Venue Image

Hours

11:30AM-9PM daily

Pricing

High ($$$)

City Tavern   

138 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-413-1443
www.citytavern.com

Rating: 3 out of 5  (19 Ratings)   Read Reviews (19)    Rate and Write a Review

Don't be put off by City Tavern's gimmicks: the townhouse with 10 dining rooms and a tea garden, the Colonial-era furniture and knickknacks, the staff dressed in 18th-century garb, and a menu that harkens back to pre-Revolutionary days. It may seem like a theme park, but City Tavern has actually been offering some of the best meals and service in town since Walter Staib took over in 1994 and re-created the original interior and atmosphere. (It was used as a tavern in the late 1700s and early 1800s, but was destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in 1976 for the Bicentennial celebration.) True, it's popular with tourists who stop by after seeing the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. But it's also a favorite among locals who come for entrees such as braised rabbit, Tavern lobster pie and roasted duckling, not to mention starters like giant cornmeal fried oysters and basil shrimp. All the Tavern's period-appropriate dishes and cutlery can be purchased, as are 1-liter bottles of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson's ale and many of the restaurant's sauces.

User Ratings and Reviews Rate and Write a Review

19 Ratings and Reviews

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mattheweighttwo
Review rating 4 out of 5
A great dinner
By mattheweighttwo on 02/05/2008
I recently had dinner at City Tavern. I was eager to try the food as I have both heard about and seen it in print and on tv. I invited my parents to join me for this colonial experience as they have tried it once before, but had not returned in years. We all began the evening with a great cocktail. I opted for the dark Washington's Porter. Dad had went with Jefferson's brew and my mom was very pleased with her warm cider drink. Our server was attentive and helpful, evening offering some tableside culinary history which was nice. (How often are you educated while you eat?) Dinner was excellent. I dined on Medallions of Beef Tenderloin while my parents sampled the Smoked Porkchop and Medallions of Venison. Each of them were sucessful in satisfying everyone at the table. It was a truly relaxing ambience and an overall pleasant experience. I would recommend a trip to this 18th century hot spot. Bring your parents or friends and enjoy the ambience.
mpatton1978
Review rating 5 out of 5
Revoluntionary Revelation
By mpatton1978 on 02/07/2007
I am from the Philadelphia area and am quite familiar with City Tavern. I had dined there a few times in the past for some business functions, etc., but always wanted to return with some family members to really experience the restaurant (and not be "working") A few months ago, I decided to invite five family members of various ages to a nice dinner at City Tavern. I was hesitant and hopeful with reservations about my restaurant choice. However, the evening turned out to be a hit. My neice, who is 9, loved the Turkey Pot Pie from their award winning childrens menu. My father-in-law was practically drooling on the beautiful hardwood floors over his Roasted Duckling. I very much enjoyed my Medallions of Venison. As I savored the surroundings and ambience, (they had a harpist there that evening!!!) I waited for the first rumblings from someone in family. They are never happy with anything! Instead, I was delighted to hear nothing but pleasantries. I was even chastised for not brining my family there before. As if I was hiding this culinary gem from the rest of my family as if it was a dark secret. We will return to the restaurant again. I hope those from Philadelphia and everywhere else do the same! It really is worth a visiti!!!!!!
leeria1979
Review rating 5 out of 5
Not your average Tavern
By leeria1979 on 03/09/2006
The colonial atmosphere is very unique. Servers are dressed in period costume and the table settings are complete with replica chinaware and pewter. My boyfriend and I stopped in for a drink in the bar, but decided to try some colonial food with our Thomas Jefferson beer. Everything was excellent! We will probably go back again and try more menu items. It is definitely a great place to visit whether you a history fan, visiting the city, or live a block away. Everyone should experience a unique place like this, at least once.
user image
Review rating 4 out of 5
patriots fan from beantown
By panygre2 on 02/20/2005
Good time had by all. With a good childrens menue. As the ad says good for tourist and locals that have been passing by for years. Glad we stopped in.