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All 1,769 Philadelphia Restaurants »

City Tavern

138 S Second St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-1443
Ranked #41 of 1,769 restaurants in Philadelphia
4.0 of 5 stars 289 Reviews
Price range: $21 - $30
Cuisines: American
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children, Romance, Large groups, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Late Night, Dessert
Neighborhood: City Center East
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289 reviews from our community

86% Recommend
    133
    83
    38
    17
    18
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Weegian
Towson, Maryland
Contributor
19 reviews
9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 22, 2012 NEW

It was a pretty forgettable meal. The food was okay, but it was all overcooked. This place definitely slops it out in a hurry because they can. More

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vladb
Watertown, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
24 reviews
29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012 NEW

Turned out to be worth the hype, despite our mixed expectations. For lunch, we tried the smoked fish platter and 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... More

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dylancasb
Towson, Maryland
Senior Contributor
23 reviews
3 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed February 21, 2012 NEW

So the gimmick is that you are eating as the founding fathers ate. Frankly considering the bon vivants who founded our nation, I find that hard to believe. Ordered my steak medium rare, came well done, which is unfortunate since it was obviously a good piece of meat. Others ordered the venison or the pot pie. No one at my... More

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GoldieSC
Charleston, SC
Contributor
11 reviews
1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 16, 2012 NEW

After enjoying the sights of Independence Square, we decided to have lunch at historic City Tavern. While it is a reconstruction of the original 1773 tavern where members of the Continental Congress lodged and dined, it reflects the atmosphere and typical foods of the time. Servers wear colonial dress and the setting is relaxed and enjoyable. As an appetizer, the... More

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CarlaBuck
Alloway, New Jersey
Reviewer
3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 15, 2012

We had a wonderful Valentines Day dinner again last night at City Tavern. Chef Walter Staib and his staff host a beautiful romantic evening every year! Joe had shrimp cocktail for an appetizer and I had the mushroom toast which I could smell the scrumpious aroma coming from the kitchen before we were seated. It was delicious. Next came hearts... More

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sfmarine
Brooklyn, New York
Contributor
14 reviews
6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 12, 2012

I usually come for a convention in Philadelphia every year and City Tavern is always on my stop for lunch. I usually get the Lobster Pot Pie. It's always a culinary delight, however the last time I indulged it was a bit too salty. I'm hoping my upcoming conference visit will be a bit better. I'm not a heavy drinker,... More

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Steve46641
Moorestown, New Jersey
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 10, 2012

A great experience for anyone interested in pleasant atmospere, excellent food, wonderful serivice, and an oppoetunity to visit Chef Staib and here him speak. Anyone who wants to continue the hisorical experience of visiting the National Park complex shoud include a meal at this historic tavern. This is not to be mssed as a participation in the Colonial experience. More

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Mugsy82
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 10, 2012

Philadelphia is history. THey have the most historic mile in the country and only steps from this historic mile is City Tavern. A great place to grab lunch, dinner or even a drink (warm apple cider on a night like tonight is devine!) It is a restuarant that not only looks like the 18th century but serves amazing food that... More

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Marci S
Haddon Township
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 10, 2012

I attended a special function with the Friends of Independence at City Tavern. Prior to, and after, meeting with Chef Staib, we were treated to a delightful array of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres in a lovely, authentic looking 18th century room. The selection was varied - shrimp wrapped in bacon, meat pies, crab balls, mini quiche, cheese and crackers... More

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Jack G
Marlton, New Jersey
Reviewer
5 reviews
1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed February 10, 2012

Athentic costumes and atmosphere. Very good comfort food. Yards beer and ale selection complements entrees nicely. A great way to spend lunch or dinner after a visit to the Constitution Center, Independence Hall or any of the many area attractions. Built on the site of the original City Tavern in 1975 (just in time for the Bicentennial, eh?). Had lunch... More

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