. Wasn't worth the hype. Probably a good place for kids because of the historic theme.
(3)Jeff R.
Bring you history books kids... THERE WILL BE A TEST !! Okay it's a taste test... This is the BEST place to experience dining in old town Philadelphia. We spent 2 days in Philly... and we were amazed by this place. The people are very nice and are dressed in old style clothing.... and that adds to the experience. The decor is straight out of the 1800s...so much fun. The food was fantastic. We split the $ 35 steak and shrimp and a $7 garden salad. Plenty of food for two. The meat was likely a 12 ounce cut... really huge.. the mashed taters were great.... BEER -- oh yah... get a beer... they run $ 7 but talk to the server about them and choose the "most distinctive" tasting... I asked for that and got a real good home brew ! Cannot go wrong... it's not a cheap price place... but well worth it !
(5)audrey p.
I love Restaurant Week! This time around I had lunch at City Tavern, a place I've heard about and meant to try. The building and furnishings are old but well maintained, and the decor includes historic artifacts, maps, etc. The rooms are lovely and high-ceilinged, and the tableware tends toward heavy silver, so the mood is set! I've seen Chef Staib on television. He is very serious about authentic but delicious food, and the menu reflects that. I had onion soup, beef pot pie and a linzer tart, as well as a sampler of beers made from Revolutionary-era recipes. The broth in the soup was terrific, and the pastry of the pot pie was crisp and tasty. There was a dessert board from which you could select one, and it included chocolate mousse cake, an apple bread pudding, creme brûlée, the tart and a couple others. They all looked very good, and my raspberry tart (with a side of cinnamon ice cream) was delicious. The service was friendly and efficient, and I would go back here enthusiastically. There's a good selection of beers and wines, and before I left they even gave me a free dvd preview of Chef's upcoming series!
(5)Lauren G.
Just stopped in for a drink. Great atmosphere. I had a Raspberry Shrub with champagne and husband had a Tavern Spruce beer. Drinks were great. Shared the mushroom toast. We both loved it! Will definitely be back for dinner!
(4)Mary O.
Bring your biggest appetite. The website gave me the impression that this restaurant probably would serve smaller servings due to the quality of the food. I was SO wrong. Very good food and fantastic service!
(5)Rodney E.
Wait staff dressed in vintage Colonial clothing. Food was served very hot. I ordered the Colonial turkey pot pie. It was delicious. The crust was helpful in getting the last of the gravy out of the bowl!
(5)Jackie A.
This place was so cool! I loved how the workers are dressed up in colonial gear. I had the duck which was amazing! My husband had the venison and duck sausage and loved both. He also enjoyed his flight of presidential beer. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Katya B.
Authentic atmosphere. However the dishes have more to do with the Chef's German heritage rather than traditional local US flavors...
(3)Natalie B.
I used to pass this spot by many times thinking that it's "just an okay touristic place". Finally decided to have a lunch there on September 1, during our week end trip to Pennsylvania. The place keeps the period style interior, the dressed up staff looks a little bit cartoonish but it's ok - the restaurant wants to bring you the atmosphere. We got a table in a quiet room, by the fire place, and the table was stylishly served with metal coblets and plates resembling the Delft style. This all does add the necessary ambiance. The meal was also good - German-Polish home made sausage, turkey pot pie, pasta, local beer... We had a good time, overall, theatrical, relaxed, laid back. I guess we'll be back again in Fall or Winter for more comfort food :-)
(5)Zafrina S.
I really love the corn soup. Seriously, it was the first time I drank the soup without adding any black pepper. I think it's because I don't know how to eat the turkey pie, so I found it okay. I was expected the server would tell me how to taste them though. One disappointment is that I expected the black tea to be good, but it was Lipton. They should at least have some good black tea. Overall, it was an interesting experience to try 18th century cuisine.
(4)Dawn C.
So romantic, the place is dimly lit and toasty warm. We enjoyed Turkey pot pie and Tenderloin tips after the fabulous Crab cake appetizer that was perfect. For dessert the Martha Washington Choc Mousse cake was decedent and the cherry on my husband's birthday dinner
(4)Jersey V.
Whether you are a tourist or a local, this is THE place you need to visit. They not only offer delicious menu options but provide an exceptional and memorable experience. You feel like you have transported through time, you can almost hear Paul Revere in the background. I took my Grams here for lunch during Restaurant week. The servers are dressed in colonial wear, and you are submerged in the buildings history. The menu had something for everyone, and we all left craving more. Grams watches Chef Staib on tv almost every single day. When he got wind of this he immediately came to meet us and tell us about the history and food. He is much more than an Emmy winning chef, he takes pride in what he loves, and he shows so much appreciation to his fans and foodies. He brought her a gift, and we purchased a recipe book which he gladly signed. I am a Concierge for the city of Philadelphia, and because he made my Grams so happy by the end of our fantastic dining experience, I will happily refer anyone and everyone to the City Tavern time and time again. So if you, or your family and friends are looking to fill up on the most original food and libation recipes in the country, learn more than you did in any history class, and have a sensational night out, trust me on this one. It truly is one of a kind.
(5)Lily A.
This review is just for the bar area. The bartenders are nice, but you get the notorious Philly "indifference" attitude. It's cool, it's Philly. I only tried the beer tasting "Ales of the Revolution" which was around $12. The tasting is for four 6 oz pours of Philly's different Yard beers, and themed after the founding fathers. The bottles are cool looking but that's about it. Supposedly, some of the recipes were taken from that founding father's diaries or memos... No wonder why these guys didn't become brewmasters! they were much better off starting this country. The beers were decent but some were really harsh and left bitter after tastes. The only one I could possibly drink again is Washington's Porter which had hints of coffee, but still a bitter aftertaste. The rest were pretty hoppy which (unlike all other Californians it seems) doesn't sit well with me -- Jefferson's Ale, Poor Richard's Ale, and Hamilton's Ale. Here's a photo of the beer tastings yelp.com/biz_photos/city…
(3)Vinny P.
City Tavern certainly has history on its side. It seems that many (if not all) of the details have been well preserved and the servers are well versed not only in the ingredients, the preparations but also in anecdotes which I'm sure help them sell certain dishes. It's a model that works quite well apparently since they've been doing it for quite some time. The stars of the night for me were the pecan muffins to start, the fried oysters and the duck sausage. Each of these items were excellent in their own right. The muffins had solid texture and what I felt was perfect sweetness. The oysters, while fried had that little bit of brine that was still evident and the duck sausage was gamey and spiced very delicately. I was underwhelmed by my braised rabbit because the whole dish just tasted like the volume was turned down. I was excited since usually braised items have deeply developed flavors. The rabbit, had a good texture, but it just didn't taste like much other than that. The egg noodles that it sat upon were also nothing to write home about. For dessert, the table split a massive hunk of chocolate mousse cake which tasted even better than it looked. Our service was quite excellent and we didn't want for anything during our time dining. History buffs and people looking for what I would consider a "safe" meal will really enjoy it here. It's probably a good place to take your parents since it has an older and more formal (well behaved) vibe to it.
(3)Sara W.
All in all this place was great. The candle lit dinner was so romantic. Everyone is dressed in traditional 18th century outfits which makes it even more exciting. The food was amazing. We both had medallions of beef with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Yummy!! I also tried Alexander Hamilton's beer which was really good. This was the perfect place for a tourist to come and get the whole experience of earlier times. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting to check this place out.
(5)Helen P.
Food was very good. Atmosphere, overlooking Philadelphia on a winter night and the chello playing was wonderful.
(4)S N.
I give Chef Staib much credit for keeping the tradition of early American fare alive. Without culinary historians ilke him, the rich history of early fare would be under appreciated...and possibly forgotten. With this in mind, I was very excited to try City Tavern last week. Unfortunately, after dining there, I have mixed feelings. The restaurant was nearly empty on a rainy Saturday night, but I think that was a result of the inclement weather, not the restaurant or its menu. The decor of the restaurant was historic and pleasant. It reminded me in some ways of the restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg (VA). It is dimly lit and the decor is very early-American. The food was definitely enjoyable, as its taste and visual presentation were very good. The server was very attentive (though I'm not sure if this level of service would have been the same had the restaurant been busy instead of nearly empty). My girlfriend and I started with the crab cakes, which were tasty. For the main course, I had the Escallopes of Veal and she had the night's special: linguine with seafood (which I was surprised to see served there, but soon learned that this kind of food was served back in the day). We finished with an apple crisp-type of dessert, which was delicious. My problem with the restaurant are the very high prices. I am used to paying $25+ per entrees in restaurants in major U.S. cities. But the higher prices at City Tavern didn't quite seem appropriate. I don't think I'd go back again. If you want to enjoy a meal in a setting like the founding fathers of the U.S. did, then try City Tavern. But expect to pay higher prices for it.
(3)Beth O.
Food was delicious. Definitely a touristy-type restaurant. Our server could not have been nicer (yay George!). Prices were high, expected though for the kind of restaurant it is.
(4)t c.
Unique menu, great food, nice ambiance, old world touches like drinks in pewter cups and staff dressed in colonial garb... I loved it!! Kid friendly too! I had the crab cakes and roasted duckling while my kids had the turkey pot pie. Delicious!!! Made reservations online with ease on their website. This place is a MUST when visiting!!! Will definitely be back
(5)Zach M.
Was touring the historical sites and needed a bite to eat. This place was a perfect find! Only a few blocks from the major historical sites, it's another historic site in itself. The server was attentive and friendly, and made great recommendations both for beer and meals. The entire staff was dressed in period attire, and were great for the entire meal. The beer list was amazing - recipes from the founding fathers, recreated and well-matched with the food. Overall a great experience!
(5)Paula W.
Beef tips and mushrooms. This is fabulous- I can't wait for dessert! Highly recommended.
(5)Jessica Y.
We stopped in here for afternoon drinks and had a blast. The time period drinks were tasty(beer flights, cocktails). Servers were very friendly. Decor brings you back into historical times. Great atmosphere. For a gimicky place everything was done well. Would come back to try lunch.
(4)Gregg M.
Channeling my inner Spicoli, I've always thought that food and drink go hand in hand with learning about history. City Tavern brings these two things together in a Congress-approved, historically relevant way. The original City Tavern was the Founding Fathers' favorite watering hole back in Colonial times. Although a fire destroyed it in the 1800's, a historically accurate reconstruction was built in time for the Nation's Bicentennial Celebration. Fast forward to today and the City Tavern continues to operate as faithfully as possible to recreate the dining and drinking experience of the late 1700's. Stepping into the City Tavern is like stepping into a time machine, but with present day prices. Hostesses, bar, and wait staff are dressed in period costumes. Furnishings, some of which are museum pieces, are true to the period and lend an authentic feel. Since we already had dinner reservations, we elected to have a drink while there...for educational purposes only, of course! I had the Ales of the Revolution sampler ($12), featuring four beers from Philadelphia's own Yards Brewing Co., three of which were beers based on/inspired by original recipes from Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The sample-size pours seemed generous (4-6 oz.?). As expected, the beers differed greatly from each other in color, bouquet, and flavor. All were interesting and enjoyable, although I found the Tavern Porter to be the most enjoyable while the Tavern Spruce Ale to be the most unique. Saying City Tavern is a tourist trap is a bit unfair. I liken the experience to something you'd experience at Colonial Williamsburg except with beer and food. 3.5 stars.
(4)Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: historic Philly tavern. City Tavern makes you feel like your sitting down for a beer with the Founding Fathers, and that's the point. It's old, it's an odd layout, but it's great. I sat in the tiny "bar" area, which had a couple wood booths and a U-shaped bench with small tables. Service was a bit slow but I was in no rush. $12 for 4 flights of their signatures Founding Father brews: Alexander Hamilton ("Federalist Ale"), Benjamin Franklin ("Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce"), Thomas Jefferson ("1774 Tavern Ale"), and George Washington ("Tavern Porter"). Some are original recipes, one is original yeast. The Spruce was too herbal for me, but I enjoyed the rest. Pretty good deal for the price. Waiters are in period-garb. You can explore the building, which has a few upper floors with large banquet areas. A server took a moment to talk to me about the history without me even asking. They seem genuinely interested in their place of work. City Tavern is a must-stop for anyone visiting the historic sites in Philly.
(4)Charles Griffin G.
I lived in Philadelphia for years and always considered this place to be a tourist trap. I just ate here and still think it is. Having said that, I thought the food was high quality and our server was very pleasant. Some of the best crab cakes I've ever had. Two stars down for an awkward welcome (5 minutes in the foyer with several employees passing us without any greeting) and my girlfriend thought the vegetables were too buttery. Fun if you're visiting from out of town. Good for parties of 2-8.
(3)Frank P.
Went here for the price fix menu in Thanksgiving 2013. Worst restaurant choice ever. The meal for the two of us was over $100. The food was luke-warm or cold. Obviously sitting under a heat lamp for a long time. We ordered beers when we were seated, and within minutes food was brought out. Before drinks. They simply book way too many people for the holiday. It was simply about turing over tables and taking your money. They weren't allowing you to enjoy the company of the people you were with. We were given our check before we finished our first drink, and never asked if we wanted another. Overall, the food was cold and mediocre. The experience was expensive, and not at all fun. Maybe it's ok when it's not a holiday. But I'll never know. Never going back.
(1)Stephanie G.
West Indies Pepperpot Soup is to die-for! Everyone is well-trained in gluten-free and I felt very comfortable eating there. Had to buy the City Tavern cookbook-- it has every menu item plus more! The pewter water goblets were a lot of fun, too, and we were able to purchase a few before leaving!
(5)Helene B.
Amazing staff! I ordered a drink that calls for sour mix which they were out of, so the staff made homemade sour mix for me. Best drink every. Love this place!!!
(5)Alex F.
Only tried the beer, sitting outdoors in the garden, but man were they good. We tried the sampler of four beers, then a pint of our favorite, the Hamilton Ale. Great for a hot afternoon when you need a flavorful beer.
(4)Kevin A.
Overpriced food, mediocre service. Our group was 5 people. We arrived on time for our reservation but were told we'd have to wait maybe 15 minutes. No problem, we'll have a drink at the bar. The cramped bar area had only unclean tables. After a couple of awkward minutes, a waitress cleaned an area for us and we were able to sit down. Not 10 seconds after sitting, we were told our table was ready. Good news, but disorganized. We waited about 5 minutes for water and to place drink orders, then another 5 minutes for drinks to arrive. We placed appetizer and entree orders. The appetizers took about 30 minutes to arrive. I had the crab cakes. Two cakes ($12) came, looking quite burnt. The crust was fried and too thin, providing no crunch and little texture. The filling was quite good, with adequate crab meat, but little contrasting flavor. It was a bit of a shaped mushy thing. I ordered the venison. I was asked how I'd like it cooked, and I replied as rare as possible. My colleague who ordered the same said well done. After waiting for 30 minutes for the appetizers, the mains came out relatively quickly. But they were a disappointment. First, both venisons came at the same time, but without regard to who ordered their meat, obviously no regard to temperature preferences. Both were obviously overcooked, even for well done and I had wanted rare. The serving sizes were small, with 3 or 4 small bits of venison ($34), some zucchini, mushrooms, and cooked barley. While the accompaniments were tasty, they plus overcooked tasteless venison wasn't worth $10, much less 3.5 times as much. Really the only thing I very much enjoyed was the beer. Stay away from the food!!
(2)Pam S.
Completely based on making my parents happy. So you have parents and they're visiting you in Philly. Congratulations! Luckily, there're lots of things people want to see when they visit Philly, and City Tavern is one of those things. Chef has a TV show, it's historical, you know, whatever. We went for lunch and had absolutely NO issues with seating/etc, and I even got there a little early to sit in the "subscription room", the historical version of a reading room, which is the historical version of your couch. Parents enjoyed the food and drinks (hot boozy apple cider for fall/winter!). Dad ordered the special (kielbasa) and mom had the pot pie. They enjoyed both. Meanwhile, I had a specially made vegan dish (veggies and pasta) that they were really kind about putting together. Service was excellent, they bring a cute bread basket ("this is mrs. jefferson's recipe!") and for not being vegan friendly, they were so nice about being accommodating. Highly recommended for the tourist crowd/parent appeasement.
(5)Katrina C.
Certainly something every Philadelphian should do at least once. The historical significance of the building and the colonial vibe is fun. *The founding fathers beer flight is really neat. *The TJ sweet potato biscuits are as good as other yelpers say! *The country salad was refreshing and light. *The pot pie is probably the best I've ever had in my life. *The Martha Washington chocolate mousse cake was also yummy. The food was good, and the service was satisfactory, but the experience just wasn't quite at the 4-5 star level for me. I would've enjoyed more enlightenment from the server about the factual origins of the menu items to bring more background and depth to the meal.
(3)Brynson S.
One of the coolest restaurants I have ever been to. The history of this tavern is incredible. The fact that some of our founding fathers hung out here is pretty awesome. I have eaten here a few times. I really enjoyed Martha washingtons pot pie. Apparently it was the same recipe that she would make for George. They also have some great historical beers as well, this place is a must! Great Ambience!
(5)Natasha M.
Loooooove love love. Get the turkey pot pie. Amazing, perfect for a cold winter evening. The spiked apple cider and egg nog were a unique, yummy change of pace for me. Just don't order two egg nogs or you won't be able to finish your pot pie. Our table also got the beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, they were fine. The corn chowder soup was tastier and heartier than the West Indies soup. And only the porter of the entire flight was worthwhile if you have a discerning palate for beer. Ambience is perfect for tourists and especially in the winter. So nice and cozy!! Dining ware and decorations were representative of the time period. Only thing I didn't like was our server. He was a little inattentive. Come here if you want a memorable dinner!!
(5)Anthony C.
A colleague recommended we try City Tavern on our first family trip to Philadelphia. Having driven from Boston, we went straight there before the hotel. The restaurant is located in Old City, an area bursting with history and with numerous options for food and drink. We were surprised upon entry that the staff are in period-appropriate garb. They're not being kitschy or playing characters, just trying to give you an authentic colonial dining experience (see also: the live harpsichord music). The restaurant provides literature about its history, its cuisine, and colonial dining custom. (It's a colonial history nerd's dream.) Pam was out waitress and she was extraordinarily attentive, informative, and kind. We had a wonderful experience with our kids - an infant and a toddler - as the restaurant is child-friendly (with a great kids menu too). I had the soup of the day and the Mrs. had corn chowder to start. Both were obscenely delicious. The colonial breads baked in house were wonderful, especially the pecan sweet potato biscuits Jefferson liked. My main was the duck with a honey glaze. The Mrs. had a crab cake app as her main, and our toddler had grilled chicken with butter noodles. They were all outstanding. The seasonal vegetables were so unbelievably fresh! We finished with dessert: I had bread pudding and the Mrs. had Martha Washington's recipe for chocolate mousse cake and while mine was good... hers was evidently delicious... because it disappeared quickly! We requested some fresh fruit for the kids and it was accommodated easily; the fruit was wonderfully presented and super fresh. All in all, this will be a staple of every family trip to Philly. Highly recommended. Food, ambiance, and service all top notch. Pro Tip: If you like beer, try the colonial beer sampler!
(5)Roger Y.
Come here for the history and ambiance. Having a meal in a historic building is always special for someone like me who is somewhat of a history buff. The pewterware, candle lit rooms, wait staff in period costumes etc make a visit worthwhile. Food is better than many touristy restaurants but is overall mediocre only. Many better meals foodwise can be had elsewhere in Philadelphia.
(3)Madhu R.
Unbelievably good! The perfect blend of history (mead cups for water, grand old building, people in period costumes), great beer (an original recipe Porter from Washington's time), yummy food made with pure ingredients in cast iron, and super friendly and personable staff (especially Tahera who showed me to my awesome table near the window upstairs). I can't say enough good things about this place.
(5)Shawn V.
Chicken Madiera was wonderful. The food was great.
(4)Todd D.
Is it touristy? A bit but not as much as you'd think - and you'll enjoy the ambiance, the historical accuracy, the recipes culled from our Founding Fathers' own cookbooks, etc. Anyway: Washington's pre-inaugural ball was held here! Ben Franklin hung out here! If you're a "When in Rome" type, when visiting the Old City you must give this a go ... It's not cheap, but unlike typical tourist spots, the portions are not only generous but also tasty and excellent. Service was good, too: the waitress originally brought me the wrong order, so my plate came out maybe 5 min after my family's dinners. I wasn't upset at all, but they removed my $20+ meal from the final bill without even mentioning it. Quality shows. P.S. Get the apple pie a la mode! Yum!
(5)Dave H.
We had a party of 7 for New Year's at City Tavern, and enjoyed everything about the experience. Our server, Sierra, shared the right amount of background and information about the restaurant, the chef and the food, and made the evening great. Everyone in the party tried something different and all was really good. Why go anywhere else when you're in historic Philadelphia?
(4)Sarah P.
This place is AWESOME!!!!! I love the concept and think they bail it on the head. The restaurant is all about giving you a dining experience reminiscent of 1770's. We ordered the beer sampler and it was fantastic! By this time in the evening we had stuffed ourselves on Cheesesteaks and only ordered salads, but the Roquefort was awesome! There was a chunk of cheese in the center of the salad and it was great quality! I loved the sweet potato biscuits they serve at the beginning of the meal. My only complaint is that they say it is kid friendly...it IS NOT! When a place says they are kid friendly I assume for all ages. This is appropriate for t'weens and older.
(5)Ina V.
Oh my God. I absolutely love love love this spot. Historical building where George Washington's room is located on the first floor! Colonial food recopies are delicious! All of the silver wear and mugs are from colonial times, waitstaff is dressed in traditional American colonial times clothing. It's super exciting to be able to share the Old American history in 21st century. I even bought their cook book, that's how excited i was to be there!
(5)Peter B.
This was was great. JP was one of the nicest servers I've had - knowledgeable about the menu, the recipes behind the menu (Martha Washington's Chocolate cake recipe, Thomas Jefferson's ale recipe used lemons from China), and shared the types of historical tidbits that make dining at a place like the City Tavern fun. The setting and building itself are cool enough to allow the kitchen to slack a little bit, but everything out party of ten got was really, really good. Beef medallions, bone-in ribeye, chicken breasts, veal sausages with sauerkraut - all very good, and I grew up eating high quality PA Dutch food. You can tell they have a pastry chef on staff, I usually don't eat bread, but made exceptions for the terrific muffins served in the bread bowl and the cobbler served for dessert. There aren't prices on the kids menu, and items are $12.95, but the fish and chips were good enough for adults to eat.
(5)Amanda F.
I thought this place was so fun - call me a geek, but I was so into the colonial theme! The staff are all dressed in colonial-stlye outfits, and the dishes are colonial-inspired. The dishes are pretty and mugs are pewter. The flight of beers was so cool - made from the founding fathers' own recipes, which are on file in the national archives. I had the turkey pot pie, which was so delicious and filling, along with Martha Washington's recipe for a fruity cocktail. It really puts you in the mood for a fun historical tour of Philadelphia.
(4)Miguel F.
Went for Mother's Day and sat outside since it was a beautiful day..decided to do the tasting menu (59.99 per person) which came with a 3 dishes and a dessert and coffee. I started out with an IPA by Yards Brewing Company. Great beer! For my first plate, I ordered the duck sausage which was good. It came served over some red cabbage. For the second plate, a salad, nothing spectacular, but hey, it's salad. For my entree I ordered the beef medallions which came with a side of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The only issue I had with the entree was that I asked for the meat medium rare- closer to rare if the chef could do it. When I received the meal though, the meat was at most medium well- closer to well done. I would have sent it back but by the time it would have came back, the rest of my party would have been done their meals, so I ate it anyway. Wasn't that bad just really over cooked per my request. The rest of the plate was excellent though. For my dessert I ordered a raspberry tart accompanied with cinnamon ice cream- Amazing! Over all, I was impressed but disappointed in how my meat came to me. Tad pricey but for the amount of food, I suppose it was worth it. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone in the area who hasn't been.
(4)Andy K.
Outstanding place to visit. If you've never been to Philly(and even if you have), this place is a must. Lobster pie was amazing as was the duck. Historical atmosphere combined with great food and service really made for a great lunch. Jay, our server, was outstanding as well.
(5)Gabrielle S.
Went to dinner here during a sightseeing trip to philly. So quaint and filled with history! Expected it to be a tourist trap with crappy food but I was pleasantly surprised! The pepper soup was great as was the porkchop. But be prepared, the portions are huge! The sweet potato biscuits (a Thomas Jefferson recipe!) will definitely be on my thanksgiving table. Oh yeah, I'm getting the cookbooks!
(4)Deidra S.
Love this place and the fact that they dress of the day, circa 1700's. The vinegar shrug drinks are great!!!
(5)Thee E.
Ales of the Revolution was one of the highlights of my trip. The staff was awesome and easy to talk to. Go here and try the old beer recipes!
(4)Simone A.
Took some friends here last weekend who were visiting from out of town. Such a great way to continue our tour of Philadelphia and get our drink on. Didn't eat, but did enjoy a few beers. Word of advice - Get the flight. It's $7.25 for a single pint or $12 for the flight which are nice sized (larger that most flights). So the 4 of us each ordered a flight and split the cheese plate (which was fine - normal). Loved the experience (servers in colonial costumes and the general decor) and they give a great description/story regarding each beer. There's also a cheat sheet with more information which was nice. My favorite was Alexander Hamilton, but honestly each of the four were tasty. Highly recommend for wrapping up an afternoon in historical Philadelphia.
(4)Germaine S.
Food was good and our waiter was nice. It was pricey. Truthfully I am glad we tried it and would recommend to try, but would not rush back. I expected more history and ambience from inside the restaurant.
(3)Kimberly Y.
Honestly, I think I just expected too much from City Tavern, and it ended up being pretty much a normal restaurant with a menu and server uniforms from the 18th century. Firstly, no one greeted us at the door, and I was pretty confused as to where I should be going--if there was a lobby or hostess somewhere else. I stood around waiting until someone showed up to serve me. Then I was taking upstairs and seated at a table that I distinctly noticed was pretty long (in that there was a lot of room between my boyfriend and me), but close enough to the next table for me to hear their conversations (though I do have good ears!). I found the decor in the second floor dining area to be underwhelming; the room just looked like a dining room in a house with a bunch of tables--rather than a restaurant. I pretty much just looked at wallpaper the whole time. My boyfriend and I even went exploring upstairs in the bathroom area to see if there was more. The goblets, candles, and server uniforms were the main historical decorations, as far as I could tell on the second floor. Our server was very nice and accommodating though! Didn't try to role play, which I found to be nice. The menu definitely delivered in terms of the colonial era theme. My boyfriend ordered the colonial turkey pot pie, which I also tried and thought was great (even though I barely ever eat pot pie!). His portion was humongous; I definitely recommend it if you like pot pie! I got the tenderloin tips and mushrooms, which had an extremely strong flavor from the marinated beef that I didn't really enjoy. The taste got old pretty quickly. My portion was sizable, but definitely not worth $30, in my opinion. The prices are steep, but I suppose you're paying for the decor, service, and unique menu... and hopefully your food is worth it.
(3)Aaron B.
Great food. Great ambience in the different rooms. If you're interested in good period eating this is the place...
(5)Ben F.
I stopped at this place while in Philly. I really like the history around it. Didn't have the food but tried the ales of the revolution sample and it was great. I would like to try this place again if I ever make it back to Philly.
(5)Iris I.
Made a pit stop here on my way home last night. I love pepper pot soup so a few friends have suggested I try it here. While the soup was not the type of pepper pot soup I'm used it was delicious!!! I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere (sat out on the porch, perfect weather and place for my hot soup) and the service was awesome. My waiter Steven was so amazing!!! I asked for dinner roll and he brought me out a tray of different types of breads including some biscuit that come from a recipe that Thomas Jefferson had :-) (soooo good!). I enjoyed myself so much that although my bill was about $12.00 I left him a $5.00 tip for his service!!! I will be back :-)
(5)Steve K.
Nice restaurant with a great atmosphere. Food was great and the sampler beer selection was a good choice. Definitely recommend if you are in Philadelphia.
(4)Jeremy P.
A rustic reproduction of what an idyllic revolutionary tavern would have been like at the start of the 19th century. Stopped in for a snack during a recent visit. Despite the shutdown, Philly has made sure this NPS site stays open. Highly recommend the flight of colonial beers. The brews are historically based on the recipes and tastes of founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin. My favorite was the Washington Porter. None were very hoppy or bitter and made a lovely afternoon snack. One flight was enough for two to get a good taste. Also try the bread tray as a perfect compliment to the libations.
(4)Eric W.
Went to Philly while on vacation with my wife and we decided to go to City Tavern. The food was excelent (I recommend the Duck). Sure it's a little touristy because they're all dressed up in period clothing, but that doesn't mean the the quality suffers at all. I highly recommend.
(5)Mike B.
A fantastic eating experience for history buffs. The Wiener schnitzel was excellent. The Ales of the Revolution sampler (produced by the Yards Brewery in Philly) was great.
(5)Paul P.
Good beer I had the Thomas Jefferson Ale which was very good! Just had the smoked seafood salad very good. My co-worker had the corn chowder and he said it was very good. Very spacious eating area and the overall ambiance is good as well.
(4)Ruth W.
I came here with my school for dinner. The service was good considering they had to serve 120 students. The wait for the food was short and before the main course there was their signature bread which was very tasty. They gave all of us ice tea which tasted like water with very little flavoring. As a main course we were served turkey pot pie, which I was looking forward to, but I was disappointed to find that mine had no potatoes. I am a very big potato eater and in the description of the dish it was stated there were potatoes, but when I got the dish I searched and searched and found none. Also the turkey in the dish was chewy. They also served salad before the main meal. My friend had to send her salad back because it had no dressing. Overall this place was okay but I would not go back. If you are looking for a not so fancy place close to attractions like the liberty bell this may be a good option for you.
(2)Shelly L.
We ate Easter brunch here. We had a wonderful time. The kids (ages 9 and 14) really enjoyed it as well. My son had the steak and eggs. He cleaned his plate clean. I had the shrub with champagne.....get it...you will love it. Not too sweet, just the way I like it. My husband enjoyed the brook trout dinner. I loved the Sally Luna chicken....cooked to perfection. The only negative was the corn chowder soup....tasty, but cold. We all enjoyed the medley of bread too. The apple crisp was delicious with big chunks of apples and cinnamon. All in all...a great experience from beginning to end.
(4)Michael C.
City Tavern has a lot of potential, but sadly it is let down by the food in a big way. The restaurant claims that some of the founding fathers ate and drank there when it first opened in 1776. Now the tavern is a themed restaurant, the staff dress in period costumes and the restaurants boasts a menu from the era and beer based on recipes from Washington, Jackson, Franklin and Jefferson. The beer: 4 stars Brewed by a local brewery exclusively for the restaurant. The "colonial ale sampler" is $12 for 4 samples. All are worth trying, but Washington's porter is probably the winner of the bunch and Franklin's spruce ale the loser, unless you really like the taste of spruce. The service: 2 stars The servers are all dressed in period costume which adds a touch of character. Service is friendly, but slow. Don't come here if you're looking for a quick meal. The ambiance: 1 star There isn't any. There's been an effort to keep the feel of the original establishment, so the dining rooms are small, dimly lit and with tables closed packed together. The food: 1 star The colonial bread plate is reasonable as other's have mentioned. The Thomas Jefferson biscuits are quite tasty. The other breads are ok, but taste more mass-produced that home made. I tried the wiener schnitzel. At $30 I was expecting a great interpretation of this classic dish. It's served with fries and seasonal vegetables. The fries don't seem to be authentic to the period and taste like standard mass-produced fries. The seasonal vegetables also look to have come pre-prepared. The schnitzel was extremely disappointing, rather than a very thin breaded and fried piece of veal I got a tough, thick soggy mess. The breading was slimy, soggy and slid off the meat. Deeply unappetizing. At half the price this dish would have been overpriced. Avoid. Probably the best thing to do here, is to visit, have a beer and soak in some of the history, just avoid the food. You'll be much happier that way.
(2)Frank D.
One of my favorite restaurants. If you like history and good food, it's the place to go. Chef Walter Staib makes the best Sauerkraut. It's the only place where I actually like to eat Sauerkraut. It's a unique dinning experience.
(5)Robby F.
One of my favorites. Love the pot pie and fried oysters. The George Washington and Thomas Jefferson recipe beers are the best!
(5)Eileen C.
Found in the heart of Old City. Its like dinning at home. Its quiet dimly lit with candles. Incredibly cozy and thankfully the dress code does not match their prices.The crab cakes were THE BEST I have ever had in my life. I ordered the Salmon. My Dinner was perfect however the portions are too big. I could have shared one entree with my dinning partner. I loved the touristy uniforms simply because it was not over done. I was thankful our waiter did not role play. That would have killed the experience. I will be going back!
(4)Sara G.
I literally can't wait til our fall Philly trip when its cold outside and we can sit in the cozy Tavern room, hear trivia (do YOU know where the term Bar and Grille comes from?) and ease our way through a beer sampler at the hands of a period costumed gentleman. Touristy and the food didn't really appeal for a hot summer day, but we wanted historical fun and indeed we got it here. Lacks pretention, fun and a nice little stop on our way through Philly.
(4)Jack G.
This place is touristy, but fun. We tend to recommend it to friends and family visiting from out of town. Food, service, and gimmick come recommended. Tonight my wife took our kids, and her mother and sister who were visiting. My wife has celiac sprue, and was excited to see a menu item listed as gluten free. Usually she can't eat when she goes with people to restaurants. It definitely wasn't gluten free. Maybe the item was prepared without wheat. Maybe most of the ingredients were gluten free. But either they used spices that they didn't realise contained gluten, or cross contamination occurred on cooking or prep surfaces. We really appreciate that more places are trying to cater to customers looking to avoid gluten. But if you can't successfully deliver that, we'd prefer that we not be misled. She'll be sick for a week or two. The symptoms are unpleasant, so I won't list them, but they're severe. Eventually it can lead to cancer.
(2)Brian B.
Solid food. Good service. I had the turkey pot pie which was good. Nothing out of this world, but certainly good enough and the remarkable history surrounding the location make it a worthwhile stop. The breads were interesting, and I wish I could have tried the beer selection it sounds good! The prices were reasonable, I thought. Far from tourist gouge material. Hey, it's lunch on the spot (in a replica building) where the birth of this great nation was contemplated. I'm glad I gave it a shot.
(3)Kristina R.
If you're visiting Philly and looking for a unique experience, I'd definitely recommend City Tavern. A historical setting, colonial garb, and 18th century cuisine?! Uhm YES! What else would I want after visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell?! Aside from the atmosphere, this place has got some good food too! I recommend the West Indies Pepperpot and the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie! The crust on that pie is soooo good! My fiancé got the beef medallions or something like that. I had to look up the menu just now to remember what exactly he had. If that says anything at all.. It was not memorable. As for drinks.. The Ales of the Revolution are a MUST! Essentially it is a sampler of beers-- recipes from our founding fathers! Cool, huh?
(4)Diane C.
OMG!!!! Lobster pot pie was the best thing that I've eaten in a looong time. The hubby had turkey pot pie and the kids menu options were delicious as well. We were afraid that the setting and costumes would be too schticky. It wasn't. We went at lunch as we had a little sticker shock at dinner, but I would like to try it at night with a little more mood lighting.
(5)Jennifer N.
Just what we were looking for on our family visit to historic Philadelphia. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was good. Honestly, though, we've eaten at similar colonial-era restaurants where the food seemed more authentic.
(3)Gary P.
Anytime I travel to Philly, I must come here. Great ambience and wonderful food. I recommend the Ales of the revolution to start.
(5)T. B.
Great atmosphere. Really good traditional fare (a la 1700s). This place is dripping in history and tradition. Check it out. Great service too!
(5)Elaine K.
Touristy or not, we decided to come here to check out the ambiance and history. It didn't seem overly touristy while we were there. This could have been the season (it's not so busy this time of year). The waiters wear cute colonial outfits and the place has so much charm. They definitely don't make houses like that anymore (solid wood floors and doors, nice molding, beautiful and tall windows). It has a pretty unique menu and that drew us there. To start, I had the pepperpot soup. It was my favorite thing. It has a strong, spiced (not spicy but heavy allspice) taste which I just loved. I could have eaten only that. We also tried the duck sausage which was great and can kind of be described as a duck hot dog. My hubby had the turkey noodle soup which was thick and chunky and reminded me of what you'd eat when sick with a cold. Yum. For my main meal, I ordered the rabbit and noodles. Holy mega portion! I'm not a vegetable fan but many would enjoy that it was loaded with fresh veggies. It also had a significant amount of rabbit meat (on the bone) and noodles. The sauce was a brown sauce that was pretty good. Rabbit tastes a little like chicken which was unexpected. There is both white and dark meat. It had a little bit of gamey flavor but not overly so. Overall I liked, but not loved, the dish. The portion was huge and because I don't like veggies, it hardly looked like I touched it. My uncle ordered the pork chop which he said was the best he'd ever had. My aunt ordered the salmon which she cleared from her plate. My husband ordered the trout which was another huge portion and came with four pieces of fish. The food is very rich and filling. It definitely seems more of a winter comfort food place...I couldn't imagine eating such a meal in the summer. Save room for the dessert! I had the coffee cake which was generously sized, buttery and crumby. My hubby had the bread pudding which had just a small but amazing hint of ginger. My aunt had the chocolate mousse cake which she said was great. My uncle had the cobbler which he said was fantastic. The whole meal was great. The ambiance was fabulous. The service was just okay (our waiter was a bit blah). Overall a great experience. I'd love to come back and try a pot pie. I'd also definitely get more pepperpot soup.
(4)Jennifer D.
Nice place to hear some stories about old Philadelphia. If you are going here thinking that you will be eating exactly where George Washington ate think again. The original building was demolished and this one was built in the 70s. Food was decent but the service was great. The servers had some great stories to tell about the original house. Definitely worth at least one trip here.
(4)Coral H.
Yes it is touristy and the costumes are silly, but you are in historic Philadelphia. Flight of colonial beers is good. OK wine list. They have a German wine with a raised monkey on the bottle. I kept the bottle. Soup was good and the turkey pot pie huge and tasty. All dishes were solid with our large group.
(4)Carol H.
I had planned on eating here because I love Chef Staib's TV show, "A Taste of History". So I was thrilled to get a coupon for one free entree. The food was awesome. Our favorite was the smoked fish appetizer. Also sampling the beers made by our forefathers was fun and delicious. The wait staff (in period costumes) was competent and friendly. Love this place!
(5)Louise S.
We had a delicious meal with perfectly executed service ! I enjoyed the Mid-Fare staring with the Rustic Corn Chowder which was creamy artesian tastey starter followed by the Roasted Duckling entrée with mashed potato and chutney accompaniment which were all prepared to absolute perfection. If you never had roasted duck this is the right place to have it. The ambiance with the staff in their authentic costumes made it very unique. Well done! Highly recommend !!
(5)RJ W.
It is strictly for tourists, of which I was one. The decor is pretty beat up and in need of refreshing. The staff, when we were there, (5pm on a Saturday) were very disengaged. The food was OK, although the chicken pot pie, was crust, 2/3 soup with some random vegetables that looked like they were out of a bag and some chicken breast. Very disappointing. Also disappointing, we ordered a bottle of wine, and because it was over $50, apparently the waitstaff has to track down a manager to unlock the liquor cabinet. REALLY poor planning guys, we waited over 15 minutes for a manager to get tracked down. I know many others on Yelp had a great time, which is why we went, but I really cannot recommend it... sorry
(2)Erin H.
I normally eschew places like City Tavern unless I'm at Disney World. I don't think that wearing colonial garb is every really appropriate outside of a museum. But, my friend from Philly had heard good things, so off to City Tavern we went. Of course, the poor servers looked pretty cheesy. But the rest of the experience was pretty cool. We only came to drink (surprising, I know), so we sat in the bar area. It had great dark paneling, with a taper on each table. We pretended that we were the Framers for about 30 seconds, then moved on to more serious business: beer. The beer at City Tavern is from Yards' Ales of the Revolution line of brews. My favorite was the Tavern Spruce, which is based on Ben Franklin's original recipe. It had a really interesting flavor because of the spruce, and is worth a try if you are looking for something different. The service was great, and no one seemed put off by the fact that we weren't sticking around for dinner. Despite outward appearances, I definitely recommend City Tavern for those who want a little booze with their history.
(4)Lizzie D.
This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants of all time! I've honestly never experienced an ambiance quite like City Tavern. You walk into what looks like an old Victorian house. As you are seated at a table that looks like a scene out of a vintage history book, you are soon enraptured by the calming and captivating sound of the harp. (A woman in her time specific attire was playing the harp downstairs towards the bathrooms.) Your meals are presented to you with edible flowers and do not come short in terms of presentation. The taste will envelop your senses and take you to a time long past! This is a restaurant that enables you to live in a time that Philadelphia's rich history will not let you forget. If you are visiting Philadelphia, have visited the restaurant before, or have lived in Philadelphia and never checked into this place, visiting this is a huge MUST! It truly does allow you to visit the history that Philadelphia was built upon and will satisfy your senses and taste buds! Do not pass this place up!
(5)Kevin A.
HAPPY PBS FAN BOY I watch PBS - A LOT of PBS. So of course I had to try the restaurant run by Chef Staib of 'A Taste of History' fame. I love watching this show and how Chef Staib brings colonial America to life through food. I am always mesmerized by his ability to wield heavy cast iron dutchies and spiders over menacingly hot fires and of course, the reckless abandon with which he uses pork fat, butter, and heavy cream. I also love learning new things (e.g. Ben Franklin introducing tofu to America or the existence of curry in colonial cuisine). The whole experience was terrific from the food to the service. Yes, the staff are wearing period costumes, but the experience doesn't come off as a cheesy. I highly recommend getting a flight of beers, the clam chowder (among the best I've ever had), and the turkey pot pie. Be warned, the food is rich and the portions are HUGE. My friend and I split the pot pie which was absolutely the right call. My neighbor (who was the spitting image of Stone Cold Steve Austin) got the lobster pie which looked amazing. Judging by his oohs and aahs, I'll definitely be getting that next time.
(4)Jim T.
City Tavern is a very good restaurant and ambiance at the edge of the historic sites in Philadelphia! The wait staff and menu have a colonial theme in an historic building. The beer sampler, bread, and turkey pot pie were very good. The crab cake was delicious.
(5)Jana S.
The food war good, the service very nice and charming. I was a bit suprised by the food. Everything we ordered was the same decent stuff my mom is cooking nowadays. Iam German and the housewives kitchen has obviously not changed a lot in the past 250 year. Or the German cook is using contemporay recipies...
(4)Daniel L.
This is the best resturant there pot pie is the best best restaurant ever!!!!!!!!
(5)Loren H.
Just went to City Tavern for the first time for Restaurant Week lunch. Great food and great service. Must try the beer flight. Waiter gave us a interesting short history of the place. City Tavern would be a fun place to take visitors. The food is not just good for a "tourist restaurant" It is good for any restaurant. The chocolate cake and the apple cobbler with cinnamon ice cream were standouts for dessert.
(5)Dinah L.
They are keeping to Old Philly tradition within reason. The language is very 2013, but the history is very 18th century. The food is very good. Go for something you haven't tried. Our table did Braised Rabbit, Roasted Duck and the Turkey Pot pie. A great way. to warm up was the Apple Cider, Whiskey, Rum drink warmed. Wow! A great place to take Tourist & family that wants the feel of Ye Ole Philadelphia. The table breads are very nice also.
(4)Courtney L.
My favorite 'bar' of the trip: We didn't eat here and sat in the bar area. We ordered the Tavern Warmer with apple cider which was a delicious hot cider alcohol drink and it was really good. We also got the sampler of the president beers and this was the highlight. They all have a different taste and a notecard explaining more about the beers. I LOVED the Ben Franklin Tavern Spruce ale. I don't like porters or really hoppy beers and this one was my absolute favorite. For being a touristy trap of sorts, the drinks were reasonable priced and it was fun to drink by candlelight and enjoy the character waiters. From what I have read, we played it right: skip the food, come for drinks and TRY THE BEN FRANKLINE TAVERN SPRUCE. Very easy to catch a cab outside of the building.
(4)Adam C.
I see what they are going for but I'm not sure they've quite got it. Between the quaint uniforms and the alleged presidential beer recipes it all felt a little too gimicky. I liked that the server was a fount of revolutionary trivia but he also was not even close to accurate with some of the claims he made. Like he attributed an Abe Lincoln Quote to Ben Franklin. Yes I know. I'm a big nerd. Sorry but it rubbed me the wrong way and then I had to do a terrible thing; whip out my 21st century smart phone in this 18th century style restaurant to verify that I was right and the server was wrong. I didn't embarrass him with the correction but I just had to know. (I was right). I was also a little disappointed at the menu. I felt that it was too modern and yet too out of date at the same time. What I mean is that although the menu items might have been served in revolutionary times, too many of the options were simply not combinations that actually were. Then, I felt like the food on my plate would have felt more appropriate in the 1990s. So too modern to be revolutionary but not modern enough to belong in a restaurant today. The taste was fine and as we all sampled from each other's orders I can make that statement across the board. Overall, I had a good time but I doubt I'd return unless it was with some tourist frineds or something along those lines, which is actually what brought me in this time too.
(3)Susan L.
What an interesting place. The decor, the uniforms, the silverware...everything is pretty committed to the theme here. Its a tourist trap for sure; tour buses literally stop here for large groups to come in for lunch and dinner. We went here for a family lunch and we were a little put off by being ignored for 20 minutes and then the lack of apology from our waitress. There was hardly anyone there at the time which also doesn't make any sense. At least the food was good; I really enjoyed my roasted duckling; creamy potatoes, crispy glazed duck, and a medley of perfectly cooked vegetables. The rest of the meal went smoothly. I don't think its a place I would want to visit again especially if I was footing the bill because it was pretty pricey (especially as a lunch).
(3)Erin B.
In honor of President's day - my husband was kind enough to take me to one of my favorite spots ... CITY TAVERN (ode to our lovely forefathers)! There was a time when this gal visited City Tavern on a monthly (dare I say weekly) basis. On the "dog days of winter" I would go in to get a warmer or two or three for good measure. When I originally moved into the city, I went there so often that I knew the (period clad) bartenders by name. When I went in today, the bartender (David) remarked that he had not seen me in ages and assumed that I moved out of the city. Surely, a sign that I was going waaaaay too often at one point. Check out city tavern on a super cold day - order the warmer and I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)Kerry G.
We decided to stop here for lunch after a morning spent exploring the historic sites nearby and had a very enjoyable meal. Our server was friendly and very attentive and the atmosphere was touristy but fun. Our daughter loved the costumes and unique dishware. The meal was bit pricier than we are accustomed to - the lunch menu prices were more comparable to what we usually pay for dinner, and the dinner prices made me blanch a bit - definitely a date night destination and not for everyday dining. However, the portions were generous. My husband ordered the veal sausage, which he said was good (I don't eat veal) and which came with some very tasty sauerkraut. I had the turkey pot pie, which had a nice buttery crust and a hearty filling. It came with egg noodles on the side, which were fine but didn't really add anything special. Our daughter had fish and chips, which were good, too. We had the Martha Washington chocolate mousse cake and the pumpkin cheesecake with candied pecans for dessert and enjoyed both. We also liked the bread sampler, which included Sally Lunn bread, Anadama, and Thomas Jefferson's favorite sweet potato pecan biscuits. The biscuits were my favorite, and tasted a lot like pumpkin bread.
(4)Amy G.
I expected the food to be nothing special since it looked to be a tourist trap. I was pleasantly surprised. The fried tofu entree was yummy with lots of fresh veggies. The others in our party had turkey pot pie and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bread (3 different types) came before our entrees and it was good too. Hubby and I shared the beer sampler an enjoyed the spruce beer more than the others. We shared the Martha Washington cake which was very good.
(4)Worldbeat L.
I learned so much about our founding fathers and their food and beverage choices at this historical restaurant. Below are the items my friend(s) and I shared: The educational value alone is worth the trip to "old town" Philly. The average price is more downtown chic however there is so many options to explore. Mallard Duck Sausage - $9.25 Broiled duck & pork sausage, sweet & sour cabbage Giant Cornmeal Fried Oysters - $9.25 Herbed remoulade West Indies Pepperpot Soup - $7.50 A spicy colonial classic. Beef, taro root & greens Rack of Lamb - $32.95 Roasted with Dijon mustard & walnuts, rosemary infused au jus, mashed potatoes, asparagus & Sauce Béarnaise Fried Tofu - $17.95 In a 1770 letter to Philadelphia's John Bartram, Benjamin Franklin included instructions on how to [prepare] tofu. Sally Lunn breaded fried tofu, spinach, seasonal vegetables, sauteed tomatoes & herbs, linguine
(4)Shelly C.
After much hype from someone in my group who lived here many years ago, this bunch of "Touristy" people descended upon the City Tavern. We had made reservations two days prior for 7pm. At 730 we were seated. In the basement. At 745 we got water! At 8, (Hey, it IS July) we requested more water. We got it at 830. The food? Okay. My pork chop was heaven. At least I think it was. It may have been heavenly because I was extra hungry as the order taker screwed up and I didn't get what I ordered till almost everyone else was finished. The service? See above. I think our experience here may have been better had we not been seated in the basement. We had more people walking into our room looking for the loo then wait staff. We were forgotten so often I was beginning to think our waiter was the "ghost" we were told about because he kept disappearing. I mean, Milk Carton disappearing. Would I recommend? Oh no, no no. Would I return? Only in the dead of winter so that I could disguise myself under scarfs and layers while I snuck in to get a to-go order of those little biscuit things. Because I can't not share....they are the bomb!
(3)Rachel H.
My mother enjoyed her food. But my Turkey Pot Pie was not very good. The breading on top was sticky, the turkey was dry even with all that sauce. The waiter was rude and off putting. But I did quite enjoy the colonial grab. The food wasn't horrible but it was not good sub par at best. I would give it another try. Just not the pot pie.
(3)Ed L.
We went there for lunch on January 17. The food, drinks, and staff were all excellent, particularly when sorting out some dietary restrictions. Sierra, in particular, was awesome. We had been there several times for drinks but this was our first meal there, and we would definitely go back.
(5)Virginia C.
Very good food with colonial ambiance. Great for entertaining.
(4)May L.
City Tavern failed to mention that Remy's cousin from the movie Ratatouille would be making guest appearances on the evening of 21-Sep-2013! First and last experience at this place for me! I saw a baby RAT or little MOUSE while we were eating! It scurried under the table on the second floor into the fireplace, then scurried back and forth from the fireplace a few more times, and then came out and stayed under one of the chairs for a bit before it scurried into the other dining room. My friend thought I was seeing things until she saw the rat for herself! She went closer to it and said it was a black, baby rat and found holes in the fireplace! So disgusting! We mentioned that we saw a baby rat to our server and he mentioned that other customers have seen them before, too and was unapologetic about it and asked if we had seen rats before in Philly. Well, I understand that rats can be found anywhere in Philly, but it's unsanitary to find it in a restaurant, especially visible in the dining area! As for the food, it was nothing special. The schnitzel that I ordered was dry and wasn't even tasty! So overpriced here! I definitely do not recommend this place!
(1)Courtney K.
If you want to be served by someone who looks like Ben Franklin - this is your place. I know it may seem touristy, but I love this place. I love that I can sit on a park bench and be served a flight of beers. I love that I can sit in the tiniest room with a bar and have a beer and eat cheesecake. I love the history behind it, and I love the attire the staff wears. If you ask me, that's a win, win, win.
(4)Justin M.
It's a cool little place... Had the duck and it was just mediocre. Would not recommend if looking for the tastiest meal in town
(3)Steve M.
Excellent from start to finish!! Very cool to try the soup served to the men who crossed the Delaware River with Washington, but the mushroom toast appetizer, duckling, crab cake, and the chocolate cake stole the show! Absolutely fabulous time, everyone was super friendly and knowledgeable, and Sara our server arranged for us to meet Chef Staib, who shared his wealth of knowledge on food and history. Just an absolutely great time here! Will return for sure!!
(5)Andrea F.
This place was awesome!! I was disappointed that I didn't get to try the beer but the trout was amazing.
(5)Geoff Z.
Great food. Very friendly and helpful. The steak and shrimp were perfect!!!
(5)Matt S.
I really enjoyed the look and feel of the place, the pewter cups were a nice touch. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was. I had a seafood pasta and my girlfriend had a salmon dish and we (along with the rest of our party) thoroughly enjoyed our dishes. The prices were pretty reasonable as well. We went for lunch and I was still recovering from a slight hangover so I wasn't able to try the several "founding fathers" beers they have there, but someone in my group had said they were pretty good. You can get a flight which allows you to try them all. You can also tour the building as they have historical information about colonial taverns and a replicated tavern set up upstairs. Overall, I would recommend checking it out if you're in the Old City area.
(5)Treebw B.
Went to City Tavern after having horrible service at Amada. Yes, this matters because we were completely thrilled that Rich was our bartender! He was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. We only had desert and drinks but they were good. My daughter got the beer sampler and I got the champagne with raspberry (I can not remember what it is called and the menu on their website does not seem to be working) per Rich's recommendation. They were perfect! For desert I got the blackberry cheesecake (holy cow!) and my daughter chose Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse cake. We both loved both deserts and Rich was correct- we only needed one desert as they were huge but we were happy to eat the leftovers the next evening. I was pleasantly surprised with this place as it was not just a tourist destination. It felt like a very comfortable restaurant/bar that I would likely frequent if I lived in the area. All of the employees were incredibly nice and I loved that they were very willing to provide information about the building and the history of the area.
(5)Seattle G.
Charming and quaint. Delightful setting and staff. The food was great on two visits, and I loved the historic beer selection. It seemed pricey to me, but looking at neighboring restaurants it seems typical. The pot pie takes awhile to make - so be prepared for a wait with that order.
(4)Pratik P.
This place SCREAMS tradition. They definitely got this part right. Most of the (men) waitstaff sport knee-high tight white socks, cravats, waistcoats, and straight leg white trousers. I didn't catch that many female staff members in the restaurant, but I'm sure they'd be decked out in the female equivalent of 18th century attire. It's been a while since I stepped into a place where staff are required to wear a fairly intricate wardrobe, so prepare yourself otherwise you'll be shocked the first time you walk in. Most of the other reviews below are spot on, so I won't spend time adding any more detail, but... If you do go, get the turkey pot pie. Seriously, just get the pot pie. It's absolutely huge in size and comes with probably the best outer crust I've ever tasted: golden brown, soft, and flaky (but not too flaky). I'm not sure what their secret is when it comes to baking, but they make it beautifully. They also give you a side of pasta with some random sauce with the order, but I'm guaranteeing you that you won't be able to finish it. The extra pasta doesn't really have much flavor, and at that point, it's just extra carbs that'll turn into love handles in a few days, so don't bother. Prices are a little steep (think ~$30-35/entree), so this place is more of a 'fine dining' place when it comes to Philly restaurants. You won't walk out with a cheap bill, but you'll definitely eat some complex and traditional foods, perhaps get a history lesson or two from the staff, and a couple of laughs as you watch the waitstaff awkwardly go about their job in trousers and cravats :)
(3)Marie L.
This is a historic tavern from the Ben Franklin years, located in Old City. All of the staff is dressed in period garb, which I wasn't expecting. They have 4 signature beers, all brewed by Yards Brewing. The staff was really helpful in explaining the differences between each beer. There's lots of history in this building and we had a great time. It's a total tourist trap, but in the best way.
(4)David K.
Love the charm and history of this place as well as the friendly, period-dressed staff. Drinks are generous, but a bit overpriced ($11.00 for a SoCo Manhattan). The pecan rolls are tiny but a delight. However the bread was ordinary and dry. The corn chowder soup is fantastic. Ordered the Seafood Salad Melange for my entre. The greens were excellent but the dressing that comes with it is super oniony and garlicky. The salad is topped with smoked salmon and smoked trout, which were ok but a bit on the dry side. The shrimp were ordinary and tasteless. Worst of all is the crabmeat on top of the salad. It had to be right out of a can and I found it to be totally inedible. Desert tray is really good. I do recommend the Blueberry Cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. Coffee is strong and very good. Highly recommend the dining experience here but stay away from the seafood salad. Smoked chicken and artichoke heart salad wasn't any better. Dave K
(3)Matt W.
This was a nice experience with good friends! The place is interesting and I'd say the server made the difference between this being a 3 and a 4 because she (Sarah "Martha" the Sociologist Extraordinaire) shared a lot of interesting tidbits with us in a manner that was not annoying or in-your-face. She also did it in a fan manner as well (probably b/c our group is a bit goofy!!) The food is decent, some of it very good, some of it average. All of it is some American fare made in a homestyle/homespun fashion. Some of the sauces were a bit too heavy (i.e. the fish, the mushrooms). It overwhelmed these dishes to the point where it's a bit hard to really taste the main part of the dish (fish or mushroom). The bread served with the soup was absolutely fantastic! The duck was also really solid. Mashed potatoes were just ok while veggies served with it were oily and overcooked. Dessert was all phenomenal- apple cobbler, creme brulee and the chocolate mousse cake. All excellent!! So the highlights for me- the edifice itself, the service and tidbits learned along the way, bread and dessert...I'd say it's worth coming. Just be warned that it is pricey. If you have a beer, entree and share dessert, you will run close to 70$. I think I'd target this at closer to $50 and feel good about it...it was worth the experience for a single visit though. I wouldn't be eating here if I was a local...
(4)Yuan C.
Love the decor but the food is just terrible.
(3)Alex X.
I once had a foodie german/english bf who knew to bring me to unusual places- at least unusual to me. We came here once for Sunday brunch. A tad bit pricey but that's the price you pay for something not so common. The dishes can be quite unique here. If that's what you are looking for try City Tavern. If I find the pics I will put them up. The colonial theme was out of the ordinary. I will be back now that I found this location again. Thanks yelp. PS. I loved the back outdoor seating. The entire experience minded me of being in on a mansion porch in the South during the cotton plantation era in history. I have pretty wild imagination: must be my trigger of reincarnated past lives. :-p
(4)Matt C.
Great Beer. Tried the Colonial Ale Sampler but let me save you the trouble... Jeffersons is best. Turkey pot pie, yummy flaky and doughy crust, creamy piping hot goodness inside. Chicken breast Oscar pretty good, moist chicken and good breading. DO NOT east outside though. The sent you to a makeshift tent in the back and you feel like a second class citizen out there.
(3)Roger I.
Our kids liked going back in time, too. I loved the beer selections and their recipe histories, especially. The menu strives to reproduce choices from the Colonial Era. I'm not sure if they succeeded on that account but it was fun trying the turkey pot pie along with George Washington's beer recipe. If you're looking to go, bring your imagination and BIG wallet. Your creativity helps put you in that frame of mind. The Big Billfold helps pay the bill.
(4)Allen S.
A true historic restaurannt with authentic atmosphere, good service and food.
(3)Andrea G.
Gary and I attended a conference in downtown Philadelphia recently. A friend recommended we go here. A TREAT! I highly recommend it to visitors, for a real authentic experience of Colonial dining. It was great fun eating in the old building, sectioned into separate dining rooms in each room and on several floors. The waitstaff and hosts were all in Colonial attire. Great family destination. We saw groups, families and friends all gather here for an excellent meal. The tableware is of the time period, including pewter-type (heavy duty) drinkware and candles on the tables. The menu reflects foods from that period, mostly meaty fare such as pork loin, turkey pot pie, lamb chops, steak, etc. TIP: A vegetarian would not like the menu choices. They served some special breads, including these delightful little sconelike muffin items that we loved. I found the pricing within reason, given the special nature of this restaurant. And the food servings and quality were excellent! I told another in my convention to go here, and he wrote me how grateful he was for that tip. Don't miss it if you can get there!
(5)Kate K.
Came Here on a tour after our tour guide insisted we get a cocktail here. If anything just go for the building, it is beautiful. There was a hArp player as we entered the building and everyone was dressed in costumes reminiscent of Ben Franklin days. Great selection of beers, and the crowd was friendly. Try the beer sampler. Will go back to try the food, it all looked really good coming out. Check out the back patio.
(3)Samantha I.
Sooooo much cool history here. Food and beer are great. Original beer recipes from our 4 fathers
(4)Alyx F.
I had to adjust my expectations quickly since I hadn't picked this place and I expected more of a Tavern-y feel, but I thought that everything was good with the experience element pushing it to 4 stars over 3. I got the turkey pot pie and a sampler of the founding father's beers. Ben Franklin's beer was my favorite since it was the most interesting of all the beers, the others I don't think I would get again. The turkey pot pie was good, but it was a lot of cream and little substance. I thought it was great that the servers and hosts were dressed in traditional garb, so that element made it a cool experience. They also had metal goblets for your water which I was a huge fan of - I need to buy one of those for my home. :)
(4)Dave B.
I'm told this is a tourist trap, and the interesting costumes (I mean uniforms?) of the waitstaff does nothing to dilute that impression. However, it does have a small group of regulars, one of whom I was visiting so I was able to look past the tourist facade and enjoy what was one of the best meals I've had in town. My steak and shrimp was insanely huge - and delicious. Good beer. Good breads, too. Oh, and good everything. Check downstairs -- there's often live music down there to compensate for (or take your mind off) the fact that you're eating in the basement :-) I'll name drop Sarah here, too. Absolutely excellent service, that merits recognition.
(5)Prasanna R.
Update! The pending transaction dropped off and the staff sorted out the confusion. But I won't go back again because there is nothing else special to try on the menu, for a vegetarian like me.
(2)Emily V.
Excellent food and fun colonial concept! The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the harpist was the cherry on top! I really loved that the food is period appropriate, but yet actually was yummy! I highly recommend the pepper pot soup and the colonial pot pie. Excellent! I was surprised by how yummy the sweet potato and pecan biscuits were which come standard in the bread platter. As for the service. Terrible. We counted 4 tables in the entire place with patrons so it was relatively empty. When we arrived we waited 13 minutes until my boyfriend got on foot to go and track someone down to start the ordering process. And she didn't apologize--What? Then she just asked what our order was without taking our drink order first--What? It took and average of 8 minutes for her to return with our pop refills--Really? Ridiculous. We decided not to get dessert because it probably would have taken 30 minutes. I'm chalking it up to her just having a bad day and I'm assuming the rest of the waitstaff is terrific. The only reason why they aren't 5 stars is due to the service. Oy vey!
(4)tony m.
This is my second review of City Tavern. My last review, written during Restaurant Week last year was more than positive. I am sorry to say that such is not the case after my second visit. After my first experience, which you can read about in my earlier post, I thought it would be wonderful to take my 87 year old mother to City Tavern since she is a history buff and also watches Chef Staib's program. While the service and ambiance were fine, the portions of the servings were less than deplorable. On my first visit the chicken cutlet covered the plate. This time the chicken piece was no more than 3" x 3' at best. The veal (Veiner Shnitzel) was even smaller and curled into nothingness. The turkey pot pie was no match to the beef turnover of my earlier visit. If these paltry dishes are what they serve to Philadelphia visitors they should hang their head in shame..
(2)Sandy M.
Such a great venue and the atmosphere was wonderful. Felt it was alittle pricey My husband had the pot pie and 21.95 is a bit much. He was disappointed there was no carrots in the pie. The speciality beers the guys loved. I had the corn chowder and the only things that bothered me was it was cold and not hot. However, we would go back because of the uniqueness of the place
(4)Amy B.
We held our rehearsal dinner at City Tavern recently. Since nearly all of our guests were from out of town, we wanted to share Philly's history as well as our great experiences at City Tavern. The banquet coordinator was incredibly helpful and flexible, especially with our planning from across the country. The food was, as always, exceptional, and our server also served as the Tavern's historian and gave a great presentation on the history of the building. I'm so glad that this venue worked out for our rehearsal dinner! I can't wait to come back next time I'm "home".
(5)Harold F.
I ate there a couple of years ago. I still remember that it was one of the best meals I have ever had. I had the basil shrimp, lobster pot pie, and the Martha Washington Chocolate Mousse cake. Great salad and homemade bread too!
(5)Jan T.
Taking advantage of the last "nice" weekend of the year, we chose to take a trip up to Philly to see the sights again and, since it was cool out, to deviate from the usual Philly routine (historical sites, Chinatown, historical sites), to eat at City Tavern. Initially promoted during a walking tour of Philadelphia, and later reinforced through PBS and Food Network watching, my expectations were somewhat mixed. The food sounded great and the concept sounded very good, but the nagging "tourist trap" gremlin had to be blocked out. Fortunately the experience was worth it. A more or less faithful reconstruction of a Revolutionary War era tavern, City Tavern features a menu of traditional colonial American and German cuisine (the chef is German), while selling a Yards Brewery line of revolutionary ales. I had the Thomas Jefferson, and it made the second half of the day considerably warmer and merrier. The food itself was excellent. I started with the pepperpot soup, a spicy mix of beef, beef broth, kale, and potato. The perfect starter for a somewhat dreary day and a good companion to the selection of three traditional breads served prior to lunch. Other members of my party had the mushrooms on toast (excellent), and smoked fish platter (delicious). For the main course we went with two types of pies (beef and turkey), and a traditional sausage platter with pasta. All were excellent, with a nice meld of German and British influences (pie with sweet and sour cabbage, etc.). All dishes were large and somewhat heavy, but went great with beer and wine. Dessert was (since we were all stuffed) a shared portion of bread pudding. It too was delicious. The ambiance was very traditional. From the liveried servers (who fortunately did not try to be re-enactors) to the lack of electrical lighting, the place took you back in time. Some more natural light would have been nice (an awning over the entrance blocked it), but the candles made up for it. While expensive, this is one "traditional experience" restaurant I can get behind.
(5)M S.
Lunch - stale bread or are we eating Thomas Jefferson's 'original recipe' asked for a recommendation - the waiter suggested the 2 most expensive things on the menu -suspicious. hmmm- did i order one of them - yes - was it good - laughable 2 dried out pieces of duck covered in - hey guess what, DUCK SAUCE!!! it was a good laugh! so sorry if you've been scammed too
(1)Taylor H.
Lovely place for tourists, and amazing food!! I always love a good dinner and a dining experience at the same time. The bread basket is also very cool (old recipes), try the pecan/sweet potato biscuits
(5)K T.
i love this place. been here before for lunch. Sun eve dinner after thanksgiving wkend was not at all crowded, they took us early from open table reservation. Turkey Pot Pie was AB FAB! My guy had the tenderloin tips over egg noodles and it was yummy! warmed up with the apple cider beverage by candlelight and that did it for me. i like the historical vibe here. staff don't overplay their attire so it didn't feel hokey. def come back next time in Philly.
(5)James B.
Being a fan of history, City Tavern is a restaurant tailor-made for me. Legitimate historical significance, a menu that would have been served to George Washington, and a wait staff dressed in period attire all serve to make the guest feel like they have stepped back into 1776. I was even seated in the very place that was Washington's favorite spot: corner window on the second floor. Opening the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the "Ales of the Revolution" selection. These are four beers made from recipes of the Founding Fathers. I particularly enjoyed Alexander Hamilton's pale ale. I ended up ordering the Pork Chop Applewood Smoked. When it came out, it was steaming and red (from the salt) and lying on a bed of mashed potatoes. Every bite was so succulent and juicy. It is supposed to come with sour kraut, but since I hate sour kraut, I withheld it. The best part was that since I went midday and off-season, there was almost no one there. Which, as the waitress said (shout out to Joan), was rare. I am giving this restaurant my highest recommendation. One note though, I learned that Benjamin Franklin helped introduce tofu, of all things, to America when he wrote the recipe in a letter to someone while he was in France. Now I know who to blame. Oh, and that tofu recipe is made here, if you are into that.
(5)Joe B.
Went to City Tavern last night for dinner with GF. This had been on our to-do list for a while. Part of me feared that it would be a tourist trap with crappy, overpriced food. The food and service turned out to exceed expectations. We had 6:30 reservations, and were promptly seated and attended to. Our waitress, Sarah, was terrific. She was pleasant, knowledgeable, and personable. My girlfriend got the special, which was crab claws, scallops, and shrimp over linguini with garlic, basil, and tomatoes. She was very pleased, and said if she had anything negative to say about it it would be that it could have been served hotter. I inquired about the lobster pot pie's price. Sarah told me $42 and I hesitated. She assured it me it was all that. I was reluctant because I visualized a few measly pieces of lobster in a bunch of cream sauce. She assured me there was plenty of lobster, so I tried it. It was well worth it. It was very rich and flavorful with lots of tender lobster pieces. It was a great dish. I only could eat half, so it was nicely portioned too. If you figure getting two meals out of it, it comes to $21 a meal. Also, they serve you a nice bread plate with dinner. It comes with a variety of homemade breads that are all very tasty. Overall, a great meal and I would definitely come back.
(4)Nayeli A.
Amazing! We had Sara as our server and she was great, so friendly and attentive. Loved being able to get up and look around while our food was being made. We split the pot pie and pepper pot soup, both of which we were very happy happy! Also recommend the mouse cake. Loved the atmosphere and clothing, and after our ghost tour last night, it just added to the surroundings.
(5)Ben P.
If you are looking for traditional food from the colonial era. This is your place the whole staff is dressed like they are from the 1700s and the place itself is a historical landmark just steps away from where the Declaration of Independence was signed. You feel the history int he building and the food is great. I had the roasted vegetables with the carved turkey.
(4)Anne H.
Be prepared to spend at least $100 per couple for drinks, appetizer and two entrees. But these portions are worth it. The chicken pot pie was epic, I couldn't even finish half of it. Split this with someone if you don't eat like a lumberjack. The ambiance is pretty cool knowing you're sitting in the space space as some of our founding fathers once broke bread. Totally worth the splurge if you're looking for a historical experience and delicious food. TIP: they give you free bread to start, so lay off an appetizer if if you're trying to save $.
(5)Franklin M.
The place takes you back to yesteryear, if you are in Philly I recommend that you visit this place. The food was delicious but a bit pricey. To add to authenticity the waitresses should light the candles with matches and not lighters.
(4)Brad E.
Ok...so I know this place seems like a total tourist trap...and it is touristy for sure, but the food is legitimately good. We tried the pepperpot soup. It was spicy but not overly so. Good appetizer on a cold November day. The best dish we tried was the turkey pot pie. The crust was flaky and the filling was loaded with white breast meat and mushrooms bathed in a delicious broth. My wife's tavern lobster pie also gad a great crust. The filling was a little underwhelming. It was full of lobster and quality seafood but the sauce left something to be desired. I had the lamb chops. They were tender and cooked medium rare. The flavor was good but not top shelf. I washed it all down with a glass of wasel (spiced wine). Definitely the right drink for the occasion. I recommend trying this place if you are in town to see the sights. It is surprisingly good.
(4)Steven B.
In every large city there are eateries that if you ask a native about them you'll hear "tourist trap!" Is the City Tavern popular with tourists? You bet but don't dismiss them so quickly. They deserve a look and a taste. The atmosphere is wonderful and you are surrounded by history complete with period costumes for the staff. Said staff is also very knowledgeable about the early years of our country. As for the food, as many have said the recipes are supposedly from this time period. Most of it is quite heavy. I find it good but definitely not great. I do have a problem with the price point of the menu. With a drink or two, if you're not careful you can easily blow past $50 and head towards $75. For that price I expect a lot and for me they are not quite there. I suggest you try them for lunch before you commit to dinner. Even lunch won't be cheap but it will give you a chance to see if you like the style of food.
(3)Daniel G.
Just like old times of the founding fathers, this restaurant caters to your historical needs. We felt like we were back in time and very much enjoyed every part of our meal. We wish we could dine here more often. Here is our video of the place. youtu.be/jSt7XiVNjkE?t=4s
(5)Nicole D.
I wish I could rant and rave about the service and historical fun at City Tavern, but I'm here to say otherwise. Yes, the staff was dressed in colonial garb, but our waitress was far from friendly. We were there for drinks only, and were put in the back corner of the "bar", where workers were loading and unloading carts of glasses for the majority of the time we were there. Our waitress barely made eye contact with us as we ordered the beer sampler. There was no explanation of the significance of each beer upon their arrival (hey, we're tourists, we want to know this stuff), and a card with information was tossed, literally tossed, as an after thought onto our table. We did like the beers, esp Franklin's spruce, but due to the atmosphere and cold service, we decided not to stay for more. Our waitress murmured our total without even dropping off a check, she moseyed on back, grabbing by husband's debit card off the table and bringing it back in the same manner without even a "Have a nice day". We had better service and fun at the Irish pubs we stopped at along the way. Maybe if we were sat in the dining area the service would have been up to par. I would not recommend this place for drinks!
(2)Kai M.
I had my suspicions that this place was going to be the tourist trap that it looked like, but the GF and I have a serious love for all things historic and she finally bullied me into giving this place a shot. We went for lunch on Sunday. It was this perfect autumn day, crisp and sunny and warm all at the same time, and we were disappointed that outdoor seating was no longer an option (it's still September and was at least 70 outside, and more than that in the sun). Inside, we were led upstairs to a very stuffy room with no air circulation whatsoever. Our menus, and the table, contained advertisements for the chef's books and DVDs. Tacky. Very tacky. Service wasn't malicious, but that's about the kindest thing I can say about it. "Mediocre" seems generous. Staff were disinterested, inattentive, and bored. At one point I was apparently expected to eat my main entree with the dessert fork. When asked for a fork, the waiter first looked at the (perfectly good, apparently) dessert fork next to my plate, then at me with this quizzical expression, before finally acquiescing to my request. The food was only ok. We were expecting heavy dishes (we've seen the chef's show on PBS and know he's old-school German) but they were nothing special. I can say that the apps and mains were cooked reasonably well, but the presentation and flavor profiles left much to be desired. Dessert was clearly an afterthought, and the schpiel about "traditional" chocolate mousse cake was really just overkill. We spent a Benjamin (plus tip) on dining where Benjamin did. But you know what? He'd be ashamed.
(1)Jessica S.
My husband and I had dinner here over July 4th weekend, which is their busiest week of the year. The waitress was very friendly and was great at giving out recommendations. She also stopped dinner at one point to give a little history on the tavern. The service was on a slower end, though, compared to other restaurants. Our dinners were very good. The prices are a bit higher than most other restaurants for the same food, but not all restaurants are this historic and have servers in colonial outfits. :)
(4)Jennifer E.
City Tavern was the perfect experience for us. We went for dinner to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We loved the historic feel of the building and the old fashioned cuisine. The costumes were a little cheesy, but hey, what can you do? I had the roasted duckling and my husband had the rack of lamb. Both were served perfectly and were delicious. Now don't let the prices trick you.... the portion sizes are HUGE - especially when stacked against comparable restaurants. We easily could have split an entree. My husband sampled their beer - favorite was the Alexander Hamilton. Loved it so much, I bought the cookbook - which is OUTSTANDING. Not only are the recipes easy to understand... Chef Staib gives directions for finding the foods and the best way to prepare them. Absolutely love it. My only complaint was our waiter was kind of boring (showed no personality at all) and was far to quiet. In fact, he didn't even introduce himself when he came to table, which is bad customer service. The receipt said his name was Mike... so... Mike... you need to loosen up and speak up. Half the time we couldn't hear or understand him when he was talking to us. Overall, 2 thumbs up and we will definitely be returning when we head back to Philadelphia.
(4)Alex. B.
Stumbled across this place while walking around. We walked and were pleasantly greeted by two gentlemen in colonial period clothing. Decor and food seemed to be authentic from colonial times and we had a very nice time. Would very much recommend.
(4)Brian T.
Where else can you drink beer from the recipes of our forefathers? I went with the flight that had all 4 beers in tasting glasses. My fave, by a LONG SHOT, was the Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce from Ben Franklin's recipe
(5)Frank H.
Incredible place to eat with the ambiance and history! I fully recommend the West Indies Pepperpot Soup (if you don't mind spicy) and the Pork Chop "Apple-Wood Smoked". I actually ordered the Braised Rabbit with vegetable and egg noodles and gravy which was also good but I looked and got a taste of the Pork Chops and they were unbelievable!!!! Beware, portions are huge!
(4)Qingqing C.
Really good place. Food is delicious, I ordered a beer " Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale" and seafood pasta, really good! Enjoy it, nice place.
(4)Steve C.
I acted as a tour guide for some friends, and we found ourselves here for lunch. Pros: Ambiance, food, beers, quick service, and general layout of the restaurant (we were by ourselves in our section). I had the rabbit, and the portion was huge. I also had the Thomas Jefferson off the beer list. I'm assuming it was the same selection brewed by Yard's. It was a great beer and enhanced the experience, but only have one because drinks are very expensive. The server was okay. Our table was by the waitstation - if you're really into the experience, then watching your colonially dressed server on her smartphone in the station will be off-putting.
(4)Kevin C.
City Tavern is easily one of my top 5 places to dine in Philadelphia, especially when I'm with my fiancee or family. The historical Old World atmosphere is incredible, and if you just want to stop in to check the building out it is totally worth your time. Now, onto the more important items, food and drinks! The food is not only bursting with flavor and originality, but the portions are massive and the dishes are all very well presented. My favorite appetizers are the Cornmeal Fried Oysters and the Mallard Duck Sausages, with the oysters probably being the best out of the two. As for the dinner main course my go to favorite is the Turkey Pot Pie which is absolutely to die for. It comes packed full of turkey and vegetables with a savory sherry cream sauce, a firm yet flaky crust, and a side of egg noodles covered in a delectable brown gravy (just typing this has me wanting to go back for some). It's very filling so if you are going to go with this you're probably better off skipping the appetizer and ordering an extra beer (which I will get to in a moment). Some other main course favorites of mine are the Braised Rabbit and the Tenderloin tips & Mushrooms, both of which are phenomenal. Once again, pretty much every main course is filling so be careful not to over order. When it comes to drinks City Tavern does them just as well as they do food, which is to say they are nothing short of awesome. If you have never had any of the beers from the "Ales of the Revolution" line by Yards I highly recommend getting the tasting flight which allows you to taste all 4, a deal not worth passing up on. My favorite is the "Thomas Jefferson Ale" (I LOVE stronger beers and this clocks in at 8% ABV), but each one is very good. If you aren't much of a beer person City Tavern also offers a wide selection of mixed drinks (many which were popular during the Colonial period) and they seem to always have the perfect one for each season. All things considered, City Tavern is an excellent restaurant and an even better place to take friends or family for an intimate, yet simple, dinner. I highly recommend trying it at least once, because odds are, you'll be looking forward to coming back again and again!
(4)Athena O.
Start with the crab cakes and try the fried tofu. Yummy. And, you can't beat the history of the building and area.
(4)Tara L.
Wow, this was an awesome historic restaurant, awesome food and excellent service. First of all, I was totally tempted to stick a pewter (?) goblet in my bag (I did resist that temptation though) because they are so nice and kept the cold water colder than anything I've ever encountered. We started out with the pepper pot soup (having seen it on Best Thing I Ever Ate) Celeste had the turkey pot pie which was amazing...creamy filling with a crispy puff crust. Eric's smoked pork chop with mashed potatoes was more similar to a thick cut of ham but that wasn't a bad thing at all. It had the perfect amount of salt and smoke. The potatoes were just plain but perfect with the flavor of the ham. My beef tips with mushrooms and noodles were perfect. The gravy was thick and each piece of meat was cooked to tender fork cutting perfection. For dessert, Celeste and I shared a slice of cheesecake with berries on top. It was her choice and it ended up being a fantastic dessert. Eric had a glass of madeira (sp?) which we both enjoyed. Great service from all the waitstaff and the histories beers were really good. I got a sampler and liked them all.
(4)Angel H.
It's like those three lines from that Gang of Four song, "At Home He's A Tourist." "At home he feels like a tourist/He fills his head with culture/He gives himself an ulcer." I really miss this place. The other reviewers pretty much covered everything. The waitstaff is costumed in historical dress, and the beer is good. Would love to come here again.
(5)Nicolas M.
What a charming eatery near the Independence Mall and so close to some of Philly's best historical attractions. My cousin, her friend, and myself came in here for lunch today before going to see some sights. I had looked at this place online, but forgot that it was a historically themed restaurant. I loved the history and reputation of this place and the rather attractive hosts/servers dressed in full colonial garb that help to comprise the atmosphere of an 18th century pub in London. Upon entering, I was soothed and charmed by the sound of a harpsichord playing some lively background music. The quaint interior of the place is quite lovely and we were seated by a sweet waitress who politely informed us of the day's specials which were quite appealing but sounded rather pricey! I wound up ordering the Braised Rabbit having never eaten a rodent before but knowing that rabbits were often hunted for food. What I did not know was that my portion was to be very large, leaving me wishing that we had come here for dinner instead! Although I couldn't quite finish my dish, I have to say that the meal was very well done and tasty. I had to dig through the succulent sauce and finely cooked veggies in order to get to the shank of rabbit. My table-mates enjoyed their meals as well and we left happy and satisfied knowing that we had eaten in one of the city's finest and most popular restaurants. When I return to the City of Brotherly Love, I will surely be coming back here. I've never eaten in such a unique restaurant or had "historical" cuisine. Bravo.
(4)Rina C.
I always love checking out old places and restaurant that's been running for a long time. So, I like this place a lot. over 200 years and still running. order the famous beer sampler, a brandy cocktail (too drunk to remember the name but it's very strong) and bread sampler (breads a actually pretty good). knowing that many famous people, such as Washington, from many years ago was here drinking and dining, it's great to be able to enjoy the same beer and bread that they had. I also really like the uniform the waiter and waitress wears. really make me feel like I am back in time.
(5)Indra Z.
I love this place! Please try the Wassail and Raspberry Shrub during the holiday season, and the Turkey Pot Pie. The bread is delicious! The low-lights seem very fitting of the 18th century.
(4)Whitney R.
Have you ever asked yourself "After a long day of writing a document that would start a war, how did Jefferson like his rabbit cooked?" or "I wonder if George Washington liked his dressing on the side?" Well at City Tavern you can party like is 1799. Grab a falgen of iced tea and get a good meal before standing in line at the Liberty Bell. I recommend this place as the perfect lunch spot to take your grandma while you show her the historical sights of Philadelphia- at least thats what I did. The food is good, the waiters are colonial and the building is nicely historic. Bottom Line: Go here with family visiting you, not otherwise.
(3)Miz V.
This dining experience was an excellent send off for two very good friends in our group. From our arrival to our exit we were treated with the best of service.Let's start with our server. Not only did she have a vast knowledge of each meal she also told us stories about the history of the building. My soup was great.My rabbit dish was plentiful and seasoned to perfection, with loads of noodles and vegetables in a nice thick brown gravy.Good thing I wore the pants I did.Dessert was outstanding .If you love chocolate like I do order their cake.I actually had to split it with one of my dining partners.Did I tell you about my mulled apple cider? On a cold night these old bones were warmed nicely. As we were leaving the other server escorted us out amusing us with more tales.I will be back for lunch. Check out the glass case as you exit. Work well done deserves many awards and more .
(5)Mike G.
I'm a big history buff and eating at the City Tavern always takes me back to what it must have been like during the time of the revolution. It is a cool place to go. I recommend the turkey pot pie, very good. All kinds of historical food choices, makes the dining experience fun when in the birthplace of our nation.
(5)Jen K.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. I try to go at least once a year. The building is not original, but the original one was an extremely influential building in colonial America. It burned down in the 19th c., and was rebuilt in the 1950s. The waitstaff is costumed, and I've run into Ben Franklin here more than once. The menu and drinks are all period 18th c. The beer is excellent and locally brewed by Yards, an awesome Philly brewery. They sell take home growlers. I've never eaten anything I didn't absolutely love. Even the pre-dinner rolls are delicious. I've had numerous items from the dinner menu, and although I keep going back to the duck, I really can't say which is the best (probably the duck :) although the trout is really up there too). They also have great prices on their pre-fixe large group menus. Go. You will not regret a penny of it.
(5)Matt D.
If you are touring the historic district of Philadelphia grabbing five beers at this tavern is something you have to do... The beer is brewed from the original recipes of our founding fathers. I was a fan of Thomas Jeffersons recipe, the fifth was just as tasty as the first... Try them all in a sampler of 4 4oz beers. The staff is dresses in authentic 1770's clothing and were all very knowledgable about the history of the building which made the interaction a lot of fun. The building itself is just as it appeared in the 1770's. Painstakingly reconstructed from old blueprints and insurance documents. This stop is highly recommended for anyone who has put a full day of sight seeing in. Enjoy the candlelit tavern after dark. Cheers bitches!
(4)Sara V.
My husband and I were exploring Philly and decided to keep our historical day going with a trip to City Tavern. Upon entering, the place looked absolutely adorable. We loved the feel of it and loved the history that went with it. We grabbed a cozy seat in the Bar Room and started looking at the menu. After sitting there for 10 minutes without so much as a greeting, my husband got up to find our server. We honestly didn't know if we had to order on our own because we were only grabbing drinks or what. He finds someone and they explain that the server will be over momentarily. Finally, our server comes over. No smile. No hello. Just a "what are you having?" We order our drinks - for me the Tavern Warmer and for my hubs the beer sampler. Fifteen minutes pass by and our drinks finally arrive. The place wasn't exactly jam packed and there were 2 people behind the bar. Why it took so long? I don't know. The beer sample was missing one of the 4 beers and the server promised to bring it over once the keg was replaced. Meanwhile, while we're waiting, we noticed that the couple next to us was growing increasingly annoyed. We shared the same server and we gathered that she wasn't exactly speedy. From the time we sat down to the time we received our drinks, they had YET to receive their check. They were fuming and rightly so. When the server finally brings it over, she realizes she forgot to charge them for something and goes to turn around. The patron says just take my card and run it. I don't care. The server replies that the credit card machine is broken so the girl pulls out cash and throws it at her. We then watched to see how long it'd take for her to return - 10 minutes. AGAIN. I see the steam pouring out of the girls ears. She gives the server a $2 tip and leaves. We think - wow, that sucks - but when we received the same exact treatment and saw that the server took FORTY MINUTES to take the new people's order next to us, we stopped feeling so bad. On top of that, she never returned with the new sample of beer she promised. We had to ask another server for it. DOn't think we'll be going back here. The servers all seem cranky and not wanting to be there. And on top of that, I got a nasty stomach ache from the Warmer.
(2)Paulito M.
THE BEST RESTAURANT I'VE EVER BEEN TO. The cornmeal chicken tenders is my favorite thing ever!!! Also Martha Washington's mousse cake. Go there every year for my b-day and it gets better and better!!!!!!
(5)Erik H.
I'm glad they went with the 18th century recipes they did and not like, meat scraps and porridge, which is what anyone who wasn't Thomas Jefferson probably ate. In any case, the food here is good enough and I was pretty fond of old TJ's beer recipe. Our waiter was a fun guy as well, breaking character to give us his take on Revolutionary history and the whole character acting thing. It's not the original building, but it's all inspired by the original City Tavern and late 18th century shenanigans, and I would recommend the place to any tourist coming to Philadelphia looking for a little history (re: everyone).
(4)John M. I.
The City Tavern is an eating establishment that cannot be truly appreciated without understanding its most crucial distinction...not only is it a place where history comes alive in the service, decor and cuisine...but a place that...if you allow it...will transport you to another time. A time when the fate of a people was hanging in the balance and a nascent republic was taking its first clumsy steps on the world stage. While I certainly don't know the man personally Chef Walter Staib has done an outstanding job of recreating the feel, taste and small of a bygone era. I dare say that I have not sampled such unique table fare in all of my travels. Make no mistake...I'm willing to try anything and have certainly done so...but the food here and its adherence to culinary history make it truly special. While you can go for lunch or dinner service I highly recommend the time in between on a weekday. Things are generally more quiet and it will give you the chance to take in all that this wonderful establishment has to offer. On my most recent visit I had the good fortune on arriving at a nearby parking garage on a rainy afternoon. As I crossed through Welcome Park and passed the Thomas Bond House I looked ahead at a most welcome sight...The City Tavern. As the water struck my rain jacket...running down over the brim of my hood...the weight of my back pack settling onto my shoulders...I could almost imagine what it must have been like for the weary traveler of a time long past...weary from a long journey...a time less certain than the one in which we live...a time when someplace like a tavern wasn't merely a respite from the elements...but more importantly...your salvation from them. I was quickly greeted as I entered the hall and was seated, thankfully, by a window. Doffing my pack, jacket and hat I sat down and watched the rain...happy to be indoors with a chance to consider just what I wanted to do with my day in the city. My server was a man named Ray and he was dressed in period clothing. Iced cold water was served in a pewter chalice and I was informed of the specials. I chose to start off with an appetizer of Mallard Duck Sausage that was served with sweet and sour cabbage and my main entree consisted of Seafood Pasta in a white wine sauce. Both dishes were amazingly flavorful and the chilled apple cider was the perfect compliment to both. Later, while finishing my raspberry tart for dessert, Ray was nice enough to engage me in a conversation while he went about his duties. Turns out that Ray has had quite an interesting and varied career in the restaurant business...cooking since he was the age of five...Ray has held many jobs in the industry including serving aboard an actual working steamship on the Mississippi River. He was also an amazing resource, not only on Philadelphia...but much of the region as well. Nothing better than someone taking pride in their work and helping to enhance an already superior dining experience. Needless to say...I'm not much of a planner...I prefer spontaneity and the randomness of surprise that it often brings. My stop at The City Tavern is a fantastic example of how the best trips we take...are the ones where we plan the least...the ones where we let out senses and imagination take us in whatever direction they dictate. And best of all...the day was just getting started.
(5)Melissa H.
I think this is one of the most unique restaurants in Philadelphia and deserves a visit when you're in town. It's supposed to be the oldest restaurant in the city and they are very authentic in trying to keep up with the theme. The waiters are all in period clothing and the table ware was authentic with metal cups! (Note: there was also a bit of a stench, I'm assuming from the old wood, so if you have a sensitive nose it might not be the most pleasant meal for you) As for the food and drinks, we came for lunch and I ordered the colonial beer sampler which consisted of a flight of beer: Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams who brewed or drank in the past. Very interesting tastes. For my entree, I had the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie. I haven't eaten too many pot pies in my lifetime, but I really enjoyed this one. It was very wholesome and the flaky crust was delicious with the hot creamy turkey creation underneath, perfect for a chilly day. For dessert, we ordered the coffee cake which was super moist on the inside and crumbly on the outside. Super delicious and was also a hefty slice. Overall, this restaurant was really fun and definitely worth it for the experience, but I probably won't make it a frequent stop.
(3)Jeffrey F.
Fantastic ambiance and food. They know how to make you feel welcome! The historic building, harp player, wait service staff, easy parking, and delicious food all contributed to a memorable experience. We can't wait to return.
(5)Cherie C.
Yet another review that disappeared. I can't recall all of what I ate, but I do know that we were all impressed. I was skeptical, expecting a tourist trap. But City Tavern tries to offer an historic dining experience. The decor, while sparse, is closer to what colonials might have experienced. So is the food. Ingredients tend to be those that early Philadelphians might have enjoyed (if they had lots of money). So you'll find grains like barley instead of pasta or rice. It was delicious with a good texture. It was all well-prepared and tasted good. Each of us tried a shrub cocktail, which was pretty enjoyable as well. In all, it was a fun historical experience that was low on cheese and taught us a few things, all while enjoying a good meal.
(4)Michael P.
City Tavern is a good restaurant for tourist and philly locals. I had a chance to dine here during lunch with my in-laws and the food was pretty good. The plus about the City Tavern and Philadelphia is the history, to dine in the same tavern as notables like George Washington was indescribable. I ordered the Giant Cornmeal Fried Oysters with herbed remoulade (appetizer) and the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie (entree), Chef Walter Staib's did not dissapoint, my food was quite delicious. The customer service was A+, our waiter gave us some key insight behind the city tavern. Overall the food and my experience was great.
(5)Kelly G.
My friend and I went to Philly on the spur of the moment for a concert. I decided to extend our trip a few days so that we could explore the city and it's food! Many people and several web sites suggested City Tavern as a "must" to experience. I had high expectations for the ambience but not the food. I am a Pescetarian and fairly health conscious. Based on the menu I anticipated the food might be a bit heavy. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly woman dressed in period garb. Charming! The tavern has been lovingly and painstakingly restored. The day was grey and rainy and that lent even more to the ambience. We were seated by a window with a taper candle glowing softly at our table. They are known for their home brewed ale courtesy of our Founding Fathers recipes, so of course we did a tasting! What fun! My favorite was Ben Franklin's ale recipe. I must tell you, I have a huge crush on Ben, so I may be a bit biased ;) Our waiter was akward and not very helpful with menu choices. My friend ordered the lobster pot pie. I ordered Ben Franklin's fried tofu dish (big surprise!). The pot pie was very good but very rich. My salad was fresh and the tofu was presented on pasta noodles. Tasty but heavy as I expected. After lunch my friend stepped into the bar for a snap shot, she got a snap all right, the bartender told her he didn't like his photo taken! :( Overall, the Tavern is lovely and the food is good. If you like light healthy food just order a salad and a tankard of Ben's ale!
(3)Jessica M.
City Tavern is a Philadelphia gem! It is the quintessential example of the intersection of good food and the history of our great city. On my first visit I was part of a very large party (there were 19 of us) and the staff handled our service, meal preparation and neediness with ease and grace. The food was fantastic, you absolutely have to try the turkey pot pie, if your grandma has ever made one for you, I guarantee that this one will rival hers ... and save room for dessert, Martha Washington's recipes are to die for!
(5)Anthony A.
Great food; very heavy & rich. Easily fill your appetite. Great brew selection ( their own brew ). Great service...
(5)Stacey O.
Ok, beer= awesome! a beer made with spruce and molases rather than hopps? TRY IT!.. crab cakes= order 2 helpings! i am not much of an adventurist when it comes to meat- co workers had duck, which they do often & said it was the best EVER, same with venison. Pepper pot soup = delish! GREAT atmosphere, and the staff and service deserve 6 stars!! now.. midiera? well... you should try it, just because you are there. i am not a whimpy drinker- but holy cow was it strong.. nice flavor though. I did learn, i can never be a ' baller" SO WORTH GOING HERE WHILE IN PHILLY
(4)Robert F.
I took my girlfriend here for a date several weeks ago. I'm not going to touch upon the ambiance, which is very good, but on the quality of the food and the service. It was our first time at City Tavern, so we asked the waiter what he recommends. He told us the medallions of venison and roasted duck. Taking his advice, my gf ordered the venison medallions while i opted for the roasted duck. We also ordered the West Indies pepper pot soup, which we agreed was good, but not great. I doubt I will order the soup again or I may try a different type. The only other soups on the menu that evening was black bean soup and turkey noodle soup. After the waiter took our orders, he brought us homemade bread which tasted pretty good, although not best I've had. I always try not to fill up the bread, but they certainly do give you enough to call it an appetizer! Next came the entrees. They were both amazing, although I wouldn't personally order the venison medallions. I was tempting to try the tavern lobster pie, but the price (over $40) pulled me into the roasted duck. I hardly even have roasted duck so I'm not certainly how it's supposed to be cooked, glazed, etc. but this surely tasted very good. It was extremely filing and had a great taste to it. My only recommendations for it is to try it but only eat soup or a small piece of the bread before. Our entrees also came with herb barley, which was in large portion and very good. Service was excellent and we will return. The only negative I see are the prices (entrees $18-45, soup $7.50)
(4)Douglas P.
Its the city Tavern. It should be required eating in the US. The history alone is unbelievable. The food is good and where else can you get the beers of Washington, Jefferson, Monroe and Franklin.
(5)Jeff O.
My wife and I love City Tavern. We understand that it is in some ways a tourist attraction, but you should look past that. The food is the reason we go. My wife's favorite is the Lobster Pie. Lobster anything is often a hit with her, but this one even more so. My favorite is the George Washington Beer. It is obvious that George knew how to take care of his men. But I can always find something interesting to eat, too. We came with friends several months ago as part of an after hours tour of Independence Hall. If this is the type of thing that strikes your fancy, I highly recommend it.
(4)Jen T.
Worth it for the historical novelty, but maybe not so much for the price. We were in the area looking at the historical stuff and were hoping to stop by dinner. Unfortunately, prices were way steeper than what we were willing to pay for what some reviews said was mediocre food. So instead, we sat in the bar and got some drinks. We shared the Tavern Warmer, the flight of beers, and duck sausage. The duck sausage was good. It was juicy and flavorful, but for $12 we got two sausages (sadface). The tavern warmer was also delicious--hot apple cider with a hodgepodge of liquors. It smelled very strong but did not taste like it. It was the perfect wintry drink. For the flight, it basically offered samples of beer recipes of 7 of our Founding Fathers, ranging from dark to light. My favorite was probably Thomas Jefferson's. Service was good. Our waitress was pretty knowledgeable about the menu and explained things when we had questions. Kind of a tourist trap, but hey, I'm a tourist.
(3)Brooke W.
Wear your stretchy pants if you are going here for dinner! I actually didn't eat for two days afterwards, which is NOT normal for me. We went here for my mother-in-law's birthday dinner on a Saturday afternoon. We were all dressed up, but didn't need to be, all the other patrons were very casual and there were surprisingly a lot of children there. I started off with the mushroom toast, had a special of saffron and shrimp linguine for my entree and a raspberry torte with vanilla ice cream for dessert. They do give you homemade bread and butter to munch on while you wait for your meal. The mushroom toast was TO DIE FOR! After I got home I looked it up on Chef Staib's website and could definitely see why. Who wouldn't love a piece of bread soaked in butter, then cooked in a pan of butter and cream, topped with mushrooms cooked in butter and sherry??? See how many times I said butter there?!? My entree was also very good, it was very tasty and had at least 6 jumbo shrimp in it. (Although I hate when they keep the tails on...I don't get that.) Getting dessert was overkill, but what the heck, it was a celebration dinner! The raspberry torte came out warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top - it was good, but at that point I was beyond stuffed. Add a cup of coffee and I was ready to be rolled out. Yes, it is very expensive and I noticed a couple of other tables look shocked when they got their checks. But the waitstaff being dressed in period correct clothing is cool, as is the ambiance. Service could have been slightly better, we did have to ask a few times for water refills and another beer for the hubs, but other than that, it was delicious.
(4)Leslie M.
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!... ^_^ Certainly a one of a kind eating scene in Philly at least... At first glimpse it seems just one of those kitschy tourist traps where you pay too much money to have bearded men in britches serving you. But I found myself eating lunch here last week and was pleasantly surprised! Ambiance: Authentic classic colonial america space & decor & even more authentic 21st century Philly tourists / families. Service: Courteous and informative servers that were helpful in offering suggestions & background of some of the truly historic dishes. Food: Hot damn Martha Washington can make a mean turkey pot pie! (though actually she never cooked her recipes...apparently she just made the recipe and had her cooks make it for her to taste test). But seriously this pot pie had me all hot and bothered for pot pies for the next week. They offer a generous supply of bread in the beginning of the meal which were a bit dry for the most part but I attributed that element to the authenticity...? My lunch partners enjoyed their soups immensely and as for entrees - we all unanimously chose the pot pie and boy were we satisfied. Hats off to you Martha Washington! Drinks: As it was lunch time, I didn't indulge myself on the very tempting beer flights that I spied on their menu. I have tried their beer selections before on a separate occasion and I do recall enjoying their tavern ales. I recommend a visit to City Tavern, if you nod yes to any of the following: a) have touristy friends looking for the ye olde "Philadelphia" experience b) are a history nerd & have attended a Renaissance Fair at some point c) LOVE pot pie d) enjoy a little kitsch time to time yourself!
(3)Melissa V.
Love everything about this place! Pricey but completely worth it! The food is excellent and the service is flawless. I recommend the turkey pot pie and bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. This is a great place to take out of town guests.
(5)Meg B.
Definitely a great place for tourists. The decor and colonial feel is a perfect to the Old City neigbhorhood. After a few years of working in the neighborhood, I finally got to check this place out for Restaurant week with some co-workers. The waitor was a little too serious for my liking- I don't know if he was just playing the part ( he was decked out in colonial get-up) or if he was just having a bad day. The food was ok- nothing special or making me want to rush back, especially for the price I do like how the menu relates to the time period for the most part. The drink menu does as well. I would take out of towners back here for sure but I'm in no rush to get back there myself.
(3)Lisa T.
This restaurant caterers to tourists, but who cares, it was exactly what I wanted to do in Philadelphia! Our server was a historian and she told us facts about the building. Ben Franklin came over and had a chat with our table which was a nice touch. The food was excellent too. Had the Pepperpot Pie because I had seen it on the Food Network (amazing if you like hot), mushroom toast appetizer and the Turkey Pot Pie. The Turkey pot pie was really large and there was a lot of cream. I wish I had split it with someone at my table because it was too rich to eat for one. The noodles that came with it were saturated in a gravy that I didn't find to be that good. The Jefferson Beer was worth going in for alone. My one suggestion would be to have background music. Something colonial or just classical music. The ambiance could have been improved with this. Overall, great "dinning experience" if you are interested in getting a true taste of Philadelphia.
(4)Stacey M.
Pricey for what it ended up being.... fine, but not that great. The place itself definitely has some charm. The food was just "meh." It wasn't worth the cost. It doesn't even seem worth writing about, I kind of just want to forget that it exists.
(2)Whitney H.
I truly enjoyed this place. The food is as authentic as it can be, and there's a fabulous variety. What a cool experience to eat and socialize where our founding fathers stayed and ate and debated! Waitstaff is very friendly and accommodating. The bread was just ok, but my duckling was phenomenal, and the blueberry cobbler (served warm and a la mode!) was fantastic! Highly recommended--and this is coming from a waitress at a similar Colonial restaurant in DC!
(5)Mike D.
It was $17 for two beers that tasted like liquid pine tree. Yikes...next.
(2)Em D.
City Tavern was recommended to us as a tourist attraction where the servers are dressed in colonial garb and the food was decent. Probably would rate it a 3-1/2 star. We were not disappointed by the service and fairly good food. We were seated on time of our reservation even though the restaurant was a little crowded. The waiters were responsive and friendly. The pot pie was excellent, but the roast pork was just fair (maybe a little on the overcooked side). Dinner portions were decent but the dessert portions were very generous.
(3)Chris F.
Both I, and my family, are reasonable patrons. Undisturbed by a rough ambience, loud bar guests, or even poor location, our main objective when finding a place to eat is to find good food, attentive service, and intelligent pricing. Unfortunately, City Tavern proved to be a terrible combination of the worst. The ambience was fine, as expected, but the service was lazy, the food was improperly prepared (cold), and the pricing wasn't congruent with the less-than-diner like food quality. Having spent 10 years in the restaurant business, from dishwasher to part-owner, it's a shame to see a true establishment losing credibility over what appears to be ineffective management. Do not eat here. It is not worth it.
(1)Amy L.
The food was really good and the portions huge. I have to agree with other reviewers here, the turkey pot pie and beer sampler are top notch. The history of the place makes it a lot of fun. I would definitely go back despite the rather pricey menu.
(5)cassie r.
I learned a very important lesson whilst dining at the City Tavern last week. Our founding fathers were not only great leaders, but extraordinarily talented brewers. While Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin and George Washington knew their way around a beer, my favorite by far was Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. I highly recommend the sampler so you can try all four, but if you're jonesin a tall, cold adult bev, TJ's version is the way to go. As far the accompanying meal, City Tavern's menu is a bevy of scrumptious options. I opted for roast duckling, and while a bit pricey, it was succulent with a bit of sweet via the side of mango chutney. And their bread is A-FLIPPIN-MAZING. I loves most bread, but this is a whole other level of good. Don't be ashamed if you have to ask for another basket to be brought out...I sure wasn't. This place has a ton of history, which is enough reason to visit at least once. The great food,drink and atmosphere is probably going to convince you a return visit might be necessary. If I didn't live in Chicago, I would happily be a City Tavern regular.
(4)Barb D.
The staff was friendly and courteous and prompt. The food was mediocre. The pomme frites were clearly frozen french fries. The turkey in the pot pie was so gristly as to be inedible. Very disappointing."
(1)Joel B.
Enjoyed my stop in at City Tavern. The decor is obviously pretty cool, and the locale is great for those who want to sight see before or after a good meal. The staff are pretty efficient and polite, but don't really seem to fit their outfits, haha. The food and beer were amazing...I had the pork chop. It was basically the Filet Mignon of pork chops! The beer selection is small, but each one has its own distinct character that helps them cover the entire spectrum for beer lovers. Definitely would recommend (as would the rest of Philly, probably)!
(4)Mariam R.
Dined here in Dec. 2009 while spending a few days sightseeing in Philly. We found a "buy one, get one half off" coupon and decided to use it for dinner on our last night in the city. Loved this place!! The staff are dressed in colonial attire, the dinnerware is a replica of colonial dinnerware - everything in this place is done as if you were dining during colonial times (can you tell I've never been to colonial Williamsburg?). The building is from the 1700's. Anyway, the food was delicious, the portions were huge - or maybe we just shouldn't have had those cheesesteak's for lunch? There was a gentleman playing the harp in the hallway, which was very pleasant. The hot mulled wine was wonderful! We'll be back next time we're in Philly!
(4)Blaine H.
An absolute must see, even if it is also a visitor attraction. Get the sample of beer...it includes the George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton brews. I personally like the IPA (Alexander Hamilton), but the George Washington and the Jefferson beer are almost as good. I like the feel of City Tavern and it is period correct, save for the electricity and those that are required by law. The costumes are great and the food is superb. Try the Turkey Pot Pie or the Lobster Pie. Just make sure you bring an appetite. The last time I went, a friend and I actually split one. The restaurant did two separate orders, so that was a great surprise. It was very relaxing and I strongly recommend City Tavern. It's a bit of the 1770's in Philadelphia.
(5)Jesse C.
I found this place to be rather normal and non noteworthy from a beer perspective. We ordered a couple beer samplers to find out what was available. Of the 4 available I didn't care for any one in particular. Nothing wrong with the beer but I simply enjoy a hoppier beer. The sampler was $15 which we found to be a fair price. Interesting place to see with the apparent history behind it, but I for sure won't return next time. I didn't have any food here since we had just eaten at Jims Steaks, but it looked too pricey for what I saw from other patrons plates.
(3)Nikki R.
With all of the period costume, candles and historic place settings/food choices, I expected this to be a tourist trap and as a result my expectations were not really high. Despite some of the touristy aspects, we had a nice meal. The bread was delicious and unique. We also tried the beer sampler, which provided four different types of microbrewed beer, each representing a recipe from an historic president/figure. Our appetizers were ok - my fiancee ordered the beef and barley soup, which turned out to be somewhat bland. I ordered the corn meal friedn oysters, which were fine - a bit dry in the end. But our Lobster Pie made up for all that. Our waitress had the kitchen split the usually large pie into two smaller ones, since we were splitting the order. It was delicious! Lots of lobster, the sauce was rich and flavorful, mushrooms were great. And the portion size was quite large. We left feeling quite full and happy!
(4)Rebekka T.
As I walked up to City Tavern on Thanksgiving day, I noticed in front an almost life-sized cutout of George Washington. I joked, "hey, wouldn't it be funny if everyone here was dressed like him?" Oops. This historical and theatrical venue seemed perfect for Thanksgiving, and it turned out to be a fine afternoon, save a few annoyances. My main complaint was that our table (we had a party of 8) was littered with postcard advertisements, a DVD, and a historical looking letter all trying to sell the Chef's books and videos. Considering that Thanksgiving dinner was $85 a person, (way overpriced, but I was with my BF's parents), you think they would refrain from trying to squeeze more dollars from you. It was obnoxious and tasteless. As for the food, it was mediocre. Appetizer was cold and kind of gross, something you'd buy in bulk from Costco. Salad was a salad - nothing special. The main course, turkey with all the sides etc. was good, turkey was cooked well, and they kept re-filling our plates as we asked. But there was nothing special about it, just very typical dishes, prepared decently. I would have given only 2 stars but our waiter, I believe his name was Bernie, made our experience relaxed and enjoyable and was very attentive and polite. Still, I doubt I would go back based on the food and price.
(3)Michelle A.
A great bit of history to include on your tour of Philadelphia. While I have not yet had the chance to taste the foodstuffs, the historic beverages were great! They offer a beer flight for just over $10.00 which includes four ounce servings of four historic recipes. Each recipe is the favorite of one of our founding fathers--from Washington to Franklin. They vary from light ales to stouts and are a true taste of history. I also tried the wassail. Our server was awesome and not only discussed the beverages, he also found the recipe in one of the Tavern cookbooks and shared it with me. He was quite awesome. We are planning a return trip centered around a lunch at the Tavern.
(4)Caroline F.
This is a good place to go if you're visiting the city of Philadelphia. All of the waiters dress in late 1700s clothes and all of the food on the menu would have been available during Revolutionary War times. That being said, it's not just for tourists, and is also a cool place for Philly natives -- the atmosphere is cool as it mimics the time period, and the food is tasty. Definitely a must-dine place if you are in the area.
(4)Adam L.
Boo. Tourist trap crap. Sausage tasted like hot dogs. the "founding fathers" beer recipes were suspect and our disinterested yet authentically dressed waitress used a bic lighter to get our lamp lit. On the plus side, there's some cool old maps on the walls, and the building is cozy.
(2)Jason L.
First stop of our long weekend in Philly. Based on the other reviews, we were more interested in checking out the ambiance rather than eating dinner there. From the moment we walked through the door we were impressed. Great for reminding yourself of the history of Philly. We enjoyed a flight of beers (TJ's is definitely the best), a shrub martini (good) and crabcakes (excellent). We were seated outside in the backyard and ate at a bench--nice but not as intimate as inside. But it gave us a great view of the building and we now know that the BEST place to eat here, weather permitting, is the 2nd floor porch/balcony.
(4)Clelia S.
Food was delicious. Large portions. Great service. Apparently, George Washington's inaugural ball was held in the upstairs dining area. This turned into an inebriated discussion about balls in the hall with our friendly and witty server. Marta Washington's chocolate cake is delicious and not too sweet. Everyone enjoyed their meals; not one complaint.
(5)Vlad K.
This has to be one of the few MUSTs in Philly. Between the history, the atmosphere, the originality (of both the place itself and the menu), the history - it's basically one of the kind. Definitely a place you have to visit at least once (and make your own opinion and if you have out of town visitors it is the best place for lunch after going to the Independence Hall - Carpenter's Hall - Franklin House)...
(5)Jeff V.
We circled the block to find a place to eat and were pleasantly surprised when we choose the City Tavern. The atmosphere and old style feeling was pretty cool. The food was average, nothing (at leas for me) that blew me away. The service was below average. My dinner party was 5 total people and dinner took over 2 hours, and we ordered almost immediately after sitting down. This is why I have to give it 3 stars and not 4. With that said, if you have the time and want to eat at an older style restaurant this place is for you!
(3)Mark C.
Had a very good meal. I had the West Indies Pepper Pot soup (much fresher than what I remember having as a youth) and the tender medallions of venison (the rosemary-bourbon sauce made the dish). My wife enjoyed her seafood pasta dish. Service was pleasant, but with a sense of the history of the place. Would go back again.
(4)Dana M.
The food was delicious, plus the authentic bread and beverages were great. The mushroom toast was fabulous. Amazing history and lovely, authentic atmosphere. Our server was a downside, he was fast but so abrupt, as we stood up to leave he asked if we'd like to know anything about the tavern - I really thought that would happen about 90 minutes back.
(4)Kelly W.
The best thing about Philly is the food... I've gained 5 pounds within the past 3 months. We have been wanting to try out City Tavern for awhile and finally did last night. I had the Chicken Madeira, with mashed potatos and the vegetable of the season, which was squash and zucchini. It was excellent. So good... comfort food! The atmosphere was wonderful. It was like eating in the old days with Ben Franklin. For dessert, I had the chocolate moose cake which was outstanding with a glass of cold milk. It was great!!!!! I have to commend the staff. Our waiter was excellent. He had a great personality, he was extremely knowledgeable and he really made the experience better... he took it to the next level. The price was reasonable for the food as well as the experience. Additionally, we had a buy one, get one free (meal) coupon. We forgot about until after the bill came, but it was no worries, our waiter took care of it with a smile! I think we'll go again when my parents visit.
(5)jenny A.
I'm super bummed to be writing a bad review for this place. I was so stoked to go here because I was attending the Jane Austen conference across the road and have been experimenting with eating early 19th century as much as possible. I thought I'd found the one restaurant in existence appropriate to the Jane Austen diet. I was excited. The ambiance is wonderful with the waitstaff in costume, the pewter mugs etc. The beer was great although possibly different from what I ordered. The beer recipe was supposedly "spruce beer" which while delicious it was not authentic "spruce beer." Either they brought me the wrong thing or they just pretty much named an ale variety "spruce" to give it a more authentic feel. The bread was really good and did have an authentic taste to it. The mini muffins were supposedly a Thomas Jefferson recipe. I'm assuming that's Jefferson's cook's recipe since I can't imagine 18th century plantation master really did his own baking. The soup I had was pretty good though not authentic to the colonial era at all. They also brought me the wrong one first and then it could have been hotter when it did arrive. Also the portion size was miniscule for $9. My lunch companion ordered some elaborately named salad which turned out to be chef salad and pretty mediocre at that. Our total bill for one small soup, large salad, bread, one beer and gratuity was nearly $50. That is really ridiculous, even in a tourist area. The JASNA group were having a prix fix meal here on the last day of the conference and it was $95. From what I saw of the service and food quality, I really hope they got their money's worth but I doubt it. I'd like to come back here sometime when I am hungrier and have more money to try some other things on the menu. It's kind of a bummer that such a potentially amazing place has the feel of a tourist trap.
(2)Matthew E.
Great atmosphere and fantastic food. Great olde world charm and good service. The old style beers are fantastic and everything I ate was delicious.
(5)Jessica D.
This was the location for our one our company's special dinners for us the staff and one of our major committees. We started going up the stairs and onto a small balcony where we had a bar and got out appetites ready for a nice dinner. We then proceeded to the dining room that was set apart for us and I totally loved it, it was completely what you'd think the fathers of our country experienced in decor, service, and food back in the heyday. The food was served family style and it was AMAZING. That was the best, traditional old time american food I've ever had: turkey, cranberry cornbread stuffing, potatoes, vegetable sides, etc. Delectable. They capped the evening off with a port or other dessert wine served in beautiful and perfect-sized, mini liqueur glasses and then provided us with a delectable chocolate cake for dessert. The entertainment was a fellow dressed as Thomas Jefferson who did a fantastic job. We all got a copy of the city tavern recipe book, which features traditional and original recipes. You cannot compare the experience of dining at one of the oldest restaurants remaining in this country. You can almost feel the presence of the fathers of our country and their neighbors walking the halls with a large glass of ale maybe chasing a wench or two... in good humor of course.
(4)Kurt A.
We came here to try their historic beer. Jefferson's Ale was very good but pricey at $7.75 ($8.50 w/tax). I like the period furniture and decor. The Germans next to us were eating lunch, and the food looked good. Servers in period costumes may please some.
(4)ED W.
This place is awesome! The atmosphere, the history, meat cooked on an open fire, Yards revolutionary ales, what more can one ask for? I think only stripper waitresses could have improved my dining pleasure Chef Staib( i think thats the spelling) came out and talked to a bunch of us,and handed out free Dvd's of his show on PBS. Super nice guy, what a great experience.
(5)Lisa K.
You can really feel and taste the history here and i'm not referring to the wait staff dressed in colonial garb. Though candlelight and sitting by beautiful big old windows give this place a romantic and warm ambiance, it is the tastes here that make this place so special to me. Every time I go I swear that I will try something new, but then I end up going for my favorites again and again. They have this amazingly spiced pepper pot soup and then the turkey pot pie. Simple flavors that I have had before are truly elevated to another level. Rich flavors and the food is made with love. You can taste the love folks! Oh so delicious! I also recommend enjoying the beer sampler made from recipes that were once enjoyed by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. My favorite is the George Washington which is just so rich and balanced. And they have a drink called a Shrub made with juice and vinegar is just a wonderfully rich, interesting and sweet drink. This remains of my favorite Philly haunts!
(5)Mio S.
Two locals recommended here for colonial lunch. They did mention the "touristy" part of the venue, but one of them also said, "at least go for the Thomas Jefferson beer." Ok, sold. My companion and I each ordered the beer flight, which was fantastic way to get warm and rest after walking around the Olde City in 10F temperature. Among all the original recipes of founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson's was indeed the best. What's more, the sweet potato & pecan biscuit also by TJ was really delicious (I want the recipe). I guess he knew how to eat good. We ordered venison ( I thought it's colonial sounding) and crab cake. Both of them were pretty good. Not "wow, this is so delicious," but above the average. The lunch tab was around $70 with two plates and two beer flight - not exactly cheap, but we fully enjoyed the experience and the great service.
(4)Robert R.
Very nice place. Great beer and the ambiance matches the cultural history of the City. I would go back next time I am in Philly!
(4)L K.
Great historic watering hole, or should I say the most genteel tavern? We enjoyed the beer sampler which had four different selections of old fashioned beer recipes from the likes of Ben Franklin and George Washington. Also enjoyed a raspberry shrub, a sweet but refreshing cocktail. The staff wear clothing that I assume is supposed to conjure up images of the founding fathers, and the hurricane lamps on the tables added to the ambiance. A must on your travels through this historic city.
(5)Albert L.
if you love Colonial Williamsburg, you're in for a treat. Note, this is an exact replica of the original City Tavern which burned down many years ago. Its rumored that a bride was burned in that fire and can still be seen wandering through the restaurant but that's another story. What you should know is that the National Park Service comes in randomly to spot check the pictures on the wall to the number of ruffles on a server's uniform to make sure that they are true to history. It's that serious. Expect everyone to greet you in "costume" or a colonial uniform what have you, but they do know what Coke and credit cards are. It's a shame you can't pay in gold. I've dined here many times and the one thing i can't live without is their West Indies Pepper Pot soup. Washington and his men enjoyed this hearty meal throughout the winter at Valley Forge. It's spicy and filled with tripe. Yes, tripe. Cow intestines. Did I lose you already? It's the magic ingredient. If you've ever enjoyed PHO, you've have tripe. It's quite chewy. The menu is loaded with a good amount of pies including Lobster. Beer drinker? On tap is the historic Washington Port and Jefferson Ale. Both made by Yards Brewery and yes, you can get it to go. If you do plan on going to grab a bite at the City Tavern, make sure to go inside the Independence Visitor Center at 600 Market Street and ask for their buy one get one free coupon good for lunch and dinner.. "After all, a penny saved is a penny earned". - Ben Franklin
(4)Lisa L.
I didn't eat here, but I did enjoy a hot toddy (cider with some rum) and an American honey brewed beer here while taking in the incredible history of the place and reading one of the cookbooks by the fireplace. I don't know why I am so obsessed with this place, but for some reason it really resonated with me and I cannot wait to go back. I think I am strange.
(5)John H.
People told us we had to go. The touristy magazines bragged it up and well, we just had to check it out. I am so glad we did. All three of us had a pleasant experience and a delightful and filling meal. The beers were inspired by recipes that our founding fathers used to brew their beers. The beer sampler allowed me to taste each one. My favorites were the Alexander Hamilton and Ben Franklin brews. The Turkey Pot Pie was unbelievable. Generous portions of turkey, potato and veggies cooked inside a fluffy crust was just what I needed. My coworkers Pork Chop was the HUGEST pork chop i have ever seen. Definitely, the theme was here was good portions of good food. We made our waiter bring over the desert tray, and while they were tempting, we had to pass, as we were just stuffed. I may just need to go back to get some desert (or perhaps spring for one of their cookbooks and try to make it on my own).
(4)Dave C.
Have you ever gone to Medieval Times in N. Jersey or where ever the hell else that place is located and have reenactors massacre each other to vie for your attention? Yea, ... City Tavern is just like that, but without all the bloodlust... or fun. You basically eat and drink and watch people dolled up in colonial garb NOT murder each other. Honestly, I felt shame walking out the door, did you feel shame?
(1)DJ M.
When walking through the doors of the City Tavern, be ready to be transported back to the 18TH Century. Built in 1733, this Tavern has served the likes of George Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. It was used as the unofficial meeting place for our Country's dignitaries as well as Foreign dignitaries. You will be met by old unpolished wooden floors, high ceilings with old Light fixtures and Servers, dressed in Colonial Costumes. To the right of the long entrance hallway, is a large waiting room adorned with relics from another era. You will wait while resting in well seasoned wooden chairs. Of course you can have a seat in the Bar and Lounge, while sipping Ale from a hand blown glass. Once called upon to take your seat in one of several dining rooms or perhaps outside, you will be greeted with Pewter pitchers and Fine China. Located in the Heart of the historic district and owned by the National Park Service, this Restaurant has been rated one of Philadelphia's 4 Star gems. The Fare ranges from modern American Cuisine to the Cuisine of yester year. The Duck, Beef and Veal Sausages are hand made as well as, the Breads and Pastries. If given the chance, ttry one or two of the Sweet Potato Biscuits! They claim to be Thomas Jefferson's favorite. The Basil and Applewood Bacon wrapped Shrimp, served with a Horseradish Barbecue Sauce, is heaven on a plate! I adore their Romaine and Roquefort Salad with Bacon and a creamy Parmesan Dressing. For Lunch Entrees, which are the only times I have dined here, I would be torn between The Filet Medallions with the Brandy peppercorn Sauce or the Crab Cakes with remoulade and pommes frites or the Lobster Pie with a flaky puff pastry crust wrapped around Chunks of Lobster, Shrimps, Mushrooms, and Shallots in a Sherry Cream Sauce. It is so decadent. The Menu's hold a vast array of Colonial Fare, such as West Indies Pepperpot Soup, which is a spicy Beef Soup with Taro root. Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup, 18TH Century Salads and Entrees, such as Martha Washington Style Colonial Turkey Pot Pie, Braised Rabbit, Pork Schnitzel, Beef Pie and Medallions of Venison. On a very recent visit to Philadelphia's Historical District, I was handed a Philadelphia Gazette, by a Colonial Costumed informant. Inside of the Gazette was a coupon for the City Tavern, buy one Lunch and get one Free. Not sure if they are still running it, but it would be worth checking into. For great Fare in a grand Colonial setting, the City Tavern is a must try. You will find yourself going back in time, for more.
(4)Evann G.
Funny story. Last time we were at City Tavern, we had just experienced a lull in the conversation when my oh-so-classy fiance let out with the loudest fart I have EVER heard. The look on his face was priceless. Clearly, he thought it was going to be silent, but oh no. It most definitely was not silent. Luckily, we had already paid, because we booked it out of there real fast after that. What does that have to do with City Tavern itself? Nothing. I'm sorry, but I love this place. I don't care that it's a tourist trap. I'm one of those ridiculous people who gets all verklempt over drinking ale in the same place Ben Franklin drank ale. It's become our standard watering hole to visit when we have friends in from out of town, because it's just so dang neat. I've only been here to drink. The food menu looks pricey, so I'm not sure I'll ever do anything here except drink. Even the drinks are a tad overpriced, but everything I've tried has been good. And INTERESTING. When we hit the holiday season, they started serving all sorts of cider drinks and WASSAIL. That's right, I'm sorry, but I find it super cool that you can walk into a historical tavern and order actual wassail. Hence the four stars.
(4)Lilee N.
Great place-- learned a good deal of history while we dined here. Went around Easter time. Started with the duck sausage which was very flavorful and went well with the cabbage. Boy had the pepperpot soup which was creamy and hearty. Rack of lamb was great, but the starch that accompanied the lamb was a little too acidic and sour for my liking. Though, they do try to prepare dishes as if it were back in the day so maybe people just ate things differently back then. Roasted duckling was excellent-- not dry at all and flavorful. Staff and service was wonderful and the history behind the restaurant and the dishes was an added bonus (and really, the reason why we chose to eat here). They have a cookbook for you to look through (and purchase if desired). Overall, highly recommend!
(4)Rich U.
For me, the main appeal here is the historic building/setting (although it's a replica of the original which burned down), the harpsichord played by a woman in period costume (the waitstaff also plays "colonial dress-up"), and the presumably authentic 18th century brews! I can't say I've eaten extensively here. I've only had the crab cakes and the bread tray (both good). The rest of the menu looks intriguing, but I'll lay off commenting on the food until I've sampled more of it (duh). I think the best beer here (and one of the best I've had anywhere) is Washington's Tavern Porter. I've downed many in the bar section and on the terrace/lawn seating area out back. I've taken many more home with me (a six pack of bottles is $15 AND WORTH IT). If you don't know which beer to order, get the sampler of four. BUT respectfully ask the management (as I did) to STOP putting Sam Adams (which they only recently started including) in the sampler with Washington's Porter, Jefferson's brew, and Martha's ale. Franklin would be outraged if he knew this was going on - after all, he left puritanical Boston as a young man for a reason, and Sam Adams (though a good brew), does NOT belong in a Philly City Tavern sampler. It's too mainstream and not very regional.
(4)Harrison L.
Do yourself and your history buff friends a favor and get lunch or dinner here during a trip through the city. It really does live up to the hype. A lot of historical places bank solely on their reputations, but City Tavern takes itself very seriously as a restaurant. The chef is an award winner and it shows. The menu has good variety and blends authenticity very well with catering to the modern palette. There is something for everyone on the menu. Beer lovers will enjoy the Ales of the Revolution. Those interested in other drinks can try traditional shrub. The service is usually quite good as well, and of course the atmosphere is wonderfully authentic even if the building is a replica. Those fortunate enough to get a window seat will always be treated to good views. Plus it's quite cozy and even a bit romantic if you and your date share a love of colonial era charm. The only caveat is cost - it's a bit pricey. So unless you're fat in the wallet, City Tavern is a special occasion destination. But then again a trip into the city, especially if it's focused on visiting historical sites is always a special occasion, so top it off right by having dinner and a few drinks here. After all, it was City Tavern where the real business took place in the founding of the nation. Independence Hall and Carpenters' Hall were merely the official locations for the action...City Tavern was the real heart of it all.
(5)Felicia K.
I don't know if the building is an original or reconstruction... I'm guessing the latter, but you wouldn't know it when you're inside. Friendly service from people wearing revolutionary-era clothing. I had Martha Washington's turkey pot pie, which was perfect after having been outside walking around for a few hours in the freezing cold. Delicious puff pastry crust on top. Boyfriend had the venison stew special, which looked delicious. I tried a couple of the wild mushrooms from his, and they were amazing. Their eggnog wasn't particularly good - served over ice in December (?) and too sweet. Would've been much better hot and with a bit less sugar. In any case, a fun experience.
(4)Bridget W.
Look, I am all about mixing my evening dining experience with a nice dose of history, but this place ain't the place to do so. My first visit to City Tavern was wonderful and, alas, biased. It was a first evening date with my fiancé in his hometown. Scratch that and fast forward to our second experience at City Tavern where a large group of us were celebrating my soon to be Mother in Law's birthday. Nearly everything failed my expectations. Our first suggested table was horrific. I quickly changed that. Our waiter was slightly drugged and boring. I laughed. The room we were seated at was cold and sluggish, which too describes our waiter. Our food had not one bit of historic quality or recipe to it. Our 21st century menu choices were bland, undercooked/overcooked and my brother-in-law had to send his steak back, wait 30 minutes, then finish his dinner whilst we were snacking on birthday cake. If you would like a taste of Philadelphia history you can either hunt and shoot your own pheasant and blandly season it with a side of undercooked fingerling potatoes, or, you can take a beautiful historic walk in the streets of Philadelphia and then enjoy an avant-garde meal in one of the many wonderful restaurants of our first and now modern city in these great United States. Your choice .. but I am not too fond of pheasant feather in my meals.
(1)Bob R.
Love the historic atmosphere, the decor and location. Everybody was happy with their food and beers. The service was good too. This is a tourist restaurant worth visiting.
(4)Markus F.
Good meal, good selection of food and beers on the menu. I like the president beers in particular. Service was very friendly and attentive.
(4)Lene P.
This is basically a good restaurant for tourists who visit the city and want to eat at a colonial themed restaurant with servers dressing the part. I've recommended this place a bunch of times until I finally ate there. Both of my visits were for dinner, in which the prices are outrageous considering what we got. The dishes were tasty and fine, but not worth the $25-30 each. Both times we were seated out back on a deck area leading down into a garden with more seating under a canopy (I usually see groups seated there). The interior looks pretty spooky, it always seems really dark to me, but that is also awesome and romantic. For parking, if you don't intend on staying long, there is 3 hour parking along the ramp from Columbus Blvd that exits onto Market Street. You can also park at the Olde City garage over the Ritz East/Pagoda but I'm not sure if City Tavern validates.
(3)C. H.
When we arrived at The City Tavern, we were pleased to see such a fine representation of historic Philadelphia. The building and interior were lovely, and the table settings with real pewter chalices were so fun. I was a little disappointing with our seating arrangements. We were stationed very, very close to another couple, so close that it was impossible to have a private conversation. In between our two tables was some sort of closet where all the plates and glasses were kept, so we were continuously interrupted and jostled by waiters getting in and out. I had the pleasure of listening to the lady at the table next to us complain about this for the rest of the evening. We also didn't have a lot of face time with our waiter. You would think he would have been a little more attentive to us since he was constantly brushing by to get to the closet, but he seemed skilled at ignoring my hand signals for attention. This might have been because of our attire, sweaters, jeans, and tennis shoes, since we had been walking the city all day. I was also a little put-off by all the advertisements for books and take-home items. Maybe it's just me, but I don't really need 3 or 4 cards on my table telling me how awesome the chef's cook books are. The food was it's saving grace. My husband and I split the beer sampler, and then each ordered a glass of our favorite, though all were excellent. We also enjoyed the crab cakes, which were the best we have ever had, hands down. My entree was the braised rabbit and his the beef medallions, both were cooked to perfection. The veggies were zucchini and squash, again cooked perfectly, a task which I have never mastered myself. Go for the food, but not the service.
(3)Meghan M.
The original tavern (the current restaurant is obviously a reconstruction) was a frequent meeting point for framers of the Constitution and the draw of the place today is that nothing's served that wouldn't have been readily available in the 1700s. It sounds like the Medieval Times of the American revolution, but in fact that place appears to be so authentic that many of the dishes sound borderline unappetizing. The waiters must dress up in period costumes, which makes most of them seem like better waiters than they actually are. I had the turkey pie, which was delicious by dint of being drowned in a heavy, heavy sherry cream sauce and covered with a thick buttery pastry. I washed it down with a Martha Washington summer ale (eh) and a raspberry shrub (raspberry juice reduced with fruit vinaigrette, then combined with ginger ale and champagne; delicious and potent, rendering me incapable of doing anything except blinking and yawning at the edge of Ben Franklin's grave.) As for other available alcohol, there's also an IPA from one of Jefferson's recipes and a porter from one of Washington's, a seasonal rum drink, plus an extensive selection of wines, but beyond that don't expect bar service--unlike the Southern ladies behind us who asked in rapid succession if the place served daiquiris and cheesesteak sandwiches. Oh, and go for lunch--the prices are on the steep side but reasonable, whereas dinner is highway robbery.
(4)Keith M.
the food was fantastic, the wait staff was on the money, the atmosphere was perfect, i was very relaxed, enjoyed the meal...perfect even desert.
(5)B B.
granted the food was good and the service was even better. Unfortunately I was not pleased with the fact that they wouldn't seat us downstairs but instead we had to climb a flight of stairs with our baby and stroller. The coctails were fabulous and we also ordered a soup a salad to try. I had the barley soup and it was surprisingly good. The salad was ok. I had the rabbit and my wife had the fish with hollondaise sauce. Both were excellent. We also ordered off the kids menu. That was a big mistake. Although it was good it was over $20. now correct me if I'm wrong I thought the kids menu is suppose to be MUCH CHEAPER than the regular menu. Overall it was a good experience and I am glad I did it. I would recommend everyone to give this place a try ONCE. I just can't see myself coming back. It felt a little touristy and a little gimmicky. It was kind of neat to eat off everything pewter, but there's a reason these kinds of restaurants no longer exist. What I really want is a nice mondern day meal on modern day silverware and not a history lesson.
(4)Chelsea P.
A bit tourist-y, but super fun! The servers dress in historical outfits, and all the food was based on that time period as well. You get the scoop from the servers on the history of it all. However, after we left, we found out our car was towed. Womp womp.
(4)Rich M.
Meh, I'm a huge American history fan, but..... It was interesting having a couple beers named after 2 founding fathers, but... The menu, and the beer, is supposedly of the style of that era. It was good, but the price was really high. Let's face it. You're paying for the historical ambiance. Not that the food wasn't good. The pot pie was excellent, but the price was a little astronomical. Overall, the service was ok, not commensurate with the price you pay for the meal. It started very so-so, although, it got better. I think we got there when the dinner service just started. Sorry, no excuse. People who arrive later pay the same price. If you have a few bucks to spend and want to hop into the American History time machine to enjoy the food our forefathers ate, but at a much higher price. This is your place. I read another review that recommended having lunch instead, at a lower price. Probably not a bad idea.
(3)Tim P.
Great food and even better service. Beer was interesting. One choice included beer brewed/aged with 'spruce.' Very good selection of food, too. Yes, OK so it a bit touristy but so what.
(4)Stosha S.
Great place to take people from out of town. The atmosphere is great, I loved the colonial outfits the staff wore and the food was delicious. Lunch is much cheaper than dinner if your looking for a more affordable option. I wish there were something more attractive than dull maps on the walls, but I suppose that's more authentic?
(5)Christina P.
I'm not going to lie, when I heard there was a restaurant that you could eat at that the founding fathers dined in I was all for going. So it was cool to eat in that setting, and the beers were pretty nice. The food was mediocre. It reminded me of stuff I've eaten at mid-level hotels; my salmon was drenched in a buttery, oily sauce and the sides were pretty bland. The prices were also pretty high for the quality of the food. You are definitely paying for the setting and experience here. I will say those little sweet potato scones they serve at the beginning of the meal are good though. So two stars because Ben Franklin ate there and that's just awesome.
(2)Meg R.
Delicious food, unique brews, period decor. City Tavern is a must stop for those looking to experience historical Philadelphia at it's finest. I appreciate that the wait staff, dressed in period garb, don't act as though they're in a different century, they answer questions about the menu and make great recommendations. Try the Benjamin Franklin brew or House porter. Interesting side note, you can purchase the beer for take out. And purchase the pewter serving ware, too. Had delicious pepper pot soup, beef pie, rabbit and duck, served with various veg, such as barley, cabbage and egg noodles. Delish!
(5)Sally f.
meh. overly priced, boring food. service wasnt great, and the server was unenthuastic, which was a bummer, because other ppl write they learned a lot of history and i didnt.... dont go to touristy places to impress your guests. if u wouldnt eat here normally, dont take anyone from out of town.
(2)Danielle R.
Great food, fun place to eat. Server full of fun facts and history. Turkey pot pie and lobster pot pie were DELISH! Great beer too. Will definitely return when we're in the area.
(5)Kaitlin L.
In honor of President's Day weekend, I decided to start my Friday night at City Tavern. Although horribly touristy, I was amused by the server's 18th century inspired costumes and overall feel of the bar area (I didn't eat any food there, just went to the tavern area). We decided to try the sampler which included all 4 beer choices, all of which are made by Yards. The beers are all old recipes from the time of our founding fathers, including a recipe made by Jefferson that is exclusively made for City Tavern. My favorite was the George Washington one, a very tasty porter, followed by the Poor Richard's spruce ale, which comes from a recipe made by Ben Franklin. The Hamilton one didn't do it for me, but it was nice to try. They give you a good amount of beer with the sampler too, so I'd definitely suggest at least starting with this. I'm not really thinking I'll make this a regular stop for me, but it was fun to do something somewhat touristy for President's Day. This would be a fun thing to bring out-of-towners or history buffs to.
(3)Scott R.
Historically good; since 1773. Dining at City Tavern is an experience you can't miss. It takes you back in time and the food is pretty good too. I feel like I'm wasting my breath cause John Adams called it "the most genteel tavern in America." I agree.
(4)Scott D.
Went to Philly as a tourist and stopped here for beer and food. I read it from Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy site and it did not disappoint. Authentic 18th century food such as Rabbit Legs and Duckling (both were good) and beer based on the recipes of the Founding Fathers. It also provided an awesome 18th century atmosphere complete with music. A must-go for fellow history nerds.
(5)Brian G.
What a pleasant surprise this Olde City is!! I hoped on the subway at 30th St and was so happy to get out of that horrible system at 2nd and Market. This was such a nice relief!! The neighborhood is great. The cobblestone, the old feel, the history. Once I saw this place I knew this is where I wanted to eat. I dropped my stuff at the Sheraton Olde City and scurried over here. 8:37 pm These 2 historically dressed Pennsylvanians greet me in a manner which it is 1775 and they have never seen a man with Chanel glasses and a black popped-collared shirt, with shiny patent leather shoes and say, "Uhh, Hi" and I said, "One please". The village girl explains to me that they stop seating people at 8:30 and I said, "Wow, it's 8:37, c'mon I don't want to linger, I just want to leave and get back to my hotel." She says "Okay, but you have to eat in the tavern". So this is cool, a whole room to myself and she actually was accomadating although it probably was because she saw anger flaring up in my eyes. The waiter was super nice, eloquently spoken, and elegantly handling my bread, water, and menus. I ordered chicken breast, mashed potatos, and vegetables. It was good, very hardy. I liked it. Something my parents would make, very American, decent portion. Sucks I'm not stuffed though 2 hours later, so I have to walk over to a grocery store to get snacks, but I guess most people would still be full. I took a walk around this historic building and I loved the atmosphere. Once I mentioned that I plan to Yelp the place, the waiter started to explain the history. I guess I put a fire under his Revolutionary ass. I loved everything about the peoples outfits, the buildings, the art, the maps on the walls. Really up my alley. Just watched John Adams last night. Perfect timing is guess.
(4)Xinyuan W.
if you are a tourist in philly and looking for a fun time and a good beer after walking around, this place is perfect. loved their microbrews, try the George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, awesome. really fun place and food is pretty good. servers dress up in customs.
(5)Anne P.
Ate here in 2002 on a trip to Philly, but decided I needed a good review in case people look at all my reviews and decide I am a dining curmudgeon. I got the Martha Washington pot pie. Oh glory, cardiac arrest this dish had to be made with heavy cream and was delicious. Loved the Jefferson biscuits, enjoyed his ale. Rest of the family enjoyed their dinners and the food was good. Way cool to have servers in period costume and to sit in a place where Adams, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and others had informal meetings while the Continential Congress was in session.
(5)Tim G.
Dinner in the basement with a false fire alarm. Food was good but not great. The price was high for what you get. Without the history this place is a 2 star.
(3)Nadezda K.
Great atmosphere, friendly stuff. Try beer sampler for $12, amazing variety. 5 stars to veal sausage and duck entrees. Perfect place for any occasion!
(5)John A.
If you are looking for a dining experience or drinks to compliment your day in old town, the City Tavern is a good place to go. If you're expecting an exceptional meal - not so much so. The food is expensive and very bland. I'm glad we went for the experience but wouldn't recommend dining there.
(2)Gary C.
Chef Walter Staib really hits home! The City Tavern, a Philadelphia Landmark and Tavern since before the revolution is THE PLACE to go when your in the Old City section of Philadelphia. The Service is Excellent as is the food! It's no wonder why our Founding Fathers chose this Tavern to plan the Revolution! I suggest you tried the home made Duck Sausage with Red Cabbage. This is the Best Red Cabbage I've ever had, except for my German Mothers! (Sorry Chef Staib, I had to put that there!). The Fried Oysters were PERFECT! The Roasted Rack of Ribs were beautifully prepared as well as aesthetically pleasing. I was in a historic mood so I choose the Martha Washington Turkey Pot Pie. A REAL POT PIE with Flaky Puff Pastry and fresh Vegetables. The Breads were all Freshly Baked and Delicious (NOT DAY OLD!). City Tavern has an extensive wine list, however, I chose the Beer Sampler. A collection of 7 original recipes from our Founding Fathers. All Seven were Excellent. As with any Celebrity Chef, There's plenty of opportunity to pick up a number of Chef Walter Staibs Cookbooks. There's also Plenty of history to look at on the walls. If you're traveling to Philly or you're in the area, I Strongly Suggest you make a reservation for the City Tavern and you won't be disappointed!
(5)Jackie A.
Great atmosphere, just ok food. I really loved that this was in such an old, historic building- the place is just so famous, I felt like I really had to go during my visit to Philly. The service is great. Everyone we talked to was very kind and helpful. However, it took FOREVER to get our food. We snacked on some bread- apparently the sweet potato biscuits were Thomas Jefferson's favorites- they sure taste like it- straight from the 18th century they were so hard and dry. Yeah the bread was pretty gross. When our food came, nothing was bad, but nothing was unforgettable or amazing. Just standard, old food... My meat pie was good, the sausages were ok... they did have really good sauerkraut. We skipped out on desert because we had just been sitting at the table too long. Overall, I wouldn't go back, but if you're doing the historical thing, you should go at LUNCH... I would never pay their dinner prices for their food- I would have been much more disappointed. Maybe their dinner is really good, but I wouldn't risk it.
(3)Lauren T.
Yes, the costumes were cheesy, but the beer was good! Try the Thomas Jefferson ale.
(4)H M.
food was good but on the heavy side of things for lunch. ambiance is good
(3)Charie L.
I booked my company's event at City Tavern, Phildelphia and the service was great. Staffs are all friendly and we got good feedback from our guests that they are happy with their service, especially the food--saludos to Chef Walter Staib and the ambiance of the restaurant--saludos as well to Mark Carroll who add his colonial harp music to it! Phenomenal! I would recommend City Tavern to anyone. It is a perfect place for any corporate or small events, dinner for two or just simply going back to our History.
(5)Paul P.
TERRIBLE! Wow, as a resident here in Philadelphia I decided to plan a visit to City Tavern with friends who were visiting me. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to expose visitors to a genuine experience that encompassed the our city's history while patronizing a local establishment. I should have gone elsewhere and am embarrassed for the rude, abrasive service that I received and I can assure that I will never ever go back. It takes a minute to ruin a reputation and years to establish a good one. I sugest City Tavern to take a close look at the staff who greet those who walk through their door, answer their calls, and so on because it is hurting your reputation and surely your reservation listings.... I am proud to call Philadelphia my place of residence and am always thrilled to be part of an area which is always friendly to outsiders... However, this place sadly was the complete opposite of who we are as Philadelphians....
(1)Kelly S.
This is a very tourist-y place to go, but it can be fun if you've got out-of-town family visiting and they're too middle-aged to take them out for a wild night of boozing it up. The staff wears period costumes, and the food is meant to be what you would have found on a menu in a tavern in Philly in the 1700's. So expect meat and potatoes and other hearty fare. The food's not bad, but it's a bit overpriced. I guess you're paying for the performance aspect of the whole dining experience, though. As mentioned in other reviews, the Founders' beer selections are pretty good. Check it out if you're looking for something a little different, or, like I said, if you've got parents in town.
(4)Lindsay K.
We were going to go to a different restaurant for dinner, but heard that City Tavern served beer made with recipes from Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The building itself is really cool. We learned that Paul Revere went there to tell everyone about his famous ride, and that a party was held there after the Constitution was signed (sidenote..the building is a replica, but the site is the same). They also serve 18th century recipes. I should have checked how much the food was before we went, because entrees were around $30 a plate! We ordered two beer samplers and two appetizers and spent $55, including tip. Just be prepared that's even though it says it's a tavern, the prices don't reflect that at all.
(4)Gerard M.
Really had a fun time here with the family recently, for a weekday lunch. It's authentic without being hokey. The food was terrific, and the service was steady. It's a lovely setting, and good for the kids, if they are behaved. One appetizer, 5 entrees, a couple of desserts, and a few drinks came to $170. That includes a six pack of the colonial era recipe beers, to go. Well worth the experience.
(5)Joe D.
i took my wife for a birthday in early dec and it was better than i expected. we were seated in a romantic corner of an almost empty room upstairs. candle light and their hot cider (spiced w/ peach brandy, Canadian whisky & Jamaican rum) were a great start to our authentic colonial dinner. everything at this place is authentic and true to the period. i had a crock of french onion soup and the fresh Pennsylvania trout over a bed of barley, served with autumn vegetables. it was all prepared perfectly. every detail was top notch. i finished up with the baked apple cobbler and cinnamon ice cream. again, it was all executed without flaw.
(4)lisa g.
City Tavern is interesting as a 'historic landmark' but the food is overpriced and very mediocre . Our food was luke warm and tasteless - it's a very tourist spot
(2)John M.
This is a fun place, full of history and good food. I went with a group, so my experience might differ than that of a traditional diner. The wait staff was great, knowledgeable, and seemed to enjoy their job. We ate in the room upstairs and it was served buffet style. The food was all very excellent (which is rare for buffet) and I have been dying to go back. Great experience!!
(5)Michelle S.
Experience history through food! Get greeted and served by folks dressed colonial style. Drink from goblets, not glass. That's what you'll get at City Tavern. John Adams and Paul Revere had been here before. I tried the beef pie for lunch here - twice cooked beef in a flaky puff pastry. Not bad! I didn't care too much for the sweet and sour cabbage that came with it though. The best part of the meal was the soup - chunks of savory beef and noodles. Very hearty! This is a must-see spot for tourists in Philly!
(3)Jerry S.
Walked by several times as it is in a tourist spot but finally ate lunch with family. Great place, wonderful authentic food. Will go again next trip into the Independence Mall area.
(4)Michael L.
i went there with a good friend in the christmas season of 2009 the food and drinks i had were very good i had the martha washingtion turkey pot pie and Thoams jefferson beer was very good there waitress and waitress dress up in colinal outfits the place has 1700 feel to it the place is expensive but its worth it stay away from the egg nog
(3)Diana D.
OK I'm giving this place five stars for a reason: the ambiance. The food we ordered was pretty good, plus the beer. It was basic food, but well done in my humble opinion. Loved the B. Franklin stout w/ a sweet molasses after-taste. I ordered Marth Washington's pot pie and it was divine. The crust was just how I like it. We were all happy w/ the service. The bar was inviting, too. We went during a weekday at dusk. They were lighting candles and I loved the shadowy light cast. We had fun talking to the wait staff.
(5)Claire W.
I am giving this 4 stars as "historic" taverns go - at least 2/3 of the menu is items recreating food that would have been eaten in the late 1700's. We got a wonderful waitress (unlike another reviewer) who was outgoing and attentive. From her I learned that Chicken Madeira is an American dish, as Madeira could be picked up directly by ships coming to the Americas (versus other spirits that had to come from British ports). We were seated on the second floor in what we were told would have been a nicer area. At the urging of our waitress I tried the duckling and barley, and liked it although I don't generally eat duck. The only part I didn't like were the vegetables, which I thought ought to have been cooked a bit more, but that may be a personal bias. (The duckt did stay with me all day, as duck is heavy, but that was probably good in the colonists day). My husband and I had mulled wine. The hot drinks were served in glass and the ice water in pewter, interestingly. Apparently various impersonators that are unaffiliated with the restaurant wander in sometimes. We missed chatting with "the gentleman from Massachusetts" to know who he was. There are entrees that probably have little historic significance, but the reason to go here is to experience the history, not to eat an everyday meal.
(4)Gina S.
My husband and I stumbled upon this place. Read the ads on the outside and decided to give it a try, after all President Adams recommended this place. We ordered some fried oysters, there were shells in the oysters. Worse, they use frozen oysters. The cornmeal was totally overcooked. My chicken was dry (over cooked?), and the sauce was thick and salty, canned swanson? My husband ordered something completely different, and guess what? SAME gravy! Well we learned our lesson, great ambience and LOVED the sweet potato bread.
(3)Dave K.
Colonial theme restaurant. A replica bldg on the site of the original where Founding Fathers, their families and friends dined. Wait staff in period dress. Tables, chairs and place settings of the period. Menu based on recipes of the time. Beers available brewed from actual recipes of the founding fathers. Food is prepared in the original style (to today's standards). Our experience was possibly that the A-Team had the evening off. Service was slow - not as attentive as we are accustomed to receiving. The waitress didn't have answers to basic questions; such as: What type of crab is used in the crab cakes? she had to be reminded to bring ordered wine and asked for a water refill, and didn't return to ask for a beer order. Our host described a much higher quality of food preparation, but had to admit that perhaps there was a new cook (not a chef) in the kitchen. Still, everyone was friendly, the food still good, if expensive, and a good time was had by all. Perhaps our expectation exceeded the delivery? I'll recommend it only for the themed experience. There is better food at more reasonable prices with better service at many restaurants in the area.
(2)Debbie Chiou S.
nice to try beers you can't get anywhere, but it's much too kitschy.
(3)Kerry M.
I was really excited to try this place after checking out all the historic places in Philly. I was so looking forward to having a great meal after walking quite a few blocks to get here. It was just OK. I like the atmosphere and the way the servers dress - gives you a feeling of the way it was back then. Both my husband's and my Dad's meals were cold. Had the turkey pot pie which was alright - only a few pieces of turkey. Huge-ass salad also. One plus was the beer. Can't even remember the dessert. Another good thing was that our server was very nice and she took good care of our table. I guess I had too high of expectations.
(3)Jacky O.
Philadelphians who view this as a tourist hot-spot may be overlooking a great dinner option that is right in their back yard. We sampled a wide variety of items on the menu and thought everything was great. The recipes really do evoke a sense of colonial times in a way that's surprisingly not tacky. Try the colonial beer flight - or two. This place is, of course, great if you're hosting out-of-towners.
(4)Nosniv X.
After spending an hour drinking Thomas Jeffersons beer and a porter by George Washington, I began to wonder how the Declaration of Independance ever got written. Tasty beer and a good place to reflect on the founding of the country. The menu is on the pricy side, if you are just touring around and over 50 this is a place for you.
(3)miriam b.
Well I didn't really care for the potatoe leek soup because it was a bit bland, but it was fun to have a chance to sit here and go back more than 200 years and wonder what it might have been like for many of the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the discussions that went on whilst they nursed tankards of brew. Roast beef was very good. The waiter was pissy when we were there, but he soon warmed up once someone complimented him on his faux Lord Fauntleroy looking costume.
(3)Brendan c.
Great place to go when in Philly. The food is traditional 1776 but excellent. It's a historical theme resturant. You'll have fun I promise.
(5)Mark S.
It was authentic enough to not have "Ye Olde Vegetarean Meel" - but the mashed potatoes and apple cider I did have were fine. The salad was . . . a salad. Our waiter used some period language and was dressed funny, and the water was served in cooled metal goblets. There was a guy playing a harp. I'm not sure if these things justify the cost for the meal, but luckily I wasn't paying!
(3)Dan S.
Terrible service! We waited a 30 minutes before anyone even acknowledged we were even there. We were seated right across from where the bartender resides. I had to plead with one of the period dressed waiters to help us. Finally, my wife and I left.
(2)love n.
i live in the city and we have lots of great restaurants. haven't been to city tavern in years because didn't care for the food in the past. figured i'd try it again since i was with someone new to the city and thought it might be fun. the good part is the building is nice and they do a good job at making it feel like it's a place that's been around forever. the outfits the staff wear are cool for the area with all the history around. also, the service was decent... now, the food is the issue here. it's not aweful but it's not good, average at best. most items are blah and overpriced. for the same amount of money, there are tons of restaurants in the city that have much better food. nothing we had was very good or memorable... this is basically a "neat" place to eat for tourists or someone that was hangin out at the liberty bell or independence hall all day and wanted to keep the historical theme going. if you're goal is to have great food, pick one of the many other better restaurants in the area.
(2)Gourmet G.
Originally built in 1773, this was the convening site for the Constitutional Convention, as well as the setting for one of George Washington's inaugural celebrations. The cuisine here is authentic early American, with many of the dishes adapted from 18th Century recipes. Veal sausage with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, honey-glazed duck with asparagus, and medallions of venison with leeks are among the traditional entrees served by a staff in period dress. A children's menu suggests this is an ideal place for family dining, but you may feel differently after seeing the prices.
(5)Heather R.
Normally, I'm ware of recommendations from tour guides, but this suggestion was spot-on. We came here for lunch yesterday, were seated promptly, and given "colonial" bread (one was made with cornmeal, one with molasses, and one was a thickly-cut white loaf). My mom ordered braised rabbit, and I ordered THE BEST TURKEY POT PIE I have ever had. Both dishes came with a side, so you are full, but not stuffed when you leave. The restaurant prides itself on remaining true to colonial customs, and the staff are dressed in colonial garb, and most of the dishes (and the bread) are either authentic or variations of what was consumed during colonial times.
(5)Dan M.
Cool historic place to visit as you are walking around and touring the Independence historic sites of Philly. Nice historic building, and interesting building. I thought there would be a bigger bar area, as the inside is mostly for sit-down eaters. They do have a nice large deck and outside patio as well. They offer 4 "historic" beers brewed especially from local brewing company Yards Brewing. I tried the historic Jefferson 1774 tavern ale as I needed to wet my whistle on a hot day, and this was a good one to try. They offer a sampler flight of all 4 historic beers as well, but I didn't have time on this trip.
(3)Christine W.
This was truly a five star meal. An acquaintance of mine introduced me to this restaurant on July 3 rd. I must say it was a delight. Everything about the experience was 5 stars. It is in it s original location from when George Washington and friends dined and met there. It was torn down and rebuilt in it s original spot. The interior reflects what the tavern looked like as well as the exterior. We ate upstairs and it was great because no one was there and it was peace and quiet. Our waiter was also dressed in period costume as all employees were. We started with a glass of Riesling and a beer that Was Thomas Jefferson s recipe. This recipe is only available here for purchase. I would have purchased a six pack but carrying it around all day would be too much. But, it was good. We were served three types of bread made from original recipes of the period. Asked the waiter what he recommended. It was the award winning turkey pot pie. We both made the same choice and I am glad we did! It certainly was not a Swanson! And it deserved to be award winning. The only regret I have about the restaurant is that it is not closer. If in town go. tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…
(5)Mitch E.
C'mon you can't try to be a historically accurate colonial themed establishment and not do the bathrooms. I wanted to urinate in a horse trough! Upon entering City Tavern, I was surprised to see that the place was actually a colonial themed spot. Seemed a bit touristy, which is not my thing, (except Reading Terminal Market, I'd kill for the food) but why not?!?! I probably wouldn't have gone here knowing that, but I'm not too cool for school. We got a seat in the back by the bar. I got the Ales of the Revolution. A large beer flight dedicated to some of our most important forefathers. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Hamilton. I think the Jefferson and Hamilton were the best. Which is unfortunate, if I could meet one person from the past, it would be George Washington. He's the most badass person I can think of. We split the mallard duck sausage. It was exactly what I was looking for. A small delicious snack that I could wash down with all the beers. I have to admit, I came here not expecting something touristy. When it was I was apprehensive, but I really enjoyed myself. It helped that it wasn't flooded with people, like other touristy folks. Just get a worse looking bathroom next time, and everything will be perfect.
(5)Alex H.
First visit for us and it was fun. We were only out for lunch and were spending the day walking so we only had salads, which was not a mistake but watching the delicious meals being delivered nearby made us second guess that decision! I definitely suggest enjoying the meals as this place is geared towards these hearty dishes not so much the salads. They were good but not memorable (I can't remember what mine was called but I'll call it a Cobb) The beer flight was fun, definitely suggest that as a start. The history of the tavern made for a great time and I look forward to coming back and eating real food!
(4)Matt D.
Visited for the first time for lunch on 8/22/15 and it was a very nice experience. As has been stated in other reviews, this restaurant is built on the original foundation of a tavern that some of the founders of our country would meet to discuss the news of the day. It has 3 floors and the decor is what you might expect to see back in the 1700's. There are plenty of pictures that others have shared here that will make my point. The water goblets are made out of pewter which was a nice touch. We were also served a basket that had several different types of bread. There were also a couple of biscuits that were made from sweet potato as well. All were very good. We ordered a beer sampler of 4 different types of beer that was called, "Ales of the Revolution". Each beer has a distinct flavor and is based on recipes by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Our favorite was Hamilton's Federalist Ale which has a nice citrus flavor. I had an appetizer that sounds simple but was very good as well. I can't remember the name of it but it was toast that was fried in butter with sliced mushrooms and cheese. It might not sound like much but it was delicious. We also had Pepper Pot Stew which was very good. The food and service was great, bathrooms were clean, and the recreation of a tavern from the 1700's was well done. I highly recommend you visit the Tavern.
(4)Alicia H.
What can I say, the food was great, the atmosphere was on point with it's colonial decor and table settings, but the waitstaff left a lot to be desired. Upon arriving, we were asked to wait in a room to the right of the entrance, furnished with traditional colonial furniture and fixtures. It wasn't a long wait, so no complaints there. We were seated at a nice four top table in another room down the hall (there are from what I understand 10 dining rooms in all) The tables were neatly set with beautiful china from the time period, including really neat, but plain pewter chalices. My 7 year old was thrilled. Our waiter came over, dressed in colonial costume and recited the specials. He served our water in the pewter cups. Strangely, he did not ask us if we would like anything else to drink. After a short wait, we ordered. My grandmother ordered the shrimp and crab salad, myself I had the Escallope veal, and my son, of course the chicken tenders. We also ordered a beer sampler. The waiter could have been a little more interested in our order, could have checked on us mid meal, and could have acted as though he enjoyed being there, but we joked, his attitude must have been that of the colonial times. Over all, the food was excellent, the restaurant itself was very nice, and while we could care less if the waiter was friendly or not, we still enjoyed our visit.
(4)T W.
Would definitely recommend this place. They make every effort to be true to the time period. Great rabbit dosk, pork chop is good if you favor ham and the small biscuit is awesome. Beer flight is a good taste of history
(4)Carol H.
Very unique looking restaurant that makes you feel you're living in the days of Ben Franklin. Besides that, the restaurant is lackluster (probably just attracts the tourists). The food is simply ordinary (borderline not good), especially for the price. The dishes are exactly as it sounds on the menu. Black Forest Ham & Asparagus is a plate of ham thrown with some boiled? asparagus, nothing special to warrant the $14. Basil Shrimp included 4 bacon-wrapped shrimp drenched in BBQ sauce. For the price, you'd think there would be more effort. This is food I expect at a local dive bar.
(2)June K.
Would I stop in every Saturday for drinks here if I lived here? Probably not. But i would definitely take any friends or family who are visiting me IF I lived in Philly. What a fun spot! My boyfriend dragged me around through museums and historical monuments and I was so happy to find this place to take a break. I really enjoyed sampling colonial beers but the cocktails were great as well! a Philly must!
(4)Michael W.
You go here for the history, but the food is good too! This chef knows how to cook. I had the pork chop. It was thick and flavorful and NOT dry at all like many get. The potato and cole slaw that came with also good! Also tried the pepperpot soup and it was quite tasty! Yes waiters are dressed in Colonial Attire. My waiter was foreign born, but hey this is America! We all came from somewhere sometime ago. A man also in period attire played the harp at night when I was there. Very nice. Restroom is in the basement. If your reading this I expect you already know, this was the place the founding fathers gathered and visited and drank. However it burned down long long ago, and after over 150 years the National Park Service had this new version created but it was made to be as original as possible. It opened again in 1975. Many of the same dishes served for dinner can be had for approx. 2/3 the price at lunch. Helpful hint- bring a small flashlight to read the menu as they keep it was too dark in here. Maybe that is in keeping with the period as they have table lamps but one little flame isn't enough to let 2 people see a menu.
(4)Tim S.
A delicious meal of food that's from late 1700's with a new style to it. It surprises you on flavors and how they present the food.
(5)Tim A.
This restaurant was everything that I would hope it would have been. The food was really really good. We both had the Lobster Pie. Our appetizer was the cornmeal fried oysters and all of this was too much food that were not able to finish. I would get the beer flight. You can try all of the different types of Yards beers they have on tap. They were all very good.
(5)David C.
Had the Benjamin Franklin chicken was perfectly breaded and fried. Came wity a glass of wine perfectly paired. Great overall experience.
(5)John R.
The City Tavern Restaurant 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 413-1443 citytavern.comThis Penn's Landing gem situation in the Old City, Philadelphia is unique in that the waitstaff are costumed, the food is authentic 18th century offers, and the china, lighting, glassware is all dated to transport you to another time. As I sat down to dinner a festive Benjamin Franklin served cocktails to the table adjacent mine and a buxom Harriet Tubman served some gentlemen their ales. The tables were lit by lanterns which unfortunately made food photography challenging, but...in a phrase...challenge accepted! Hopefully the images do not disappoint. The lighter colored bread, Sally Lunn: large bun or teacake made with a yeast dough including cream, eggs, and spice, similar to the sweet brioche breads of France. Served warm and sliced, with butter, it was first recorded in 1780 in the spa town of Bath in southwest England. Darker bread is Anadama, a traditional yeast bread of New England in the United States made with wheat flour, cornmeal, molasses and sometimes rye flour. The small muffins are Thomas Jefferson's own recipe for sweet potato butter pecan biscuits. Note: Thomas Jefferson's Biscuit recipe is from the National Constitution Center (NCC), Philadelphia PA. According to the NCC, Thomas Jefferson's biscuits were served at the first meeting of the First Continental Congress in 1774. These are light, tasty biscuits (scones), with or without the pecans. Corn Chowder. Nothing to write home about, but I will comment on the period china it is served in. Those are iron bowls and something about eating out of a metal bowl just does it for me. The Founding Fathers surely knew this as well since after tossing back a few ales, coming up with quotes like, "When in the Course of human events..." In fact I'm pretty sure most of the introduction to the Declaration of Independence was written drunk as it has some pretty dramatic stage effect (Jefferson got carried away)...but I digress, anyway, these dishes won't break easily. Enough said. Moving on. Tenderloin Tips & Mushrooms. Marinated & sauteed beef tenderloin tips, mushrooms, sour cream-Dijon sauce, herbed egg noodles & vegetable of the season. Medallions of Beef Tenderloin. Pan-seared beef medallions, Burgundy demi-glaze, mashed potatoes, asparagus & Sauce Béarnaise. Béarnaise sauce is a sauce made of clarified butter emulsified in egg yolks, white wine vinegar and flavored with herbs. Dessert was a strawberry tort served with ice cream. The cool thing about the desserts is a huge tray of sample desserts comes out at the end of the meal and you get to pick what it is you want. Rather than look at a dessert menu, you actually get to see the desserts themselves. Very touristy atrium. One of the highlights of the evening: the harpist playing in the lobby. Historical Information: If you're reading this I expect you already know, this was the place the founding fathers gathered and visited and drank. However it burned down long long ago, and after over 150 years the National Park Service had this new version created but it was made to be as original as possible. It opened again in 1975.
(3)Kristin L.
We chose City Tavern as the place to host a small law school graduation dinner for my husband (6 people total), as we had enjoyed our dining experience there a year earlier. This particular visit turned out to be one of the most dysfunctional and expensive dining experiences we've ever had. The first faux pas happened almost immediately when the server and his trainee assistant neglected to serve us the champagne toast I had arranged for in advance. Hoping to keep this part of the celebration a surprise to my husband, I asked the hostess about champagne toast. She shrugged her shoulders and said that the server had been informed that we had requested the toast. I decided to let it go, since our guests had just placed their individual drink orders. Despite it being a relatively quiet Thursday evening, our appetizers took about 45 minutes to come out. The meals came out an hour later with one dish being completely cold and another being the incorrect order. Our servers were absent during most of this time, although one of our guests spotted them hanging out in the basement during a trip to the restroom, and we were only offered water refills and another round of drinks after asking. When the Martha Washington cake--which I had pre-ordered along with the champagne toast--came out as dessert, I had flashbacks of the disinterested host that had answered the phone when I called to request these meal "upgrades"--as suggested by the restaurant's reservation confirmation email. He had seemed annoyed when I asked for the cake to have writing on it: "Congrats --husband's name--, J.D." He seemed so annoyed that I was afraid to ask him to confirm the spelling. Well, my husband's name was spelled wrong on the cake and apparently we were celebrating him earning a "J.B." degree. I'm giving City Tavern 2 stars instead of 1, because the food that was served properly tasted quite good overall. Walter Staib as a strong reputation, but his restaurant has a service problem. $450 later (gratuity included for our inattentive servers, since we were a party of more than 5), we left disappointed. We will not be returning to City Tavern.
(2)Naomi G.
My Mom and I stopped in on a road trip a couple of weeks ago. I had the turkey pot pie..... Omg I'll never be able to eat a substandard pot pie ever again. The turkey was fresh and juicy, the sauce was perfect rich and creamy and the crust was golden, buttery and flakey... (i remember like it was yesterday and i wish i had one right now.) We were pretty full, but didn't want to leave without sampling the desert tray, so we asked our Waiters opinion on boxing something to go. He showed us a couple of things that would travel well. (i desperately wanted the creme brulé, but couldn't very well steal the dish) My Mom got the bread pudding and ate it the next day and it was delicious and I got the coffee cake. I didn't get to eat it until two days after and to my shock it was still moist and delicious! My mom and I are history nerds so we liked the traditional garb and decor. This visit was the highlight to our travels! Next time when I'm not required to drive I'm excited to try George Washington's personal recipe for port and Thomas Jefferson's personal recipe for beer. On a slight side note to the owner... Your women's room smelled dank, musty, and a bit uriney. Rent a swing machine and scrub that with a nice strong agent. Your epic food can be slightly overshadowed by something like that.
(5)Neha S.
Visiting this place is like taking a trip back to history. With colonial style decor, big centre candle in glass stands and waitstaff dressed in colonial costumes, this is a great place to spend a date with past. We went in pretty late in afternoon so we ordered a corn chowder soup and a coffee cake with a cup of coffee. The soup was delicious and was served in a metal goblet. But the cake was just ok. Overall the experience is great, but the food is ok.
(3)Rebecca K.
Touristy place, but definitely worth the visit. City Tavern is tucked away behind the trees and is claimed to be the oldest standing tavern in Philly where the Founding Fathers used to chill after writing the Declaration of Independence and stuff. The staff are wearing traditional colonial wear with the long socks and everything. The atmosphere is nice - indoors or outdoors. I didn't get any food, but I got the flight which was pretty good (and you go dark to light...which is different). My favorite was the Thomas Jefferson. I can't say anything on the food, but just come here to see it and grab a brew!
(3)Jodie S.
I have lived in Philly for years and never made it City Tavern. My family was coming in from out of town so I decided this would be a good time to try it out. It was my sister's birthday so I went ahead to see if I could leave my credit card to cover the bill. Fighting over the check at the end of a meal is literally my biggest pet peeve. When we entered the girl at the front told me that I should have talked to her manager who just went upstairs. She just stared at me blankly and had no idea what I was talking about. I stormed out the door. I can sometimes be dramatic. I was about to change my reservation to somewhere else but my patient and gracious husband told me to chill out and leave things as they were. I'm so glad I listen to him sometimes. We arrived and were seated. Our server Davonte came to our table and within moments I knew this was going to be a fantastic dinner. He is quite possibly one of the best servers I have ever encountered. Not only did he give us a history lesson throughout the dinner, he was funny and kind from beginning to end. He paid so much attention to what we were saying and it was evident in our service. The food was great. I'm going to be honest and say that if Davonte wasn't our waiter, I probably would not have been terribly impressed with the food but sometimes atmosphere wins. I had the tenderloin medallions and they were delicious. I tried my sister's pot pie and it was spectacular but everything had bernaise sauce and mushrooms. Like everything. I understand that it is meant to mimic the food of the forefathers but can a girl get different veggie or a non cream based - salt laden sauce? Although I will say the sweet potato rolls were amazing. I may make them for Christmas. The cocktails are sugary so be warned. George Washington didn't have teeth - coincidence? All in all it was a memorable evening with a lot of laughs and I would completely return.
(4)Sundi P.
We love old restaurants and City Tavern is amazing. The food was excellent! We didn't know that reservations are recommended, but a spot had just come open when we arrived so we were lucky. I had the lamb which was the best I've ever had. My husband had the turkey pot pie which came with a side of stroganoff. He loved it too. We ended our dinner with the pecan pie glazed with dark chocolate.
(5)Colleen E.
Quirky, kitchy fun................. The food was ok, but the whole experience was very cool and touristy. I dont know if I would do it again, but I am glad I went.
(3)John L.
Seafood Melange is exceptional. Try the beer sampler. Service was fantastic. Completely booked but they worked me in within 10 minutes.
(4)Dee M.
Check out Sean b's recent review which nails it on the head. Must try: Ben Franklin's Spruce Ale. His recipe from the 1770's. Again attentive service from all involved. Having sampled mostly everything here i tried a new one. The wiener schnitzel was a buttery flavored light batter over 2 ample sized veal slices. Accompanying veggies were a delight. My friend had the Chicken Madeira and raved about it. He loved his cocktail which was colonial in nature Clean plate club for both of us !
(5)My D.
I love going to "historical" restaurants to experience the environment and the specialties. The one I tried in Boston was a bit of a disappointment in terms of food so I did not have high expectations. But City Tavern exceeded my expectations. The food was amazing (and definitely a big portion of food) (Note: you get a metal goblet filled with icy cold water to quench your thirst after a day of sightseeing and a complimentary bread basket with butter), the service was wonderful, and the environment was cozy. I love the dinner by candlelight. The people who work there are dressed up in period costumes which was a plus! I got the Duckling and my boyfriend got the Rabbit (shared so we got to try both). Yum! Great for family. Casual dress code.
(5)Chris H.
Once you've had their apple smoked pork chops you will never bother trying to make them at home ever again. Seriously, everything on our plates was top-notch. I didn't even know I LIKED sauerkraut! The colonial-style oysters were my 7yr old's favorite, oddly enough. And the founding fathers beer sampler - - awesome. The chef nailed it ! We are definitely going back.
(5)Sean C.
Since 1773. Our founding forefathers Thomas Jefferson & Benjamin Franklin congregated to booze here, in fact, they came up with recipes that prevail today. Thomas Jefferson's "1774 Tavern Ale," with a splendid amber and nice frizzy finish, would make my Top Ten Beers of all-time. Tastes similar to Maine's masterful "Allagash." I wouldn't go as far to say it's the greatest bar in America, but it could be one of the most essential. I mean the foundation of not just America, but the tradition of beer, began here in Philadelphia. Oh, I almost forgot. There's food here, too. I wish I had ordered the "Roasted Duckling" instead (a few bites, amazingly tender), or even the flaky-fun "Turkey Pot Pie," but I went another way. Alas, this was the first and last time I will have "Braised Rabbit." Too heavy, so heavy and sinewy it made me throaty and felt stuck in my sternum for three days -- I was incessantly bloated. This is a rare case where food sapped my energy but couldn't keep me away from awarding the experience as a whole a grand total of 5-stars. It's about the rustic rooms, the ghosts of our forefathers, and that 1774 beer recipe. Yahoo. Serious. #bustabutton
(5)Jason K.
My family had a fantastic dinner with a history lesson included. The food was very good and our server Dan was great. He entertained my children with stories from the colonial time and even brought our bonnets for them to wear during the meal. He made our first night in Philky a memory my kids will have forever. Thank you!
(5)Mallory M.
We were incredibly impressed with our waiter Tom! He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the tavern's history and the executive chef. He even serenaded us!! The food did not disappoint either! The Thomas Jefferson biscuits were the highlight of the bread basket (we even took some to go). I had the tomato and onion salad. The dressing and fresh ingredients made for a delicious salad. For my main course I had the turkey pot pie. It came out piping hot. What a delicious crust for the pie! What a fun place to enjoy a meal with friends and family while learning about the food and tavern's history! Definitely should be on the list when planning a visit to Philly!
(5)Jamie T.
I drank George Washington's beer recipe, and I liked it. How many people can actually say they drank the first president's beer in the very same tavern that he hung out in? Very historical place, it's worth stopping in for a drink and a snack. I felt bad for the staff, because they had to dress in 1700's era formal attire, but they kept a good attitude!
(4)Matthew M.
What an absolute fantastic experience!! The ability to drink in the same building where George Washington and the continental congress partied is a dream come true!! Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to sample the food but the drinks were delicious between the yards sampler and the apple brandy cider...yum!! The employees are all dressed up in the old colonial attire, the only thing that could have made this better was to add wigs and an accent. Will definitely come back here when I visit Philly again!!
(5)Christina S.
This is a wonderful place for the historic experience. The food is perfect for a cold winter night. The ambience is cozy, warm and dark. Think heavy, comfort food. Our server Harris was helpful and attentive. The 4 beer tasting is a great value. One criticism, the flowers used throughout the tavern looked like they were left over from Thanksgiving....dried up dead asters. Come on, buy a few poinsettias...!
(4)Rue M.
Great idea having the Colonial Tavern but the food is so mediocre -it could be so much better
(2)L O.
This is a review of the bar, not the restaurant. The bar was incredible, with excellent beers to boot. If you do one thing in Philadelphia, see the liberty bell. But if you do two things, drink here. I especially recommend the Revolutionary Ale, slightly pricey but they are the original recipes used by the founding fathers. No hyperbole, they are the best beers I have ever tasted. As a Brit I'm glad America won it's independence as it allowed them to make such excellent drinks.
(5)Carlton S.
After a fun-filled day throughout historic Philadelphia, we decided to eat at what John Adams once described as "the most genteel tavern in America"...The City Tavern. A reconstructed version of the meeting place, eatery, and local watering hole that once played host to the very men that founded our great country, The City Tavern instantly takes you back to the most tumultuous time in our nation's history. The look and feel we're very authentic, having been a student of early American history for some time. The food was wonderfully prepared- certainly the highlight of our experience there. We started with the Country Salad and Tomato & Onion Salad- simple and basic in preparation for what I hoped would be a very flavorful meal. Our main courses consisted of braised rabbit and medallions of beef tenderloin. The braised rabbit dish consisted of two very good size marinated and braised rabbit legs covered in a mushroom-vegetable red wine sauce, all atop a bed of large egg noodles. The medallions dish consisted of several extremely (cut with a fork) tender pan seared medallions of beef covered in a Burgundy, demi-glaze sauce. Accompanying them were mashed potatoes, asparagus, and squash. It is hard to imagine a bad dish there as everything that came out of the kitchen looked as good as the one before. Our server was extremely friendly, although he could have been slightly more attentive and knowledgable about the menu. All in all, I would definitely return. I also recommend this restaurant for anyone wanting to get a sense of food dishes from our nation's founding.
(4)Lilli C.
A touristy, colonial style restaurant with great service and mediocre food. The upstairs dining area looks like a large banquet hall with overly bright lighting. The front room has a cozy fireplace which would be nice for enjoying a cocktail on a cold winter evening. The west indies pepperpot soup was delicious, but overly salty. The cornmeal crusted oysters were quite sizable and nicely fried, but didn't have much flavor in the breading and could have actually used more salt. For my entree I had the pan seared brook trout, which wasn't that great. It had thick breading on it, lacked seasoning and was over a bed of herbed barley which I wasn't a fan off- they tasted like slimy beads. My dinner companion had the crispy duck which seemed amazing, although I didn't actually get to sample any. For dessert we had some kind of shortbread pastry w/ ice cream. The shortbread was good but overly sweet but the ice cream was delicious. The place was nice to try since I'd never been before but I probably wouldn't go back for dinner, but would maybe stop in for a beer/cocktail.
(3)Chad S.
Classic and historical and a great spot to catch a drink while on your trek around Independence Park. Definitely get the ale sampler!!
(5)Patty S.
Such a great experience to end our day in Philadelphia! Our server, Dejuan was the best! Very knowledgeable and hospitable! Try the Apple Cider Warmer and franklin's original brew! Thanks City Tavern for the great time and food!!!!
(5)Gilbert M.
Come here and expect: $$, a restaurant that does keep to being "colonialistic"....not trendy (it's not a club) , not comfortable (it's not a coffee bar), just a blast to the past of the late 1800s, and worth your consideration (THE FOLLOWING IS BASED ON BEER OUTING ONLY) What I got from it: When I saw that this place was the site for the conversations between Jefferson, Franklin, and others who would stay up late discussing and debating the future of our nation, I HAD TO COME HERE. I dropped my plans to go visit a nationally famous beer location called Monk's Cafe, and I made sure that my evening plans were going to be spending time at the Tavern, in honor of history. So yea, expectations were high. Then I saw the plaque that basically said I was entering a reconstructed version of the Tavern that originally stood in the same place, but had been torn down a long while back, only to be resurrected by the city itself in honor of its history. Hm. I went in anyways. What I got excited about was to have some ales that were done according to the recipes that Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson used to make their own homebrews. These were produced by the famous Yards Brewery that has obviously been trying to get Philly to love it as its only brew of choice. I saw them advertised even in tourist shops. Needless to say, I still gave the ales a shot, and so very glad I did. Beer doesn't have to be pigeonholed to be only interesting and hoppy. It should be, at minimal, good to style. Whether you personally love it or not needs to be placed in that seperate context. I had the Jefferson Tavern Ale which was an English Strong Ale style. It had a subtle malt smell, was crisp and malty with an light aromatic aftertaste. So very well done to style! So, don't feel like you're dragging your values down. Order one of the "historic ales," and try to order one of the styles you will like, realizing they will not taste like our current trendy beers do. The bar area is small. It's done simply with wood benches and small chairs. Nothing interesting. But then again maybe that's how it was back in the day? The dinning room areas are where the action is, and I can believe that the men would have a good eat and drink while they were conversing. My friend told me that a guy was playing the harp downstairs, and soon enough my friends and I found ourselves sitting in awe of the angelic music the harpist made while we nursed our ales. We had a pretty fantastic experience. We'll be back, if only to have more harp encounters.
(4)Donald J.
The history and atmosphere was terrific! Food was great, our party had the rabbit and the duck! The service was very slow! Just getting water when we were seated took 10 minutes and then it was another 10 minutes before we saw our waiter for the first time. This theme continued throughout the evening which included a 15 minute wait for the check. The upside on the service is that once we finally ordered the food was delivered to our table rapidly, but with three people in our party our waiter scored a zero % at getting the correct dish to the person who ordered it. I would return but the management needs to address the service problem!
(3)Bry S.
Amazing lunch that filled us up all day! First, you are given a house baked bread plate with a white bread, a cornmeal/molasses bread, and sweet potato and pecan biscuits (which smells reminiscent of gingerbread) all three were mighty good. We ordered the pork medallions and turkey pot pie. Medallions tasted great with the mashed potatoes and gravy. Turkey pot pie was great but they also give you a bowl of noodles which made it even better. The Yards' "Ales of the Revolution" is worth getting. All 4 beers were very tasty and different (GW porter and TJ ale were my favorites)The wife got an apple cider with apple jack brandy, which was dangerously smooth. The old tavern feel was well done with the heavy water goblets and old looking dinnerware. Service was great especially considering the period costumes the staff has to wear. Don't worry, no one talks in olde English. I would definitely come back and bring others!
(5)Chris R.
This was a five star restaurant weekend for the wife and I touring Philly. We were getting cold looking around the historic district and were given a coupon for lunch here. Walked a few blocks and were seated on the 2nd floor. Both of us ordered Turkey pot pie with noodles. Delicious! Server was attentive and we received a DVD on the way out with the chefs new show episode on PBS.
(5)Frank Y.
Incredible food and beer. Both are unique and should be on everyone's bucket list. Best food I have had at a restaurant yet.
(5)Joelle P.
Hmmm normally I am all for kitschy but this was kind of a miss for me. Apparently they rebuilt this place in the 1970s on the original site...but I'm not really a fan of replicas. I'm more of an "original or nothing" type of girl. The waitstaff dresses in period costumes from the 1700s and normally I'd be asking if I could dress up too but...I dunno...maybe I shouldn't have gone there for lunch. Or maybe I should have drank more...it was just kind of...a let down. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed drinking out of the silver cup like in the olden days. Totally felt like a wench. And the recipes/menu items were from back in the day and that was cool too...but...the whole thing felt...forced? Yes, forced is probably the word I'm looking for. There was no ease to the step back in time. More of a "I'm supposed to feel like I'm in the 1700s...but totally don't..." It almost felt like a theme park which is sad because supposedly this was the first fine dining establishment in America. If you have kids (or cheesey parents), totally go here. They will LOVE it. At least that is what I observed from the screaming ones at the table next to me. Oh, and apparently it is haunted. By a couple of ghosts. So there's that.
(3)Maria M.
Amazing place! Drinks were great we had champagne shrubs and the spiked cider. All of us greatly enjoyed our meals (pot pie, turnover, seafood pasta. It was great seeing the servers in period dress and learning about the restaurant! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
(5)Elliot P.
Had some visitors from out of town visiting Philly recently. They have a flair for history and apparently read somewhere (not here) good things about this place. So we ventured out to old city down to the city tavern. Parking was easier than expected, as there was ample street parking as well as a nearby garage. Not too far from the subway stop on the MFL. The decor and ambiance are super nice. The place is a bit dated, but here it's really supposed to be. They light a candle and put a glass case-like thing over it which adds a nice touch. Water is served in these metal goblets which are apparently designed so that they keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. Kind of like a colonial thermos I suppose. The waitstaff are dressed up like they are colonists which is pretty funny. The service is very good there. The waiters will pepper historical facts about the food and such and everything is very prompt. Our waiter dropped a couple of things but replaced them and then some without even having to ask. I liked that. Also a good sense of humor. The food itself was just ok. They brought a few kinds of bread which was good, the white being the best, but the butter was actually quite good. Maybe it was freshly churned or something. The fried oysters were actually really good. I like those a lot. Crispy and moist with a great cream dipping sauce. I ordered the rabbit and perhaps should not have, I haven't ever tried it and was feeling adventurous. It's like chicken, but not as good. I mean, it's probably not that popular because it's just not that good. A bit gamey tasting. It was braised, and the portions of it that were extra soft were significantly better than the less braised portion, So I would suggest asking for it "extra-braised" if that's such a thing. A friend got the lobster pot pie and I had a few bites - it was very tasty, and very pricey. The flaky crust was superb. Had the chocolate mousse cake for dessert, apparently it was Martha Washington's recipe. And apparently Martha didn't know much about chocolate mousse. It was disappointing. While I won't be back, it was not nearly as bad as I was expecting. It's a nice experience if you're into the historical stuff, but if you're not and just looking for dinner, look elsewhere.
(3)Barry C.
Best crab cakes we had in town, good service with a great beer sampler of old brews! Worth the walk.
(5)Hollei J.
Firstly, the attire the staff is in completely caught me off guard. But it fits the theme. The food is wholesome. Home style cooked, cut and dry, not at lot of seasoning. Not a super large menu, but very versatile. No problems with my food, i had a variation of fried chicken. Honestly, everything was regular. Can be compared to Cracker Barrel, but CB wins.
(3)Julie F.
I read about this place and it was certainly cute and charming as the restaurant reflected the colonial days. To make it more charming and realistic, the servers dressed in period costume from back in the days. I had the colonial turkey pot pie which was not a huge portion but was adequate. It was very tasty with good ingredients and a nice gravy and crust. It came with egg noodles with a sauce that I wasn't crazy about. My water glass had some white things floating in it which resembled wax. Hopefully, it wasn't something worse... If you want to pretend you are dining way back when our forefathers did, City Tavern will give you that unique experience.
(3)Creasy Q.
Great beer and food.
(5)Christine W.
This was truly a five star meal. An acquaintance of mine introduced me to this restaurant on July 3 rd. I must say it was a delight. Everything about the experience was 5 stars. It is in it s original location from when George Washington and friends dined and met there. It was torn down and rebuilt in it s original spot. The interior reflects what the tavern looked like as well as the exterior. We ate upstairs and it was great because no one was there and it was peace and quiet. Our waiter was also dressed in period costume as all employees were. We started with a glass of Riesling and a beer that Was Thomas Jefferson s recipe. This recipe is only available here for purchase. I would have purchased a six pack but carrying it around all day would be too much. But, it was good. We were served three types of bread made from original recipes of the period. Asked the waiter what he recommended. It was the award winning turkey pot pie. We both made the same choice and I am glad we did! It certainly was not a Swanson! And it deserved to be award winning. The only regret I have about the restaurant is that it is not closer. If in town go. tripadvisor.com/ShowUser…
(5)Mitch E.
C'mon you can't try to be a historically accurate colonial themed establishment and not do the bathrooms. I wanted to urinate in a horse trough! Upon entering City Tavern, I was surprised to see that the place was actually a colonial themed spot. Seemed a bit touristy, which is not my thing, (except Reading Terminal Market, I'd kill for the food) but why not?!?! I probably wouldn't have gone here knowing that, but I'm not too cool for school. We got a seat in the back by the bar. I got the Ales of the Revolution. A large beer flight dedicated to some of our most important forefathers. Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Hamilton. I think the Jefferson and Hamilton were the best. Which is unfortunate, if I could meet one person from the past, it would be George Washington. He's the most badass person I can think of. We split the mallard duck sausage. It was exactly what I was looking for. A small delicious snack that I could wash down with all the beers. I have to admit, I came here not expecting something touristy. When it was I was apprehensive, but I really enjoyed myself. It helped that it wasn't flooded with people, like other touristy folks. Just get a worse looking bathroom next time, and everything will be perfect.
(5)Alex H.
First visit for us and it was fun. We were only out for lunch and were spending the day walking so we only had salads, which was not a mistake but watching the delicious meals being delivered nearby made us second guess that decision! I definitely suggest enjoying the meals as this place is geared towards these hearty dishes not so much the salads. They were good but not memorable (I can't remember what mine was called but I'll call it a Cobb) The beer flight was fun, definitely suggest that as a start. The history of the tavern made for a great time and I look forward to coming back and eating real food!
(4)Heather R.
Normally, I'm ware of recommendations from tour guides, but this suggestion was spot-on. We came here for lunch yesterday, were seated promptly, and given "colonial" bread (one was made with cornmeal, one with molasses, and one was a thickly-cut white loaf). My mom ordered braised rabbit, and I ordered THE BEST TURKEY POT PIE I have ever had. Both dishes came with a side, so you are full, but not stuffed when you leave. The restaurant prides itself on remaining true to colonial customs, and the staff are dressed in colonial garb, and most of the dishes (and the bread) are either authentic or variations of what was consumed during colonial times.
(5)Dan M.
Cool historic place to visit as you are walking around and touring the Independence historic sites of Philly. Nice historic building, and interesting building. I thought there would be a bigger bar area, as the inside is mostly for sit-down eaters. They do have a nice large deck and outside patio as well. They offer 4 "historic" beers brewed especially from local brewing company Yards Brewing. I tried the historic Jefferson 1774 tavern ale as I needed to wet my whistle on a hot day, and this was a good one to try. They offer a sampler flight of all 4 historic beers as well, but I didn't have time on this trip.
(3)Matt D.
Visited for the first time for lunch on 8/22/15 and it was a very nice experience. As has been stated in other reviews, this restaurant is built on the original foundation of a tavern that some of the founders of our country would meet to discuss the news of the day. It has 3 floors and the decor is what you might expect to see back in the 1700's. There are plenty of pictures that others have shared here that will make my point. The water goblets are made out of pewter which was a nice touch. We were also served a basket that had several different types of bread. There were also a couple of biscuits that were made from sweet potato as well. All were very good. We ordered a beer sampler of 4 different types of beer that was called, "Ales of the Revolution". Each beer has a distinct flavor and is based on recipes by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Our favorite was Hamilton's Federalist Ale which has a nice citrus flavor. I had an appetizer that sounds simple but was very good as well. I can't remember the name of it but it was toast that was fried in butter with sliced mushrooms and cheese. It might not sound like much but it was delicious. We also had Pepper Pot Stew which was very good. The food and service was great, bathrooms were clean, and the recreation of a tavern from the 1700's was well done. I highly recommend you visit the Tavern.
(4)Alicia H.
What can I say, the food was great, the atmosphere was on point with it's colonial decor and table settings, but the waitstaff left a lot to be desired. Upon arriving, we were asked to wait in a room to the right of the entrance, furnished with traditional colonial furniture and fixtures. It wasn't a long wait, so no complaints there. We were seated at a nice four top table in another room down the hall (there are from what I understand 10 dining rooms in all) The tables were neatly set with beautiful china from the time period, including really neat, but plain pewter chalices. My 7 year old was thrilled. Our waiter came over, dressed in colonial costume and recited the specials. He served our water in the pewter cups. Strangely, he did not ask us if we would like anything else to drink. After a short wait, we ordered. My grandmother ordered the shrimp and crab salad, myself I had the Escallope veal, and my son, of course the chicken tenders. We also ordered a beer sampler. The waiter could have been a little more interested in our order, could have checked on us mid meal, and could have acted as though he enjoyed being there, but we joked, his attitude must have been that of the colonial times. Over all, the food was excellent, the restaurant itself was very nice, and while we could care less if the waiter was friendly or not, we still enjoyed our visit.
(4)T W.
Would definitely recommend this place. They make every effort to be true to the time period. Great rabbit dosk, pork chop is good if you favor ham and the small biscuit is awesome. Beer flight is a good taste of history
(4)Carol H.
Very unique looking restaurant that makes you feel you're living in the days of Ben Franklin. Besides that, the restaurant is lackluster (probably just attracts the tourists). The food is simply ordinary (borderline not good), especially for the price. The dishes are exactly as it sounds on the menu. Black Forest Ham & Asparagus is a plate of ham thrown with some boiled? asparagus, nothing special to warrant the $14. Basil Shrimp included 4 bacon-wrapped shrimp drenched in BBQ sauce. For the price, you'd think there would be more effort. This is food I expect at a local dive bar.
(2)June K.
Would I stop in every Saturday for drinks here if I lived here? Probably not. But i would definitely take any friends or family who are visiting me IF I lived in Philly. What a fun spot! My boyfriend dragged me around through museums and historical monuments and I was so happy to find this place to take a break. I really enjoyed sampling colonial beers but the cocktails were great as well! a Philly must!
(4)Jamie T.
I drank George Washington's beer recipe, and I liked it. How many people can actually say they drank the first president's beer in the very same tavern that he hung out in? Very historical place, it's worth stopping in for a drink and a snack. I felt bad for the staff, because they had to dress in 1700's era formal attire, but they kept a good attitude!
(4)John R.
The City Tavern Restaurant 138 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 (215) 413-1443 citytavern.comThis Penn's Landing gem situation in the Old City, Philadelphia is unique in that the waitstaff are costumed, the food is authentic 18th century offers, and the china, lighting, glassware is all dated to transport you to another time. As I sat down to dinner a festive Benjamin Franklin served cocktails to the table adjacent mine and a buxom Harriet Tubman served some gentlemen their ales. The tables were lit by lanterns which unfortunately made food photography challenging, but...in a phrase...challenge accepted! Hopefully the images do not disappoint. The lighter colored bread, Sally Lunn: large bun or teacake made with a yeast dough including cream, eggs, and spice, similar to the sweet brioche breads of France. Served warm and sliced, with butter, it was first recorded in 1780 in the spa town of Bath in southwest England. Darker bread is Anadama, a traditional yeast bread of New England in the United States made with wheat flour, cornmeal, molasses and sometimes rye flour. The small muffins are Thomas Jefferson's own recipe for sweet potato butter pecan biscuits. Note: Thomas Jefferson's Biscuit recipe is from the National Constitution Center (NCC), Philadelphia PA. According to the NCC, Thomas Jefferson's biscuits were served at the first meeting of the First Continental Congress in 1774. These are light, tasty biscuits (scones), with or without the pecans. Corn Chowder. Nothing to write home about, but I will comment on the period china it is served in. Those are iron bowls and something about eating out of a metal bowl just does it for me. The Founding Fathers surely knew this as well since after tossing back a few ales, coming up with quotes like, "When in the Course of human events..." In fact I'm pretty sure most of the introduction to the Declaration of Independence was written drunk as it has some pretty dramatic stage effect (Jefferson got carried away)...but I digress, anyway, these dishes won't break easily. Enough said. Moving on. Tenderloin Tips & Mushrooms. Marinated & sauteed beef tenderloin tips, mushrooms, sour cream-Dijon sauce, herbed egg noodles & vegetable of the season. Medallions of Beef Tenderloin. Pan-seared beef medallions, Burgundy demi-glaze, mashed potatoes, asparagus & Sauce Béarnaise. Béarnaise sauce is a sauce made of clarified butter emulsified in egg yolks, white wine vinegar and flavored with herbs. Dessert was a strawberry tort served with ice cream. The cool thing about the desserts is a huge tray of sample desserts comes out at the end of the meal and you get to pick what it is you want. Rather than look at a dessert menu, you actually get to see the desserts themselves. Very touristy atrium. One of the highlights of the evening: the harpist playing in the lobby. Historical Information: If you're reading this I expect you already know, this was the place the founding fathers gathered and visited and drank. However it burned down long long ago, and after over 150 years the National Park Service had this new version created but it was made to be as original as possible. It opened again in 1975.
(3)Michael W.
You go here for the history, but the food is good too! This chef knows how to cook. I had the pork chop. It was thick and flavorful and NOT dry at all like many get. The potato and cole slaw that came with also good! Also tried the pepperpot soup and it was quite tasty! Yes waiters are dressed in Colonial Attire. My waiter was foreign born, but hey this is America! We all came from somewhere sometime ago. A man also in period attire played the harp at night when I was there. Very nice. Restroom is in the basement. If your reading this I expect you already know, this was the place the founding fathers gathered and visited and drank. However it burned down long long ago, and after over 150 years the National Park Service had this new version created but it was made to be as original as possible. It opened again in 1975. Many of the same dishes served for dinner can be had for approx. 2/3 the price at lunch. Helpful hint- bring a small flashlight to read the menu as they keep it was too dark in here. Maybe that is in keeping with the period as they have table lamps but one little flame isn't enough to let 2 people see a menu.
(4)Tim S.
A delicious meal of food that's from late 1700's with a new style to it. It surprises you on flavors and how they present the food.
(5)Tim A.
This restaurant was everything that I would hope it would have been. The food was really really good. We both had the Lobster Pie. Our appetizer was the cornmeal fried oysters and all of this was too much food that were not able to finish. I would get the beer flight. You can try all of the different types of Yards beers they have on tap. They were all very good.
(5)David C.
Had the Benjamin Franklin chicken was perfectly breaded and fried. Came wity a glass of wine perfectly paired. Great overall experience.
(5)Neha S.
Visiting this place is like taking a trip back to history. With colonial style decor, big centre candle in glass stands and waitstaff dressed in colonial costumes, this is a great place to spend a date with past. We went in pretty late in afternoon so we ordered a corn chowder soup and a coffee cake with a cup of coffee. The soup was delicious and was served in a metal goblet. But the cake was just ok. Overall the experience is great, but the food is ok.
(3)Rebecca K.
Touristy place, but definitely worth the visit. City Tavern is tucked away behind the trees and is claimed to be the oldest standing tavern in Philly where the Founding Fathers used to chill after writing the Declaration of Independence and stuff. The staff are wearing traditional colonial wear with the long socks and everything. The atmosphere is nice - indoors or outdoors. I didn't get any food, but I got the flight which was pretty good (and you go dark to light...which is different). My favorite was the Thomas Jefferson. I can't say anything on the food, but just come here to see it and grab a brew!
(3)Kristin L.
We chose City Tavern as the place to host a small law school graduation dinner for my husband (6 people total), as we had enjoyed our dining experience there a year earlier. This particular visit turned out to be one of the most dysfunctional and expensive dining experiences we've ever had. The first faux pas happened almost immediately when the server and his trainee assistant neglected to serve us the champagne toast I had arranged for in advance. Hoping to keep this part of the celebration a surprise to my husband, I asked the hostess about champagne toast. She shrugged her shoulders and said that the server had been informed that we had requested the toast. I decided to let it go, since our guests had just placed their individual drink orders. Despite it being a relatively quiet Thursday evening, our appetizers took about 45 minutes to come out. The meals came out an hour later with one dish being completely cold and another being the incorrect order. Our servers were absent during most of this time, although one of our guests spotted them hanging out in the basement during a trip to the restroom, and we were only offered water refills and another round of drinks after asking. When the Martha Washington cake--which I had pre-ordered along with the champagne toast--came out as dessert, I had flashbacks of the disinterested host that had answered the phone when I called to request these meal "upgrades"--as suggested by the restaurant's reservation confirmation email. He had seemed annoyed when I asked for the cake to have writing on it: "Congrats --husband's name--, J.D." He seemed so annoyed that I was afraid to ask him to confirm the spelling. Well, my husband's name was spelled wrong on the cake and apparently we were celebrating him earning a "J.B." degree. I'm giving City Tavern 2 stars instead of 1, because the food that was served properly tasted quite good overall. Walter Staib as a strong reputation, but his restaurant has a service problem. $450 later (gratuity included for our inattentive servers, since we were a party of more than 5), we left disappointed. We will not be returning to City Tavern.
(2)Naomi G.
My Mom and I stopped in on a road trip a couple of weeks ago. I had the turkey pot pie..... Omg I'll never be able to eat a substandard pot pie ever again. The turkey was fresh and juicy, the sauce was perfect rich and creamy and the crust was golden, buttery and flakey... (i remember like it was yesterday and i wish i had one right now.) We were pretty full, but didn't want to leave without sampling the desert tray, so we asked our Waiters opinion on boxing something to go. He showed us a couple of things that would travel well. (i desperately wanted the creme brulé, but couldn't very well steal the dish) My Mom got the bread pudding and ate it the next day and it was delicious and I got the coffee cake. I didn't get to eat it until two days after and to my shock it was still moist and delicious! My mom and I are history nerds so we liked the traditional garb and decor. This visit was the highlight to our travels! Next time when I'm not required to drive I'm excited to try George Washington's personal recipe for port and Thomas Jefferson's personal recipe for beer. On a slight side note to the owner... Your women's room smelled dank, musty, and a bit uriney. Rent a swing machine and scrub that with a nice strong agent. Your epic food can be slightly overshadowed by something like that.
(5)Jodie S.
I have lived in Philly for years and never made it City Tavern. My family was coming in from out of town so I decided this would be a good time to try it out. It was my sister's birthday so I went ahead to see if I could leave my credit card to cover the bill. Fighting over the check at the end of a meal is literally my biggest pet peeve. When we entered the girl at the front told me that I should have talked to her manager who just went upstairs. She just stared at me blankly and had no idea what I was talking about. I stormed out the door. I can sometimes be dramatic. I was about to change my reservation to somewhere else but my patient and gracious husband told me to chill out and leave things as they were. I'm so glad I listen to him sometimes. We arrived and were seated. Our server Davonte came to our table and within moments I knew this was going to be a fantastic dinner. He is quite possibly one of the best servers I have ever encountered. Not only did he give us a history lesson throughout the dinner, he was funny and kind from beginning to end. He paid so much attention to what we were saying and it was evident in our service. The food was great. I'm going to be honest and say that if Davonte wasn't our waiter, I probably would not have been terribly impressed with the food but sometimes atmosphere wins. I had the tenderloin medallions and they were delicious. I tried my sister's pot pie and it was spectacular but everything had bernaise sauce and mushrooms. Like everything. I understand that it is meant to mimic the food of the forefathers but can a girl get different veggie or a non cream based - salt laden sauce? Although I will say the sweet potato rolls were amazing. I may make them for Christmas. The cocktails are sugary so be warned. George Washington didn't have teeth - coincidence? All in all it was a memorable evening with a lot of laughs and I would completely return.
(4)Sundi P.
We love old restaurants and City Tavern is amazing. The food was excellent! We didn't know that reservations are recommended, but a spot had just come open when we arrived so we were lucky. I had the lamb which was the best I've ever had. My husband had the turkey pot pie which came with a side of stroganoff. He loved it too. We ended our dinner with the pecan pie glazed with dark chocolate.
(5)Colleen E.
Quirky, kitchy fun................. The food was ok, but the whole experience was very cool and touristy. I dont know if I would do it again, but I am glad I went.
(3)John L.
Seafood Melange is exceptional. Try the beer sampler. Service was fantastic. Completely booked but they worked me in within 10 minutes.
(4)Dee M.
Check out Sean b's recent review which nails it on the head. Must try: Ben Franklin's Spruce Ale. His recipe from the 1770's. Again attentive service from all involved. Having sampled mostly everything here i tried a new one. The wiener schnitzel was a buttery flavored light batter over 2 ample sized veal slices. Accompanying veggies were a delight. My friend had the Chicken Madeira and raved about it. He loved his cocktail which was colonial in nature Clean plate club for both of us !
(5)My D.
I love going to "historical" restaurants to experience the environment and the specialties. The one I tried in Boston was a bit of a disappointment in terms of food so I did not have high expectations. But City Tavern exceeded my expectations. The food was amazing (and definitely a big portion of food) (Note: you get a metal goblet filled with icy cold water to quench your thirst after a day of sightseeing and a complimentary bread basket with butter), the service was wonderful, and the environment was cozy. I love the dinner by candlelight. The people who work there are dressed up in period costumes which was a plus! I got the Duckling and my boyfriend got the Rabbit (shared so we got to try both). Yum! Great for family. Casual dress code.
(5)Chris H.
Once you've had their apple smoked pork chops you will never bother trying to make them at home ever again. Seriously, everything on our plates was top-notch. I didn't even know I LIKED sauerkraut! The colonial-style oysters were my 7yr old's favorite, oddly enough. And the founding fathers beer sampler - - awesome. The chef nailed it ! We are definitely going back.
(5)Sean C.
Since 1773. Our founding forefathers Thomas Jefferson & Benjamin Franklin congregated to booze here, in fact, they came up with recipes that prevail today. Thomas Jefferson's "1774 Tavern Ale," with a splendid amber and nice frizzy finish, would make my Top Ten Beers of all-time. Tastes similar to Maine's masterful "Allagash." I wouldn't go as far to say it's the greatest bar in America, but it could be one of the most essential. I mean the foundation of not just America, but the tradition of beer, began here in Philadelphia. Oh, I almost forgot. There's food here, too. I wish I had ordered the "Roasted Duckling" instead (a few bites, amazingly tender), or even the flaky-fun "Turkey Pot Pie," but I went another way. Alas, this was the first and last time I will have "Braised Rabbit." Too heavy, so heavy and sinewy it made me throaty and felt stuck in my sternum for three days -- I was incessantly bloated. This is a rare case where food sapped my energy but couldn't keep me away from awarding the experience as a whole a grand total of 5-stars. It's about the rustic rooms, the ghosts of our forefathers, and that 1774 beer recipe. Yahoo. Serious. #bustabutton
(5)Jason K.
My family had a fantastic dinner with a history lesson included. The food was very good and our server Dan was great. He entertained my children with stories from the colonial time and even brought our bonnets for them to wear during the meal. He made our first night in Philky a memory my kids will have forever. Thank you!
(5)Mallory M.
We were incredibly impressed with our waiter Tom! He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the tavern's history and the executive chef. He even serenaded us!! The food did not disappoint either! The Thomas Jefferson biscuits were the highlight of the bread basket (we even took some to go). I had the tomato and onion salad. The dressing and fresh ingredients made for a delicious salad. For my main course I had the turkey pot pie. It came out piping hot. What a delicious crust for the pie! What a fun place to enjoy a meal with friends and family while learning about the food and tavern's history! Definitely should be on the list when planning a visit to Philly!
(5)Matthew M.
What an absolute fantastic experience!! The ability to drink in the same building where George Washington and the continental congress partied is a dream come true!! Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to sample the food but the drinks were delicious between the yards sampler and the apple brandy cider...yum!! The employees are all dressed up in the old colonial attire, the only thing that could have made this better was to add wigs and an accent. Will definitely come back here when I visit Philly again!!
(5)Christina S.
This is a wonderful place for the historic experience. The food is perfect for a cold winter night. The ambience is cozy, warm and dark. Think heavy, comfort food. Our server Harris was helpful and attentive. The 4 beer tasting is a great value. One criticism, the flowers used throughout the tavern looked like they were left over from Thanksgiving....dried up dead asters. Come on, buy a few poinsettias...!
(4)Rue M.
Great idea having the Colonial Tavern but the food is so mediocre -it could be so much better
(2)Carlton S.
After a fun-filled day throughout historic Philadelphia, we decided to eat at what John Adams once described as "the most genteel tavern in America"...The City Tavern. A reconstructed version of the meeting place, eatery, and local watering hole that once played host to the very men that founded our great country, The City Tavern instantly takes you back to the most tumultuous time in our nation's history. The look and feel we're very authentic, having been a student of early American history for some time. The food was wonderfully prepared- certainly the highlight of our experience there. We started with the Country Salad and Tomato & Onion Salad- simple and basic in preparation for what I hoped would be a very flavorful meal. Our main courses consisted of braised rabbit and medallions of beef tenderloin. The braised rabbit dish consisted of two very good size marinated and braised rabbit legs covered in a mushroom-vegetable red wine sauce, all atop a bed of large egg noodles. The medallions dish consisted of several extremely (cut with a fork) tender pan seared medallions of beef covered in a Burgundy, demi-glaze sauce. Accompanying them were mashed potatoes, asparagus, and squash. It is hard to imagine a bad dish there as everything that came out of the kitchen looked as good as the one before. Our server was extremely friendly, although he could have been slightly more attentive and knowledgable about the menu. All in all, I would definitely return. I also recommend this restaurant for anyone wanting to get a sense of food dishes from our nation's founding.
(4)Chris R.
This was a five star restaurant weekend for the wife and I touring Philly. We were getting cold looking around the historic district and were given a coupon for lunch here. Walked a few blocks and were seated on the 2nd floor. Both of us ordered Turkey pot pie with noodles. Delicious! Server was attentive and we received a DVD on the way out with the chefs new show episode on PBS.
(5)Frank Y.
Incredible food and beer. Both are unique and should be on everyone's bucket list. Best food I have had at a restaurant yet.
(5)Lilli C.
A touristy, colonial style restaurant with great service and mediocre food. The upstairs dining area looks like a large banquet hall with overly bright lighting. The front room has a cozy fireplace which would be nice for enjoying a cocktail on a cold winter evening. The west indies pepperpot soup was delicious, but overly salty. The cornmeal crusted oysters were quite sizable and nicely fried, but didn't have much flavor in the breading and could have actually used more salt. For my entree I had the pan seared brook trout, which wasn't that great. It had thick breading on it, lacked seasoning and was over a bed of herbed barley which I wasn't a fan off- they tasted like slimy beads. My dinner companion had the crispy duck which seemed amazing, although I didn't actually get to sample any. For dessert we had some kind of shortbread pastry w/ ice cream. The shortbread was good but overly sweet but the ice cream was delicious. The place was nice to try since I'd never been before but I probably wouldn't go back for dinner, but would maybe stop in for a beer/cocktail.
(3)Chad S.
Classic and historical and a great spot to catch a drink while on your trek around Independence Park. Definitely get the ale sampler!!
(5)Patty S.
Such a great experience to end our day in Philadelphia! Our server, Dejuan was the best! Very knowledgeable and hospitable! Try the Apple Cider Warmer and franklin's original brew! Thanks City Tavern for the great time and food!!!!
(5)Bry S.
Amazing lunch that filled us up all day! First, you are given a house baked bread plate with a white bread, a cornmeal/molasses bread, and sweet potato and pecan biscuits (which smells reminiscent of gingerbread) all three were mighty good. We ordered the pork medallions and turkey pot pie. Medallions tasted great with the mashed potatoes and gravy. Turkey pot pie was great but they also give you a bowl of noodles which made it even better. The Yards' "Ales of the Revolution" is worth getting. All 4 beers were very tasty and different (GW porter and TJ ale were my favorites)The wife got an apple cider with apple jack brandy, which was dangerously smooth. The old tavern feel was well done with the heavy water goblets and old looking dinnerware. Service was great especially considering the period costumes the staff has to wear. Don't worry, no one talks in olde English. I would definitely come back and bring others!
(5)Raj S.
Walked by this restaurant and decided to try it out. Well the turkey pot pie was absolutely amazing. Best thing of the menu. Can't wait to go back.
(5)L O.
This is a review of the bar, not the restaurant. The bar was incredible, with excellent beers to boot. If you do one thing in Philadelphia, see the liberty bell. But if you do two things, drink here. I especially recommend the Revolutionary Ale, slightly pricey but they are the original recipes used by the founding fathers. No hyperbole, they are the best beers I have ever tasted. As a Brit I'm glad America won it's independence as it allowed them to make such excellent drinks.
(5)Gilbert M.
Come here and expect: $$, a restaurant that does keep to being "colonialistic"....not trendy (it's not a club) , not comfortable (it's not a coffee bar), just a blast to the past of the late 1800s, and worth your consideration (THE FOLLOWING IS BASED ON BEER OUTING ONLY) What I got from it: When I saw that this place was the site for the conversations between Jefferson, Franklin, and others who would stay up late discussing and debating the future of our nation, I HAD TO COME HERE. I dropped my plans to go visit a nationally famous beer location called Monk's Cafe, and I made sure that my evening plans were going to be spending time at the Tavern, in honor of history. So yea, expectations were high. Then I saw the plaque that basically said I was entering a reconstructed version of the Tavern that originally stood in the same place, but had been torn down a long while back, only to be resurrected by the city itself in honor of its history. Hm. I went in anyways. What I got excited about was to have some ales that were done according to the recipes that Franklin, Washington, and Jefferson used to make their own homebrews. These were produced by the famous Yards Brewery that has obviously been trying to get Philly to love it as its only brew of choice. I saw them advertised even in tourist shops. Needless to say, I still gave the ales a shot, and so very glad I did. Beer doesn't have to be pigeonholed to be only interesting and hoppy. It should be, at minimal, good to style. Whether you personally love it or not needs to be placed in that seperate context. I had the Jefferson Tavern Ale which was an English Strong Ale style. It had a subtle malt smell, was crisp and malty with an light aromatic aftertaste. So very well done to style! So, don't feel like you're dragging your values down. Order one of the "historic ales," and try to order one of the styles you will like, realizing they will not taste like our current trendy beers do. The bar area is small. It's done simply with wood benches and small chairs. Nothing interesting. But then again maybe that's how it was back in the day? The dinning room areas are where the action is, and I can believe that the men would have a good eat and drink while they were conversing. My friend told me that a guy was playing the harp downstairs, and soon enough my friends and I found ourselves sitting in awe of the angelic music the harpist made while we nursed our ales. We had a pretty fantastic experience. We'll be back, if only to have more harp encounters.
(4)Donald J.
The history and atmosphere was terrific! Food was great, our party had the rabbit and the duck! The service was very slow! Just getting water when we were seated took 10 minutes and then it was another 10 minutes before we saw our waiter for the first time. This theme continued throughout the evening which included a 15 minute wait for the check. The upside on the service is that once we finally ordered the food was delivered to our table rapidly, but with three people in our party our waiter scored a zero % at getting the correct dish to the person who ordered it. I would return but the management needs to address the service problem!
(3)Kelly B.
After having a large sandwich from DiNic's for lunch, we hit the town again seeing more sights. It was over 100 degrees with high humidity, so I was ready for a break. We were in the area of the City Tavern which I wanted to visit. In 1774, John Adams called the City Tavern "the most genteel tavern in America". In 1777, the Continental Congress celebrated the first July 4th here. Because of my mom, I appreciate old cities such as Philadelphia or historical places such as the City Tavern. Everyone working was dressed in 18th century costumes. We mentioned we wanted some snacks and drinks, so we sat in the front room. We shared a cheese and crackers platter and an assortment of bread. Hubby had a glass of Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. This ale was made especially following Jefferson's original ale. The ale was rugged and smooth at the same time. They also have ales from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Alexander Hamilton. After our snack, I mentioned how full I was. My hubby said I had to order Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse Cake because he did not want to hear the rest of the week how I wished I had gotten the cake. Let me just say I was not disappointed. The bottom layer was chocolate cake, the middle layer was chocolate mousse and the top layer was a chocolate ganache. It was sinfully decadent. After getting back home I read up on the City Tavern some more because I was so intrigued. I was slightly disappointed to read that the original building had burned in 1834. In 1948, Congress commissioned the site to be accurately reconstructed. The City Tavern reopened in 1976. It was still a great stop.
(4)Shannon A.
City tavern is down in the Old City in Philly and is a really cool place to go and have beer. We have been here twice and never eaten here, only drank beer so this review is for the drinking aspect. First, it is in a really old historic building, and the staff is dressed as if they are in the 1700's. Cool, but then sort of strange when the server is telling you that a beer is "really awesome" in his powdered wig and knee highs. All of the beers are made after our founding fathers' recipes. Thomas Jefferson's beer recipe edges out the recipes of Franklin, Washington and Alexander Hamilton as my personal fave! Neat place for a beer, or two, or three, but it's hot inside. Guess they want it to be like it was before a/c? They have a renowned chef with apparently wonderful food, but we've just never partaken in the food options here, although it is on our list of 'to do" for next time.
(4)Jeremy P.
A rustic reproduction of what an idyllic revolutionary tavern would have been like at the start of the 19th century. Stopped in for a snack during a recent visit. Despite the shutdown, Philly has made sure this NPS site stays open. Highly recommend the flight of colonial beers. The brews are historically based on the recipes and tastes of founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin. My favorite was the Washington Porter. None were very hoppy or bitter and made a lovely afternoon snack. One flight was enough for two to get a good taste. Also try the bread tray as a perfect compliment to the libations.
(4)Eric W.
Went to Philly while on vacation with my wife and we decided to go to City Tavern. The food was excelent (I recommend the Duck). Sure it's a little touristy because they're all dressed up in period clothing, but that doesn't mean the the quality suffers at all. I highly recommend.
(5)Just Y.
(2.5 Stars) Obviously the draw is the age of the establishment, making it a somewhat obligatory tourist draw. We opted to sit in the "tavern" portion of the place instead of the dining floors. Some things I understand looking old, and often look better with age and wear - like wood floors and real fireplaces. But the Tavern room looked distressed and neglected, with unsanded and unpainted patching on all the walls, around the windows, and on the ceiling, and wooden booths that looked beat-up and in good need of refinishing. They are not a brewery, but do focus on many beers with recipe's from at that era, which is produced for them by a third party brewer. Food was OK at best, but way overpriced. Like $9 for literally 3/4 cup of mostly-broth french onion soup that was served with two bay leaves still floating in it. A salad we split had over-cooked asparagus and black-forest ham so dry it bordered on prosciutto. Maybe the main dishes are better, but I'm not going to find out. Staff dress in period-piece costumes, which always sends up the red flag for me at restaurants, but turned out to not be such a problem as we rarely saw any of then except for when we got up and went to look for them, usually to discover all of them chatting about in the central hallway. If you're on the tourist loop, stop in mid-day for a beer to say you've been here, then go a few blocks west into the old city area and find any of the dozen places with better food and atmosphere to have dinner at.
(2)Fiona C.
Fine this appears to be a tourist spot, but I LOVED IT. Tourist traps usually don't have good food, but this one does! I loved the decor and the uniform the waitstaff had to wear. I assume that most of the stuff here is the chef's take on the dish, because the food back then probably didn't taste as good - an elevated version of colonial style food. Anyways, we started off with the beer sampler - which I highly recommend - the Alexander Hamilton pale ale was my favorite on its own. The George Washington dark porter did not taste so good on its own, but was definitely good when paired with their take on Martha Washington's chocolate cake. The city tavern warmer tasted like the holidays and was nice for defrosting in this cold weather. The bread basket was good. The crab cakes were slamming. The west indies pepperpot soup was decent. Turkey pot pie was great. Apparently lots of people make reservations here, so it might be something you want to do if you want to have dinner here.
(4)Hollei J.
Firstly, the attire the staff is in completely caught me off guard. But it fits the theme. The food is wholesome. Home style cooked, cut and dry, not at lot of seasoning. Not a super large menu, but very versatile. No problems with my food, i had a variation of fried chicken. Honestly, everything was regular. Can be compared to Cracker Barrel, but CB wins.
(3)Julie F.
I read about this place and it was certainly cute and charming as the restaurant reflected the colonial days. To make it more charming and realistic, the servers dressed in period costume from back in the days. I had the colonial turkey pot pie which was not a huge portion but was adequate. It was very tasty with good ingredients and a nice gravy and crust. It came with egg noodles with a sauce that I wasn't crazy about. My water glass had some white things floating in it which resembled wax. Hopefully, it wasn't something worse... If you want to pretend you are dining way back when our forefathers did, City Tavern will give you that unique experience.
(3)Matthew L.
My girlfriend and I recently went to Philadelphia for a 4-day sight-seeing trip. We're both teachers, so we had a week off for Spring Break. While I was planning the trip, City Tavern was a restaurant that was recommended on all the touristy websites, so I decided to make a reservation. The place is a historical building from the 18th Century that was frequented by the original founding fathers. Today, the building has been restored to the way it looked when the founding fathers dined there. The staff all dress in period clothing and people eat by candlelight. There are no lightbulbs. This was all pretty cool because you felt like you were eating at a tavern in 1776. I ordered the Apple-Smoked Porkchop with mashed potatoes and my girlfriend ordered the turkey pot pie. The food was delicious!! Due to the apple-smoking process, the pork chop tasted more like smoked ham, which was fine with me. My girlfriend let me try some of her turkey pot pie. I'm not a huge fan of pot pies, but this pot pie was fantastic. I also ordered the 'Ales of the Revolution' beer flight by Yards Brewing Company. One of the beers, the Alexander Hamilton Federalist Ale, was not featured at Yards Brewing when we visited there earlier in the day. I wonder if this is a special beer that they brew exclusively for City Tavern. They even had a musician dressed in period clothing and playing the harp while people ate. It sounded really nice. In all, we were very happy with our experience and would come here again.
(5)Jonathan N Sarah B.
Love the City Tavern! Staff is always friendly and the food delicious! Highly recommend for any trip into Philadelphia
(5)Mallory D.
Sometimes even native Philadelphians enjoy the touristy stuff, like waiters in colonial garb. I know this Philly girl loved the ambiance and experience that was City Tavern. As soon as you walk in, you get the feeling you are walking in the famous footsteps of hungry patriots of yesteryear. The building looked very period-appropriate, which I find fascinating. Our waiter was adorable in his colonial get-up, too. Most places like this would rest on their gimmick and forgo great food, but not City Tavern. The food here was nothing short of phenomenal. If you're like me and venison and rabbit meat don't necessarily do it for you, thankfully there are a few specials nightly that appeal to a larger audience. I ordered the lobster pot pie, which was a culinary masterpiece. The lobster pieces were quite large and delicious, as were the accompanying shrimp and scallops. The sauce was a delicious buttery concoction, as was the pastry crust. Simply amazing. I washed it all down with a Tavern Porter (brewed by Yards) for the closest thing to an authentic 18th century dining experience as I was willing to try. City Tavern is the kind of place to visit if you are a tourist or just rediscovering your own city. The food is delicious, service impeccable, and ambiance can't be beat.
(5)Ernest B.
The pepper pot soup was good and there's a big selection of wines. But crammed into a small area. Wasn't worth the hype. Probably a good place for kids because of the historic theme.
(3)Jeff R.
Bring you history books kids... THERE WILL BE A TEST !! Okay it's a taste test... This is the BEST place to experience dining in old town Philadelphia. We spent 2 days in Philly... and we were amazed by this place. The people are very nice and are dressed in old style clothing.... and that adds to the experience. The decor is straight out of the 1800s...so much fun. The food was fantastic. We split the $ 35 steak and shrimp and a $7 garden salad. Plenty of food for two. The meat was likely a 12 ounce cut... really huge.. the mashed taters were great.... BEER -- oh yah... get a beer... they run $ 7 but talk to the server about them and choose the "most distinctive" tasting... I asked for that and got a real good home brew ! Cannot go wrong... it's not a cheap price place... but well worth it !
(5)audrey p.
I love Restaurant Week! This time around I had lunch at City Tavern, a place I've heard about and meant to try. The building and furnishings are old but well maintained, and the decor includes historic artifacts, maps, etc. The rooms are lovely and high-ceilinged, and the tableware tends toward heavy silver, so the mood is set! I've seen Chef Staib on television. He is very serious about authentic but delicious food, and the menu reflects that. I had onion soup, beef pot pie and a linzer tart, as well as a sampler of beers made from Revolutionary-era recipes. The broth in the soup was terrific, and the pastry of the pot pie was crisp and tasty. There was a dessert board from which you could select one, and it included chocolate mousse cake, an apple bread pudding, creme brûlée, the tart and a couple others. They all looked very good, and my raspberry tart (with a side of cinnamon ice cream) was delicious. The service was friendly and efficient, and I would go back here enthusiastically. There's a good selection of beers and wines, and before I left they even gave me a free dvd preview of Chef's upcoming series!
(5)Lauren G.
Just stopped in for a drink. Great atmosphere. I had a Raspberry Shrub with champagne and husband had a Tavern Spruce beer. Drinks were great. Shared the mushroom toast. We both loved it! Will definitely be back for dinner!
(4)Mary O.
Bring your biggest appetite. The website gave me the impression that this restaurant probably would serve smaller servings due to the quality of the food. I was SO wrong. Very good food and fantastic service!
(5)Rodney E.
Wait staff dressed in vintage Colonial clothing. Food was served very hot. I ordered the Colonial turkey pot pie. It was delicious. The crust was helpful in getting the last of the gravy out of the bowl!
(5)Jackie A.
This place was so cool! I loved how the workers are dressed up in colonial gear. I had the duck which was amazing! My husband had the venison and duck sausage and loved both. He also enjoyed his flight of presidential beer. I definitely recommend this place.
(4)Katya B.
Authentic atmosphere. However the dishes have more to do with the Chef's German heritage rather than traditional local US flavors...
(3)Natalie B.
I used to pass this spot by many times thinking that it's "just an okay touristic place". Finally decided to have a lunch there on September 1, during our week end trip to Pennsylvania. The place keeps the period style interior, the dressed up staff looks a little bit cartoonish but it's ok - the restaurant wants to bring you the atmosphere. We got a table in a quiet room, by the fire place, and the table was stylishly served with metal coblets and plates resembling the Delft style. This all does add the necessary ambiance. The meal was also good - German-Polish home made sausage, turkey pot pie, pasta, local beer... We had a good time, overall, theatrical, relaxed, laid back. I guess we'll be back again in Fall or Winter for more comfort food :-)
(5)Zafrina S.
I really love the corn soup. Seriously, it was the first time I drank the soup without adding any black pepper. I think it's because I don't know how to eat the turkey pie, so I found it okay. I was expected the server would tell me how to taste them though. One disappointment is that I expected the black tea to be good, but it was Lipton. They should at least have some good black tea. Overall, it was an interesting experience to try 18th century cuisine.
(4)Dawn C.
So romantic, the place is dimly lit and toasty warm. We enjoyed Turkey pot pie and Tenderloin tips after the fabulous Crab cake appetizer that was perfect. For dessert the Martha Washington Choc Mousse cake was decedent and the cherry on my husband's birthday dinner
(4)Jersey V.
Whether you are a tourist or a local, this is THE place you need to visit. They not only offer delicious menu options but provide an exceptional and memorable experience. You feel like you have transported through time, you can almost hear Paul Revere in the background. I took my Grams here for lunch during Restaurant week. The servers are dressed in colonial wear, and you are submerged in the buildings history. The menu had something for everyone, and we all left craving more. Grams watches Chef Staib on tv almost every single day. When he got wind of this he immediately came to meet us and tell us about the history and food. He is much more than an Emmy winning chef, he takes pride in what he loves, and he shows so much appreciation to his fans and foodies. He brought her a gift, and we purchased a recipe book which he gladly signed. I am a Concierge for the city of Philadelphia, and because he made my Grams so happy by the end of our fantastic dining experience, I will happily refer anyone and everyone to the City Tavern time and time again. So if you, or your family and friends are looking to fill up on the most original food and libation recipes in the country, learn more than you did in any history class, and have a sensational night out, trust me on this one. It truly is one of a kind.
(5)Lily A.
This review is just for the bar area. The bartenders are nice, but you get the notorious Philly "indifference" attitude. It's cool, it's Philly. I only tried the beer tasting "Ales of the Revolution" which was around $12. The tasting is for four 6 oz pours of Philly's different Yard beers, and themed after the founding fathers. The bottles are cool looking but that's about it. Supposedly, some of the recipes were taken from that founding father's diaries or memos... No wonder why these guys didn't become brewmasters! they were much better off starting this country. The beers were decent but some were really harsh and left bitter after tastes. The only one I could possibly drink again is Washington's Porter which had hints of coffee, but still a bitter aftertaste. The rest were pretty hoppy which (unlike all other Californians it seems) doesn't sit well with me -- Jefferson's Ale, Poor Richard's Ale, and Hamilton's Ale. Here's a photo of the beer tastings yelp.com/biz_photos/city…
(3)Vinny P.
City Tavern certainly has history on its side. It seems that many (if not all) of the details have been well preserved and the servers are well versed not only in the ingredients, the preparations but also in anecdotes which I'm sure help them sell certain dishes. It's a model that works quite well apparently since they've been doing it for quite some time. The stars of the night for me were the pecan muffins to start, the fried oysters and the duck sausage. Each of these items were excellent in their own right. The muffins had solid texture and what I felt was perfect sweetness. The oysters, while fried had that little bit of brine that was still evident and the duck sausage was gamey and spiced very delicately. I was underwhelmed by my braised rabbit because the whole dish just tasted like the volume was turned down. I was excited since usually braised items have deeply developed flavors. The rabbit, had a good texture, but it just didn't taste like much other than that. The egg noodles that it sat upon were also nothing to write home about. For dessert, the table split a massive hunk of chocolate mousse cake which tasted even better than it looked. Our service was quite excellent and we didn't want for anything during our time dining. History buffs and people looking for what I would consider a "safe" meal will really enjoy it here. It's probably a good place to take your parents since it has an older and more formal (well behaved) vibe to it.
(3)Sara W.
All in all this place was great. The candle lit dinner was so romantic. Everyone is dressed in traditional 18th century outfits which makes it even more exciting. The food was amazing. We both had medallions of beef with asparagus and mashed potatoes. Yummy!! I also tried Alexander Hamilton's beer which was really good. This was the perfect place for a tourist to come and get the whole experience of earlier times. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting to check this place out.
(5)Helen P.
Food was very good. Atmosphere, overlooking Philadelphia on a winter night and the chello playing was wonderful.
(4)S N.
I give Chef Staib much credit for keeping the tradition of early American fare alive. Without culinary historians ilke him, the rich history of early fare would be under appreciated...and possibly forgotten. With this in mind, I was very excited to try City Tavern last week. Unfortunately, after dining there, I have mixed feelings. The restaurant was nearly empty on a rainy Saturday night, but I think that was a result of the inclement weather, not the restaurant or its menu. The decor of the restaurant was historic and pleasant. It reminded me in some ways of the restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg (VA). It is dimly lit and the decor is very early-American. The food was definitely enjoyable, as its taste and visual presentation were very good. The server was very attentive (though I'm not sure if this level of service would have been the same had the restaurant been busy instead of nearly empty). My girlfriend and I started with the crab cakes, which were tasty. For the main course, I had the Escallopes of Veal and she had the night's special: linguine with seafood (which I was surprised to see served there, but soon learned that this kind of food was served back in the day). We finished with an apple crisp-type of dessert, which was delicious. My problem with the restaurant are the very high prices. I am used to paying $25+ per entrees in restaurants in major U.S. cities. But the higher prices at City Tavern didn't quite seem appropriate. I don't think I'd go back again. If you want to enjoy a meal in a setting like the founding fathers of the U.S. did, then try City Tavern. But expect to pay higher prices for it.
(3)Beth O.
Food was delicious. Definitely a touristy-type restaurant. Our server could not have been nicer (yay George!). Prices were high, expected though for the kind of restaurant it is.
(4)t c.
Unique menu, great food, nice ambiance, old world touches like drinks in pewter cups and staff dressed in colonial garb... I loved it!! Kid friendly too! I had the crab cakes and roasted duckling while my kids had the turkey pot pie. Delicious!!! Made reservations online with ease on their website. This place is a MUST when visiting!!! Will definitely be back
(5)Zach M.
Was touring the historical sites and needed a bite to eat. This place was a perfect find! Only a few blocks from the major historical sites, it's another historic site in itself. The server was attentive and friendly, and made great recommendations both for beer and meals. The entire staff was dressed in period attire, and were great for the entire meal. The beer list was amazing - recipes from the founding fathers, recreated and well-matched with the food. Overall a great experience!
(5)Paula W.
Beef tips and mushrooms. This is fabulous- I can't wait for dessert! Highly recommended.
(5)Jessica Y.
We stopped in here for afternoon drinks and had a blast. The time period drinks were tasty(beer flights, cocktails). Servers were very friendly. Decor brings you back into historical times. Great atmosphere. For a gimicky place everything was done well. Would come back to try lunch.
(4)Gregg M.
Channeling my inner Spicoli, I've always thought that food and drink go hand in hand with learning about history. City Tavern brings these two things together in a Congress-approved, historically relevant way. The original City Tavern was the Founding Fathers' favorite watering hole back in Colonial times. Although a fire destroyed it in the 1800's, a historically accurate reconstruction was built in time for the Nation's Bicentennial Celebration. Fast forward to today and the City Tavern continues to operate as faithfully as possible to recreate the dining and drinking experience of the late 1700's. Stepping into the City Tavern is like stepping into a time machine, but with present day prices. Hostesses, bar, and wait staff are dressed in period costumes. Furnishings, some of which are museum pieces, are true to the period and lend an authentic feel. Since we already had dinner reservations, we elected to have a drink while there...for educational purposes only, of course! I had the Ales of the Revolution sampler ($12), featuring four beers from Philadelphia's own Yards Brewing Co., three of which were beers based on/inspired by original recipes from Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The sample-size pours seemed generous (4-6 oz.?). As expected, the beers differed greatly from each other in color, bouquet, and flavor. All were interesting and enjoyable, although I found the Tavern Porter to be the most enjoyable while the Tavern Spruce Ale to be the most unique. Saying City Tavern is a tourist trap is a bit unfair. I liken the experience to something you'd experience at Colonial Williamsburg except with beer and food. 3.5 stars.
(4)Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: historic Philly tavern. City Tavern makes you feel like your sitting down for a beer with the Founding Fathers, and that's the point. It's old, it's an odd layout, but it's great. I sat in the tiny "bar" area, which had a couple wood booths and a U-shaped bench with small tables. Service was a bit slow but I was in no rush. $12 for 4 flights of their signatures Founding Father brews: Alexander Hamilton ("Federalist Ale"), Benjamin Franklin ("Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce"), Thomas Jefferson ("1774 Tavern Ale"), and George Washington ("Tavern Porter"). Some are original recipes, one is original yeast. The Spruce was too herbal for me, but I enjoyed the rest. Pretty good deal for the price. Waiters are in period-garb. You can explore the building, which has a few upper floors with large banquet areas. A server took a moment to talk to me about the history without me even asking. They seem genuinely interested in their place of work. City Tavern is a must-stop for anyone visiting the historic sites in Philly.
(4)Charles Griffin G.
I lived in Philadelphia for years and always considered this place to be a tourist trap. I just ate here and still think it is. Having said that, I thought the food was high quality and our server was very pleasant. Some of the best crab cakes I've ever had. Two stars down for an awkward welcome (5 minutes in the foyer with several employees passing us without any greeting) and my girlfriend thought the vegetables were too buttery. Fun if you're visiting from out of town. Good for parties of 2-8.
(3)Frank P.
Went here for the price fix menu in Thanksgiving 2013. Worst restaurant choice ever. The meal for the two of us was over $100. The food was luke-warm or cold. Obviously sitting under a heat lamp for a long time. We ordered beers when we were seated, and within minutes food was brought out. Before drinks. They simply book way too many people for the holiday. It was simply about turing over tables and taking your money. They weren't allowing you to enjoy the company of the people you were with. We were given our check before we finished our first drink, and never asked if we wanted another. Overall, the food was cold and mediocre. The experience was expensive, and not at all fun. Maybe it's ok when it's not a holiday. But I'll never know. Never going back.
(1)Stephanie G.
West Indies Pepperpot Soup is to die-for! Everyone is well-trained in gluten-free and I felt very comfortable eating there. Had to buy the City Tavern cookbook-- it has every menu item plus more! The pewter water goblets were a lot of fun, too, and we were able to purchase a few before leaving!
(5)Helene B.
Amazing staff! I ordered a drink that calls for sour mix which they were out of, so the staff made homemade sour mix for me. Best drink every. Love this place!!!
(5)Alex F.
Only tried the beer, sitting outdoors in the garden, but man were they good. We tried the sampler of four beers, then a pint of our favorite, the Hamilton Ale. Great for a hot afternoon when you need a flavorful beer.
(4)Kevin A.
Overpriced food, mediocre service. Our group was 5 people. We arrived on time for our reservation but were told we'd have to wait maybe 15 minutes. No problem, we'll have a drink at the bar. The cramped bar area had only unclean tables. After a couple of awkward minutes, a waitress cleaned an area for us and we were able to sit down. Not 10 seconds after sitting, we were told our table was ready. Good news, but disorganized. We waited about 5 minutes for water and to place drink orders, then another 5 minutes for drinks to arrive. We placed appetizer and entree orders. The appetizers took about 30 minutes to arrive. I had the crab cakes. Two cakes ($12) came, looking quite burnt. The crust was fried and too thin, providing no crunch and little texture. The filling was quite good, with adequate crab meat, but little contrasting flavor. It was a bit of a shaped mushy thing. I ordered the venison. I was asked how I'd like it cooked, and I replied as rare as possible. My colleague who ordered the same said well done. After waiting for 30 minutes for the appetizers, the mains came out relatively quickly. But they were a disappointment. First, both venisons came at the same time, but without regard to who ordered their meat, obviously no regard to temperature preferences. Both were obviously overcooked, even for well done and I had wanted rare. The serving sizes were small, with 3 or 4 small bits of venison ($34), some zucchini, mushrooms, and cooked barley. While the accompaniments were tasty, they plus overcooked tasteless venison wasn't worth $10, much less 3.5 times as much. Really the only thing I very much enjoyed was the beer. Stay away from the food!!
(2)Pam S.
Completely based on making my parents happy. So you have parents and they're visiting you in Philly. Congratulations! Luckily, there're lots of things people want to see when they visit Philly, and City Tavern is one of those things. Chef has a TV show, it's historical, you know, whatever. We went for lunch and had absolutely NO issues with seating/etc, and I even got there a little early to sit in the "subscription room", the historical version of a reading room, which is the historical version of your couch. Parents enjoyed the food and drinks (hot boozy apple cider for fall/winter!). Dad ordered the special (kielbasa) and mom had the pot pie. They enjoyed both. Meanwhile, I had a specially made vegan dish (veggies and pasta) that they were really kind about putting together. Service was excellent, they bring a cute bread basket ("this is mrs. jefferson's recipe!") and for not being vegan friendly, they were so nice about being accommodating. Highly recommended for the tourist crowd/parent appeasement.
(5)Katrina C.
Certainly something every Philadelphian should do at least once. The historical significance of the building and the colonial vibe is fun. *The founding fathers beer flight is really neat. *The TJ sweet potato biscuits are as good as other yelpers say! *The country salad was refreshing and light. *The pot pie is probably the best I've ever had in my life. *The Martha Washington chocolate mousse cake was also yummy. The food was good, and the service was satisfactory, but the experience just wasn't quite at the 4-5 star level for me. I would've enjoyed more enlightenment from the server about the factual origins of the menu items to bring more background and depth to the meal.
(3)Brynson S.
One of the coolest restaurants I have ever been to. The history of this tavern is incredible. The fact that some of our founding fathers hung out here is pretty awesome. I have eaten here a few times. I really enjoyed Martha washingtons pot pie. Apparently it was the same recipe that she would make for George. They also have some great historical beers as well, this place is a must! Great Ambience!
(5)Natasha M.
Loooooove love love. Get the turkey pot pie. Amazing, perfect for a cold winter evening. The spiked apple cider and egg nog were a unique, yummy change of pace for me. Just don't order two egg nogs or you won't be able to finish your pot pie. Our table also got the beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes, they were fine. The corn chowder soup was tastier and heartier than the West Indies soup. And only the porter of the entire flight was worthwhile if you have a discerning palate for beer. Ambience is perfect for tourists and especially in the winter. So nice and cozy!! Dining ware and decorations were representative of the time period. Only thing I didn't like was our server. He was a little inattentive. Come here if you want a memorable dinner!!
(5)Anthony C.
A colleague recommended we try City Tavern on our first family trip to Philadelphia. Having driven from Boston, we went straight there before the hotel. The restaurant is located in Old City, an area bursting with history and with numerous options for food and drink. We were surprised upon entry that the staff are in period-appropriate garb. They're not being kitschy or playing characters, just trying to give you an authentic colonial dining experience (see also: the live harpsichord music). The restaurant provides literature about its history, its cuisine, and colonial dining custom. (It's a colonial history nerd's dream.) Pam was out waitress and she was extraordinarily attentive, informative, and kind. We had a wonderful experience with our kids - an infant and a toddler - as the restaurant is child-friendly (with a great kids menu too). I had the soup of the day and the Mrs. had corn chowder to start. Both were obscenely delicious. The colonial breads baked in house were wonderful, especially the pecan sweet potato biscuits Jefferson liked. My main was the duck with a honey glaze. The Mrs. had a crab cake app as her main, and our toddler had grilled chicken with butter noodles. They were all outstanding. The seasonal vegetables were so unbelievably fresh! We finished with dessert: I had bread pudding and the Mrs. had Martha Washington's recipe for chocolate mousse cake and while mine was good... hers was evidently delicious... because it disappeared quickly! We requested some fresh fruit for the kids and it was accommodated easily; the fruit was wonderfully presented and super fresh. All in all, this will be a staple of every family trip to Philly. Highly recommended. Food, ambiance, and service all top notch. Pro Tip: If you like beer, try the colonial beer sampler!
(5)Roger Y.
Come here for the history and ambiance. Having a meal in a historic building is always special for someone like me who is somewhat of a history buff. The pewterware, candle lit rooms, wait staff in period costumes etc make a visit worthwhile. Food is better than many touristy restaurants but is overall mediocre only. Many better meals foodwise can be had elsewhere in Philadelphia.
(3)Madhu R.
Unbelievably good! The perfect blend of history (mead cups for water, grand old building, people in period costumes), great beer (an original recipe Porter from Washington's time), yummy food made with pure ingredients in cast iron, and super friendly and personable staff (especially Tahera who showed me to my awesome table near the window upstairs). I can't say enough good things about this place.
(5)Shawn V.
Chicken Madiera was wonderful. The food was great.
(4)Todd D.
Is it touristy? A bit but not as much as you'd think - and you'll enjoy the ambiance, the historical accuracy, the recipes culled from our Founding Fathers' own cookbooks, etc. Anyway: Washington's pre-inaugural ball was held here! Ben Franklin hung out here! If you're a "When in Rome" type, when visiting the Old City you must give this a go ... It's not cheap, but unlike typical tourist spots, the portions are not only generous but also tasty and excellent. Service was good, too: the waitress originally brought me the wrong order, so my plate came out maybe 5 min after my family's dinners. I wasn't upset at all, but they removed my $20+ meal from the final bill without even mentioning it. Quality shows. P.S. Get the apple pie a la mode! Yum!
(5)Elliot P.
Had some visitors from out of town visiting Philly recently. They have a flair for history and apparently read somewhere (not here) good things about this place. So we ventured out to old city down to the city tavern. Parking was easier than expected, as there was ample street parking as well as a nearby garage. Not too far from the subway stop on the MFL. The decor and ambiance are super nice. The place is a bit dated, but here it's really supposed to be. They light a candle and put a glass case-like thing over it which adds a nice touch. Water is served in these metal goblets which are apparently designed so that they keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. Kind of like a colonial thermos I suppose. The waitstaff are dressed up like they are colonists which is pretty funny. The service is very good there. The waiters will pepper historical facts about the food and such and everything is very prompt. Our waiter dropped a couple of things but replaced them and then some without even having to ask. I liked that. Also a good sense of humor. The food itself was just ok. They brought a few kinds of bread which was good, the white being the best, but the butter was actually quite good. Maybe it was freshly churned or something. The fried oysters were actually really good. I like those a lot. Crispy and moist with a great cream dipping sauce. I ordered the rabbit and perhaps should not have, I haven't ever tried it and was feeling adventurous. It's like chicken, but not as good. I mean, it's probably not that popular because it's just not that good. A bit gamey tasting. It was braised, and the portions of it that were extra soft were significantly better than the less braised portion, So I would suggest asking for it "extra-braised" if that's such a thing. A friend got the lobster pot pie and I had a few bites - it was very tasty, and very pricey. The flaky crust was superb. Had the chocolate mousse cake for dessert, apparently it was Martha Washington's recipe. And apparently Martha didn't know much about chocolate mousse. It was disappointing. While I won't be back, it was not nearly as bad as I was expecting. It's a nice experience if you're into the historical stuff, but if you're not and just looking for dinner, look elsewhere.
(3)Barry C.
Best crab cakes we had in town, good service with a great beer sampler of old brews! Worth the walk.
(5)Iris I.
Made a pit stop here on my way home last night. I love pepper pot soup so a few friends have suggested I try it here. While the soup was not the type of pepper pot soup I'm used it was delicious!!! I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere (sat out on the porch, perfect weather and place for my hot soup) and the service was awesome. My waiter Steven was so amazing!!! I asked for dinner roll and he brought me out a tray of different types of breads including some biscuit that come from a recipe that Thomas Jefferson had :-) (soooo good!). I enjoyed myself so much that although my bill was about $12.00 I left him a $5.00 tip for his service!!! I will be back :-)
(5)Steve K.
Nice restaurant with a great atmosphere. Food was great and the sampler beer selection was a good choice. Definitely recommend if you are in Philadelphia.
(4)Beeg R.
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me...I admit it is my fault to come here again. The first time I came here was 14 years ago, before we moved to Center City Philly. It was, after all, full of history, so even though we don't like tourist traps, we figured that we should check it out. I remembered I had the shrimps, because it was so bad that it left a lasting BAD impression. The service was slow, and by the time I got my shrimps, they were stone cold. When I sent it back (which I rarely do), they took forever to bring the food back. By the time I got the "reheated" shrimps back, they were cold again. I basically swallowed each bite trying not to chew just so that I could fill up. I said I'd never ever come back again. Fast forward 14 years to last weekend, and my husband suggested that we come here again. Since we were here to check out historical sites with our kid, he wanted to take her to experience a piece of history by eating there. We had a 7 pm reservation, and arrived 15 mins early, so they sat us. We waited 15 mins for our drinks, then another full hour before getting our food. Our LO got the kid menu fish and chips for $12, which was so hot that she burnt her tongue. Her entree was good, but it was so large that I doubt most kids could finish it. BTW, drinks were separate for kids, which cost another $3. So budget around $15 just for the kids meal. I had the port chop and my husband got the pot pies. Our entrees were good, but they were so cold when we got it, that I could barely taste the flavor. It was such an irony that the kid's food was hotter than the adults'. I don't care if it was made by a great chef, if it wasn't served in proper temperature, it was tasteless to me. We also ordered white wine by the glass. The first glass arrived luke warm. When we finally flagged down our waitress, she brought back another one that was also lukewarm (after another long wait). I didn't want to wait again, so I didn't send it back. The waitress was nice, but she had so many tables to serve, some were outside the patio while others were throughout different dining rooms, that we rarely saw her. We promised our LO dessert after dinner, but she actually said she didn't want it because she didn't want to wait, as it was close to her bedtime. We waited to get our waitress's attention so we could get our check. It took almost 2 hours for dinner, and normally it would be fine with me, but not when we have a child in tow. Lukewarm wine, lukewarm food, lukewarm service...We don't get to eat in Center City that often now that we have a kid, so each dinner in Philly is special to us and we always made sure we picked a great place. Unfortunately, we made an unwise choice by coming here. Like Ben says, a penny saved is a penny earned. Save your pennies instead of spending them here.
(2)Mike B.
A fantastic eating experience for history buffs. The Wiener schnitzel was excellent. The Ales of the Revolution sampler (produced by the Yards Brewery in Philly) was great.
(5)Paul P.
Good beer I had the Thomas Jefferson Ale which was very good! Just had the smoked seafood salad very good. My co-worker had the corn chowder and he said it was very good. Very spacious eating area and the overall ambiance is good as well.
(4)Joelle P.
Hmmm normally I am all for kitschy but this was kind of a miss for me. Apparently they rebuilt this place in the 1970s on the original site...but I'm not really a fan of replicas. I'm more of an "original or nothing" type of girl. The waitstaff dresses in period costumes from the 1700s and normally I'd be asking if I could dress up too but...I dunno...maybe I shouldn't have gone there for lunch. Or maybe I should have drank more...it was just kind of...a let down. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed drinking out of the silver cup like in the olden days. Totally felt like a wench. And the recipes/menu items were from back in the day and that was cool too...but...the whole thing felt...forced? Yes, forced is probably the word I'm looking for. There was no ease to the step back in time. More of a "I'm supposed to feel like I'm in the 1700s...but totally don't..." It almost felt like a theme park which is sad because supposedly this was the first fine dining establishment in America. If you have kids (or cheesey parents), totally go here. They will LOVE it. At least that is what I observed from the screaming ones at the table next to me. Oh, and apparently it is haunted. By a couple of ghosts. So there's that.
(3)Maria M.
Amazing place! Drinks were great we had champagne shrubs and the spiked cider. All of us greatly enjoyed our meals (pot pie, turnover, seafood pasta. It was great seeing the servers in period dress and learning about the restaurant! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
(5)Naked T.
This is a very interesting place and definitely one of those 'experience' type restaurants. The place bathes in 18th century America and is really quite enjoyable in that vein. I met and chatted with Ben Franklin and other representatives from the era. For that, it was quite fun, The entire decor and dress is really authentic and good sport. We were first served a varieties of breads. This was the only real negative to our dining experience. They served us three different type breads from the period and all of them were terrible. After the bread, the foods improved noticably. My friend and I had the Roquefort salad which was quite nice. The Roquefort cheese was plentiful and quite good.My wife had the corn soup that was very tasty though a tad salty. My friend's wife had the oysters that were very nice, For dinner, my wife and friend's wife had the turkey pot pie which was very good (but not good enough evidently for them to ask for a doggie bag). I had the beef tenderloin which I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, I asked for the waiter to wrap the leftover and he did not. My friend had the veal sausage which he said was ok but would not reorder. Would we go back if we were ever in Philadelphia again, not sure. The experience of the 18th century was good fun but it was a struggle to select my entree.
(3)Donna K.
My group ate here last night and it was wonderful. We ordered a seafood platter appetizer and ate it up!!! The turkey pot pie was amazing. Sierra was our server. She was awesome- always checking that we were happy. Great evening!!
(5)Simone A.
Took some friends here last weekend who were visiting from out of town. Such a great way to continue our tour of Philadelphia and get our drink on. Didn't eat, but did enjoy a few beers. Word of advice - Get the flight. It's $7.25 for a single pint or $12 for the flight which are nice sized (larger that most flights). So the 4 of us each ordered a flight and split the cheese plate (which was fine - normal). Loved the experience (servers in colonial costumes and the general decor) and they give a great description/story regarding each beer. There's also a cheat sheet with more information which was nice. My favorite was Alexander Hamilton, but honestly each of the four were tasty. Highly recommend for wrapping up an afternoon in historical Philadelphia.
(4)Germaine S.
Food was good and our waiter was nice. It was pricey. Truthfully I am glad we tried it and would recommend to try, but would not rush back. I expected more history and ambience from inside the restaurant.
(3)Kimberly Y.
Honestly, I think I just expected too much from City Tavern, and it ended up being pretty much a normal restaurant with a menu and server uniforms from the 18th century. Firstly, no one greeted us at the door, and I was pretty confused as to where I should be going--if there was a lobby or hostess somewhere else. I stood around waiting until someone showed up to serve me. Then I was taking upstairs and seated at a table that I distinctly noticed was pretty long (in that there was a lot of room between my boyfriend and me), but close enough to the next table for me to hear their conversations (though I do have good ears!). I found the decor in the second floor dining area to be underwhelming; the room just looked like a dining room in a house with a bunch of tables--rather than a restaurant. I pretty much just looked at wallpaper the whole time. My boyfriend and I even went exploring upstairs in the bathroom area to see if there was more. The goblets, candles, and server uniforms were the main historical decorations, as far as I could tell on the second floor. Our server was very nice and accommodating though! Didn't try to role play, which I found to be nice. The menu definitely delivered in terms of the colonial era theme. My boyfriend ordered the colonial turkey pot pie, which I also tried and thought was great (even though I barely ever eat pot pie!). His portion was humongous; I definitely recommend it if you like pot pie! I got the tenderloin tips and mushrooms, which had an extremely strong flavor from the marinated beef that I didn't really enjoy. The taste got old pretty quickly. My portion was sizable, but definitely not worth $30, in my opinion. The prices are steep, but I suppose you're paying for the decor, service, and unique menu... and hopefully your food is worth it.
(3)Aaron B.
Great food. Great ambience in the different rooms. If you're interested in good period eating this is the place...
(5)Ben F.
I stopped at this place while in Philly. I really like the history around it. Didn't have the food but tried the ales of the revolution sample and it was great. I would like to try this place again if I ever make it back to Philly.
(5)Ruth W.
I came here with my school for dinner. The service was good considering they had to serve 120 students. The wait for the food was short and before the main course there was their signature bread which was very tasty. They gave all of us ice tea which tasted like water with very little flavoring. As a main course we were served turkey pot pie, which I was looking forward to, but I was disappointed to find that mine had no potatoes. I am a very big potato eater and in the description of the dish it was stated there were potatoes, but when I got the dish I searched and searched and found none. Also the turkey in the dish was chewy. They also served salad before the main meal. My friend had to send her salad back because it had no dressing. Overall this place was okay but I would not go back. If you are looking for a not so fancy place close to attractions like the liberty bell this may be a good option for you.
(2)Shelly L.
We ate Easter brunch here. We had a wonderful time. The kids (ages 9 and 14) really enjoyed it as well. My son had the steak and eggs. He cleaned his plate clean. I had the shrub with champagne.....get it...you will love it. Not too sweet, just the way I like it. My husband enjoyed the brook trout dinner. I loved the Sally Luna chicken....cooked to perfection. The only negative was the corn chowder soup....tasty, but cold. We all enjoyed the medley of bread too. The apple crisp was delicious with big chunks of apples and cinnamon. All in all...a great experience from beginning to end.
(4)Michael C.
City Tavern has a lot of potential, but sadly it is let down by the food in a big way. The restaurant claims that some of the founding fathers ate and drank there when it first opened in 1776. Now the tavern is a themed restaurant, the staff dress in period costumes and the restaurants boasts a menu from the era and beer based on recipes from Washington, Jackson, Franklin and Jefferson. The beer: 4 stars Brewed by a local brewery exclusively for the restaurant. The "colonial ale sampler" is $12 for 4 samples. All are worth trying, but Washington's porter is probably the winner of the bunch and Franklin's spruce ale the loser, unless you really like the taste of spruce. The service: 2 stars The servers are all dressed in period costume which adds a touch of character. Service is friendly, but slow. Don't come here if you're looking for a quick meal. The ambiance: 1 star There isn't any. There's been an effort to keep the feel of the original establishment, so the dining rooms are small, dimly lit and with tables closed packed together. The food: 1 star The colonial bread plate is reasonable as other's have mentioned. The Thomas Jefferson biscuits are quite tasty. The other breads are ok, but taste more mass-produced that home made. I tried the wiener schnitzel. At $30 I was expecting a great interpretation of this classic dish. It's served with fries and seasonal vegetables. The fries don't seem to be authentic to the period and taste like standard mass-produced fries. The seasonal vegetables also look to have come pre-prepared. The schnitzel was extremely disappointing, rather than a very thin breaded and fried piece of veal I got a tough, thick soggy mess. The breading was slimy, soggy and slid off the meat. Deeply unappetizing. At half the price this dish would have been overpriced. Avoid. Probably the best thing to do here, is to visit, have a beer and soak in some of the history, just avoid the food. You'll be much happier that way.
(2)Frank D.
One of my favorite restaurants. If you like history and good food, it's the place to go. Chef Walter Staib makes the best Sauerkraut. It's the only place where I actually like to eat Sauerkraut. It's a unique dinning experience.
(5)Robby F.
One of my favorites. Love the pot pie and fried oysters. The George Washington and Thomas Jefferson recipe beers are the best!
(5)Eileen C.
Found in the heart of Old City. Its like dinning at home. Its quiet dimly lit with candles. Incredibly cozy and thankfully the dress code does not match their prices.The crab cakes were THE BEST I have ever had in my life. I ordered the Salmon. My Dinner was perfect however the portions are too big. I could have shared one entree with my dinning partner. I loved the touristy uniforms simply because it was not over done. I was thankful our waiter did not role play. That would have killed the experience. I will be going back!
(4)Sara G.
I literally can't wait til our fall Philly trip when its cold outside and we can sit in the cozy Tavern room, hear trivia (do YOU know where the term Bar and Grille comes from?) and ease our way through a beer sampler at the hands of a period costumed gentleman. Touristy and the food didn't really appeal for a hot summer day, but we wanted historical fun and indeed we got it here. Lacks pretention, fun and a nice little stop on our way through Philly.
(4)Jack G.
This place is touristy, but fun. We tend to recommend it to friends and family visiting from out of town. Food, service, and gimmick come recommended. Tonight my wife took our kids, and her mother and sister who were visiting. My wife has celiac sprue, and was excited to see a menu item listed as gluten free. Usually she can't eat when she goes with people to restaurants. It definitely wasn't gluten free. Maybe the item was prepared without wheat. Maybe most of the ingredients were gluten free. But either they used spices that they didn't realise contained gluten, or cross contamination occurred on cooking or prep surfaces. We really appreciate that more places are trying to cater to customers looking to avoid gluten. But if you can't successfully deliver that, we'd prefer that we not be misled. She'll be sick for a week or two. The symptoms are unpleasant, so I won't list them, but they're severe. Eventually it can lead to cancer.
(2)Brian B.
Solid food. Good service. I had the turkey pot pie which was good. Nothing out of this world, but certainly good enough and the remarkable history surrounding the location make it a worthwhile stop. The breads were interesting, and I wish I could have tried the beer selection it sounds good! The prices were reasonable, I thought. Far from tourist gouge material. Hey, it's lunch on the spot (in a replica building) where the birth of this great nation was contemplated. I'm glad I gave it a shot.
(3)Kristina R.
If you're visiting Philly and looking for a unique experience, I'd definitely recommend City Tavern. A historical setting, colonial garb, and 18th century cuisine?! Uhm YES! What else would I want after visiting Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell?! Aside from the atmosphere, this place has got some good food too! I recommend the West Indies Pepperpot and the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie! The crust on that pie is soooo good! My fiancé got the beef medallions or something like that. I had to look up the menu just now to remember what exactly he had. If that says anything at all.. It was not memorable. As for drinks.. The Ales of the Revolution are a MUST! Essentially it is a sampler of beers-- recipes from our founding fathers! Cool, huh?
(4)Diane C.
OMG!!!! Lobster pot pie was the best thing that I've eaten in a looong time. The hubby had turkey pot pie and the kids menu options were delicious as well. We were afraid that the setting and costumes would be too schticky. It wasn't. We went at lunch as we had a little sticker shock at dinner, but I would like to try it at night with a little more mood lighting.
(5)Jennifer N.
Just what we were looking for on our family visit to historic Philadelphia. Enjoyed the atmosphere and the food was good. Honestly, though, we've eaten at similar colonial-era restaurants where the food seemed more authentic.
(3)Gary P.
Anytime I travel to Philly, I must come here. Great ambience and wonderful food. I recommend the Ales of the revolution to start.
(5)T. B.
Great atmosphere. Really good traditional fare (a la 1700s). This place is dripping in history and tradition. Check it out. Great service too!
(5)Louise S.
We had a delicious meal with perfectly executed service ! I enjoyed the Mid-Fare staring with the Rustic Corn Chowder which was creamy artesian tastey starter followed by the Roasted Duckling entrée with mashed potato and chutney accompaniment which were all prepared to absolute perfection. If you never had roasted duck this is the right place to have it. The ambiance with the staff in their authentic costumes made it very unique. Well done! Highly recommend !!
(5)RJ W.
It is strictly for tourists, of which I was one. The decor is pretty beat up and in need of refreshing. The staff, when we were there, (5pm on a Saturday) were very disengaged. The food was OK, although the chicken pot pie, was crust, 2/3 soup with some random vegetables that looked like they were out of a bag and some chicken breast. Very disappointing. Also disappointing, we ordered a bottle of wine, and because it was over $50, apparently the waitstaff has to track down a manager to unlock the liquor cabinet. REALLY poor planning guys, we waited over 15 minutes for a manager to get tracked down. I know many others on Yelp had a great time, which is why we went, but I really cannot recommend it... sorry
(2)Elaine K.
Touristy or not, we decided to come here to check out the ambiance and history. It didn't seem overly touristy while we were there. This could have been the season (it's not so busy this time of year). The waiters wear cute colonial outfits and the place has so much charm. They definitely don't make houses like that anymore (solid wood floors and doors, nice molding, beautiful and tall windows). It has a pretty unique menu and that drew us there. To start, I had the pepperpot soup. It was my favorite thing. It has a strong, spiced (not spicy but heavy allspice) taste which I just loved. I could have eaten only that. We also tried the duck sausage which was great and can kind of be described as a duck hot dog. My hubby had the turkey noodle soup which was thick and chunky and reminded me of what you'd eat when sick with a cold. Yum. For my main meal, I ordered the rabbit and noodles. Holy mega portion! I'm not a vegetable fan but many would enjoy that it was loaded with fresh veggies. It also had a significant amount of rabbit meat (on the bone) and noodles. The sauce was a brown sauce that was pretty good. Rabbit tastes a little like chicken which was unexpected. There is both white and dark meat. It had a little bit of gamey flavor but not overly so. Overall I liked, but not loved, the dish. The portion was huge and because I don't like veggies, it hardly looked like I touched it. My uncle ordered the pork chop which he said was the best he'd ever had. My aunt ordered the salmon which she cleared from her plate. My husband ordered the trout which was another huge portion and came with four pieces of fish. The food is very rich and filling. It definitely seems more of a winter comfort food place...I couldn't imagine eating such a meal in the summer. Save room for the dessert! I had the coffee cake which was generously sized, buttery and crumby. My hubby had the bread pudding which had just a small but amazing hint of ginger. My aunt had the chocolate mousse cake which she said was great. My uncle had the cobbler which he said was fantastic. The whole meal was great. The ambiance was fabulous. The service was just okay (our waiter was a bit blah). Overall a great experience. I'd love to come back and try a pot pie. I'd also definitely get more pepperpot soup.
(4)Jennifer D.
Nice place to hear some stories about old Philadelphia. If you are going here thinking that you will be eating exactly where George Washington ate think again. The original building was demolished and this one was built in the 70s. Food was decent but the service was great. The servers had some great stories to tell about the original house. Definitely worth at least one trip here.
(4)Coral H.
Yes it is touristy and the costumes are silly, but you are in historic Philadelphia. Flight of colonial beers is good. OK wine list. They have a German wine with a raised monkey on the bottle. I kept the bottle. Soup was good and the turkey pot pie huge and tasty. All dishes were solid with our large group.
(4)Carol H.
I had planned on eating here because I love Chef Staib's TV show, "A Taste of History". So I was thrilled to get a coupon for one free entree. The food was awesome. Our favorite was the smoked fish appetizer. Also sampling the beers made by our forefathers was fun and delicious. The wait staff (in period costumes) was competent and friendly. Love this place!
(5)Erin H.
I normally eschew places like City Tavern unless I'm at Disney World. I don't think that wearing colonial garb is every really appropriate outside of a museum. But, my friend from Philly had heard good things, so off to City Tavern we went. Of course, the poor servers looked pretty cheesy. But the rest of the experience was pretty cool. We only came to drink (surprising, I know), so we sat in the bar area. It had great dark paneling, with a taper on each table. We pretended that we were the Framers for about 30 seconds, then moved on to more serious business: beer. The beer at City Tavern is from Yards' Ales of the Revolution line of brews. My favorite was the Tavern Spruce, which is based on Ben Franklin's original recipe. It had a really interesting flavor because of the spruce, and is worth a try if you are looking for something different. The service was great, and no one seemed put off by the fact that we weren't sticking around for dinner. Despite outward appearances, I definitely recommend City Tavern for those who want a little booze with their history.
(4)Lizzie D.
This is absolutely one of my favorite restaurants of all time! I've honestly never experienced an ambiance quite like City Tavern. You walk into what looks like an old Victorian house. As you are seated at a table that looks like a scene out of a vintage history book, you are soon enraptured by the calming and captivating sound of the harp. (A woman in her time specific attire was playing the harp downstairs towards the bathrooms.) Your meals are presented to you with edible flowers and do not come short in terms of presentation. The taste will envelop your senses and take you to a time long past! This is a restaurant that enables you to live in a time that Philadelphia's rich history will not let you forget. If you are visiting Philadelphia, have visited the restaurant before, or have lived in Philadelphia and never checked into this place, visiting this is a huge MUST! It truly does allow you to visit the history that Philadelphia was built upon and will satisfy your senses and taste buds! Do not pass this place up!
(5)Kevin A.
HAPPY PBS FAN BOY I watch PBS - A LOT of PBS. So of course I had to try the restaurant run by Chef Staib of 'A Taste of History' fame. I love watching this show and how Chef Staib brings colonial America to life through food. I am always mesmerized by his ability to wield heavy cast iron dutchies and spiders over menacingly hot fires and of course, the reckless abandon with which he uses pork fat, butter, and heavy cream. I also love learning new things (e.g. Ben Franklin introducing tofu to America or the existence of curry in colonial cuisine). The whole experience was terrific from the food to the service. Yes, the staff are wearing period costumes, but the experience doesn't come off as a cheesy. I highly recommend getting a flight of beers, the clam chowder (among the best I've ever had), and the turkey pot pie. Be warned, the food is rich and the portions are HUGE. My friend and I split the pot pie which was absolutely the right call. My neighbor (who was the spitting image of Stone Cold Steve Austin) got the lobster pie which looked amazing. Judging by his oohs and aahs, I'll definitely be getting that next time.
(4)Jim T.
City Tavern is a very good restaurant and ambiance at the edge of the historic sites in Philadelphia! The wait staff and menu have a colonial theme in an historic building. The beer sampler, bread, and turkey pot pie were very good. The crab cake was delicious.
(5)Jana S.
The food war good, the service very nice and charming. I was a bit suprised by the food. Everything we ordered was the same decent stuff my mom is cooking nowadays. Iam German and the housewives kitchen has obviously not changed a lot in the past 250 year. Or the German cook is using contemporay recipies...
(4)Daniel L.
This is the best resturant there pot pie is the best best restaurant ever!!!!!!!!
(5)Loren H.
Just went to City Tavern for the first time for Restaurant Week lunch. Great food and great service. Must try the beer flight. Waiter gave us a interesting short history of the place. City Tavern would be a fun place to take visitors. The food is not just good for a "tourist restaurant" It is good for any restaurant. The chocolate cake and the apple cobbler with cinnamon ice cream were standouts for dessert.
(5)Dinah L.
They are keeping to Old Philly tradition within reason. The language is very 2013, but the history is very 18th century. The food is very good. Go for something you haven't tried. Our table did Braised Rabbit, Roasted Duck and the Turkey Pot pie. A great way. to warm up was the Apple Cider, Whiskey, Rum drink warmed. Wow! A great place to take Tourist & family that wants the feel of Ye Ole Philadelphia. The table breads are very nice also.
(4)Courtney L.
My favorite 'bar' of the trip: We didn't eat here and sat in the bar area. We ordered the Tavern Warmer with apple cider which was a delicious hot cider alcohol drink and it was really good. We also got the sampler of the president beers and this was the highlight. They all have a different taste and a notecard explaining more about the beers. I LOVED the Ben Franklin Tavern Spruce ale. I don't like porters or really hoppy beers and this one was my absolute favorite. For being a touristy trap of sorts, the drinks were reasonable priced and it was fun to drink by candlelight and enjoy the character waiters. From what I have read, we played it right: skip the food, come for drinks and TRY THE BEN FRANKLINE TAVERN SPRUCE. Very easy to catch a cab outside of the building.
(4)Ina V.
Oh my God. I absolutely love love love this spot. Historical building where George Washington's room is located on the first floor! Colonial food recopies are delicious! All of the silver wear and mugs are from colonial times, waitstaff is dressed in traditional American colonial times clothing. It's super exciting to be able to share the Old American history in 21st century. I even bought their cook book, that's how excited i was to be there!
(5)Adam C.
I see what they are going for but I'm not sure they've quite got it. Between the quaint uniforms and the alleged presidential beer recipes it all felt a little too gimicky. I liked that the server was a fount of revolutionary trivia but he also was not even close to accurate with some of the claims he made. Like he attributed an Abe Lincoln Quote to Ben Franklin. Yes I know. I'm a big nerd. Sorry but it rubbed me the wrong way and then I had to do a terrible thing; whip out my 21st century smart phone in this 18th century style restaurant to verify that I was right and the server was wrong. I didn't embarrass him with the correction but I just had to know. (I was right). I was also a little disappointed at the menu. I felt that it was too modern and yet too out of date at the same time. What I mean is that although the menu items might have been served in revolutionary times, too many of the options were simply not combinations that actually were. Then, I felt like the food on my plate would have felt more appropriate in the 1990s. So too modern to be revolutionary but not modern enough to belong in a restaurant today. The taste was fine and as we all sampled from each other's orders I can make that statement across the board. Overall, I had a good time but I doubt I'd return unless it was with some tourist frineds or something along those lines, which is actually what brought me in this time too.
(3)Susan L.
What an interesting place. The decor, the uniforms, the silverware...everything is pretty committed to the theme here. Its a tourist trap for sure; tour buses literally stop here for large groups to come in for lunch and dinner. We went here for a family lunch and we were a little put off by being ignored for 20 minutes and then the lack of apology from our waitress. There was hardly anyone there at the time which also doesn't make any sense. At least the food was good; I really enjoyed my roasted duckling; creamy potatoes, crispy glazed duck, and a medley of perfectly cooked vegetables. The rest of the meal went smoothly. I don't think its a place I would want to visit again especially if I was footing the bill because it was pretty pricey (especially as a lunch).
(3)Erin B.
In honor of President's day - my husband was kind enough to take me to one of my favorite spots ... CITY TAVERN (ode to our lovely forefathers)! There was a time when this gal visited City Tavern on a monthly (dare I say weekly) basis. On the "dog days of winter" I would go in to get a warmer or two or three for good measure. When I originally moved into the city, I went there so often that I knew the (period clad) bartenders by name. When I went in today, the bartender (David) remarked that he had not seen me in ages and assumed that I moved out of the city. Surely, a sign that I was going waaaaay too often at one point. Check out city tavern on a super cold day - order the warmer and I promise you won't be disappointed!
(5)Kerry G.
We decided to stop here for lunch after a morning spent exploring the historic sites nearby and had a very enjoyable meal. Our server was friendly and very attentive and the atmosphere was touristy but fun. Our daughter loved the costumes and unique dishware. The meal was bit pricier than we are accustomed to - the lunch menu prices were more comparable to what we usually pay for dinner, and the dinner prices made me blanch a bit - definitely a date night destination and not for everyday dining. However, the portions were generous. My husband ordered the veal sausage, which he said was good (I don't eat veal) and which came with some very tasty sauerkraut. I had the turkey pot pie, which had a nice buttery crust and a hearty filling. It came with egg noodles on the side, which were fine but didn't really add anything special. Our daughter had fish and chips, which were good, too. We had the Martha Washington chocolate mousse cake and the pumpkin cheesecake with candied pecans for dessert and enjoyed both. We also liked the bread sampler, which included Sally Lunn bread, Anadama, and Thomas Jefferson's favorite sweet potato pecan biscuits. The biscuits were my favorite, and tasted a lot like pumpkin bread.
(4)Amy G.
I expected the food to be nothing special since it looked to be a tourist trap. I was pleasantly surprised. The fried tofu entree was yummy with lots of fresh veggies. The others in our party had turkey pot pie and thoroughly enjoyed it. Bread (3 different types) came before our entrees and it was good too. Hubby and I shared the beer sampler an enjoyed the spruce beer more than the others. We shared the Martha Washington cake which was very good.
(4)Worldbeat L.
I learned so much about our founding fathers and their food and beverage choices at this historical restaurant. Below are the items my friend(s) and I shared: The educational value alone is worth the trip to "old town" Philly. The average price is more downtown chic however there is so many options to explore. Mallard Duck Sausage - $9.25 Broiled duck & pork sausage, sweet & sour cabbage Giant Cornmeal Fried Oysters - $9.25 Herbed remoulade West Indies Pepperpot Soup - $7.50 A spicy colonial classic. Beef, taro root & greens Rack of Lamb - $32.95 Roasted with Dijon mustard & walnuts, rosemary infused au jus, mashed potatoes, asparagus & Sauce Béarnaise Fried Tofu - $17.95 In a 1770 letter to Philadelphia's John Bartram, Benjamin Franklin included instructions on how to [prepare] tofu. Sally Lunn breaded fried tofu, spinach, seasonal vegetables, sauteed tomatoes & herbs, linguine
(4)Gabrielle S.
Went to dinner here during a sightseeing trip to philly. So quaint and filled with history! Expected it to be a tourist trap with crappy food but I was pleasantly surprised! The pepper soup was great as was the porkchop. But be prepared, the portions are huge! The sweet potato biscuits (a Thomas Jefferson recipe!) will definitely be on my thanksgiving table. Oh yeah, I'm getting the cookbooks!
(4)Deidra S.
Love this place and the fact that they dress of the day, circa 1700's. The vinegar shrug drinks are great!!!
(5)Thee E.
Ales of the Revolution was one of the highlights of my trip. The staff was awesome and easy to talk to. Go here and try the old beer recipes!
(4)Shelly C.
After much hype from someone in my group who lived here many years ago, this bunch of "Touristy" people descended upon the City Tavern. We had made reservations two days prior for 7pm. At 730 we were seated. In the basement. At 745 we got water! At 8, (Hey, it IS July) we requested more water. We got it at 830. The food? Okay. My pork chop was heaven. At least I think it was. It may have been heavenly because I was extra hungry as the order taker screwed up and I didn't get what I ordered till almost everyone else was finished. The service? See above. I think our experience here may have been better had we not been seated in the basement. We had more people walking into our room looking for the loo then wait staff. We were forgotten so often I was beginning to think our waiter was the "ghost" we were told about because he kept disappearing. I mean, Milk Carton disappearing. Would I recommend? Oh no, no no. Would I return? Only in the dead of winter so that I could disguise myself under scarfs and layers while I snuck in to get a to-go order of those little biscuit things. Because I can't not share....they are the bomb!
(3)Rachel H.
My mother enjoyed her food. But my Turkey Pot Pie was not very good. The breading on top was sticky, the turkey was dry even with all that sauce. The waiter was rude and off putting. But I did quite enjoy the colonial grab. The food wasn't horrible but it was not good sub par at best. I would give it another try. Just not the pot pie.
(3)Ed L.
We went there for lunch on January 17. The food, drinks, and staff were all excellent, particularly when sorting out some dietary restrictions. Sierra, in particular, was awesome. We had been there several times for drinks but this was our first meal there, and we would definitely go back.
(5)Virginia C.
Very good food with colonial ambiance. Great for entertaining.
(4)Dave H.
We had a party of 7 for New Year's at City Tavern, and enjoyed everything about the experience. Our server, Sierra, shared the right amount of background and information about the restaurant, the chef and the food, and made the evening great. Everyone in the party tried something different and all was really good. Why go anywhere else when you're in historic Philadelphia?
(4)Sarah P.
This place is AWESOME!!!!! I love the concept and think they bail it on the head. The restaurant is all about giving you a dining experience reminiscent of 1770's. We ordered the beer sampler and it was fantastic! By this time in the evening we had stuffed ourselves on Cheesesteaks and only ordered salads, but the Roquefort was awesome! There was a chunk of cheese in the center of the salad and it was great quality! I loved the sweet potato biscuits they serve at the beginning of the meal. My only complaint is that they say it is kid friendly...it IS NOT! When a place says they are kid friendly I assume for all ages. This is appropriate for t'weens and older.
(5)Peter B.
This was was great. JP was one of the nicest servers I've had - knowledgeable about the menu, the recipes behind the menu (Martha Washington's Chocolate cake recipe, Thomas Jefferson's ale recipe used lemons from China), and shared the types of historical tidbits that make dining at a place like the City Tavern fun. The setting and building itself are cool enough to allow the kitchen to slack a little bit, but everything out party of ten got was really, really good. Beef medallions, bone-in ribeye, chicken breasts, veal sausages with sauerkraut - all very good, and I grew up eating high quality PA Dutch food. You can tell they have a pastry chef on staff, I usually don't eat bread, but made exceptions for the terrific muffins served in the bread bowl and the cobbler served for dessert. There aren't prices on the kids menu, and items are $12.95, but the fish and chips were good enough for adults to eat.
(5)Amanda F.
I thought this place was so fun - call me a geek, but I was so into the colonial theme! The staff are all dressed in colonial-stlye outfits, and the dishes are colonial-inspired. The dishes are pretty and mugs are pewter. The flight of beers was so cool - made from the founding fathers' own recipes, which are on file in the national archives. I had the turkey pot pie, which was so delicious and filling, along with Martha Washington's recipe for a fruity cocktail. It really puts you in the mood for a fun historical tour of Philadelphia.
(4)Miguel F.
Went for Mother's Day and sat outside since it was a beautiful day..decided to do the tasting menu (59.99 per person) which came with a 3 dishes and a dessert and coffee. I started out with an IPA by Yards Brewing Company. Great beer! For my first plate, I ordered the duck sausage which was good. It came served over some red cabbage. For the second plate, a salad, nothing spectacular, but hey, it's salad. For my entree I ordered the beef medallions which came with a side of mashed potatoes and vegetables. The only issue I had with the entree was that I asked for the meat medium rare- closer to rare if the chef could do it. When I received the meal though, the meat was at most medium well- closer to well done. I would have sent it back but by the time it would have came back, the rest of my party would have been done their meals, so I ate it anyway. Wasn't that bad just really over cooked per my request. The rest of the plate was excellent though. For my dessert I ordered a raspberry tart accompanied with cinnamon ice cream- Amazing! Over all, I was impressed but disappointed in how my meat came to me. Tad pricey but for the amount of food, I suppose it was worth it. I would definitely recommend this place for anyone in the area who hasn't been.
(4)Andy K.
Outstanding place to visit. If you've never been to Philly(and even if you have), this place is a must. Lobster pie was amazing as was the duck. Historical atmosphere combined with great food and service really made for a great lunch. Jay, our server, was outstanding as well.
(5)Courtney K.
If you want to be served by someone who looks like Ben Franklin - this is your place. I know it may seem touristy, but I love this place. I love that I can sit on a park bench and be served a flight of beers. I love that I can sit in the tiniest room with a bar and have a beer and eat cheesecake. I love the history behind it, and I love the attire the staff wears. If you ask me, that's a win, win, win.
(4)Justin M.
It's a cool little place... Had the duck and it was just mediocre. Would not recommend if looking for the tastiest meal in town
(3)Steve M.
Excellent from start to finish!! Very cool to try the soup served to the men who crossed the Delaware River with Washington, but the mushroom toast appetizer, duckling, crab cake, and the chocolate cake stole the show! Absolutely fabulous time, everyone was super friendly and knowledgeable, and Sara our server arranged for us to meet Chef Staib, who shared his wealth of knowledge on food and history. Just an absolutely great time here! Will return for sure!!
(5)Andrea F.
This place was awesome!! I was disappointed that I didn't get to try the beer but the trout was amazing.
(5)Geoff Z.
Great food. Very friendly and helpful. The steak and shrimp were perfect!!!
(5)Matt S.
I really enjoyed the look and feel of the place, the pewter cups were a nice touch. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the food was. I had a seafood pasta and my girlfriend had a salmon dish and we (along with the rest of our party) thoroughly enjoyed our dishes. The prices were pretty reasonable as well. We went for lunch and I was still recovering from a slight hangover so I wasn't able to try the several "founding fathers" beers they have there, but someone in my group had said they were pretty good. You can get a flight which allows you to try them all. You can also tour the building as they have historical information about colonial taverns and a replicated tavern set up upstairs. Overall, I would recommend checking it out if you're in the Old City area.
(5)Treebw B.
Went to City Tavern after having horrible service at Amada. Yes, this matters because we were completely thrilled that Rich was our bartender! He was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. We only had desert and drinks but they were good. My daughter got the beer sampler and I got the champagne with raspberry (I can not remember what it is called and the menu on their website does not seem to be working) per Rich's recommendation. They were perfect! For desert I got the blackberry cheesecake (holy cow!) and my daughter chose Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse cake. We both loved both deserts and Rich was correct- we only needed one desert as they were huge but we were happy to eat the leftovers the next evening. I was pleasantly surprised with this place as it was not just a tourist destination. It felt like a very comfortable restaurant/bar that I would likely frequent if I lived in the area. All of the employees were incredibly nice and I loved that they were very willing to provide information about the building and the history of the area.
(5)Seattle G.
Charming and quaint. Delightful setting and staff. The food was great on two visits, and I loved the historic beer selection. It seemed pricey to me, but looking at neighboring restaurants it seems typical. The pot pie takes awhile to make - so be prepared for a wait with that order.
(4)Pratik P.
This place SCREAMS tradition. They definitely got this part right. Most of the (men) waitstaff sport knee-high tight white socks, cravats, waistcoats, and straight leg white trousers. I didn't catch that many female staff members in the restaurant, but I'm sure they'd be decked out in the female equivalent of 18th century attire. It's been a while since I stepped into a place where staff are required to wear a fairly intricate wardrobe, so prepare yourself otherwise you'll be shocked the first time you walk in. Most of the other reviews below are spot on, so I won't spend time adding any more detail, but... If you do go, get the turkey pot pie. Seriously, just get the pot pie. It's absolutely huge in size and comes with probably the best outer crust I've ever tasted: golden brown, soft, and flaky (but not too flaky). I'm not sure what their secret is when it comes to baking, but they make it beautifully. They also give you a side of pasta with some random sauce with the order, but I'm guaranteeing you that you won't be able to finish it. The extra pasta doesn't really have much flavor, and at that point, it's just extra carbs that'll turn into love handles in a few days, so don't bother. Prices are a little steep (think ~$30-35/entree), so this place is more of a 'fine dining' place when it comes to Philly restaurants. You won't walk out with a cheap bill, but you'll definitely eat some complex and traditional foods, perhaps get a history lesson or two from the staff, and a couple of laughs as you watch the waitstaff awkwardly go about their job in trousers and cravats :)
(3)Marie L.
This is a historic tavern from the Ben Franklin years, located in Old City. All of the staff is dressed in period garb, which I wasn't expecting. They have 4 signature beers, all brewed by Yards Brewing. The staff was really helpful in explaining the differences between each beer. There's lots of history in this building and we had a great time. It's a total tourist trap, but in the best way.
(4)David K.
Love the charm and history of this place as well as the friendly, period-dressed staff. Drinks are generous, but a bit overpriced ($11.00 for a SoCo Manhattan). The pecan rolls are tiny but a delight. However the bread was ordinary and dry. The corn chowder soup is fantastic. Ordered the Seafood Salad Melange for my entre. The greens were excellent but the dressing that comes with it is super oniony and garlicky. The salad is topped with smoked salmon and smoked trout, which were ok but a bit on the dry side. The shrimp were ordinary and tasteless. Worst of all is the crabmeat on top of the salad. It had to be right out of a can and I found it to be totally inedible. Desert tray is really good. I do recommend the Blueberry Cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream. Coffee is strong and very good. Highly recommend the dining experience here but stay away from the seafood salad. Smoked chicken and artichoke heart salad wasn't any better. Dave K
(3)Matt W.
This was a nice experience with good friends! The place is interesting and I'd say the server made the difference between this being a 3 and a 4 because she (Sarah "Martha" the Sociologist Extraordinaire) shared a lot of interesting tidbits with us in a manner that was not annoying or in-your-face. She also did it in a fan manner as well (probably b/c our group is a bit goofy!!) The food is decent, some of it very good, some of it average. All of it is some American fare made in a homestyle/homespun fashion. Some of the sauces were a bit too heavy (i.e. the fish, the mushrooms). It overwhelmed these dishes to the point where it's a bit hard to really taste the main part of the dish (fish or mushroom). The bread served with the soup was absolutely fantastic! The duck was also really solid. Mashed potatoes were just ok while veggies served with it were oily and overcooked. Dessert was all phenomenal- apple cobbler, creme brulee and the chocolate mousse cake. All excellent!! So the highlights for me- the edifice itself, the service and tidbits learned along the way, bread and dessert...I'd say it's worth coming. Just be warned that it is pricey. If you have a beer, entree and share dessert, you will run close to 70$. I think I'd target this at closer to $50 and feel good about it...it was worth the experience for a single visit though. I wouldn't be eating here if I was a local...
(4)Yuan C.
Love the decor but the food is just terrible.
(3)Alex X.
I once had a foodie german/english bf who knew to bring me to unusual places- at least unusual to me. We came here once for Sunday brunch. A tad bit pricey but that's the price you pay for something not so common. The dishes can be quite unique here. If that's what you are looking for try City Tavern. If I find the pics I will put them up. The colonial theme was out of the ordinary. I will be back now that I found this location again. Thanks yelp. PS. I loved the back outdoor seating. The entire experience minded me of being in on a mansion porch in the South during the cotton plantation era in history. I have pretty wild imagination: must be my trigger of reincarnated past lives. :-p
(4)Matt C.
Great Beer. Tried the Colonial Ale Sampler but let me save you the trouble... Jeffersons is best. Turkey pot pie, yummy flaky and doughy crust, creamy piping hot goodness inside. Chicken breast Oscar pretty good, moist chicken and good breading. DO NOT east outside though. The sent you to a makeshift tent in the back and you feel like a second class citizen out there.
(3)Roger I.
Our kids liked going back in time, too. I loved the beer selections and their recipe histories, especially. The menu strives to reproduce choices from the Colonial Era. I'm not sure if they succeeded on that account but it was fun trying the turkey pot pie along with George Washington's beer recipe. If you're looking to go, bring your imagination and BIG wallet. Your creativity helps put you in that frame of mind. The Big Billfold helps pay the bill.
(4)Allen S.
A true historic restaurannt with authentic atmosphere, good service and food.
(3)Andrea G.
Gary and I attended a conference in downtown Philadelphia recently. A friend recommended we go here. A TREAT! I highly recommend it to visitors, for a real authentic experience of Colonial dining. It was great fun eating in the old building, sectioned into separate dining rooms in each room and on several floors. The waitstaff and hosts were all in Colonial attire. Great family destination. We saw groups, families and friends all gather here for an excellent meal. The tableware is of the time period, including pewter-type (heavy duty) drinkware and candles on the tables. The menu reflects foods from that period, mostly meaty fare such as pork loin, turkey pot pie, lamb chops, steak, etc. TIP: A vegetarian would not like the menu choices. They served some special breads, including these delightful little sconelike muffin items that we loved. I found the pricing within reason, given the special nature of this restaurant. And the food servings and quality were excellent! I told another in my convention to go here, and he wrote me how grateful he was for that tip. Don't miss it if you can get there!
(5)Kate K.
Came Here on a tour after our tour guide insisted we get a cocktail here. If anything just go for the building, it is beautiful. There was a hArp player as we entered the building and everyone was dressed in costumes reminiscent of Ben Franklin days. Great selection of beers, and the crowd was friendly. Try the beer sampler. Will go back to try the food, it all looked really good coming out. Check out the back patio.
(3)Samantha I.
Sooooo much cool history here. Food and beer are great. Original beer recipes from our 4 fathers
(4)Alyx F.
I had to adjust my expectations quickly since I hadn't picked this place and I expected more of a Tavern-y feel, but I thought that everything was good with the experience element pushing it to 4 stars over 3. I got the turkey pot pie and a sampler of the founding father's beers. Ben Franklin's beer was my favorite since it was the most interesting of all the beers, the others I don't think I would get again. The turkey pot pie was good, but it was a lot of cream and little substance. I thought it was great that the servers and hosts were dressed in traditional garb, so that element made it a cool experience. They also had metal goblets for your water which I was a huge fan of - I need to buy one of those for my home. :)
(4)Dave B.
I'm told this is a tourist trap, and the interesting costumes (I mean uniforms?) of the waitstaff does nothing to dilute that impression. However, it does have a small group of regulars, one of whom I was visiting so I was able to look past the tourist facade and enjoy what was one of the best meals I've had in town. My steak and shrimp was insanely huge - and delicious. Good beer. Good breads, too. Oh, and good everything. Check downstairs -- there's often live music down there to compensate for (or take your mind off) the fact that you're eating in the basement :-) I'll name drop Sarah here, too. Absolutely excellent service, that merits recognition.
(5)Prasanna R.
Update! The pending transaction dropped off and the staff sorted out the confusion. But I won't go back again because there is nothing else special to try on the menu, for a vegetarian like me.
(2)Emily V.
Excellent food and fun colonial concept! The atmosphere was warm and inviting and the harpist was the cherry on top! I really loved that the food is period appropriate, but yet actually was yummy! I highly recommend the pepper pot soup and the colonial pot pie. Excellent! I was surprised by how yummy the sweet potato and pecan biscuits were which come standard in the bread platter. As for the service. Terrible. We counted 4 tables in the entire place with patrons so it was relatively empty. When we arrived we waited 13 minutes until my boyfriend got on foot to go and track someone down to start the ordering process. And she didn't apologize--What? Then she just asked what our order was without taking our drink order first--What? It took and average of 8 minutes for her to return with our pop refills--Really? Ridiculous. We decided not to get dessert because it probably would have taken 30 minutes. I'm chalking it up to her just having a bad day and I'm assuming the rest of the waitstaff is terrific. The only reason why they aren't 5 stars is due to the service. Oy vey!
(4)tony m.
This is my second review of City Tavern. My last review, written during Restaurant Week last year was more than positive. I am sorry to say that such is not the case after my second visit. After my first experience, which you can read about in my earlier post, I thought it would be wonderful to take my 87 year old mother to City Tavern since she is a history buff and also watches Chef Staib's program. While the service and ambiance were fine, the portions of the servings were less than deplorable. On my first visit the chicken cutlet covered the plate. This time the chicken piece was no more than 3" x 3' at best. The veal (Veiner Shnitzel) was even smaller and curled into nothingness. The turkey pot pie was no match to the beef turnover of my earlier visit. If these paltry dishes are what they serve to Philadelphia visitors they should hang their head in shame..
(2)Sandy M.
Such a great venue and the atmosphere was wonderful. Felt it was alittle pricey My husband had the pot pie and 21.95 is a bit much. He was disappointed there was no carrots in the pie. The speciality beers the guys loved. I had the corn chowder and the only things that bothered me was it was cold and not hot. However, we would go back because of the uniqueness of the place
(4)Amy B.
We held our rehearsal dinner at City Tavern recently. Since nearly all of our guests were from out of town, we wanted to share Philly's history as well as our great experiences at City Tavern. The banquet coordinator was incredibly helpful and flexible, especially with our planning from across the country. The food was, as always, exceptional, and our server also served as the Tavern's historian and gave a great presentation on the history of the building. I'm so glad that this venue worked out for our rehearsal dinner! I can't wait to come back next time I'm "home".
(5)Harold F.
I ate there a couple of years ago. I still remember that it was one of the best meals I have ever had. I had the basil shrimp, lobster pot pie, and the Martha Washington Chocolate Mousse cake. Great salad and homemade bread too!
(5)Jan T.
Taking advantage of the last "nice" weekend of the year, we chose to take a trip up to Philly to see the sights again and, since it was cool out, to deviate from the usual Philly routine (historical sites, Chinatown, historical sites), to eat at City Tavern. Initially promoted during a walking tour of Philadelphia, and later reinforced through PBS and Food Network watching, my expectations were somewhat mixed. The food sounded great and the concept sounded very good, but the nagging "tourist trap" gremlin had to be blocked out. Fortunately the experience was worth it. A more or less faithful reconstruction of a Revolutionary War era tavern, City Tavern features a menu of traditional colonial American and German cuisine (the chef is German), while selling a Yards Brewery line of revolutionary ales. I had the Thomas Jefferson, and it made the second half of the day considerably warmer and merrier. The food itself was excellent. I started with the pepperpot soup, a spicy mix of beef, beef broth, kale, and potato. The perfect starter for a somewhat dreary day and a good companion to the selection of three traditional breads served prior to lunch. Other members of my party had the mushrooms on toast (excellent), and smoked fish platter (delicious). For the main course we went with two types of pies (beef and turkey), and a traditional sausage platter with pasta. All were excellent, with a nice meld of German and British influences (pie with sweet and sour cabbage, etc.). All dishes were large and somewhat heavy, but went great with beer and wine. Dessert was (since we were all stuffed) a shared portion of bread pudding. It too was delicious. The ambiance was very traditional. From the liveried servers (who fortunately did not try to be re-enactors) to the lack of electrical lighting, the place took you back in time. Some more natural light would have been nice (an awning over the entrance blocked it), but the candles made up for it. While expensive, this is one "traditional experience" restaurant I can get behind.
(5)M S.
Lunch - stale bread or are we eating Thomas Jefferson's 'original recipe' asked for a recommendation - the waiter suggested the 2 most expensive things on the menu -suspicious. hmmm- did i order one of them - yes - was it good - laughable 2 dried out pieces of duck covered in - hey guess what, DUCK SAUCE!!! it was a good laugh! so sorry if you've been scammed too
(1)Taylor H.
Lovely place for tourists, and amazing food!! I always love a good dinner and a dining experience at the same time. The bread basket is also very cool (old recipes), try the pecan/sweet potato biscuits
(5)K T.
i love this place. been here before for lunch. Sun eve dinner after thanksgiving wkend was not at all crowded, they took us early from open table reservation. Turkey Pot Pie was AB FAB! My guy had the tenderloin tips over egg noodles and it was yummy! warmed up with the apple cider beverage by candlelight and that did it for me. i like the historical vibe here. staff don't overplay their attire so it didn't feel hokey. def come back next time in Philly.
(5)James B.
Being a fan of history, City Tavern is a restaurant tailor-made for me. Legitimate historical significance, a menu that would have been served to George Washington, and a wait staff dressed in period attire all serve to make the guest feel like they have stepped back into 1776. I was even seated in the very place that was Washington's favorite spot: corner window on the second floor. Opening the menu, my eyes were immediately drawn to the "Ales of the Revolution" selection. These are four beers made from recipes of the Founding Fathers. I particularly enjoyed Alexander Hamilton's pale ale. I ended up ordering the Pork Chop Applewood Smoked. When it came out, it was steaming and red (from the salt) and lying on a bed of mashed potatoes. Every bite was so succulent and juicy. It is supposed to come with sour kraut, but since I hate sour kraut, I withheld it. The best part was that since I went midday and off-season, there was almost no one there. Which, as the waitress said (shout out to Joan), was rare. I am giving this restaurant my highest recommendation. One note though, I learned that Benjamin Franklin helped introduce tofu, of all things, to America when he wrote the recipe in a letter to someone while he was in France. Now I know who to blame. Oh, and that tofu recipe is made here, if you are into that.
(5)Joe B.
Went to City Tavern last night for dinner with GF. This had been on our to-do list for a while. Part of me feared that it would be a tourist trap with crappy, overpriced food. The food and service turned out to exceed expectations. We had 6:30 reservations, and were promptly seated and attended to. Our waitress, Sarah, was terrific. She was pleasant, knowledgeable, and personable. My girlfriend got the special, which was crab claws, scallops, and shrimp over linguini with garlic, basil, and tomatoes. She was very pleased, and said if she had anything negative to say about it it would be that it could have been served hotter. I inquired about the lobster pot pie's price. Sarah told me $42 and I hesitated. She assured it me it was all that. I was reluctant because I visualized a few measly pieces of lobster in a bunch of cream sauce. She assured me there was plenty of lobster, so I tried it. It was well worth it. It was very rich and flavorful with lots of tender lobster pieces. It was a great dish. I only could eat half, so it was nicely portioned too. If you figure getting two meals out of it, it comes to $21 a meal. Also, they serve you a nice bread plate with dinner. It comes with a variety of homemade breads that are all very tasty. Overall, a great meal and I would definitely come back.
(4)Nayeli A.
Amazing! We had Sara as our server and she was great, so friendly and attentive. Loved being able to get up and look around while our food was being made. We split the pot pie and pepper pot soup, both of which we were very happy happy! Also recommend the mouse cake. Loved the atmosphere and clothing, and after our ghost tour last night, it just added to the surroundings.
(5)Ben P.
If you are looking for traditional food from the colonial era. This is your place the whole staff is dressed like they are from the 1700s and the place itself is a historical landmark just steps away from where the Declaration of Independence was signed. You feel the history int he building and the food is great. I had the roasted vegetables with the carved turkey.
(4)Anne H.
Be prepared to spend at least $100 per couple for drinks, appetizer and two entrees. But these portions are worth it. The chicken pot pie was epic, I couldn't even finish half of it. Split this with someone if you don't eat like a lumberjack. The ambiance is pretty cool knowing you're sitting in the space space as some of our founding fathers once broke bread. Totally worth the splurge if you're looking for a historical experience and delicious food. TIP: they give you free bread to start, so lay off an appetizer if if you're trying to save $.
(5)Franklin M.
The place takes you back to yesteryear, if you are in Philly I recommend that you visit this place. The food was delicious but a bit pricey. To add to authenticity the waitresses should light the candles with matches and not lighters.
(4)Brad E.
Ok...so I know this place seems like a total tourist trap...and it is touristy for sure, but the food is legitimately good. We tried the pepperpot soup. It was spicy but not overly so. Good appetizer on a cold November day. The best dish we tried was the turkey pot pie. The crust was flaky and the filling was loaded with white breast meat and mushrooms bathed in a delicious broth. My wife's tavern lobster pie also gad a great crust. The filling was a little underwhelming. It was full of lobster and quality seafood but the sauce left something to be desired. I had the lamb chops. They were tender and cooked medium rare. The flavor was good but not top shelf. I washed it all down with a glass of wasel (spiced wine). Definitely the right drink for the occasion. I recommend trying this place if you are in town to see the sights. It is surprisingly good.
(4)Steven B.
In every large city there are eateries that if you ask a native about them you'll hear "tourist trap!" Is the City Tavern popular with tourists? You bet but don't dismiss them so quickly. They deserve a look and a taste. The atmosphere is wonderful and you are surrounded by history complete with period costumes for the staff. Said staff is also very knowledgeable about the early years of our country. As for the food, as many have said the recipes are supposedly from this time period. Most of it is quite heavy. I find it good but definitely not great. I do have a problem with the price point of the menu. With a drink or two, if you're not careful you can easily blow past $50 and head towards $75. For that price I expect a lot and for me they are not quite there. I suggest you try them for lunch before you commit to dinner. Even lunch won't be cheap but it will give you a chance to see if you like the style of food.
(3)Frank H.
Incredible place to eat with the ambiance and history! I fully recommend the West Indies Pepperpot Soup (if you don't mind spicy) and the Pork Chop "Apple-Wood Smoked". I actually ordered the Braised Rabbit with vegetable and egg noodles and gravy which was also good but I looked and got a taste of the Pork Chops and they were unbelievable!!!! Beware, portions are huge!
(4)Qingqing C.
Really good place. Food is delicious, I ordered a beer " Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale" and seafood pasta, really good! Enjoy it, nice place.
(4)May L.
City Tavern failed to mention that Remy's cousin from the movie Ratatouille would be making guest appearances on the evening of 21-Sep-2013! First and last experience at this place for me! I saw a baby RAT or little MOUSE while we were eating! It scurried under the table on the second floor into the fireplace, then scurried back and forth from the fireplace a few more times, and then came out and stayed under one of the chairs for a bit before it scurried into the other dining room. My friend thought I was seeing things until she saw the rat for herself! She went closer to it and said it was a black, baby rat and found holes in the fireplace! So disgusting! We mentioned that we saw a baby rat to our server and he mentioned that other customers have seen them before, too and was unapologetic about it and asked if we had seen rats before in Philly. Well, I understand that rats can be found anywhere in Philly, but it's unsanitary to find it in a restaurant, especially visible in the dining area! As for the food, it was nothing special. The schnitzel that I ordered was dry and wasn't even tasty! So overpriced here! I definitely do not recommend this place!
(1)Nicole D.
I wish I could rant and rave about the service and historical fun at City Tavern, but I'm here to say otherwise. Yes, the staff was dressed in colonial garb, but our waitress was far from friendly. We were there for drinks only, and were put in the back corner of the "bar", where workers were loading and unloading carts of glasses for the majority of the time we were there. Our waitress barely made eye contact with us as we ordered the beer sampler. There was no explanation of the significance of each beer upon their arrival (hey, we're tourists, we want to know this stuff), and a card with information was tossed, literally tossed, as an after thought onto our table. We did like the beers, esp Franklin's spruce, but due to the atmosphere and cold service, we decided not to stay for more. Our waitress murmured our total without even dropping off a check, she moseyed on back, grabbing by husband's debit card off the table and bringing it back in the same manner without even a "Have a nice day". We had better service and fun at the Irish pubs we stopped at along the way. Maybe if we were sat in the dining area the service would have been up to par. I would not recommend this place for drinks!
(2)Steve C.
I acted as a tour guide for some friends, and we found ourselves here for lunch. Pros: Ambiance, food, beers, quick service, and general layout of the restaurant (we were by ourselves in our section). I had the rabbit, and the portion was huge. I also had the Thomas Jefferson off the beer list. I'm assuming it was the same selection brewed by Yard's. It was a great beer and enhanced the experience, but only have one because drinks are very expensive. The server was okay. Our table was by the waitstation - if you're really into the experience, then watching your colonially dressed server on her smartphone in the station will be off-putting.
(4)Kai M.
I had my suspicions that this place was going to be the tourist trap that it looked like, but the GF and I have a serious love for all things historic and she finally bullied me into giving this place a shot. We went for lunch on Sunday. It was this perfect autumn day, crisp and sunny and warm all at the same time, and we were disappointed that outdoor seating was no longer an option (it's still September and was at least 70 outside, and more than that in the sun). Inside, we were led upstairs to a very stuffy room with no air circulation whatsoever. Our menus, and the table, contained advertisements for the chef's books and DVDs. Tacky. Very tacky. Service wasn't malicious, but that's about the kindest thing I can say about it. "Mediocre" seems generous. Staff were disinterested, inattentive, and bored. At one point I was apparently expected to eat my main entree with the dessert fork. When asked for a fork, the waiter first looked at the (perfectly good, apparently) dessert fork next to my plate, then at me with this quizzical expression, before finally acquiescing to my request. The food was only ok. We were expecting heavy dishes (we've seen the chef's show on PBS and know he's old-school German) but they were nothing special. I can say that the apps and mains were cooked reasonably well, but the presentation and flavor profiles left much to be desired. Dessert was clearly an afterthought, and the schpiel about "traditional" chocolate mousse cake was really just overkill. We spent a Benjamin (plus tip) on dining where Benjamin did. But you know what? He'd be ashamed.
(1)Jennifer E.
City Tavern was the perfect experience for us. We went for dinner to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We loved the historic feel of the building and the old fashioned cuisine. The costumes were a little cheesy, but hey, what can you do? I had the roasted duckling and my husband had the rack of lamb. Both were served perfectly and were delicious. Now don't let the prices trick you.... the portion sizes are HUGE - especially when stacked against comparable restaurants. We easily could have split an entree. My husband sampled their beer - favorite was the Alexander Hamilton. Loved it so much, I bought the cookbook - which is OUTSTANDING. Not only are the recipes easy to understand... Chef Staib gives directions for finding the foods and the best way to prepare them. Absolutely love it. My only complaint was our waiter was kind of boring (showed no personality at all) and was far to quiet. In fact, he didn't even introduce himself when he came to table, which is bad customer service. The receipt said his name was Mike... so... Mike... you need to loosen up and speak up. Half the time we couldn't hear or understand him when he was talking to us. Overall, 2 thumbs up and we will definitely be returning when we head back to Philadelphia.
(4)Alex. B.
Stumbled across this place while walking around. We walked and were pleasantly greeted by two gentlemen in colonial period clothing. Decor and food seemed to be authentic from colonial times and we had a very nice time. Would very much recommend.
(4)Brian T.
Where else can you drink beer from the recipes of our forefathers? I went with the flight that had all 4 beers in tasting glasses. My fave, by a LONG SHOT, was the Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce from Ben Franklin's recipe
(5)Jessica S.
My husband and I had dinner here over July 4th weekend, which is their busiest week of the year. The waitress was very friendly and was great at giving out recommendations. She also stopped dinner at one point to give a little history on the tavern. The service was on a slower end, though, compared to other restaurants. Our dinners were very good. The prices are a bit higher than most other restaurants for the same food, but not all restaurants are this historic and have servers in colonial outfits. :)
(4)Daniel G.
Just like old times of the founding fathers, this restaurant caters to your historical needs. We felt like we were back in time and very much enjoyed every part of our meal. We wish we could dine here more often. Here is our video of the place. youtu.be/jSt7XiVNjkE?t=4s
(5)Stephen C.
the atmosphere was great and fit perfectly with Thanks Giving, Our table was ready when we arrived. The Appetizer was "OK" at best it arrived cold and was more tot he standard of an inexpensive banquet and not a $85 per person dinner. The salad was good not too wet, but nothing special. The Main course was very very good, the turkey was moist, the mashed potatoes were good, as were the sweet potatoes. I enjoyed the stuffing, my wife didn't care for it. The gravy was very good. The portion were generous. The deserts were just OK, really didn't care for my cobbler and for a Diabetic not to care for a sweet is saying something. The bread pudding my wife ordered read great but left all its potential in the description because the taste did not make it to the plate. The Service and atmosphere exceeding my expectations the food did not even come close to my expectations and that is after making adjustments downward for thanksgiving. I think Chef Walter is better at TV appearances and Cook books then actual execution. We had a great thanksgiving because we were together and not because of the food. Last year we had a much better dinner at Smithville Inn for less then 1/2 the price at only 38 per person. So if you are looking for somewhere to go next thanks giving I would suggest you pass by City Tavern
(2)Olga D.
Love this place! Never ate here but we come here for drinks and their specialty beers. Nice, cozy, and historic. It's great after a day of strolling around Old City.
(5)Stef S.
It's a charming little restaurant for what it's worth. Romantic and novel, it's a place you should check out if you haven't been before! The menu's cool... and it's fun to pretend you're Martha Washington's BFF and you've stopped by the tavern for supper. Or something like that. The food's on the pricier end of things (Uh hello, $22 for a pot pie without tax and tip?). Personally, the food wasn't that great. I'd go anywhere else for a solid good meal, but the 'ye olde times' atmosphere is fun. Ambiance? 4 stars. Food? 2 stars. On average: 3 stars. The peach and plum cobbler was gross, btw. I had a puckered face the whole time i ate it. Blech.
(2)Dan S.
You, like me, may be tempted to discount the negative reviews as mere petty gripes. Or isolated occurrences. Don't. The chef should be ashamed of the service his waitstaff provided tonight. It will go down as some of my all time WORST service. EVER. And that's saying something. Why? Let me count the ways. Another table which sat down 15 mins after us got served their appetizer and main course even before our appetizer (of soup! And a crab cake) was served. It took over an hour to get our appetizer (did I mention some of it was SOUP which is surely prepared head of time). Our waitress disappeared for seemingly hours on end. Had to ask for our initial water and bread. Which didn't come til well after we ordered (which took forever as well). And a water refill? Good luck. We asked and spoke with our waitress 3 times and waited 25 mins just for that. Of course, just 3 minutes after our appetizers were brought, our main dishes were out too. But not all of them. One of them. (a kids ham and cheese) took another 10 minutes (at least it was brought out warm) The waitress when asked, said the kitchen got slammed. Which would be fine except it's a quiet Tuesday night and two other tables which came after us got their food. So not only is she a poor server, but a liar too. And how was the food? The soup was way too salty. The barley somewhat tasteless. The other dishes were better but with service poor as this, really, who cares. For 150 dollars, I have never felt so ripped off. No even attempt to Make it up with a free app or drink. No apology from a manager. Nothing. For tourists, you have been warned. This is coming from someone who never gives out 1 star ratings. Don't be fooled.
(1)Mindy M.
I only gave this place 3 stars because I didn't actually eat here- I knew I was going to walk 2 blocks to Khyber Pass Pub so I held off. I do hear that the food is authentic to the American Revolutionary times and is good, but I can't say myself. This place has a TON of history- check out the website for the complete info (too much to include) but basically Washington, Adams, and that whole crew would dine here regularly AND upstairs is where the very first 4th of July was celebrated. The place is historically accurate with regards to food, drink, and atmosphere and was even featured on PBS a while back. What we did have was the flight of beers and the Cooler which is a mix of cold Apple Cider, Maderia, Whiskey, and Rum- WOW- it is good and packs a whollop (I only had 1 thank you very much). The flight of beer, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, is all very interesting - a stout, ale, spruce, and lager are brewed at the Yards brewery. The 6 pack take home is expensive ($15 for a 6-pack) so we passed on that.
(3)Ling X.
Excellent Service, Very good food and ambiance. I went to this gem of a restaurant this past weekend with a group girlfriends for dinner. After a day of exploring the historic district oh Philly in some rather unpleasant weather, we were ready for a great meal to close out the day. We were not disappointed! We started off with some crab cakes and fried oysters. Delicious! I had the turkey pot pie, which was definitely the best pot pie I have ever had. I was a little doubtful about the turkey, because I normally find turkey dry, but this was delicious! It's also HUGE! I finished a little more than half, but ate all the crust. My other girlfriends had the lobster pot pie, rabbit, and steak. Everyone loved their food. I didn't eat the dessert that we ordered, but my friend felt that the bread pudding was just so-so. The service was very good and you definitely get that colonial feel.
(4)Christina M.
I had the utmost pleasure of visiting City Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania last night. For those of you who are not familiar with City Tavern, to step into City Tavern is literally to step into history. Some historical points of interest: 1. John Adams himself frequented City Tavern and called it, "the most genteel tavern in America."This was during his time in Philadelphia attending the First Continental Congress. 2. Paul Revere rode up to City Tavern when he received news of the port of Boston closing. 3. Members of the Second Continental Congress dined there every Saturday. It was no surprise to find George Washington at the Tavern along with other delegates. On this evening I dined in what was the old Subscription Room (where newspapers the Tavern used to subscribe to where housed). I was warmly greeted by my waitress, dressed in authentic period ensemble. I started with their Country Salad ($6.50) made with Julienned carrots, cucumber, field greens, raspberry shrub and extra virgin olive oil vinaigrette. Their dressing was so light but still had an explosion of flavor mixed with its ingredients. An ample portion of salad was given to satisfy my most hungry stomach. For the main course, I ordered their Colonial Turkey Pot Pie ($21.95) made with tender chunks of turkey, mushrooms, early peas, red potatoes, sherry cream sauce served in a flaky pastry crust baked in a pewter casserole. All I can say is that this pot pie was extraordinary, worth every cent of $21.95. One is given a more than a full serving, creamy and very thick chunks of turkey throughout. A most hearty meal, glad I saved my appetite throughout the day for this celebration! Country Salad Along with this whole meal, I was also given a selection of their breads, one of which easily became my favorite, Thomas Jefferson's own recipe of sweet potato rolls. The sweet potato gave a hint of sweetness just enough to make it taste more dessert-like. Nevertheless a delicious roll indeed! To pair along with this historical meal, I drank a glass of Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. I was quick to find out that he made beer only twice a year. This ale was made especially following Jefferson's original ale. The ale was rugged and smooth at the same time, complete body for a filling and delicious ale. They also have ales from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. Overall experience at City Tavern was amazing. For any history buffs or those simply wanting to experience Philadelphia history at its finest, you must visit City Tavern - it does not get any more original than this!
(5)Mimsterynyc M.
the beer sample is great! The food is fine, it's not a 3 star michelin restaurant but it is good. The service was fine.
(4)Cassandra R.
If you're a tourist in Philly, you've got to go to City Tavern. The people dress up in old-timey clothes and you're served dishes that the Founding Fathers would've eaten during Revolution times. The food was tasty but very expensive (you're paying for the atmosphere). Realize that this is not the original building where the Founding Fathers ate: The original partially burned down and was demolished, but I like to pretend it was the actual building. You may want to go during lunch because at dinner time it gets pretty dark in there.
(4)Ray T.
8/30/2013 If you want to be served great food by people dressed in 1800's attire, this is the place to go. Ben Franklin or Thomas Jefferson, may greet you, at leat their modern day versions. At first it appears to be a tourist site, but it really isn't. The place goes back to Ben Franklin's time. The Chicken Pot Pie my wife had was great - the quantity, large. It comes with a side dish of noodles and some kind of sauce. This wasn't listed on the menu and this side dish wasn't needed with the large pot pie. The Braised Rabbit I had was fantastic. The rabbit rests upon a layer of noodles and is smothered in vegetables (the menu did not mention vegetables.) Fortunately the vegetables were something I could eat. There was no room for dessert, but when the server found out that this meal was a day after our anniversary, she brought us a complimentary bowl of ice cream for two with spoons and a lit candle. That was a nice touch. The price at this restaurant is reasonable for the location it is in and its history. 4 or 5 stars? This is a toss up. 4 1/2 stars would be accurate. And the specialty beers, brewed the old way, were pretty good too.
(4)Phillip Y.
I came here last year with friends from Boston who were touring Philadelphia. It was nice to see all the historic stuff in a restaurant. The nice host let us in without a reservation. We just stuck with the first course since menu was pretty pricey. Plus, we were not terribly hungry or starving. Just needed something small to fill us. I had the trout and smoked salmon with some crackers/bread. It was pretty good. Plus, we had nice metal goblets with water. It felt like the olden days. My friends had the crab cakes which I sampled. It was good too. Overall, I thought it was pretty nice just not worth the trouble of reservation. It's the experience more than the food.
(4)Jonathan R.
Excellent food, good service and great authentic ambiance. Highly recommend the hot cider warmer on a cold winter day.
(5)Chris P.
Didn't eat here but stopped in to try the flight of beers developed by George Washington Thomas Jefferson Ben Franklin John Adams. What fun - like stepping back in time. Fitting atmosphere to regroup after touring the Old City all day.
(5)John G.
Wife is a British in Philadelphia. To visit family. We visited independence park lunched at city tavern. FANTASTIC...
(4)Moe H.
I found out about City Tavern on an About Philadelphia tourist channel in our hotel. Because I love historical sites I went right to their website and WOW they have Tofu! We were sold on the spot. Our server was really great, my mom even took a picture of him because he looked so great in his outfit. He was nice enough to double check that our meal would be Vegan, made sure he provided us Vegan bread and recommended one of the beers for me. We wanted to go back but next time we were in the area they were just closing.
(4)Ken G.
I was expecting a highly gimmicky experience here, but it was actually great. The décor and feel of the place really does take you back to the late 1700s...the servers and hosts are dressed accordingly and even the place settings feature pieces you would expect from that era (rather than glasses of water, you get metal goblets of water). While they have a traditional 1700s feel, the service was great and very attentive. The food was very good - it's what you'd expect from a restaurant that was founded over 200 years ago - the menu included beef, venison, turkey, bison, etc. I had an entrée of beef medallions and mashed potatoes, which were really good - the beef was seasoned very well and the potatoes were rich and buttery. ..the side of sautéed vegetables wasn't overcooked. Even the bread that arrived beforehand was really good - different flavored and textured varieties. I'd definitely recommend this spot to experience something unique in Philly.
(4)Mary U.
This restaurant is excellent. We just happened to be walking by and it looked so nice that we decided to go in for lunch. It was more expensive than expected but well worth the price. The food was truly excellent and homemade, as well as authentic for the period. The surroundings were very historic in keeping with the theme of the area and the waiters were dressed in colonial costume. The turkey potpie, salad with artichokes and smoked chicken, and the homemade bread and biscuits were to die for, as were the chocolate cake and strawberry shortcake with homemade real whipped cream. It was one of the most delicious meals we have ever eaten in a restaurant. We would definitely come back.
(5)Robert B.
This could be a Disney, nightmare, theme park kind of restaurant. But it is not. Chef/Owner Walter Staib has found just the right balance... updating the traditional and the historical. You would think being served by a waitstaff in colonial garb would be kitschy... but somehow in this setting it is not. Even though the building is a recreation of the original you can still feel the history. Drinking beer made from Thomas Jefferson's recipe and eating the soup that Washington served to his troops after crossing the Delaware... in this setting... it's just very cool. That all of the food is so good certainly is the key. This was my third visit over ten years and I've always been very happy!
(4)Laura M.
This is a fun place to visit when you are in Philly with family. The food is basically comfort food and the beer selection (founding fathers recipes) are really good. The service is attentive and quick. Definitely, you should put it on your "to do" list when you are here.
(4)Roy G.
Had to check out the oldest pub. Didn't stay long, but worth visiting to get a view of history.
(3)Jenna S.
I am a total sucker for anything that advertises people wearing period clothing and serving in some kind of old time-y environment. Really, I try to do all of these things at any time that I can because it's awesome. And so should you. Very cool place to be since it's the original building from the 18th century. DJ M sums up the history nicely in the review, so I don't think I need to recap here, but you get the idea. Dining here is a cool experience because our Founding Fathers, foreign dignitaries, etc. dined here during the 18th century and beyond. That, in and of itself, warrants a trip here if you're in the neighborhood. The rooms inside the restaurant are all restored to look as they were when the restaurant opened in 1733, so choose to dine inside, especially if it's hot out. The rooms are mostly candlelit, so it offers a great ambiance at night. The servers are wearing 18th century period clothing to add to the atmosphere of the whole place, which is definitely appreciated. There's a lot of cool stuff to see if you get up and walk around (original artwork, sculptures, kitchen utensils, etc.) so definitely take a look around. When we where here, there was a great harp player on the lower level near the lower dining rooms, which was very awesome. He played really well and was playing period songs (I asked since I didn't know what he was doing). The food was pretty good. The menu is pretty large and each night they have a list of specials from the 18th century. Obviously, I say you should get those just because you're there and why not, but take your pick. There's a lot of colonial dishes made by the chef, so you have a large selection. I will also take this opportunity to ask that you try the beer if you come. The beer was fabulous and you can order a sampler with the four "Colonial Ales" that are made from actual Founding Fathers' recipes. There was a Ben Franklin Ale, Alexander Hamilton, etc. They were really cool and the recipes haven't been changed from the ones that were written by these men, so that's pretty awesome. The beer was also delicious, which surprised me. I highly recommend it to sample because it's really unique and you can't get it anywhere else. Stop in, for sure. It's right in the heart of Old Philadelphia, the food is yummy and the history is great.
(4)Jackee K.
Yeah, it's kind of cheesy, the staff is in period clothing, but the history of this place is pretty cool. The bread they serve is based on colonial era recipes (you can even try Jefferson's favorite bread...it wasn't my thing). My husband and I both had the medallions of beef tenderloin which came with delicious sauces (the demi-glace and bearnaise). Other than the bread, our meals were SO good!
(4)Tabitha U.
This is a great culinary experience for any history buff or foodie! With an award winning chef, a great location, and an Historic building with rich history. The staff dress in colonial period attire and service in pewter goblets and plates is quaint and historic, the scones and biscuits served before your meal are excellent and the menu has many historic and excellent dishes to choose from. A MUST SEE IF YOU GO TO PHILLY FOR THE HISTORY! It is pricey, be prepared.
(4)Marla S.
The food was delicious and unique. The staff was very friendly. We had 4 children with us and they were very accommodating and friendly to all of the children.
(5)Alison K.
My boyfriend and I decided to have dinner here after going on the Grim Philly Tour which ended across the street. During the tour, we heard a ghost story about the City Tavern and were intrigued. That's probably part of the tourist-trappiness of this place. All that aside, the food was OK. I had the fried tofu, even though it was only the second time I'd had tofu. It was good; the portion was huge (it had veggies and linguine too.) The tomatoes were tasty, but the rest was pretty bland. I only ordered it because it sounded so strange and unique and was apparently a recipe that Ben Franklin received in the letter (I still need some convincing on that point...) Boyfriend had the NY Strip Steak/shrimp. He seemed underwhelmed by it and said it was all pretty bland tasting. We skipped dessert, figuring it wasn't worth it. I think what really left a bad taste in our mouths (HA!) was the service and ambiance. Don't get me wrong; the restaurant is beautiful and looks like an old house. We had the unfortunate experience of being seated in the same room as a group of people who were very loud and talking about suicide...nice dinner conversation, huh? Naturally, this is not the fault of City Tavern, but it did kill the mood a little bit (no pun intended.) The servers are dressed in colonial garb, which is cute if a little mortifying for them. Our server was a little brusque and kind of seemed like he was hating his life (possibly due to costuming requirements? who knows...) The guy who brought around water was nice but spilled it a little bit on my foot (but I can forgive that; these things happen.) The pumpkin pecan biscuits were actually very good, as was the brownish bread (the white bread was pretty dry and tasteless.) I guess our waiter just had a very dry (like the bread) sense of humor--when I said I was ordering the tofu, he was like, "Oh, is that the only thing on the menu you can eat?" and I replied, "No, I'm not a vegetarian, but it looked interesting." It was off-putting. He seemed put off that we didn't order wine (which was priced up to $4,999/bottle...uh, no thanks) and dessert. The host standing in the front hall was adorable and friendly, so no complaints there. Am I glad we went and checked it out? Sure. Did I see any ghosts? Nah. Would we go back? Probably not. The turkey pot pie is tempting, but I can find that elsewhere. I will say that I've heard great things from people who had their wedding reception there, and it seems like a cool venue. Apparently the ghost pops into the pictures of the bride and groom. My aunt got married there so I'm going to get her to check out her wedding pics and see if there are any uninvited guests in the background.
(2)Ellen M.
Sure, its touristy but I was there as a tourist. The food was good and everything so authentic. I can't wait to take my kids here one day.
(4)Jennifer A.
A must visit on your trip to Independence Mall State Park. An 18th century tavern, complete with period-costumed wait staff and authentic 18th century food and drinks. We only stopped in for drinks an dessert though. I recommend the slub or one of the Colonial Ales. And the chocolate mousse cake based on a Martha Washington recipe is pretty close to chocolate heaven.
(4)Carol Anne T.
I read some negative reviews and had some locals roll their eyes BUT if you are visiting Phily, you must eat here.! We ate here after exploring Independence Hall, etc so it kept with our theme for the day. The food was OUTSTANDING! From my rochefort salad to the beef medallions to Martha Washington's chocolate cake...OUTSTANDING! Try Washington's porter and Jefferson's ale....fabulous beers...we left with a few 6-packs! They have a great wine selection as well! The service was top notch...almost like they had been waiting for US all day. Very friendly, very attentive. We really couldn't have picked a more perfect place to have dinner. So ignore the locals when they say it's a tourist trap. So what if it's geared for us, the tourists! Ignore the negative reviews; there is always going to be an unhappy customer no matter where you go. It is worth every penny and, should I ever be in Philly again...it's top of my list!
(5)Daren Y.
If you're visiting the historical parts of Philly, this is a must try. "The most genteel tavern in all the land." A lot of history behind this quaint little tavern/restaurant. The service was excellent. Your metal goblet was never low on water. The food was pretty good as well. A bit pricey but such is the places in a tourist site. All of the staff were dressed in colonial outfits. The tables are set decently well and the drinks are great. We ordered the George Washington's Porter, one that still uses Mr. Washington's original recipe. $7.50 for a large wine glass of it but it was quite worth it. The atmosphere was warm and classy, but still fit for the random tourist to walk in. You can sit inside or out depending on the weather. We chose to sit inside to see the decor. Various paintings adorn the walls and the trimming is nice, a little victorian/colonial style too. I ordered the Mallard Sausage and a Porter which went very well together. Overall, a nice place that is a must try for those who are new in town. For those who are locals, they may consider this a tourist trap, but I think the food and beer speaks for itself. Perhaps not a weekly ordeal, but certainly a nice place for a different atmosphere and definitely delicious food. 3.75 stars from me.
(4)Reymond D.
Nope. lol Great idea, great interior... horrible food and service. We had a reservation for 7:30 but weren't seated until 7:50, it took another 15 minutes to get our drink order, then we ordered food that took another nearly half hour to come out, and it was cold and gross. The place is pricey, so you'd think it would be delicious, but it was cheap food and not well prepared at all. All of this not to mention we were seated in some creepy basement room, right next to the kitchen (where we could hear the staff talking smack on one another) even though we made reservations days in advance. Our waiter was on another planet, ignored our table and even dropped a plate full of food everywhere. It was my mom's 70th birthday and I was starting to think it was like a SNL episode or something. I guess if you are a tourist this would be really cool, and I guess it is one of those "do once for the experience" kind of things, but in terms of food and experience I would never recommend this place to anyone, ever.
(1)Wesley A.
Only based on the service, atmosphere and beer. Will have to come back for food someday. Love the colonial feel and dress of the staff. Very friendly and a definite must next time I'm in Philly.
(5)Marina V.
I've been to the City Tavern 4 times now, every time I'm in Philly we go there.. Love love love the Martha Washington's recipe duckling + barley, yum!!!! it's really great!! And it's neat to drink the madeira and to try the founding fathers' (by their recipes and micro-breweries) beers. Attentive waiters in their old-timey costumes, and it's cool to be in this historic building! Highly recommend it!!
(4)L P.
Period costumes worn by servers are fun, as well as the authentic pewter cups, serve ware and overall ambience. I had an great turkey pot pie and everyone else in our family really liked whatever it was that they ordered. Our tavern wench (waitress) was adorable and really good at her job. It is very dark inside and we were seated next to one of the fireplaces. It felt like another time without feeling kitchy like Disney World. My parents insisted we go here as they had been last fall and I was prepared for it to be cheesey but it was actually really nice. They also do historic dinners (we didn't do but my parent did) these are private dinners in the evening limited to about 10 or 12 people. While dinning costumed actors portraying Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the gang apparently lead a fascinating oration of events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and it culminates with a private tour of Constitution Hall. It's pricey if I remember, maybe $90 per person but they couldn't say enough great things about the experience. *** Please be thoughtful to those enjoying the period ambiance and turn of your cell phone*** Stated right on the menu in bold letters. But there is always one loudmouth who thinks it doesn't apply to them. I know all about Aunt Sue in Atlanta, her will, who's fighting over her stuff, and cousin so and so...... blah, blah, blah. If it were truly authentic I would have challenger the other diner to a duel! Overall a great lunch, good beers and a great respite from the Philly heat.
(4)Jj G.
My husband and I ate here for thanksgiveing . 89.95 pet person, I almost fell off my chair. It's turkey and potatoes and green beans. Not expensive food to prepare at all.its also very dark inside which I do not care for when I'm eating. The staff was friendly and helpful. We would not go again on a holiday.
(2)Ashley L.
Get the City Tavern Warmer and see where George Washington & Ben Franklin celebrated the first 4th of July!! Fun stop if you're touring historical Philly.
(4)Peter W.
When did the National Debt begin? How about our Founding Father's bar tab, here, at the City Tavern. Several people recommended this place, so a group of colleagues (in Philly for a conference) decided to give it a try even though we didn't have a reservation, They were able to accommodate us on the second floor which had surprisingly high ceilings (but makes sense as a way to cope with hot days). The servers in colonial attire were friendly and effective. I especially liked the five minute history lesson at the end of the meal. Ask about the ghosts in the building. Food wise, I had the beer sampler and enjoyed the Jefferson ale the most. For the main course, I had the veiner (sp) schnitzel which was hearty. The pork chop looked really good and there was nothing left on my colleague's plates.
(4)Kevin C.
City Tavern is easily one of my top 5 places to dine in Philadelphia, especially when I'm with my fiancee or family. The historical Old World atmosphere is incredible, and if you just want to stop in to check the building out it is totally worth your time. Now, onto the more important items, food and drinks! The food is not only bursting with flavor and originality, but the portions are massive and the dishes are all very well presented. My favorite appetizers are the Cornmeal Fried Oysters and the Mallard Duck Sausages, with the oysters probably being the best out of the two. As for the dinner main course my go to favorite is the Turkey Pot Pie which is absolutely to die for. It comes packed full of turkey and vegetables with a savory sherry cream sauce, a firm yet flaky crust, and a side of egg noodles covered in a delectable brown gravy (just typing this has me wanting to go back for some). It's very filling so if you are going to go with this you're probably better off skipping the appetizer and ordering an extra beer (which I will get to in a moment). Some other main course favorites of mine are the Braised Rabbit and the Tenderloin tips & Mushrooms, both of which are phenomenal. Once again, pretty much every main course is filling so be careful not to over order. When it comes to drinks City Tavern does them just as well as they do food, which is to say they are nothing short of awesome. If you have never had any of the beers from the "Ales of the Revolution" line by Yards I highly recommend getting the tasting flight which allows you to taste all 4, a deal not worth passing up on. My favorite is the "Thomas Jefferson Ale" (I LOVE stronger beers and this clocks in at 8% ABV), but each one is very good. If you aren't much of a beer person City Tavern also offers a wide selection of mixed drinks (many which were popular during the Colonial period) and they seem to always have the perfect one for each season. All things considered, City Tavern is an excellent restaurant and an even better place to take friends or family for an intimate, yet simple, dinner. I highly recommend trying it at least once, because odds are, you'll be looking forward to coming back again and again!
(4)Athena O.
Start with the crab cakes and try the fried tofu. Yummy. And, you can't beat the history of the building and area.
(4)Tara L.
Wow, this was an awesome historic restaurant, awesome food and excellent service. First of all, I was totally tempted to stick a pewter (?) goblet in my bag (I did resist that temptation though) because they are so nice and kept the cold water colder than anything I've ever encountered. We started out with the pepper pot soup (having seen it on Best Thing I Ever Ate) Celeste had the turkey pot pie which was amazing...creamy filling with a crispy puff crust. Eric's smoked pork chop with mashed potatoes was more similar to a thick cut of ham but that wasn't a bad thing at all. It had the perfect amount of salt and smoke. The potatoes were just plain but perfect with the flavor of the ham. My beef tips with mushrooms and noodles were perfect. The gravy was thick and each piece of meat was cooked to tender fork cutting perfection. For dessert, Celeste and I shared a slice of cheesecake with berries on top. It was her choice and it ended up being a fantastic dessert. Eric had a glass of madeira (sp?) which we both enjoyed. Great service from all the waitstaff and the histories beers were really good. I got a sampler and liked them all.
(4)Angel H.
It's like those three lines from that Gang of Four song, "At Home He's A Tourist." "At home he feels like a tourist/He fills his head with culture/He gives himself an ulcer." I really miss this place. The other reviewers pretty much covered everything. The waitstaff is costumed in historical dress, and the beer is good. Would love to come here again.
(5)Nicolas M.
What a charming eatery near the Independence Mall and so close to some of Philly's best historical attractions. My cousin, her friend, and myself came in here for lunch today before going to see some sights. I had looked at this place online, but forgot that it was a historically themed restaurant. I loved the history and reputation of this place and the rather attractive hosts/servers dressed in full colonial garb that help to comprise the atmosphere of an 18th century pub in London. Upon entering, I was soothed and charmed by the sound of a harpsichord playing some lively background music. The quaint interior of the place is quite lovely and we were seated by a sweet waitress who politely informed us of the day's specials which were quite appealing but sounded rather pricey! I wound up ordering the Braised Rabbit having never eaten a rodent before but knowing that rabbits were often hunted for food. What I did not know was that my portion was to be very large, leaving me wishing that we had come here for dinner instead! Although I couldn't quite finish my dish, I have to say that the meal was very well done and tasty. I had to dig through the succulent sauce and finely cooked veggies in order to get to the shank of rabbit. My table-mates enjoyed their meals as well and we left happy and satisfied knowing that we had eaten in one of the city's finest and most popular restaurants. When I return to the City of Brotherly Love, I will surely be coming back here. I've never eaten in such a unique restaurant or had "historical" cuisine. Bravo.
(4)Rina C.
I always love checking out old places and restaurant that's been running for a long time. So, I like this place a lot. over 200 years and still running. order the famous beer sampler, a brandy cocktail (too drunk to remember the name but it's very strong) and bread sampler (breads a actually pretty good). knowing that many famous people, such as Washington, from many years ago was here drinking and dining, it's great to be able to enjoy the same beer and bread that they had. I also really like the uniform the waiter and waitress wears. really make me feel like I am back in time.
(5)Indra Z.
I love this place! Please try the Wassail and Raspberry Shrub during the holiday season, and the Turkey Pot Pie. The bread is delicious! The low-lights seem very fitting of the 18th century.
(4)Whitney R.
Have you ever asked yourself "After a long day of writing a document that would start a war, how did Jefferson like his rabbit cooked?" or "I wonder if George Washington liked his dressing on the side?" Well at City Tavern you can party like is 1799. Grab a falgen of iced tea and get a good meal before standing in line at the Liberty Bell. I recommend this place as the perfect lunch spot to take your grandma while you show her the historical sights of Philadelphia- at least thats what I did. The food is good, the waiters are colonial and the building is nicely historic. Bottom Line: Go here with family visiting you, not otherwise.
(3)Miz V.
This dining experience was an excellent send off for two very good friends in our group. From our arrival to our exit we were treated with the best of service.Let's start with our server. Not only did she have a vast knowledge of each meal she also told us stories about the history of the building. My soup was great.My rabbit dish was plentiful and seasoned to perfection, with loads of noodles and vegetables in a nice thick brown gravy.Good thing I wore the pants I did.Dessert was outstanding .If you love chocolate like I do order their cake.I actually had to split it with one of my dining partners.Did I tell you about my mulled apple cider? On a cold night these old bones were warmed nicely. As we were leaving the other server escorted us out amusing us with more tales.I will be back for lunch. Check out the glass case as you exit. Work well done deserves many awards and more .
(5)Mike G.
I'm a big history buff and eating at the City Tavern always takes me back to what it must have been like during the time of the revolution. It is a cool place to go. I recommend the turkey pot pie, very good. All kinds of historical food choices, makes the dining experience fun when in the birthplace of our nation.
(5)Jen K.
This is one of my favorite restaurants. I try to go at least once a year. The building is not original, but the original one was an extremely influential building in colonial America. It burned down in the 19th c., and was rebuilt in the 1950s. The waitstaff is costumed, and I've run into Ben Franklin here more than once. The menu and drinks are all period 18th c. The beer is excellent and locally brewed by Yards, an awesome Philly brewery. They sell take home growlers. I've never eaten anything I didn't absolutely love. Even the pre-dinner rolls are delicious. I've had numerous items from the dinner menu, and although I keep going back to the duck, I really can't say which is the best (probably the duck :) although the trout is really up there too). They also have great prices on their pre-fixe large group menus. Go. You will not regret a penny of it.
(5)Matt D.
If you are touring the historic district of Philadelphia grabbing five beers at this tavern is something you have to do... The beer is brewed from the original recipes of our founding fathers. I was a fan of Thomas Jeffersons recipe, the fifth was just as tasty as the first... Try them all in a sampler of 4 4oz beers. The staff is dresses in authentic 1770's clothing and were all very knowledgable about the history of the building which made the interaction a lot of fun. The building itself is just as it appeared in the 1770's. Painstakingly reconstructed from old blueprints and insurance documents. This stop is highly recommended for anyone who has put a full day of sight seeing in. Enjoy the candlelit tavern after dark. Cheers bitches!
(4)Sara V.
My husband and I were exploring Philly and decided to keep our historical day going with a trip to City Tavern. Upon entering, the place looked absolutely adorable. We loved the feel of it and loved the history that went with it. We grabbed a cozy seat in the Bar Room and started looking at the menu. After sitting there for 10 minutes without so much as a greeting, my husband got up to find our server. We honestly didn't know if we had to order on our own because we were only grabbing drinks or what. He finds someone and they explain that the server will be over momentarily. Finally, our server comes over. No smile. No hello. Just a "what are you having?" We order our drinks - for me the Tavern Warmer and for my hubs the beer sampler. Fifteen minutes pass by and our drinks finally arrive. The place wasn't exactly jam packed and there were 2 people behind the bar. Why it took so long? I don't know. The beer sample was missing one of the 4 beers and the server promised to bring it over once the keg was replaced. Meanwhile, while we're waiting, we noticed that the couple next to us was growing increasingly annoyed. We shared the same server and we gathered that she wasn't exactly speedy. From the time we sat down to the time we received our drinks, they had YET to receive their check. They were fuming and rightly so. When the server finally brings it over, she realizes she forgot to charge them for something and goes to turn around. The patron says just take my card and run it. I don't care. The server replies that the credit card machine is broken so the girl pulls out cash and throws it at her. We then watched to see how long it'd take for her to return - 10 minutes. AGAIN. I see the steam pouring out of the girls ears. She gives the server a $2 tip and leaves. We think - wow, that sucks - but when we received the same exact treatment and saw that the server took FORTY MINUTES to take the new people's order next to us, we stopped feeling so bad. On top of that, she never returned with the new sample of beer she promised. We had to ask another server for it. DOn't think we'll be going back here. The servers all seem cranky and not wanting to be there. And on top of that, I got a nasty stomach ache from the Warmer.
(2)Paulito M.
THE BEST RESTAURANT I'VE EVER BEEN TO. The cornmeal chicken tenders is my favorite thing ever!!! Also Martha Washington's mousse cake. Go there every year for my b-day and it gets better and better!!!!!!
(5)Erik H.
I'm glad they went with the 18th century recipes they did and not like, meat scraps and porridge, which is what anyone who wasn't Thomas Jefferson probably ate. In any case, the food here is good enough and I was pretty fond of old TJ's beer recipe. Our waiter was a fun guy as well, breaking character to give us his take on Revolutionary history and the whole character acting thing. It's not the original building, but it's all inspired by the original City Tavern and late 18th century shenanigans, and I would recommend the place to any tourist coming to Philadelphia looking for a little history (re: everyone).
(4)John M. I.
The City Tavern is an eating establishment that cannot be truly appreciated without understanding its most crucial distinction...not only is it a place where history comes alive in the service, decor and cuisine...but a place that...if you allow it...will transport you to another time. A time when the fate of a people was hanging in the balance and a nascent republic was taking its first clumsy steps on the world stage. While I certainly don't know the man personally Chef Walter Staib has done an outstanding job of recreating the feel, taste and small of a bygone era. I dare say that I have not sampled such unique table fare in all of my travels. Make no mistake...I'm willing to try anything and have certainly done so...but the food here and its adherence to culinary history make it truly special. While you can go for lunch or dinner service I highly recommend the time in between on a weekday. Things are generally more quiet and it will give you the chance to take in all that this wonderful establishment has to offer. On my most recent visit I had the good fortune on arriving at a nearby parking garage on a rainy afternoon. As I crossed through Welcome Park and passed the Thomas Bond House I looked ahead at a most welcome sight...The City Tavern. As the water struck my rain jacket...running down over the brim of my hood...the weight of my back pack settling onto my shoulders...I could almost imagine what it must have been like for the weary traveler of a time long past...weary from a long journey...a time less certain than the one in which we live...a time when someplace like a tavern wasn't merely a respite from the elements...but more importantly...your salvation from them. I was quickly greeted as I entered the hall and was seated, thankfully, by a window. Doffing my pack, jacket and hat I sat down and watched the rain...happy to be indoors with a chance to consider just what I wanted to do with my day in the city. My server was a man named Ray and he was dressed in period clothing. Iced cold water was served in a pewter chalice and I was informed of the specials. I chose to start off with an appetizer of Mallard Duck Sausage that was served with sweet and sour cabbage and my main entree consisted of Seafood Pasta in a white wine sauce. Both dishes were amazingly flavorful and the chilled apple cider was the perfect compliment to both. Later, while finishing my raspberry tart for dessert, Ray was nice enough to engage me in a conversation while he went about his duties. Turns out that Ray has had quite an interesting and varied career in the restaurant business...cooking since he was the age of five...Ray has held many jobs in the industry including serving aboard an actual working steamship on the Mississippi River. He was also an amazing resource, not only on Philadelphia...but much of the region as well. Nothing better than someone taking pride in their work and helping to enhance an already superior dining experience. Needless to say...I'm not much of a planner...I prefer spontaneity and the randomness of surprise that it often brings. My stop at The City Tavern is a fantastic example of how the best trips we take...are the ones where we plan the least...the ones where we let out senses and imagination take us in whatever direction they dictate. And best of all...the day was just getting started.
(5)Melissa H.
I think this is one of the most unique restaurants in Philadelphia and deserves a visit when you're in town. It's supposed to be the oldest restaurant in the city and they are very authentic in trying to keep up with the theme. The waiters are all in period clothing and the table ware was authentic with metal cups! (Note: there was also a bit of a stench, I'm assuming from the old wood, so if you have a sensitive nose it might not be the most pleasant meal for you) As for the food and drinks, we came for lunch and I ordered the colonial beer sampler which consisted of a flight of beer: Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, and Adams who brewed or drank in the past. Very interesting tastes. For my entree, I had the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie. I haven't eaten too many pot pies in my lifetime, but I really enjoyed this one. It was very wholesome and the flaky crust was delicious with the hot creamy turkey creation underneath, perfect for a chilly day. For dessert, we ordered the coffee cake which was super moist on the inside and crumbly on the outside. Super delicious and was also a hefty slice. Overall, this restaurant was really fun and definitely worth it for the experience, but I probably won't make it a frequent stop.
(3)Jeffrey F.
Fantastic ambiance and food. They know how to make you feel welcome! The historic building, harp player, wait service staff, easy parking, and delicious food all contributed to a memorable experience. We can't wait to return.
(5)Cherie C.
Yet another review that disappeared. I can't recall all of what I ate, but I do know that we were all impressed. I was skeptical, expecting a tourist trap. But City Tavern tries to offer an historic dining experience. The decor, while sparse, is closer to what colonials might have experienced. So is the food. Ingredients tend to be those that early Philadelphians might have enjoyed (if they had lots of money). So you'll find grains like barley instead of pasta or rice. It was delicious with a good texture. It was all well-prepared and tasted good. Each of us tried a shrub cocktail, which was pretty enjoyable as well. In all, it was a fun historical experience that was low on cheese and taught us a few things, all while enjoying a good meal.
(4)Michael P.
City Tavern is a good restaurant for tourist and philly locals. I had a chance to dine here during lunch with my in-laws and the food was pretty good. The plus about the City Tavern and Philadelphia is the history, to dine in the same tavern as notables like George Washington was indescribable. I ordered the Giant Cornmeal Fried Oysters with herbed remoulade (appetizer) and the Colonial Turkey Pot Pie (entree), Chef Walter Staib's did not dissapoint, my food was quite delicious. The customer service was A+, our waiter gave us some key insight behind the city tavern. Overall the food and my experience was great.
(5)Kelly G.
My friend and I went to Philly on the spur of the moment for a concert. I decided to extend our trip a few days so that we could explore the city and it's food! Many people and several web sites suggested City Tavern as a "must" to experience. I had high expectations for the ambience but not the food. I am a Pescetarian and fairly health conscious. Based on the menu I anticipated the food might be a bit heavy. When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly woman dressed in period garb. Charming! The tavern has been lovingly and painstakingly restored. The day was grey and rainy and that lent even more to the ambience. We were seated by a window with a taper candle glowing softly at our table. They are known for their home brewed ale courtesy of our Founding Fathers recipes, so of course we did a tasting! What fun! My favorite was Ben Franklin's ale recipe. I must tell you, I have a huge crush on Ben, so I may be a bit biased ;) Our waiter was akward and not very helpful with menu choices. My friend ordered the lobster pot pie. I ordered Ben Franklin's fried tofu dish (big surprise!). The pot pie was very good but very rich. My salad was fresh and the tofu was presented on pasta noodles. Tasty but heavy as I expected. After lunch my friend stepped into the bar for a snap shot, she got a snap all right, the bartender told her he didn't like his photo taken! :( Overall, the Tavern is lovely and the food is good. If you like light healthy food just order a salad and a tankard of Ben's ale!
(3)Jessica M.
City Tavern is a Philadelphia gem! It is the quintessential example of the intersection of good food and the history of our great city. On my first visit I was part of a very large party (there were 19 of us) and the staff handled our service, meal preparation and neediness with ease and grace. The food was fantastic, you absolutely have to try the turkey pot pie, if your grandma has ever made one for you, I guarantee that this one will rival hers ... and save room for dessert, Martha Washington's recipes are to die for!
(5)Anthony A.
Great food; very heavy & rich. Easily fill your appetite. Great brew selection ( their own brew ). Great service...
(5)Stacey O.
Ok, beer= awesome! a beer made with spruce and molases rather than hopps? TRY IT!.. crab cakes= order 2 helpings! i am not much of an adventurist when it comes to meat- co workers had duck, which they do often & said it was the best EVER, same with venison. Pepper pot soup = delish! GREAT atmosphere, and the staff and service deserve 6 stars!! now.. midiera? well... you should try it, just because you are there. i am not a whimpy drinker- but holy cow was it strong.. nice flavor though. I did learn, i can never be a ' baller" SO WORTH GOING HERE WHILE IN PHILLY
(4)Robert F.
I took my girlfriend here for a date several weeks ago. I'm not going to touch upon the ambiance, which is very good, but on the quality of the food and the service. It was our first time at City Tavern, so we asked the waiter what he recommends. He told us the medallions of venison and roasted duck. Taking his advice, my gf ordered the venison medallions while i opted for the roasted duck. We also ordered the West Indies pepper pot soup, which we agreed was good, but not great. I doubt I will order the soup again or I may try a different type. The only other soups on the menu that evening was black bean soup and turkey noodle soup. After the waiter took our orders, he brought us homemade bread which tasted pretty good, although not best I've had. I always try not to fill up the bread, but they certainly do give you enough to call it an appetizer! Next came the entrees. They were both amazing, although I wouldn't personally order the venison medallions. I was tempting to try the tavern lobster pie, but the price (over $40) pulled me into the roasted duck. I hardly even have roasted duck so I'm not certainly how it's supposed to be cooked, glazed, etc. but this surely tasted very good. It was extremely filing and had a great taste to it. My only recommendations for it is to try it but only eat soup or a small piece of the bread before. Our entrees also came with herb barley, which was in large portion and very good. Service was excellent and we will return. The only negative I see are the prices (entrees $18-45, soup $7.50)
(4)Douglas P.
Its the city Tavern. It should be required eating in the US. The history alone is unbelievable. The food is good and where else can you get the beers of Washington, Jefferson, Monroe and Franklin.
(5)Jeff O.
My wife and I love City Tavern. We understand that it is in some ways a tourist attraction, but you should look past that. The food is the reason we go. My wife's favorite is the Lobster Pie. Lobster anything is often a hit with her, but this one even more so. My favorite is the George Washington Beer. It is obvious that George knew how to take care of his men. But I can always find something interesting to eat, too. We came with friends several months ago as part of an after hours tour of Independence Hall. If this is the type of thing that strikes your fancy, I highly recommend it.
(4)Jen T.
Worth it for the historical novelty, but maybe not so much for the price. We were in the area looking at the historical stuff and were hoping to stop by dinner. Unfortunately, prices were way steeper than what we were willing to pay for what some reviews said was mediocre food. So instead, we sat in the bar and got some drinks. We shared the Tavern Warmer, the flight of beers, and duck sausage. The duck sausage was good. It was juicy and flavorful, but for $12 we got two sausages (sadface). The tavern warmer was also delicious--hot apple cider with a hodgepodge of liquors. It smelled very strong but did not taste like it. It was the perfect wintry drink. For the flight, it basically offered samples of beer recipes of 7 of our Founding Fathers, ranging from dark to light. My favorite was probably Thomas Jefferson's. Service was good. Our waitress was pretty knowledgeable about the menu and explained things when we had questions. Kind of a tourist trap, but hey, I'm a tourist.
(3)Brooke W.
Wear your stretchy pants if you are going here for dinner! I actually didn't eat for two days afterwards, which is NOT normal for me. We went here for my mother-in-law's birthday dinner on a Saturday afternoon. We were all dressed up, but didn't need to be, all the other patrons were very casual and there were surprisingly a lot of children there. I started off with the mushroom toast, had a special of saffron and shrimp linguine for my entree and a raspberry torte with vanilla ice cream for dessert. They do give you homemade bread and butter to munch on while you wait for your meal. The mushroom toast was TO DIE FOR! After I got home I looked it up on Chef Staib's website and could definitely see why. Who wouldn't love a piece of bread soaked in butter, then cooked in a pan of butter and cream, topped with mushrooms cooked in butter and sherry??? See how many times I said butter there?!? My entree was also very good, it was very tasty and had at least 6 jumbo shrimp in it. (Although I hate when they keep the tails on...I don't get that.) Getting dessert was overkill, but what the heck, it was a celebration dinner! The raspberry torte came out warm with vanilla ice cream melting on top - it was good, but at that point I was beyond stuffed. Add a cup of coffee and I was ready to be rolled out. Yes, it is very expensive and I noticed a couple of other tables look shocked when they got their checks. But the waitstaff being dressed in period correct clothing is cool, as is the ambiance. Service could have been slightly better, we did have to ask a few times for water refills and another beer for the hubs, but other than that, it was delicious.
(4)Leslie M.
HEAR YE! HEAR YE!... ^_^ Certainly a one of a kind eating scene in Philly at least... At first glimpse it seems just one of those kitschy tourist traps where you pay too much money to have bearded men in britches serving you. But I found myself eating lunch here last week and was pleasantly surprised! Ambiance: Authentic classic colonial america space & decor & even more authentic 21st century Philly tourists / families. Service: Courteous and informative servers that were helpful in offering suggestions & background of some of the truly historic dishes. Food: Hot damn Martha Washington can make a mean turkey pot pie! (though actually she never cooked her recipes...apparently she just made the recipe and had her cooks make it for her to taste test). But seriously this pot pie had me all hot and bothered for pot pies for the next week. They offer a generous supply of bread in the beginning of the meal which were a bit dry for the most part but I attributed that element to the authenticity...? My lunch partners enjoyed their soups immensely and as for entrees - we all unanimously chose the pot pie and boy were we satisfied. Hats off to you Martha Washington! Drinks: As it was lunch time, I didn't indulge myself on the very tempting beer flights that I spied on their menu. I have tried their beer selections before on a separate occasion and I do recall enjoying their tavern ales. I recommend a visit to City Tavern, if you nod yes to any of the following: a) have touristy friends looking for the ye olde "Philadelphia" experience b) are a history nerd & have attended a Renaissance Fair at some point c) LOVE pot pie d) enjoy a little kitsch time to time yourself!
(3)Melissa V.
Love everything about this place! Pricey but completely worth it! The food is excellent and the service is flawless. I recommend the turkey pot pie and bacon wrapped shrimp appetizer. This is a great place to take out of town guests.
(5)Meg B.
Definitely a great place for tourists. The decor and colonial feel is a perfect to the Old City neigbhorhood. After a few years of working in the neighborhood, I finally got to check this place out for Restaurant week with some co-workers. The waitor was a little too serious for my liking- I don't know if he was just playing the part ( he was decked out in colonial get-up) or if he was just having a bad day. The food was ok- nothing special or making me want to rush back, especially for the price I do like how the menu relates to the time period for the most part. The drink menu does as well. I would take out of towners back here for sure but I'm in no rush to get back there myself.
(3)Lisa T.
This restaurant caterers to tourists, but who cares, it was exactly what I wanted to do in Philadelphia! Our server was a historian and she told us facts about the building. Ben Franklin came over and had a chat with our table which was a nice touch. The food was excellent too. Had the Pepperpot Pie because I had seen it on the Food Network (amazing if you like hot), mushroom toast appetizer and the Turkey Pot Pie. The Turkey pot pie was really large and there was a lot of cream. I wish I had split it with someone at my table because it was too rich to eat for one. The noodles that came with it were saturated in a gravy that I didn't find to be that good. The Jefferson Beer was worth going in for alone. My one suggestion would be to have background music. Something colonial or just classical music. The ambiance could have been improved with this. Overall, great "dinning experience" if you are interested in getting a true taste of Philadelphia.
(4)Stacey M.
Pricey for what it ended up being.... fine, but not that great. The place itself definitely has some charm. The food was just "meh." It wasn't worth the cost. It doesn't even seem worth writing about, I kind of just want to forget that it exists.
(2)Whitney H.
I truly enjoyed this place. The food is as authentic as it can be, and there's a fabulous variety. What a cool experience to eat and socialize where our founding fathers stayed and ate and debated! Waitstaff is very friendly and accommodating. The bread was just ok, but my duckling was phenomenal, and the blueberry cobbler (served warm and a la mode!) was fantastic! Highly recommended--and this is coming from a waitress at a similar Colonial restaurant in DC!
(5)Mike D.
It was $17 for two beers that tasted like liquid pine tree. Yikes...next.
(2)Em D.
City Tavern was recommended to us as a tourist attraction where the servers are dressed in colonial garb and the food was decent. Probably would rate it a 3-1/2 star. We were not disappointed by the service and fairly good food. We were seated on time of our reservation even though the restaurant was a little crowded. The waiters were responsive and friendly. The pot pie was excellent, but the roast pork was just fair (maybe a little on the overcooked side). Dinner portions were decent but the dessert portions were very generous.
(3)Chris F.
Both I, and my family, are reasonable patrons. Undisturbed by a rough ambience, loud bar guests, or even poor location, our main objective when finding a place to eat is to find good food, attentive service, and intelligent pricing. Unfortunately, City Tavern proved to be a terrible combination of the worst. The ambience was fine, as expected, but the service was lazy, the food was improperly prepared (cold), and the pricing wasn't congruent with the less-than-diner like food quality. Having spent 10 years in the restaurant business, from dishwasher to part-owner, it's a shame to see a true establishment losing credibility over what appears to be ineffective management. Do not eat here. It is not worth it.
(1)Amy L.
The food was really good and the portions huge. I have to agree with other reviewers here, the turkey pot pie and beer sampler are top notch. The history of the place makes it a lot of fun. I would definitely go back despite the rather pricey menu.
(5)cassie r.
I learned a very important lesson whilst dining at the City Tavern last week. Our founding fathers were not only great leaders, but extraordinarily talented brewers. While Alexander Hamilton, Ben Franklin and George Washington knew their way around a beer, my favorite by far was Thomas Jefferson's 1774 Tavern Ale. I highly recommend the sampler so you can try all four, but if you're jonesin a tall, cold adult bev, TJ's version is the way to go. As far the accompanying meal, City Tavern's menu is a bevy of scrumptious options. I opted for roast duckling, and while a bit pricey, it was succulent with a bit of sweet via the side of mango chutney. And their bread is A-FLIPPIN-MAZING. I loves most bread, but this is a whole other level of good. Don't be ashamed if you have to ask for another basket to be brought out...I sure wasn't. This place has a ton of history, which is enough reason to visit at least once. The great food,drink and atmosphere is probably going to convince you a return visit might be necessary. If I didn't live in Chicago, I would happily be a City Tavern regular.
(4)Barb D.
The staff was friendly and courteous and prompt. The food was mediocre. The pomme frites were clearly frozen french fries. The turkey in the pot pie was so gristly as to be inedible. Very disappointing."
(1)Joel B.
Enjoyed my stop in at City Tavern. The decor is obviously pretty cool, and the locale is great for those who want to sight see before or after a good meal. The staff are pretty efficient and polite, but don't really seem to fit their outfits, haha. The food and beer were amazing...I had the pork chop. It was basically the Filet Mignon of pork chops! The beer selection is small, but each one has its own distinct character that helps them cover the entire spectrum for beer lovers. Definitely would recommend (as would the rest of Philly, probably)!
(4)Mariam R.
Dined here in Dec. 2009 while spending a few days sightseeing in Philly. We found a "buy one, get one half off" coupon and decided to use it for dinner on our last night in the city. Loved this place!! The staff are dressed in colonial attire, the dinnerware is a replica of colonial dinnerware - everything in this place is done as if you were dining during colonial times (can you tell I've never been to colonial Williamsburg?). The building is from the 1700's. Anyway, the food was delicious, the portions were huge - or maybe we just shouldn't have had those cheesesteak's for lunch? There was a gentleman playing the harp in the hallway, which was very pleasant. The hot mulled wine was wonderful! We'll be back next time we're in Philly!
(4)Dave B.
One of the best family dinners we have had. Our waiter was great, the Colonial ambience was just right. Glad we came.
(5)Scott B.
Food was good. The staff were great, all in period costume. A lady came through in character and put on a show for the kids. Probably a little pricey to bring the kids to,
(4)Chris M.
There are two dishes here that just blow my mind. The lobster pot pie, and whatever the beef in the puff pastry is. Every year when I come to Philly, I cannot wait to eat here again.
(4)Rebecca H.
This is a place you go for the ambiance more than the food. Staff dresses from the revolutionary period. It's old and it's fun. Menu is from the period as well, with a large selection of interesting beers including a tasting assortment that you can order. I had the Wiener schnitzel because that's the kind of food you feel like you should eat in this building. It was good, nothing special. Salad with shrimp was fresh but pricey.
(3)Diane J.
We had a very delicious meal -6 of us on a Friday evening. The service was great and the food was served perfectly. We will definitely return. If I was the owner, I would have some period costumed people around other than the waitress-just for a little more atmosphere. Otherwise everything was great!
(4)Rachel B.
Delicious old style recipes await as you dine in a recreated colonial tavern/restaurant, where the founding father's once dined. They staff are very knowledgable and friendly. The food is delicious for any time period. The cider and pot pie are recommended. This is a great place to go for a good meal with a historic flavor.
(5)Courtney M.
What a historical little spot, although not the original, still is full of history. Menu is great and all traditional American. I had the beer sampler and loved all of them, especially George Washington's recipe. Also ordered the fried oysters while sitting in the tavern reading their books they have above the fireplace and soaking in the history. A must do in Philly!
(5)Vlad B.
Turned out to be worth the hype, despite our mixed expectations. For lunch, we tried the smoked fish platter and Benjamin Franklin's tofu (which, incidentally was some of the best fried tofu I've ever tasted), based on his 1770 letter. Our waiter described the historic background behind the food and drinks in detail, and served us promptly and courteously. The Revolutionary Ales on the menu, recreating the beer brewed by some of the Founders, were a true highlight - if you're a craft beer enthusiast, make City Tavern a required stop in Philly. We bought a variety pack at the Yards Brewery during a later point in our trip.
(5)K T.
Great food. Our waitress, Jessica, gave a great historical narrative of the Tavern. This is definitely part of the historical Philadelphia experience.
(5)Jeff V.
We circled the block to find a place to eat and were pleasantly surprised when we choose the City Tavern. The atmosphere and old style feeling was pretty cool. The food was average, nothing (at leas for me) that blew me away. The service was below average. My dinner party was 5 total people and dinner took over 2 hours, and we ordered almost immediately after sitting down. This is why I have to give it 3 stars and not 4. With that said, if you have the time and want to eat at an older style restaurant this place is for you!
(3)Mark C.
Had a very good meal. I had the West Indies Pepper Pot soup (much fresher than what I remember having as a youth) and the tender medallions of venison (the rosemary-bourbon sauce made the dish). My wife enjoyed her seafood pasta dish. Service was pleasant, but with a sense of the history of the place. Would go back again.
(4)Dana M.
The food was delicious, plus the authentic bread and beverages were great. The mushroom toast was fabulous. Amazing history and lovely, authentic atmosphere. Our server was a downside, he was fast but so abrupt, as we stood up to leave he asked if we'd like to know anything about the tavern - I really thought that would happen about 90 minutes back.
(4)Kelly W.
The best thing about Philly is the food... I've gained 5 pounds within the past 3 months. We have been wanting to try out City Tavern for awhile and finally did last night. I had the Chicken Madeira, with mashed potatos and the vegetable of the season, which was squash and zucchini. It was excellent. So good... comfort food! The atmosphere was wonderful. It was like eating in the old days with Ben Franklin. For dessert, I had the chocolate moose cake which was outstanding with a glass of cold milk. It was great!!!!! I have to commend the staff. Our waiter was excellent. He had a great personality, he was extremely knowledgeable and he really made the experience better... he took it to the next level. The price was reasonable for the food as well as the experience. Additionally, we had a buy one, get one free (meal) coupon. We forgot about until after the bill came, but it was no worries, our waiter took care of it with a smile! I think we'll go again when my parents visit.
(5)jenny A.
I'm super bummed to be writing a bad review for this place. I was so stoked to go here because I was attending the Jane Austen conference across the road and have been experimenting with eating early 19th century as much as possible. I thought I'd found the one restaurant in existence appropriate to the Jane Austen diet. I was excited. The ambiance is wonderful with the waitstaff in costume, the pewter mugs etc. The beer was great although possibly different from what I ordered. The beer recipe was supposedly "spruce beer" which while delicious it was not authentic "spruce beer." Either they brought me the wrong thing or they just pretty much named an ale variety "spruce" to give it a more authentic feel. The bread was really good and did have an authentic taste to it. The mini muffins were supposedly a Thomas Jefferson recipe. I'm assuming that's Jefferson's cook's recipe since I can't imagine 18th century plantation master really did his own baking. The soup I had was pretty good though not authentic to the colonial era at all. They also brought me the wrong one first and then it could have been hotter when it did arrive. Also the portion size was miniscule for $9. My lunch companion ordered some elaborately named salad which turned out to be chef salad and pretty mediocre at that. Our total bill for one small soup, large salad, bread, one beer and gratuity was nearly $50. That is really ridiculous, even in a tourist area. The JASNA group were having a prix fix meal here on the last day of the conference and it was $95. From what I saw of the service and food quality, I really hope they got their money's worth but I doubt it. I'd like to come back here sometime when I am hungrier and have more money to try some other things on the menu. It's kind of a bummer that such a potentially amazing place has the feel of a tourist trap.
(2)Matthew E.
Great atmosphere and fantastic food. Great olde world charm and good service. The old style beers are fantastic and everything I ate was delicious.
(5)Jessica D.
This was the location for our one our company's special dinners for us the staff and one of our major committees. We started going up the stairs and onto a small balcony where we had a bar and got out appetites ready for a nice dinner. We then proceeded to the dining room that was set apart for us and I totally loved it, it was completely what you'd think the fathers of our country experienced in decor, service, and food back in the heyday. The food was served family style and it was AMAZING. That was the best, traditional old time american food I've ever had: turkey, cranberry cornbread stuffing, potatoes, vegetable sides, etc. Delectable. They capped the evening off with a port or other dessert wine served in beautiful and perfect-sized, mini liqueur glasses and then provided us with a delectable chocolate cake for dessert. The entertainment was a fellow dressed as Thomas Jefferson who did a fantastic job. We all got a copy of the city tavern recipe book, which features traditional and original recipes. You cannot compare the experience of dining at one of the oldest restaurants remaining in this country. You can almost feel the presence of the fathers of our country and their neighbors walking the halls with a large glass of ale maybe chasing a wench or two... in good humor of course.
(4)Kurt A.
We came here to try their historic beer. Jefferson's Ale was very good but pricey at $7.75 ($8.50 w/tax). I like the period furniture and decor. The Germans next to us were eating lunch, and the food looked good. Servers in period costumes may please some.
(4)ED W.
This place is awesome! The atmosphere, the history, meat cooked on an open fire, Yards revolutionary ales, what more can one ask for? I think only stripper waitresses could have improved my dining pleasure Chef Staib( i think thats the spelling) came out and talked to a bunch of us,and handed out free Dvd's of his show on PBS. Super nice guy, what a great experience.
(5)Lisa K.
You can really feel and taste the history here and i'm not referring to the wait staff dressed in colonial garb. Though candlelight and sitting by beautiful big old windows give this place a romantic and warm ambiance, it is the tastes here that make this place so special to me. Every time I go I swear that I will try something new, but then I end up going for my favorites again and again. They have this amazingly spiced pepper pot soup and then the turkey pot pie. Simple flavors that I have had before are truly elevated to another level. Rich flavors and the food is made with love. You can taste the love folks! Oh so delicious! I also recommend enjoying the beer sampler made from recipes that were once enjoyed by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. My favorite is the George Washington which is just so rich and balanced. And they have a drink called a Shrub made with juice and vinegar is just a wonderfully rich, interesting and sweet drink. This remains of my favorite Philly haunts!
(5)Mio S.
Two locals recommended here for colonial lunch. They did mention the "touristy" part of the venue, but one of them also said, "at least go for the Thomas Jefferson beer." Ok, sold. My companion and I each ordered the beer flight, which was fantastic way to get warm and rest after walking around the Olde City in 10F temperature. Among all the original recipes of founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson's was indeed the best. What's more, the sweet potato & pecan biscuit also by TJ was really delicious (I want the recipe). I guess he knew how to eat good. We ordered venison ( I thought it's colonial sounding) and crab cake. Both of them were pretty good. Not "wow, this is so delicious," but above the average. The lunch tab was around $70 with two plates and two beer flight - not exactly cheap, but we fully enjoyed the experience and the great service.
(4)Robert R.
Very nice place. Great beer and the ambiance matches the cultural history of the City. I would go back next time I am in Philly!
(4)L K.
Great historic watering hole, or should I say the most genteel tavern? We enjoyed the beer sampler which had four different selections of old fashioned beer recipes from the likes of Ben Franklin and George Washington. Also enjoyed a raspberry shrub, a sweet but refreshing cocktail. The staff wear clothing that I assume is supposed to conjure up images of the founding fathers, and the hurricane lamps on the tables added to the ambiance. A must on your travels through this historic city.
(5)Albert L.
if you love Colonial Williamsburg, you're in for a treat. Note, this is an exact replica of the original City Tavern which burned down many years ago. Its rumored that a bride was burned in that fire and can still be seen wandering through the restaurant but that's another story. What you should know is that the National Park Service comes in randomly to spot check the pictures on the wall to the number of ruffles on a server's uniform to make sure that they are true to history. It's that serious. Expect everyone to greet you in "costume" or a colonial uniform what have you, but they do know what Coke and credit cards are. It's a shame you can't pay in gold. I've dined here many times and the one thing i can't live without is their West Indies Pepper Pot soup. Washington and his men enjoyed this hearty meal throughout the winter at Valley Forge. It's spicy and filled with tripe. Yes, tripe. Cow intestines. Did I lose you already? It's the magic ingredient. If you've ever enjoyed PHO, you've have tripe. It's quite chewy. The menu is loaded with a good amount of pies including Lobster. Beer drinker? On tap is the historic Washington Port and Jefferson Ale. Both made by Yards Brewery and yes, you can get it to go. If you do plan on going to grab a bite at the City Tavern, make sure to go inside the Independence Visitor Center at 600 Market Street and ask for their buy one get one free coupon good for lunch and dinner.. "After all, a penny saved is a penny earned". - Ben Franklin
(4)Lisa L.
I didn't eat here, but I did enjoy a hot toddy (cider with some rum) and an American honey brewed beer here while taking in the incredible history of the place and reading one of the cookbooks by the fireplace. I don't know why I am so obsessed with this place, but for some reason it really resonated with me and I cannot wait to go back. I think I am strange.
(5)John H.
People told us we had to go. The touristy magazines bragged it up and well, we just had to check it out. I am so glad we did. All three of us had a pleasant experience and a delightful and filling meal. The beers were inspired by recipes that our founding fathers used to brew their beers. The beer sampler allowed me to taste each one. My favorites were the Alexander Hamilton and Ben Franklin brews. The Turkey Pot Pie was unbelievable. Generous portions of turkey, potato and veggies cooked inside a fluffy crust was just what I needed. My coworkers Pork Chop was the HUGEST pork chop i have ever seen. Definitely, the theme was here was good portions of good food. We made our waiter bring over the desert tray, and while they were tempting, we had to pass, as we were just stuffed. I may just need to go back to get some desert (or perhaps spring for one of their cookbooks and try to make it on my own).
(4)Dave C.
Have you ever gone to Medieval Times in N. Jersey or where ever the hell else that place is located and have reenactors massacre each other to vie for your attention? Yea, ... City Tavern is just like that, but without all the bloodlust... or fun. You basically eat and drink and watch people dolled up in colonial garb NOT murder each other. Honestly, I felt shame walking out the door, did you feel shame?
(1)Tim G.
Dinner in the basement with a false fire alarm. Food was good but not great. The price was high for what you get. Without the history this place is a 2 star.
(3)Nadezda K.
Great atmosphere, friendly stuff. Try beer sampler for $12, amazing variety. 5 stars to veal sausage and duck entrees. Perfect place for any occasion!
(5)John A.
If you are looking for a dining experience or drinks to compliment your day in old town, the City Tavern is a good place to go. If you're expecting an exceptional meal - not so much so. The food is expensive and very bland. I'm glad we went for the experience but wouldn't recommend dining there.
(2)Gary C.
Chef Walter Staib really hits home! The City Tavern, a Philadelphia Landmark and Tavern since before the revolution is THE PLACE to go when your in the Old City section of Philadelphia. The Service is Excellent as is the food! It's no wonder why our Founding Fathers chose this Tavern to plan the Revolution! I suggest you tried the home made Duck Sausage with Red Cabbage. This is the Best Red Cabbage I've ever had, except for my German Mothers! (Sorry Chef Staib, I had to put that there!). The Fried Oysters were PERFECT! The Roasted Rack of Ribs were beautifully prepared as well as aesthetically pleasing. I was in a historic mood so I choose the Martha Washington Turkey Pot Pie. A REAL POT PIE with Flaky Puff Pastry and fresh Vegetables. The Breads were all Freshly Baked and Delicious (NOT DAY OLD!). City Tavern has an extensive wine list, however, I chose the Beer Sampler. A collection of 7 original recipes from our Founding Fathers. All Seven were Excellent. As with any Celebrity Chef, There's plenty of opportunity to pick up a number of Chef Walter Staibs Cookbooks. There's also Plenty of history to look at on the walls. If you're traveling to Philly or you're in the area, I Strongly Suggest you make a reservation for the City Tavern and you won't be disappointed!
(5)Jackie A.
Great atmosphere, just ok food. I really loved that this was in such an old, historic building- the place is just so famous, I felt like I really had to go during my visit to Philly. The service is great. Everyone we talked to was very kind and helpful. However, it took FOREVER to get our food. We snacked on some bread- apparently the sweet potato biscuits were Thomas Jefferson's favorites- they sure taste like it- straight from the 18th century they were so hard and dry. Yeah the bread was pretty gross. When our food came, nothing was bad, but nothing was unforgettable or amazing. Just standard, old food... My meat pie was good, the sausages were ok... they did have really good sauerkraut. We skipped out on desert because we had just been sitting at the table too long. Overall, I wouldn't go back, but if you're doing the historical thing, you should go at LUNCH... I would never pay their dinner prices for their food- I would have been much more disappointed. Maybe their dinner is really good, but I wouldn't risk it.
(3)Blaine H.
An absolute must see, even if it is also a visitor attraction. Get the sample of beer...it includes the George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton brews. I personally like the IPA (Alexander Hamilton), but the George Washington and the Jefferson beer are almost as good. I like the feel of City Tavern and it is period correct, save for the electricity and those that are required by law. The costumes are great and the food is superb. Try the Turkey Pot Pie or the Lobster Pie. Just make sure you bring an appetite. The last time I went, a friend and I actually split one. The restaurant did two separate orders, so that was a great surprise. It was very relaxing and I strongly recommend City Tavern. It's a bit of the 1770's in Philadelphia.
(5)Jesse C.
I found this place to be rather normal and non noteworthy from a beer perspective. We ordered a couple beer samplers to find out what was available. Of the 4 available I didn't care for any one in particular. Nothing wrong with the beer but I simply enjoy a hoppier beer. The sampler was $15 which we found to be a fair price. Interesting place to see with the apparent history behind it, but I for sure won't return next time. I didn't have any food here since we had just eaten at Jims Steaks, but it looked too pricey for what I saw from other patrons plates.
(3)Nikki R.
With all of the period costume, candles and historic place settings/food choices, I expected this to be a tourist trap and as a result my expectations were not really high. Despite some of the touristy aspects, we had a nice meal. The bread was delicious and unique. We also tried the beer sampler, which provided four different types of microbrewed beer, each representing a recipe from an historic president/figure. Our appetizers were ok - my fiancee ordered the beef and barley soup, which turned out to be somewhat bland. I ordered the corn meal friedn oysters, which were fine - a bit dry in the end. But our Lobster Pie made up for all that. Our waitress had the kitchen split the usually large pie into two smaller ones, since we were splitting the order. It was delicious! Lots of lobster, the sauce was rich and flavorful, mushrooms were great. And the portion size was quite large. We left feeling quite full and happy!
(4)Clelia S.
Food was delicious. Large portions. Great service. Apparently, George Washington's inaugural ball was held in the upstairs dining area. This turned into an inebriated discussion about balls in the hall with our friendly and witty server. Marta Washington's chocolate cake is delicious and not too sweet. Everyone enjoyed their meals; not one complaint.
(5)Vlad K.
This has to be one of the few MUSTs in Philly. Between the history, the atmosphere, the originality (of both the place itself and the menu), the history - it's basically one of the kind. Definitely a place you have to visit at least once (and make your own opinion and if you have out of town visitors it is the best place for lunch after going to the Independence Hall - Carpenter's Hall - Franklin House)...
(5)H M.
food was good but on the heavy side of things for lunch. ambiance is good
(3)Rebekka T.
As I walked up to City Tavern on Thanksgiving day, I noticed in front an almost life-sized cutout of George Washington. I joked, "hey, wouldn't it be funny if everyone here was dressed like him?" Oops. This historical and theatrical venue seemed perfect for Thanksgiving, and it turned out to be a fine afternoon, save a few annoyances. My main complaint was that our table (we had a party of 8) was littered with postcard advertisements, a DVD, and a historical looking letter all trying to sell the Chef's books and videos. Considering that Thanksgiving dinner was $85 a person, (way overpriced, but I was with my BF's parents), you think they would refrain from trying to squeeze more dollars from you. It was obnoxious and tasteless. As for the food, it was mediocre. Appetizer was cold and kind of gross, something you'd buy in bulk from Costco. Salad was a salad - nothing special. The main course, turkey with all the sides etc. was good, turkey was cooked well, and they kept re-filling our plates as we asked. But there was nothing special about it, just very typical dishes, prepared decently. I would have given only 2 stars but our waiter, I believe his name was Bernie, made our experience relaxed and enjoyable and was very attentive and polite. Still, I doubt I would go back based on the food and price.
(3)Michelle A.
A great bit of history to include on your tour of Philadelphia. While I have not yet had the chance to taste the foodstuffs, the historic beverages were great! They offer a beer flight for just over $10.00 which includes four ounce servings of four historic recipes. Each recipe is the favorite of one of our founding fathers--from Washington to Franklin. They vary from light ales to stouts and are a true taste of history. I also tried the wassail. Our server was awesome and not only discussed the beverages, he also found the recipe in one of the Tavern cookbooks and shared it with me. He was quite awesome. We are planning a return trip centered around a lunch at the Tavern.
(4)Caroline F.
This is a good place to go if you're visiting the city of Philadelphia. All of the waiters dress in late 1700s clothes and all of the food on the menu would have been available during Revolutionary War times. That being said, it's not just for tourists, and is also a cool place for Philly natives -- the atmosphere is cool as it mimics the time period, and the food is tasty. Definitely a must-dine place if you are in the area.
(4)Adam L.
Boo. Tourist trap crap. Sausage tasted like hot dogs. the "founding fathers" beer recipes were suspect and our disinterested yet authentically dressed waitress used a bic lighter to get our lamp lit. On the plus side, there's some cool old maps on the walls, and the building is cozy.
(2)Jason L.
First stop of our long weekend in Philly. Based on the other reviews, we were more interested in checking out the ambiance rather than eating dinner there. From the moment we walked through the door we were impressed. Great for reminding yourself of the history of Philly. We enjoyed a flight of beers (TJ's is definitely the best), a shrub martini (good) and crabcakes (excellent). We were seated outside in the backyard and ate at a bench--nice but not as intimate as inside. But it gave us a great view of the building and we now know that the BEST place to eat here, weather permitting, is the 2nd floor porch/balcony.
(4)Charie L.
I booked my company's event at City Tavern, Phildelphia and the service was great. Staffs are all friendly and we got good feedback from our guests that they are happy with their service, especially the food--saludos to Chef Walter Staib and the ambiance of the restaurant--saludos as well to Mark Carroll who add his colonial harp music to it! Phenomenal! I would recommend City Tavern to anyone. It is a perfect place for any corporate or small events, dinner for two or just simply going back to our History.
(5)Paul P.
TERRIBLE! Wow, as a resident here in Philadelphia I decided to plan a visit to City Tavern with friends who were visiting me. I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to expose visitors to a genuine experience that encompassed the our city's history while patronizing a local establishment. I should have gone elsewhere and am embarrassed for the rude, abrasive service that I received and I can assure that I will never ever go back. It takes a minute to ruin a reputation and years to establish a good one. I sugest City Tavern to take a close look at the staff who greet those who walk through their door, answer their calls, and so on because it is hurting your reputation and surely your reservation listings.... I am proud to call Philadelphia my place of residence and am always thrilled to be part of an area which is always friendly to outsiders... However, this place sadly was the complete opposite of who we are as Philadelphians....
(1)Kelly S.
This is a very tourist-y place to go, but it can be fun if you've got out-of-town family visiting and they're too middle-aged to take them out for a wild night of boozing it up. The staff wears period costumes, and the food is meant to be what you would have found on a menu in a tavern in Philly in the 1700's. So expect meat and potatoes and other hearty fare. The food's not bad, but it's a bit overpriced. I guess you're paying for the performance aspect of the whole dining experience, though. As mentioned in other reviews, the Founders' beer selections are pretty good. Check it out if you're looking for something a little different, or, like I said, if you've got parents in town.
(4)Lindsay K.
We were going to go to a different restaurant for dinner, but heard that City Tavern served beer made with recipes from Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. The building itself is really cool. We learned that Paul Revere went there to tell everyone about his famous ride, and that a party was held there after the Constitution was signed (sidenote..the building is a replica, but the site is the same). They also serve 18th century recipes. I should have checked how much the food was before we went, because entrees were around $30 a plate! We ordered two beer samplers and two appetizers and spent $55, including tip. Just be prepared that's even though it says it's a tavern, the prices don't reflect that at all.
(4)Gerard M.
Really had a fun time here with the family recently, for a weekday lunch. It's authentic without being hokey. The food was terrific, and the service was steady. It's a lovely setting, and good for the kids, if they are behaved. One appetizer, 5 entrees, a couple of desserts, and a few drinks came to $170. That includes a six pack of the colonial era recipe beers, to go. Well worth the experience.
(5)Joe D.
i took my wife for a birthday in early dec and it was better than i expected. we were seated in a romantic corner of an almost empty room upstairs. candle light and their hot cider (spiced w/ peach brandy, Canadian whisky & Jamaican rum) were a great start to our authentic colonial dinner. everything at this place is authentic and true to the period. i had a crock of french onion soup and the fresh Pennsylvania trout over a bed of barley, served with autumn vegetables. it was all prepared perfectly. every detail was top notch. i finished up with the baked apple cobbler and cinnamon ice cream. again, it was all executed without flaw.
(4)lisa g.
City Tavern is interesting as a 'historic landmark' but the food is overpriced and very mediocre . Our food was luke warm and tasteless - it's a very tourist spot
(2)John M.
This is a fun place, full of history and good food. I went with a group, so my experience might differ than that of a traditional diner. The wait staff was great, knowledgeable, and seemed to enjoy their job. We ate in the room upstairs and it was served buffet style. The food was all very excellent (which is rare for buffet) and I have been dying to go back. Great experience!!
(5)Michelle S.
Experience history through food! Get greeted and served by folks dressed colonial style. Drink from goblets, not glass. That's what you'll get at City Tavern. John Adams and Paul Revere had been here before. I tried the beef pie for lunch here - twice cooked beef in a flaky puff pastry. Not bad! I didn't care too much for the sweet and sour cabbage that came with it though. The best part of the meal was the soup - chunks of savory beef and noodles. Very hearty! This is a must-see spot for tourists in Philly!
(3)Jerry S.
Walked by several times as it is in a tourist spot but finally ate lunch with family. Great place, wonderful authentic food. Will go again next trip into the Independence Mall area.
(4)Michael L.
i went there with a good friend in the christmas season of 2009 the food and drinks i had were very good i had the martha washingtion turkey pot pie and Thoams jefferson beer was very good there waitress and waitress dress up in colinal outfits the place has 1700 feel to it the place is expensive but its worth it stay away from the egg nog
(3)Diana D.
OK I'm giving this place five stars for a reason: the ambiance. The food we ordered was pretty good, plus the beer. It was basic food, but well done in my humble opinion. Loved the B. Franklin stout w/ a sweet molasses after-taste. I ordered Marth Washington's pot pie and it was divine. The crust was just how I like it. We were all happy w/ the service. The bar was inviting, too. We went during a weekday at dusk. They were lighting candles and I loved the shadowy light cast. We had fun talking to the wait staff.
(5)Claire W.
I am giving this 4 stars as "historic" taverns go - at least 2/3 of the menu is items recreating food that would have been eaten in the late 1700's. We got a wonderful waitress (unlike another reviewer) who was outgoing and attentive. From her I learned that Chicken Madeira is an American dish, as Madeira could be picked up directly by ships coming to the Americas (versus other spirits that had to come from British ports). We were seated on the second floor in what we were told would have been a nicer area. At the urging of our waitress I tried the duckling and barley, and liked it although I don't generally eat duck. The only part I didn't like were the vegetables, which I thought ought to have been cooked a bit more, but that may be a personal bias. (The duckt did stay with me all day, as duck is heavy, but that was probably good in the colonists day). My husband and I had mulled wine. The hot drinks were served in glass and the ice water in pewter, interestingly. Apparently various impersonators that are unaffiliated with the restaurant wander in sometimes. We missed chatting with "the gentleman from Massachusetts" to know who he was. There are entrees that probably have little historic significance, but the reason to go here is to experience the history, not to eat an everyday meal.
(4)Gina S.
My husband and I stumbled upon this place. Read the ads on the outside and decided to give it a try, after all President Adams recommended this place. We ordered some fried oysters, there were shells in the oysters. Worse, they use frozen oysters. The cornmeal was totally overcooked. My chicken was dry (over cooked?), and the sauce was thick and salty, canned swanson? My husband ordered something completely different, and guess what? SAME gravy! Well we learned our lesson, great ambience and LOVED the sweet potato bread.
(3)Dave K.
Colonial theme restaurant. A replica bldg on the site of the original where Founding Fathers, their families and friends dined. Wait staff in period dress. Tables, chairs and place settings of the period. Menu based on recipes of the time. Beers available brewed from actual recipes of the founding fathers. Food is prepared in the original style (to today's standards). Our experience was possibly that the A-Team had the evening off. Service was slow - not as attentive as we are accustomed to receiving. The waitress didn't have answers to basic questions; such as: What type of crab is used in the crab cakes? she had to be reminded to bring ordered wine and asked for a water refill, and didn't return to ask for a beer order. Our host described a much higher quality of food preparation, but had to admit that perhaps there was a new cook (not a chef) in the kitchen. Still, everyone was friendly, the food still good, if expensive, and a good time was had by all. Perhaps our expectation exceeded the delivery? I'll recommend it only for the themed experience. There is better food at more reasonable prices with better service at many restaurants in the area.
(2)Debbie Chiou S.
nice to try beers you can't get anywhere, but it's much too kitschy.
(3)Kerry M.
I was really excited to try this place after checking out all the historic places in Philly. I was so looking forward to having a great meal after walking quite a few blocks to get here. It was just OK. I like the atmosphere and the way the servers dress - gives you a feeling of the way it was back then. Both my husband's and my Dad's meals were cold. Had the turkey pot pie which was alright - only a few pieces of turkey. Huge-ass salad also. One plus was the beer. Can't even remember the dessert. Another good thing was that our server was very nice and she took good care of our table. I guess I had too high of expectations.
(3)Jacky O.
Philadelphians who view this as a tourist hot-spot may be overlooking a great dinner option that is right in their back yard. We sampled a wide variety of items on the menu and thought everything was great. The recipes really do evoke a sense of colonial times in a way that's surprisingly not tacky. Try the colonial beer flight - or two. This place is, of course, great if you're hosting out-of-towners.
(4)Nosniv X.
After spending an hour drinking Thomas Jeffersons beer and a porter by George Washington, I began to wonder how the Declaration of Independance ever got written. Tasty beer and a good place to reflect on the founding of the country. The menu is on the pricy side, if you are just touring around and over 50 this is a place for you.
(3)miriam b.
Well I didn't really care for the potatoe leek soup because it was a bit bland, but it was fun to have a chance to sit here and go back more than 200 years and wonder what it might have been like for many of the writers of the Declaration of Independence and the discussions that went on whilst they nursed tankards of brew. Roast beef was very good. The waiter was pissy when we were there, but he soon warmed up once someone complimented him on his faux Lord Fauntleroy looking costume.
(3)Brendan c.
Great place to go when in Philly. The food is traditional 1776 but excellent. It's a historical theme resturant. You'll have fun I promise.
(5)Mark S.
It was authentic enough to not have "Ye Olde Vegetarean Meel" - but the mashed potatoes and apple cider I did have were fine. The salad was . . . a salad. Our waiter used some period language and was dressed funny, and the water was served in cooled metal goblets. There was a guy playing a harp. I'm not sure if these things justify the cost for the meal, but luckily I wasn't paying!
(3)Dan S.
Terrible service! We waited a 30 minutes before anyone even acknowledged we were even there. We were seated right across from where the bartender resides. I had to plead with one of the period dressed waiters to help us. Finally, my wife and I left.
(2)love n.
i live in the city and we have lots of great restaurants. haven't been to city tavern in years because didn't care for the food in the past. figured i'd try it again since i was with someone new to the city and thought it might be fun. the good part is the building is nice and they do a good job at making it feel like it's a place that's been around forever. the outfits the staff wear are cool for the area with all the history around. also, the service was decent... now, the food is the issue here. it's not aweful but it's not good, average at best. most items are blah and overpriced. for the same amount of money, there are tons of restaurants in the city that have much better food. nothing we had was very good or memorable... this is basically a "neat" place to eat for tourists or someone that was hangin out at the liberty bell or independence hall all day and wanted to keep the historical theme going. if you're goal is to have great food, pick one of the many other better restaurants in the area.
(2)Gourmet G.
Originally built in 1773, this was the convening site for the Constitutional Convention, as well as the setting for one of George Washington's inaugural celebrations. The cuisine here is authentic early American, with many of the dishes adapted from 18th Century recipes. Veal sausage with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, honey-glazed duck with asparagus, and medallions of venison with leeks are among the traditional entrees served by a staff in period dress. A children's menu suggests this is an ideal place for family dining, but you may feel differently after seeing the prices.
(5)Lauren T.
Yes, the costumes were cheesy, but the beer was good! Try the Thomas Jefferson ale.
(4)DJ M.
When walking through the doors of the City Tavern, be ready to be transported back to the 18TH Century. Built in 1733, this Tavern has served the likes of George Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. It was used as the unofficial meeting place for our Country's dignitaries as well as Foreign dignitaries. You will be met by old unpolished wooden floors, high ceilings with old Light fixtures and Servers, dressed in Colonial Costumes. To the right of the long entrance hallway, is a large waiting room adorned with relics from another era. You will wait while resting in well seasoned wooden chairs. Of course you can have a seat in the Bar and Lounge, while sipping Ale from a hand blown glass. Once called upon to take your seat in one of several dining rooms or perhaps outside, you will be greeted with Pewter pitchers and Fine China. Located in the Heart of the historic district and owned by the National Park Service, this Restaurant has been rated one of Philadelphia's 4 Star gems. The Fare ranges from modern American Cuisine to the Cuisine of yester year. The Duck, Beef and Veal Sausages are hand made as well as, the Breads and Pastries. If given the chance, ttry one or two of the Sweet Potato Biscuits! They claim to be Thomas Jefferson's favorite. The Basil and Applewood Bacon wrapped Shrimp, served with a Horseradish Barbecue Sauce, is heaven on a plate! I adore their Romaine and Roquefort Salad with Bacon and a creamy Parmesan Dressing. For Lunch Entrees, which are the only times I have dined here, I would be torn between The Filet Medallions with the Brandy peppercorn Sauce or the Crab Cakes with remoulade and pommes frites or the Lobster Pie with a flaky puff pastry crust wrapped around Chunks of Lobster, Shrimps, Mushrooms, and Shallots in a Sherry Cream Sauce. It is so decadent. The Menu's hold a vast array of Colonial Fare, such as West Indies Pepperpot Soup, which is a spicy Beef Soup with Taro root. Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup, 18TH Century Salads and Entrees, such as Martha Washington Style Colonial Turkey Pot Pie, Braised Rabbit, Pork Schnitzel, Beef Pie and Medallions of Venison. On a very recent visit to Philadelphia's Historical District, I was handed a Philadelphia Gazette, by a Colonial Costumed informant. Inside of the Gazette was a coupon for the City Tavern, buy one Lunch and get one Free. Not sure if they are still running it, but it would be worth checking into. For great Fare in a grand Colonial setting, the City Tavern is a must try. You will find yourself going back in time, for more.
(4)Evann G.
Funny story. Last time we were at City Tavern, we had just experienced a lull in the conversation when my oh-so-classy fiance let out with the loudest fart I have EVER heard. The look on his face was priceless. Clearly, he thought it was going to be silent, but oh no. It most definitely was not silent. Luckily, we had already paid, because we booked it out of there real fast after that. What does that have to do with City Tavern itself? Nothing. I'm sorry, but I love this place. I don't care that it's a tourist trap. I'm one of those ridiculous people who gets all verklempt over drinking ale in the same place Ben Franklin drank ale. It's become our standard watering hole to visit when we have friends in from out of town, because it's just so dang neat. I've only been here to drink. The food menu looks pricey, so I'm not sure I'll ever do anything here except drink. Even the drinks are a tad overpriced, but everything I've tried has been good. And INTERESTING. When we hit the holiday season, they started serving all sorts of cider drinks and WASSAIL. That's right, I'm sorry, but I find it super cool that you can walk into a historical tavern and order actual wassail. Hence the four stars.
(4)Lilee N.
Great place-- learned a good deal of history while we dined here. Went around Easter time. Started with the duck sausage which was very flavorful and went well with the cabbage. Boy had the pepperpot soup which was creamy and hearty. Rack of lamb was great, but the starch that accompanied the lamb was a little too acidic and sour for my liking. Though, they do try to prepare dishes as if it were back in the day so maybe people just ate things differently back then. Roasted duckling was excellent-- not dry at all and flavorful. Staff and service was wonderful and the history behind the restaurant and the dishes was an added bonus (and really, the reason why we chose to eat here). They have a cookbook for you to look through (and purchase if desired). Overall, highly recommend!
(4)Rich U.
For me, the main appeal here is the historic building/setting (although it's a replica of the original which burned down), the harpsichord played by a woman in period costume (the waitstaff also plays "colonial dress-up"), and the presumably authentic 18th century brews! I can't say I've eaten extensively here. I've only had the crab cakes and the bread tray (both good). The rest of the menu looks intriguing, but I'll lay off commenting on the food until I've sampled more of it (duh). I think the best beer here (and one of the best I've had anywhere) is Washington's Tavern Porter. I've downed many in the bar section and on the terrace/lawn seating area out back. I've taken many more home with me (a six pack of bottles is $15 AND WORTH IT). If you don't know which beer to order, get the sampler of four. BUT respectfully ask the management (as I did) to STOP putting Sam Adams (which they only recently started including) in the sampler with Washington's Porter, Jefferson's brew, and Martha's ale. Franklin would be outraged if he knew this was going on - after all, he left puritanical Boston as a young man for a reason, and Sam Adams (though a good brew), does NOT belong in a Philly City Tavern sampler. It's too mainstream and not very regional.
(4)Harrison L.
Do yourself and your history buff friends a favor and get lunch or dinner here during a trip through the city. It really does live up to the hype. A lot of historical places bank solely on their reputations, but City Tavern takes itself very seriously as a restaurant. The chef is an award winner and it shows. The menu has good variety and blends authenticity very well with catering to the modern palette. There is something for everyone on the menu. Beer lovers will enjoy the Ales of the Revolution. Those interested in other drinks can try traditional shrub. The service is usually quite good as well, and of course the atmosphere is wonderfully authentic even if the building is a replica. Those fortunate enough to get a window seat will always be treated to good views. Plus it's quite cozy and even a bit romantic if you and your date share a love of colonial era charm. The only caveat is cost - it's a bit pricey. So unless you're fat in the wallet, City Tavern is a special occasion destination. But then again a trip into the city, especially if it's focused on visiting historical sites is always a special occasion, so top it off right by having dinner and a few drinks here. After all, it was City Tavern where the real business took place in the founding of the nation. Independence Hall and Carpenters' Hall were merely the official locations for the action...City Tavern was the real heart of it all.
(5)Felicia K.
I don't know if the building is an original or reconstruction... I'm guessing the latter, but you wouldn't know it when you're inside. Friendly service from people wearing revolutionary-era clothing. I had Martha Washington's turkey pot pie, which was perfect after having been outside walking around for a few hours in the freezing cold. Delicious puff pastry crust on top. Boyfriend had the venison stew special, which looked delicious. I tried a couple of the wild mushrooms from his, and they were amazing. Their eggnog wasn't particularly good - served over ice in December (?) and too sweet. Would've been much better hot and with a bit less sugar. In any case, a fun experience.
(4)Bridget W.
Look, I am all about mixing my evening dining experience with a nice dose of history, but this place ain't the place to do so. My first visit to City Tavern was wonderful and, alas, biased. It was a first evening date with my fiancé in his hometown. Scratch that and fast forward to our second experience at City Tavern where a large group of us were celebrating my soon to be Mother in Law's birthday. Nearly everything failed my expectations. Our first suggested table was horrific. I quickly changed that. Our waiter was slightly drugged and boring. I laughed. The room we were seated at was cold and sluggish, which too describes our waiter. Our food had not one bit of historic quality or recipe to it. Our 21st century menu choices were bland, undercooked/overcooked and my brother-in-law had to send his steak back, wait 30 minutes, then finish his dinner whilst we were snacking on birthday cake. If you would like a taste of Philadelphia history you can either hunt and shoot your own pheasant and blandly season it with a side of undercooked fingerling potatoes, or, you can take a beautiful historic walk in the streets of Philadelphia and then enjoy an avant-garde meal in one of the many wonderful restaurants of our first and now modern city in these great United States. Your choice .. but I am not too fond of pheasant feather in my meals.
(1)Bob R.
Love the historic atmosphere, the decor and location. Everybody was happy with their food and beers. The service was good too. This is a tourist restaurant worth visiting.
(4)Markus F.
Good meal, good selection of food and beers on the menu. I like the president beers in particular. Service was very friendly and attentive.
(4)Lene P.
This is basically a good restaurant for tourists who visit the city and want to eat at a colonial themed restaurant with servers dressing the part. I've recommended this place a bunch of times until I finally ate there. Both of my visits were for dinner, in which the prices are outrageous considering what we got. The dishes were tasty and fine, but not worth the $25-30 each. Both times we were seated out back on a deck area leading down into a garden with more seating under a canopy (I usually see groups seated there). The interior looks pretty spooky, it always seems really dark to me, but that is also awesome and romantic. For parking, if you don't intend on staying long, there is 3 hour parking along the ramp from Columbus Blvd that exits onto Market Street. You can also park at the Olde City garage over the Ritz East/Pagoda but I'm not sure if City Tavern validates.
(3)C. H.
When we arrived at The City Tavern, we were pleased to see such a fine representation of historic Philadelphia. The building and interior were lovely, and the table settings with real pewter chalices were so fun. I was a little disappointing with our seating arrangements. We were stationed very, very close to another couple, so close that it was impossible to have a private conversation. In between our two tables was some sort of closet where all the plates and glasses were kept, so we were continuously interrupted and jostled by waiters getting in and out. I had the pleasure of listening to the lady at the table next to us complain about this for the rest of the evening. We also didn't have a lot of face time with our waiter. You would think he would have been a little more attentive to us since he was constantly brushing by to get to the closet, but he seemed skilled at ignoring my hand signals for attention. This might have been because of our attire, sweaters, jeans, and tennis shoes, since we had been walking the city all day. I was also a little put-off by all the advertisements for books and take-home items. Maybe it's just me, but I don't really need 3 or 4 cards on my table telling me how awesome the chef's cook books are. The food was it's saving grace. My husband and I split the beer sampler, and then each ordered a glass of our favorite, though all were excellent. We also enjoyed the crab cakes, which were the best we have ever had, hands down. My entree was the braised rabbit and his the beef medallions, both were cooked to perfection. The veggies were zucchini and squash, again cooked perfectly, a task which I have never mastered myself. Go for the food, but not the service.
(3)Meghan M.
The original tavern (the current restaurant is obviously a reconstruction) was a frequent meeting point for framers of the Constitution and the draw of the place today is that nothing's served that wouldn't have been readily available in the 1700s. It sounds like the Medieval Times of the American revolution, but in fact that place appears to be so authentic that many of the dishes sound borderline unappetizing. The waiters must dress up in period costumes, which makes most of them seem like better waiters than they actually are. I had the turkey pie, which was delicious by dint of being drowned in a heavy, heavy sherry cream sauce and covered with a thick buttery pastry. I washed it down with a Martha Washington summer ale (eh) and a raspberry shrub (raspberry juice reduced with fruit vinaigrette, then combined with ginger ale and champagne; delicious and potent, rendering me incapable of doing anything except blinking and yawning at the edge of Ben Franklin's grave.) As for other available alcohol, there's also an IPA from one of Jefferson's recipes and a porter from one of Washington's, a seasonal rum drink, plus an extensive selection of wines, but beyond that don't expect bar service--unlike the Southern ladies behind us who asked in rapid succession if the place served daiquiris and cheesesteak sandwiches. Oh, and go for lunch--the prices are on the steep side but reasonable, whereas dinner is highway robbery.
(4)Keith M.
the food was fantastic, the wait staff was on the money, the atmosphere was perfect, i was very relaxed, enjoyed the meal...perfect even desert.
(5)B B.
granted the food was good and the service was even better. Unfortunately I was not pleased with the fact that they wouldn't seat us downstairs but instead we had to climb a flight of stairs with our baby and stroller. The coctails were fabulous and we also ordered a soup a salad to try. I had the barley soup and it was surprisingly good. The salad was ok. I had the rabbit and my wife had the fish with hollondaise sauce. Both were excellent. We also ordered off the kids menu. That was a big mistake. Although it was good it was over $20. now correct me if I'm wrong I thought the kids menu is suppose to be MUCH CHEAPER than the regular menu. Overall it was a good experience and I am glad I did it. I would recommend everyone to give this place a try ONCE. I just can't see myself coming back. It felt a little touristy and a little gimmicky. It was kind of neat to eat off everything pewter, but there's a reason these kinds of restaurants no longer exist. What I really want is a nice mondern day meal on modern day silverware and not a history lesson.
(4)Chelsea P.
A bit tourist-y, but super fun! The servers dress in historical outfits, and all the food was based on that time period as well. You get the scoop from the servers on the history of it all. However, after we left, we found out our car was towed. Womp womp.
(4)Rich M.
Meh, I'm a huge American history fan, but..... It was interesting having a couple beers named after 2 founding fathers, but... The menu, and the beer, is supposedly of the style of that era. It was good, but the price was really high. Let's face it. You're paying for the historical ambiance. Not that the food wasn't good. The pot pie was excellent, but the price was a little astronomical. Overall, the service was ok, not commensurate with the price you pay for the meal. It started very so-so, although, it got better. I think we got there when the dinner service just started. Sorry, no excuse. People who arrive later pay the same price. If you have a few bucks to spend and want to hop into the American History time machine to enjoy the food our forefathers ate, but at a much higher price. This is your place. I read another review that recommended having lunch instead, at a lower price. Probably not a bad idea.
(3)Tim P.
Great food and even better service. Beer was interesting. One choice included beer brewed/aged with 'spruce.' Very good selection of food, too. Yes, OK so it a bit touristy but so what.
(4)Stosha S.
Great place to take people from out of town. The atmosphere is great, I loved the colonial outfits the staff wore and the food was delicious. Lunch is much cheaper than dinner if your looking for a more affordable option. I wish there were something more attractive than dull maps on the walls, but I suppose that's more authentic?
(5)Christina P.
I'm not going to lie, when I heard there was a restaurant that you could eat at that the founding fathers dined in I was all for going. So it was cool to eat in that setting, and the beers were pretty nice. The food was mediocre. It reminded me of stuff I've eaten at mid-level hotels; my salmon was drenched in a buttery, oily sauce and the sides were pretty bland. The prices were also pretty high for the quality of the food. You are definitely paying for the setting and experience here. I will say those little sweet potato scones they serve at the beginning of the meal are good though. So two stars because Ben Franklin ate there and that's just awesome.
(2)Meg R.
Delicious food, unique brews, period decor. City Tavern is a must stop for those looking to experience historical Philadelphia at it's finest. I appreciate that the wait staff, dressed in period garb, don't act as though they're in a different century, they answer questions about the menu and make great recommendations. Try the Benjamin Franklin brew or House porter. Interesting side note, you can purchase the beer for take out. And purchase the pewter serving ware, too. Had delicious pepper pot soup, beef pie, rabbit and duck, served with various veg, such as barley, cabbage and egg noodles. Delish!
(5)Sally f.
meh. overly priced, boring food. service wasnt great, and the server was unenthuastic, which was a bummer, because other ppl write they learned a lot of history and i didnt.... dont go to touristy places to impress your guests. if u wouldnt eat here normally, dont take anyone from out of town.
(2)Danielle R.
Great food, fun place to eat. Server full of fun facts and history. Turkey pot pie and lobster pot pie were DELISH! Great beer too. Will definitely return when we're in the area.
(5)Kaitlin L.
In honor of President's Day weekend, I decided to start my Friday night at City Tavern. Although horribly touristy, I was amused by the server's 18th century inspired costumes and overall feel of the bar area (I didn't eat any food there, just went to the tavern area). We decided to try the sampler which included all 4 beer choices, all of which are made by Yards. The beers are all old recipes from the time of our founding fathers, including a recipe made by Jefferson that is exclusively made for City Tavern. My favorite was the George Washington one, a very tasty porter, followed by the Poor Richard's spruce ale, which comes from a recipe made by Ben Franklin. The Hamilton one didn't do it for me, but it was nice to try. They give you a good amount of beer with the sampler too, so I'd definitely suggest at least starting with this. I'm not really thinking I'll make this a regular stop for me, but it was fun to do something somewhat touristy for President's Day. This would be a fun thing to bring out-of-towners or history buffs to.
(3)Scott R.
Historically good; since 1773. Dining at City Tavern is an experience you can't miss. It takes you back in time and the food is pretty good too. I feel like I'm wasting my breath cause John Adams called it "the most genteel tavern in America." I agree.
(4)Scott D.
Went to Philly as a tourist and stopped here for beer and food. I read it from Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy site and it did not disappoint. Authentic 18th century food such as Rabbit Legs and Duckling (both were good) and beer based on the recipes of the Founding Fathers. It also provided an awesome 18th century atmosphere complete with music. A must-go for fellow history nerds.
(5)Brian G.
What a pleasant surprise this Olde City is!! I hoped on the subway at 30th St and was so happy to get out of that horrible system at 2nd and Market. This was such a nice relief!! The neighborhood is great. The cobblestone, the old feel, the history. Once I saw this place I knew this is where I wanted to eat. I dropped my stuff at the Sheraton Olde City and scurried over here. 8:37 pm These 2 historically dressed Pennsylvanians greet me in a manner which it is 1775 and they have never seen a man with Chanel glasses and a black popped-collared shirt, with shiny patent leather shoes and say, "Uhh, Hi" and I said, "One please". The village girl explains to me that they stop seating people at 8:30 and I said, "Wow, it's 8:37, c'mon I don't want to linger, I just want to leave and get back to my hotel." She says "Okay, but you have to eat in the tavern". So this is cool, a whole room to myself and she actually was accomadating although it probably was because she saw anger flaring up in my eyes. The waiter was super nice, eloquently spoken, and elegantly handling my bread, water, and menus. I ordered chicken breast, mashed potatos, and vegetables. It was good, very hardy. I liked it. Something my parents would make, very American, decent portion. Sucks I'm not stuffed though 2 hours later, so I have to walk over to a grocery store to get snacks, but I guess most people would still be full. I took a walk around this historic building and I loved the atmosphere. Once I mentioned that I plan to Yelp the place, the waiter started to explain the history. I guess I put a fire under his Revolutionary ass. I loved everything about the peoples outfits, the buildings, the art, the maps on the walls. Really up my alley. Just watched John Adams last night. Perfect timing is guess.
(4)Xinyuan W.
if you are a tourist in philly and looking for a fun time and a good beer after walking around, this place is perfect. loved their microbrews, try the George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, awesome. really fun place and food is pretty good. servers dress up in customs.
(5)Anne P.
Ate here in 2002 on a trip to Philly, but decided I needed a good review in case people look at all my reviews and decide I am a dining curmudgeon. I got the Martha Washington pot pie. Oh glory, cardiac arrest this dish had to be made with heavy cream and was delicious. Loved the Jefferson biscuits, enjoyed his ale. Rest of the family enjoyed their dinners and the food was good. Way cool to have servers in period costume and to sit in a place where Adams, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and others had informal meetings while the Continential Congress was in session.
(5)