City Tavern
(215) 413-1443
138 S Second St
Philadelphia,
PA
19106
39.9471
-75.1446
Neighborhoods: Center City East, Center City
What People Are Saying About City Tavern
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
Completed in 1976, this building is a faithful replica of the famous tavern that originally occupied the spot, right down to the Colonial-garbed staff. In the late 18th century, America's founding fathers often met on this historic site to debate the fate of a fledgling America. The menu betrays some continental leanings, but stick with historically based dishes: turkey pot pie in rich sherry-cream sauce, West Indies pepper pot soup and roasted duckling.
User Reviews
Anonymous
December 09, 2008
Of you want to experience the 18th century in Philadelphia this is the place to dine. The severs are dressed in authentic 18th century apparel. The food is served in big portions to share with everyone. The food is very good, especially the beef tenderloin. It is a great place to hold a private party.
read full reviewAnonymous
November 13, 2008
I sampled your food at a champagne tasting benefit this evening and I can't wait to try your restaurant. The appetizers you served were fabulous. If this is just a sample, I can't wait to dig in to a full meal. Delicious.
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Abomb78
August 25, 2008
My sister and mother had been to city tavern before and said that it was fun and the food was good so I thought that it would be the same. We had dinner reservations at four pm. I ordered corn chowder, meatloaf and shared fried oysters with my sister. For openers I'm not a picky eater and it takes a lot for me to be totally dissatisfied. Anyway they sat us by a window which had flies constantly buzzing across the table. We laughed about it as we tried to squash them with our menus. Then throughout hte enitre service the waitstaff was getting linens out of this cubboard RIGHT next the out table, we laughed but in all honesty it gets annoying after awhile. Now onto the food. The corn chowder had clearly come from a can and I've had better at that. It was luke warm. I mean come on folks it's August on the east coast fresh corn is available EVERYWHERE and this is the best you can do for $6.50 a bowl!! Another reviewer talked about the bread being stale...true it had to be day old and was tasteless. The fried oysters were good in a nice cornmeal batter with a good dipping sauce so that was nice. I had meatloaf and my sister had a chicken and artichoke salad, which again canned artichoke and smoke chicken that had come from a roll like at the grocery store and cost $18.50!! that is just nuts in my book. My meatloaf was adequate but in all honesty by this point I didn't really care. I agree with others reviewers the waitstaff was fine the period costumes, I'll go for that, interesting building. Another thing the head chef if pimping his cookbooks on every table and in the lobby, if you are that great my meal wouldn't have been like this. Be a little be a little more tasteful for God's sakes and get your quality control in line. Bottom line way too Expensive, Poor quality, Lacking fresh ingredients....... Don't Bother
read full reviewThe Details on City Tavern
What to Drink:
The potent house-brewed ale is made according to the formula of Gen. George Washington who dined here with his colleagues after they signed the Declaration of Independence nearby.
Know Before You Go:
One of the bars is laid out in sitting-room fashion, complete with comfy chairs and a harpsichord that gets a regular workout around happy hour.
Where to Sit:
When whether permits snag a seat in the backyard patio under a looming oak tree.
What to Drink:
Beer recipes formulated by regulars George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin can be sampled here, courtesy of Yards Brewing Company
Category:
Restaurants, Bars & Pubs, Taverns
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Outdoor Dining, Private Rooms, Group Dining, Live Music
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
