City Tavern
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Phone: (215) 413-1443
Fax: (215) 413-3043
- Price:
- $$
- Hours:
- Mon-Thurs 11:30am-9pm, Fri-Sun 11:30am-10pm
Editorial Review for City Tavern – by Michael Alarcon
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.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe 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 GoOne 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 SitWhen whether permits snag a seat in the backyard patio under a looming oak tree.
User Reviews for City Tavern
03/27/2008 Posted by PhillyNewbs
The romantic atmosphere implied in this restaurant's description was completely misleading. We went there for an anniversary dinner as a couple new to Philadelphia, but we were sat in the basement next to the kitchen in a table that made us feel like we were in a glaringly bright boiler room. Our waiter tried very hard, but sweat was literally pouring down his face -- appetizing! As we sat there feeling a little duped, the curtain fell as we started to notice tiny things like the plastic beer mugs, the fact our table was a folding picnic relic, and that the food was inedible. Neither of us could bring ourselves to have more than a few bites of the undercooked turkey pot-pie or the greasy wiener schitzel (both custom-priced for over-eager and gullible tourists). The only redeemable part of the experience was the beer itself which was brewed according to a presidential recipe. Every time we walk by City Tavern we are reminded of that laughably "romantic" dinner and how much we needed to put our experience into writing here.
Pros: None really
Cons: Practically everything
12/03/2007 Posted by ldy31
I went yesterday during lunch, I ordered the duck sausage for an appetizer, more like a duck hot dog and the sweet and sour cabbage was just a mushy mess. For my entree braised rabbit with veggies and egg noodles. I thought when you braised something it was supposed to come out tender, but it was tough and stringy and the vegetables were soggy drawning in a horrible wine sauce. On the good side the mashed potatoes and saurkraut were great, as well as the glass of Jefferson Amber Ale. My friends turkey noodle soup was also very good.
Cons: Food
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