Have you ever dreamed of stepping foot in the same place as someone historic or famous? Though it might not measure up to spending time with Taylor Swift in her Tribeca apartment, a lower Manhattan restaurant offers the chance to step foot in the same building as our nation’s first president, George Washington. Fraunces Tavern, a local treasure, provides a historical background while also sharing delicious meals and drinks. Located on 54 Pearl Street, Fraunces Tavern was built in 1719, making it the oldest standing structure in Manhattan. It had been originally designed to be a residence for merchant Stepehn Delancy. In 1762, Samuel Tavern bought the property and opened a new business, The Sign of Queen Charlotte (or Queen’s Head Tavern). The spot became a popular place for locals because of the location, and Fraunces’ impressive culinary skills. The regulars eventually began referring to it as we know it now: Fraunces Tavern.
A few years later, once the American Revolution began, the Continental Army lost possession of the city. Loyalist forces controlled and occupied the area until Nov. 25, 1783, what is now known as Evacuation Day. On this day, George Washington led a victory parade with soldiers through the streets of New York City, and ended the journey with a banquet at Fraunces Tavern. Just nine days later, on Dec. 4, Washington returned to the Tavern to deliver his farewell speech to his officers. The speech took place in the Long Room, which is on the second floor of the building and is now a museum open to the public.
Before becoming a restaurant and bar, Fraunces Tavern held early offices in the Departments of War, Foreign Affairs, and the Board of Treasury. Later, in the 1800s, the building began undergoing numerous structural changes and was even threatened with demolition in 1900. Sons of the Revolution in the State of New York Inc. eventually took ownership in 1904 and completed an intensive restoration and reconstruction of the building. Just three years later in 1907, Fraunces Tavern Museum and Restaurant was opened. In 1965, Fraunces Tavern was officially designated as a New York City landmark and the block, as a whole, was designated as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Aside from its incredibly intriguing history, Fraunces Tavern offers a large menu of delicious dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as a brunch menu on weekends. The place also offers a wide variety of drinks and has a few bars as well. The special thing about visiting Fraunces Tavern is you never know what your dinner atmosphere will be like. The restaurant offers multiple rooms with a variety of concepts and moods. Whether you’re in the mood to watch the game and have a few drinks with friends or a fine-dining sit-down dinner, this restaurant will ensure you leave feeling satisfied with your experience. The main dining room, the Tallmadge Room, offers an elegant and more professional dining experience. The Independence Bar, also known as the Tavern, is a more casual and laid-back setting, offering table seating as well as bar-top seating. There’s also live music performed frequently by local acts in this room. Additionally, the Hideout Bar is where you’ll find your sports bar atmosphere, with televisions playing daily games for guests to enjoy. The most recent renovation and addition to the restaurant is the upstairs piano bar, which resembles a speakeasy space and also offers live music from local artists. They are currently renovating the Dingle Whiskey Bar, which is to re-open shortly. While these are the main rooms open to the public, there are a few more that can be reserved for private parties and events.
Although each room varies in appearance and experience, the menu is the same throughout the restaurant. Some of their most popular dishes include their slow-roast chicken pot pie, filet mignon on a stone, their daily oyster selection, and traditional fish and chips. Though, they offer a range of foods, including vegan and vegetarian options, as well as desserts. The large menu ensures there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, even children.
Once you’ve finished your delicious meal from the restaurant, take a tour of the upstairs museum and see the exact room where George Washington was. The museum is open daily from 12:00 to 5:00, and includes a small admissions fee to enter. They also offer guided tours on select days, which can be found online. They offer a variety of different historical exhibitions, each with their own unique backgrounds.
So, next time you visit lower Manhattan, check out Fraunces Tavern. Not only will you get to experience a delicious meal and some good drinks, you’ll also be able to say you’ve stepped foot in the same building as George Washington. You’ll be left with an unforgettable experience and will undoubtedly want to return.