City TavernAn Authentic Historical ExperienceVisitors in Philadelphia should avail themselves of this unique, historical restaurant close to Independence Hall and the other historical venues in the area. The food was great and service was friendly and efficient. We loved the authentic setting of the restaurant and could surely imagine George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams sitting down at a table with a pint or two to discuss the struggle for liberty. We loved this!5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMFun historic site w/ period menu.The ambience was interesting like a step back into history with everyone in period attire. Ben Franklin chicken was excellent and basil shrimp appetizer very good. Others enjoyed the duck and salmon dishes as well as the turkey potpie. A la carte makes a 3 course meal above average in price.No one in my party tried any salad courses. Champage breeze ?? (not sure about that name) got raves reviews & the wine list was . Parking garage right across the street was very handy but cost $18.00 for 2.5 hrs.; a bit high. We paid the same amt for 4.5 hrs near UPenn. I would recommend this for a special accassion or
to anyone wanting to experience some Old City history.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and service.Excellent food and service. The waiter was knowledgeable about the history of the establishment and the surrounding area. This is a "must see" restaurant when in Philadelphia!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMEnjoyable lunchOur 6 top had a very enjoyable dining experience at the City Tavern. The food was delicious and we enjoyed the menu choices. The staff was courteous and satisfactory, we heard a waitress at another table describing the history of the building which was great, probably would have been better if our waiter did the same. Overall it was a good place for some history and some good food.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMsupport history...get a steakGreat place, always a good meal.
A taste of history in every course as the menu describes origin and historical significance of each dish.
The food is 'colonially inspired' we are talking about old style british pub food. Everything goes with beer, seriously.
The least obvious dish... Steak and Shrimp... For $32 it was perfectly cooked and seasoned with 3 colosal shrimps. Beat any uppity steak house any day of the week.
The chef has a tv show on historic recipes, which means the menu is always changing.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMOur party of seven enjoyedOur party of seven enjoyed the colonial atmosphere and the food was very good and the service outstanding. We will visit again.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAs a couple in PhiladelphiaAs a couple in Philadelphia for the weekend enjoying walking and seeing the sites of ther 1700's, it was fitting to eat dinner in the same atmosphere. We were able to walk from our hotel, enjoy a great dinner with excellent service.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMwell let me say just thiswell let me say just this from the start to the finish of the dinning experiance at the city tavern was nothing less than the best. the service was off the hook steller!!the room that all 5 of us was in was quiet and very elegent. now the food insane banging all the dishes were brought out in a timley fashion and over the top the insane. with the amazing ambiance plus awesome service plus banging food. well what else is there to say chef walter staib thank you for being the great chef that you are and for showing me the very high end restaurant that you and the city tavern are. this is without a doubt a restaurant that must become an all the time restaurant the dine at!!!!!!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful food. Apple CobblerWonderful food. Apple Cobbler for dessert was great. Enjoyed the historic restaurant.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding Service and Good FoodThe service was outstanding. The server was extremely friendly and knew the menu well. She checked on me enough that I could get whatever I needed when I wanted it but was not constantly there asking how things are. She provided interesting information about the history of the different dishes. The shrimp cocktail was as good as any I have had anywhere and I have had lots of them. The wiener schnitzel was very good but not great. Due to the hard wood floors the noise level is a little high. Probably not a great place for a romantic dinner. All in all I have an enjoyable meal and learned a little history of the food as well.4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMThe ambiance is in the motifThe ambiance is in the motif of the early colonial setting just as our founding fathers would have found it. Food was excellent. Would Highly recommend.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMFit for a historic experienceMy family and boyfriend were in town and so we went to City Tarven for dessert at the end of a 'progressive dinner' We sat in the lounge directly at the right once you come in. The ambiance was fun and historic and the waitstaff were very gracious and explained the history of the place quit nicely. The desserts were very good, especially the creme brule and apple pie. We all had madeira to accompany desert. I would recommend going if you're looking for a historic fun place.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMHistoric mealThis is a historic spot dating from before the Revolution. The chef prepares traditional dishes for that time, which is extremely interesting. We had a group of eight and the waiter suggested an appetizer sampler for the table. This is. Not on the menu and consists of one piece of each starter for each person in the group. This was outstanding and actually enough to fill everyone. A wide selection of the main courses were tried and all were okay but none was outstanding. I suggest you stick to the starters, you'll love them and they will be filling. City Tavern also serves excellent beers from a local microbrewery. I tried the sampler and enjoyed them all. It is just fun to eat at the same place and similar food as the Founding Fathers3/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat fun eating in a roomGreat fun eating in a room frequented by our nation's founders. Otherwise, an OK meal, served by a nice waiter, who was less than enthusiastic, and could have been providing us the fun and details of sitting in a national historical landmark. Also overpriced.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMcolonial times come aliveA surprising restaurant that some would consider a tourist trap yet has excellent food and a terrific colonial ambiance. Be forwwarned the portions are huge.my smoked salmon and smoked trout appetizer would have beeb enough for four. My roast duck was one of the best I've ever had.2/20/2013 12:00:00 AMA little 'touristy' but veryA little 'touristy' but very enjoyable. Crab cakes were outstanding.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PM