Fraunces Tavern - A Tavern Older Than The Country Itself
Hello NYC Lover!
If you’re the kind of person who likes a side of revolutionary drama with your food, Fraunces Tavern is calling your name. History, good food and even a museum - this place has it all & much more!
Fraunces Tavern from outside
Website: Fraunces Tavern
Address: 54 Pearl Street, Financial District, Manhattan
Lunch: Monday–Friday from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Dinner: Monday–Sunday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Museum: Daily, 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Tucked away in the Financial District, Fraunces Tavern is one of those rare NYC gems where history isn't just on display, it’s literally baked into the walls (and maybe even soaked into the floorboards). Whether you’re chasing a killer burger, a cozy bar vibe, or a walk through colonial times, this legendary place has it all. Dining at this restaurant is a full-on experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine (with way better cocktails). Perfect for history buffs, foodies, or anyone who just wants a break from modern chaos without leaving Manhattan. We of course want you to come here to enjoy the food but also we would like to give you some background information so you can brag with your knowledge while munching on your meal!
So, let’s start with a little history lesson. Don’t worry though - we’ll keep it short! 😉
The History of Fraunces Tavern
Located at 54 Pearl Street Fraunces Tavern is one of New York City’s oldest and most historic buildings. First built in 1719 and later taken over by Samuel Fraunces in 1762, this place has been everything from a private home to a revolutionary meeting spot. It was a key gathering place for the Sons of Liberty (a patriot organization founded and operated in secrecy, that was established to undermine British rule in colonial America and was influential in organizing and carrying out the Boston Tea Party) and played host to some major moments in early American history. Probably the most historical moment being George Washington’s emotional goodbye to his officers in Fraunces Tavern’s Long Room on December 4, 1783 at the end of the Revolutionary War - yes, that George Washington! Chances are he was standing right where the bar is now. Over the centuries, Fraunces Tavern survived fires, facelifts, and even a bombing in 1975, but somehow, it’s still standing strong - and still serving up history with a side of steak and ale.
The Bissell Room with a mural depicting the New York harbor area of 1717
Restaurant and Bar: Cheers to 300 Years
Let’s get to the good stuff: The food and drinks. The restaurant side of Fraunces Tavern serves up hearty, colonial-inspired American fare - think beef stew, roasted chicken, and lobster mac & cheese. The bar is equally iconic, with over 200 whiskeys on offer and cocktails that channel a little 18th-century mischief. The space has cozy wood-paneled rooms, old fireplaces, and vintage details that make it easy to imagine George Washington himself stopping in for a drink. Whether you're here for brunch, a cozy dinner, or just a pint of something strong and satisfying, it's the kind of place that feels like a hug from history.
Florian and I made a reservation at Fraunces Tavern for Thanksgiving Dinner and it was just fantastic! It came in a three-course prix fixe menu and left us nothing but happy and satisfied. Let's have a look at what we got:
Appetizer: Pan Fried Crab Cake (Florian) / Roasted Beet & Burrata Salad (Tanin)
Main Course: Traditional Oven-Roasted Turkey Dinner (Florian) / Pan Seared Branzino & Fall Harvest Risotto (Tanin)
Dessert: Date & Caramel Sticky Toffee Pudding / Harvest Pumpkin Pie (Shared both)
Everything was amazing but the highlight was the traditional turkey dinner, even though I did enjoy my fish a lot I could not resist stealing some bites from Florian’s plate. 😀
And this all came for $99 pp. drinks excluded. Pretty good for the oldest restaurant in NYC don't you think? 😉
We also had brunch at Fraunces Tavern on another day and let us assure you that the à la carte menu offers a lot of tasty options, too! Florian enjoyed Steak & Fries while I had a nice and super delicious fried salmon in a burger.
Next to the food also the ambiance is exceptionally gorgeous! It’s a perfect mixture of vintage interior and modern comfort. You can even find an giant depiction of old New York harbor area in 1717!
The bar is a standout, especially if you're into whiskey or craft beer, with a huge selection that includes plenty of local favorites. Whether you're grabbing a casual drink at the bar or sitting down for a full meal, the whole place has a warm, inviting vibe. It's not just a restaurant - it’s a chance to enjoy great food and drinks in one of the city’s most historic spots.
Here are our ratings for the restaurant:
Florian’s Rating:
Ambiance: 👟👟👟👟👟
Food: 👟👟👟👟
Value: 👟👟👟👟
Service: 👟👟👟👟
Overall: 👟👟👟👟
Tanin’s Rating:
Ambiance: 👠👠👠👠👠
Food: 👠👠👠👠👠
Value: 👠👠👠👠
Service: 👠👠👠👠
Overall: 👠👠👠👠👠
The Museum at Fraunces Tavern
Upstairs, things get even more fascinating. That is where you will find the Fraunces Tavern Museum, featuring nine galleries packed with artifacts and stories you probably didn’t learn in school. You can stand in the very room where George Washington gave his tearful farewell to his officers, explore exhibits on the Sons of Liberty and early American politics, and see actual artifacts from the Revolutionary War like muskets, letters, and portraits that watched history unfold in real time. There are also rotating exhibits, so you’ll always have something new to discover, things like spy tools, personal diaries, or colonial fashion. 🙂
It’s compact, but rich in storytelling, and super walkable even if you’re not a “museum person”. Plus, there’s something weirdly thrilling about walking through creaky wooden halls that literally helped launch a country. It’s one of those NYC secrets that feels both under-the-radar and totally essential.
The Long Room in Fraunces Tavern Museum
Keep in mind you have to pay an entrance fee of $10 for the museum. But if you ask us, it’s totally worth it! To make the most out of it you can come on a weekend. On Saturdays at 1pm and Sundays at 2pm they offer guided museum tours which are FREE to the public (once you paid admission). You're welcome! 🙂
Pumps or Sneakers?
Even though this place is full of historic charm, it still has an elegant flair. That means you can easily dress up without feeling out of place. George Washington would definitely approve! So get your pumps ready and give Fraunces Tavern a try - you will thank us later!
