City Tavern

My husband and I recently dined at City Tavern with another couple for dinner as a part of the city’s Independence After Hours tour. The tour offers guests a living history experience in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood complete with dinner in the historic restaurant.

Upon arrival, our group was brought to a room in the restaurant’s lower level. Our group of four sat at the end of a long table with the rest of the tour group. Since our meal was part of the tour, we had a selection of a special, fixed price menu. We began immediately with a country salad of greens with carrots, cucumber and tomato finished with a raspberry shrub and olive oil vinaigrette. Then, our waitress, dressed in colonial garb, came by with bread and to take drink orders. The breads were original recipes from the 18^th century, favorites of Thomas Jefferson. We had beer and wine.

We were given three entrée choices: turkey pot pie, beef bourguignon and paillard of salmon. I opted for the salmon. The tender, citrus-marinated fish was pan-seared and topped with a Béarnaise sauce. Mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables came on the side. I was pleased with my choice, as the flavorful entrée was filling yet light. For dessert, we were all treated to a blueberry French toast bread pudding. The presentation looked more like cake than a traditional bread pudding, but I enjoyed the flavor and texture.

Considering we were part of a large group, the service was efficient. Stop at the City Tavern if you’d like to experience history with your meal.

City Tavern

138 S. 2^nd St.

Philadelphia, PA 19106

tel 215 413 1443