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City Tavern Reviews List
City Tavern
Once called "the most genteel tavern in America" by John Adams and the first unofficial "White House," Chef Walter Staib's City Tavern has boasted the finest celebrations since 1773. With over 230 years of hospitality, City Tavern has been the centerpiece of affairs now immortalized in history. An evening at City Tavern is certain to be remembered. Just imagine sampling specialties, such as pepperpot soup, colonial turkey pot pie, roast duckling, Thomas Jefferson's sweet potato biscuits paired with ales the ales of the revolution made from George Washington & Benjamin Franklin's recipes -- all served by costumed wait staff.
Watch an episode of A Taste of History on PBS, our Chef Proprietor Walter Staib will give you glimpse of what we do here at City Tavern.
See more City Tavern details
Watch an episode of A Taste of History on PBS, our Chef Proprietor Walter Staib will give you glimpse of what we do here at City Tavern.
137 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 137 reviews
5 stars
(39)
4 stars
(59)
3 stars
(29)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(54)
- fit for foodies(46)
- neighborhood gem(37)
- good for groups(32)
- romantic(31)
- kid-friendly(24)
City Tavern Reviews List
Review 1 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun historic site w/ period menu.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"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."
to anyone wanting to experience some Old City history."
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 2 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good, fun, but pricey
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Took my Mom who was visiting from CA. Fun and historic but pricey, not really a place anyone would frequent. Food was great, the restaurant was nearly empty, service was terrific. If they lowered prices a bit they might get some locals to come back!"
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 3 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Enjoyable lunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our 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."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 4 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Turkey Pot Pie was great when we visited years ago; not so now, as it was soupy and the turkey pieces, even in the broth, were tough. Venison medallions were veiny. Children's chicken dry, noodles dry with no sauce or butter or anything. Beer sampler was nice. Historic ambiance was excellent. Food server was outstanding: she was knowledgeable of the history of the site, very attentive, pleasant, engaging, professional."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 5 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very Pleasant Experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Had dinner for six to celebrate Mother's Day the night before. Overall, a very nice evening. Colonial style breads were tasty and the smoked pork chop, crabcakes and turkey pot pie were excellent. Out waitress also provided us with interesting bits of history and a great sense of humor."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 6 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Awful Tourist Trap
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Bar drinks were awful. Service was slow. Never had such a bad Old Fashioned. Prices were outrageous for such small poorly made cocktails.
I had asked for quiet in the special requests section of the reservation, so the first table we were taken to was right in front of the door to the kitchen. Obviously, we refused to sit there. Food was soggy, not hot. Salad had barely enough dressing to find a trace. The noise level was painful. Then there was some reenactor performing in the next room with a screaming voice that went on and on Painful. Could hardly wit to get out of there.
Morris"
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 7 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"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!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
support history...get a steak
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great 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."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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Review 9 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Historical Building
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The reason we eat hear was the historical significant of the building and being the oldest Tavern in the US -- the food was average and decently priced for a tourists location.
We will go back just for the Corn Meal Fried Oysters....................."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 10 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding Service and Good Food
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The 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."
Dined on 4/07/2013
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 11 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
As a couple in Philadelphia
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As 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."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
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Review 12 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Philadelphia City Tavern April 2013
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was served hot, quickly and with an appealing appearance. Taste of both meals was excellent. Quality was very good. Great choices on the menu, very much comfort type food. The Tavern itself, built as a replica provides a nice ambiance of an old colonial building, although it does appear to be in need of some maintenance. The service was prompt and efficient, but that is all I can say about it. We were not overwhelmed by the service, it was not bad, just not great. Overall, I rate the experience as good!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 13 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our party of seven enjoyed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Our party of seven enjoyed the colonial atmosphere and the food was very good and the service outstanding. We will visit again."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Review 14 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Get the crab cake appetizer!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very large portions. The crab cake appetizer was awesome - one of the best I've ever had. The beef medallions were also very good."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
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Review 15 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
well let me say just this
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"well 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!!!!!!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 16 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wonderful food. Apple Cobbler
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful food. Apple Cobbler for dessert was great. Enjoyed the historic restaurant."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 17 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The ambiance is in the motif
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The 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."
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 18 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
took a friends from our of
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"took a friends from our of town - this used to be a great place for dinner, not very touristy. It has changed - they act as if they are never going to see you again and in our case they were correct."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2008
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Review 19 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Romantic old world candlelight
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Romantic old world candlelight dining in period. Lean beef medallions cooked to perfection, Smoked pork chop perfectly paired with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.Unfortunately,we received less than professional service but overall an OK dining experience that is recommended."
Dined on 04/02/2013
2013
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Review 20 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We drove down from New York
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We drove down from New York for a special birthday lunch for my 82 year old mother. We arrived at 1:20, and the young greeter informed us "that there was a party upstairs lingering, and it might be awhile yet". Someone else came to tell him our table was ready, and when we got upstairs, there were three tables occupied. Why he chose to greet us in such a rude and obnoxious manner is beyond our comprehension. The server we had is obviously still new - she brought our dessert before clearing our plates, but at least she was pleasant. All in all, a good experience, but first impressions are the lasting ones."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2004
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Review 21 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I wouldn't bother
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I guess if you're looking for history this place is OK, but in reality it's only fit for tourists. The service was good, but the food was just alright. The menu has to be limited since the dishes are supposed to be authentic colonial. There really isn't a bar. It's just a room full of chairs near where a person is fixing drinks in his own separate little room (weird). Bottom line, if you enjoy any of the hundreds of great restaurants Philly has to offer then you don't need to go to this one."
Dined on 03/26/2013
2006
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 22 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
City Tavern is a theme restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"City Tavern is a theme restaurant and has excellent colonial style food. Pepperpot soup was recommended and was terrific. I had the salmon which was quite good and served with a ton of mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables - all hot and flavorful. My wife had the duck, which was a little fry. Ample portions however, and our request for more bread was handled quickly - and a comment about the bread. Colonial style white, wheat and nice squash/cranberry buns. City Tavern has a nice beer menu, and the Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin specialties were interesting. Restaurant was quiet, and a good place for families. Clear that this is frequented by people who want a different dining experience as well as tourists."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 23 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fit for a historic experience
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My 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."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 24 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Historic meal
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This 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 Fathers"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 25 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A little 'touristy' but very enjoyable. Crab cakes were outstanding."
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 26 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Mom is a history buff, so
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Mom is a history buff, so this is a natural fit! The food is very good, but much of it is very heavy. Staff is dressed in historic costume which adds to the ambiance."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 27 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great fun eating in a room
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great 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."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2008
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Review 28 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My third time to dine at City
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"My third time to dine at City
Tavern.
As always everything was perfect."
Tavern.
As always everything was perfect."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 29 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wow! I've lived in Philly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Wow! I've lived in Philly for years and eaten great food in this city, but never got the opportunity to visit the City Tavern. Well, the stars aligned and I made it. Holy moly, I was wowed by the food. The breads beforehand are great, but the Lobster Pot Pie was one of the best dishes I've EVER had in Philadelphia. At $42 (market price), it was a wallet buster, but it's a hefty portion and ultimately satisfying. And it went down well with my Yard's Thomas Jefferson ale, the best beer in the world brewed just down the street by the best brewery in the world. Don't avoid City Tavern because it's cliche or touristy, go and appreciate that it's a Philly original, an important piece of American history, and a delicious menu."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 30 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As locals in Philly, we expected
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As locals in Philly, we expected a tourist trap with decent but overpriced food and were going just because we had never been. We were completely surprised to learn that City Tavern was a legit restaurant with outstanding food and great history and ambiance. Inside you felt like you were dining in an earlier time period, and the candlelight at each table really added to not only the theme but the romance. The food was delicious, the wine and beer list impressive. Our server was very educated on the time period and about the original City Tavern. We actually learned a lot while dining there, and even sat in General Washington's favorite seat. I highly recommend for locals and for tourists, as it is unlike any other dining experience."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 31 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
City Tavern continues to offer
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"City Tavern continues to offer excellent cuisine, interesting dishes with a real connection to Colonial America. The wait staff is energetic and fun. We love to take friends who've never visited Philadelphia's historic district to dinner at City Tavern. Lobster pie, turkey pot pie and the braised rabbit were all delicious dinners when we were there recently.
A brief wait in the parlor, if necessary, takes you delightfully back to the days of wooden benches, gas lights and candles, lovely simplicity."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, romantic
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Review 32 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
City Tavern is a bit touristy
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"City Tavern is a bit touristy with all the staff dressed in Colonial garb, but the food was excellent and the service was top notch. The daily special includes a glass of wine, beer or soda which was a nice surprise. Our server was knowledgeable about the all the food and drinks and was attentive without hovering. Our water glasses were always full and empty plates were cleared promptly. It was a fun place to dine and we will certainly return."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 33 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service a real problem
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A perfect spot for kids learning about Colonial America. The problem is the service. Really not acceptable. Our waitress forgot ALL requests - more butter, drinks, refills, bread, it was bad. The meal took 45 minutes to get to the table, so plan accordingly if you are site seeing."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2010
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Review 34 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food and service were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food and service were excellent. The server was very knowledgable about the food preparation and authenticity of the dishes served. The only negative was the noise level, but that was because the table next to us was very loud.. actually pretty rude. But no fault of the restaurant. I will go back for sure!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 35 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A "must-visit" place for historians
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A "must-visit" place for historians."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 36 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Relive History
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I brought 3 Florida visitors to the Phila Flower Show here for a Taste of History, the name of Chef Walter Staib's beautiful book. They absolutely loved it, having not been to Philadelphia since they were in grade school. It is relaxed, charming and unique."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 37 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The food was good at this
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was good at this historic restaurant but our service was poor.....we felt very unattended to....and that certainly affects my enjoyment.
I liked the pepper pot soup a lot."
Dined on 02/27/2013
2007
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Review 38 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Always great. However, our
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Always great. However, our waitress had to be reminded of our requests multiple times which took the overall score down from a 5/5."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 39 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A taste of history
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A delightful surprise, food was better than expected, loved the turkey pot pie, duckling, and Martha Washington's Chocolate Mousse Cake. Period wait staff was a plus, our waiter with an Egyptian accent and aloof attitude kind of took some of the fun out of the evening. The 4 ale sampler was fun, and I had a second round of the wheat beer. Very convenient to all of the historical sights, I would go again for the food and the reasonable prices."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 40 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Eating at City Tavern was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Eating at City Tavern was a lovely experience. The decor, staff and food all followed an 18th century motif. Eating by candle light is always a lovely experience. I recommend this as a must see for any people visiting Philadelphia as well as for any locals that have yet to discover it."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
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Review 41 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
City Tavern is in the heart
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"City Tavern is in the heart of Olde City Philadelphia and an institution. Staff is in traditional garb from Washington's time with many libations and entrees from that time. The staff is versed in the restaurant and areas history and informs you of it. They accommodate from 2 diners to large groups and is reminiscent of Washington's era. When the weather permits, they also have outside dining which is very enjoyable. The one drawback is it isn't particularly handicapped accessible."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 42 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We've been impressed with
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We've been impressed with the food every time we've dined at City Tavern and enjoy the fact that the menu is based upon 18th century American cuisine. We take all of our out-of-town visitors there the first evening they are in Philadelphia. It's just a great place to start someone's stay, especially if they've never been to Philly, before. The ambiance is lovely, warm and welcoming, and the service has been consistently excellent. We love the cornmeal fried oysters and lobster pot pie, among many other dishes. We would highly recommend City Tavern."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 43 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Terrible all around except
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Terrible all around except they tolerated all the screaming kids, including ours, and they were very accomodating to a couple of shedule changes. The food was terrible - wilted lettuce with 3 sad looking shrimp and a sprinkle of crab meat, turkey soup tasted like it was right out of a can, fried oysters soggy and tasteless. Would never go back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 44 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fun place for tourists after
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Fun place for tourists after seeing the Liberty Bell. We went with friends and middle school kids. Had a very nice time and the food was good."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2010
Special Features: kid-friendly, special occasion
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Review 45 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
colonial times come alive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A 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."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 46 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Eat where George Washington
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Eat where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson ate. Great experience. Food wasn't bad either."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2010
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 47 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was excellent. Music
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was excellent. Music was a man playing the harp. Nice touch. Only problem was the seating. Sat in the basement by ourselves in a corner. Nothing to see or look at. Idk,.very strange if you ask me. There were tables open in the rooms upstairs where other people . I would go back but certainly request to stay above ground level, little warmer."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 48 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Unique ambiance, average food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It is a unique place but the food is pretty average for the price,
The 1776 garb and the antiques are a nice touch, but I'd rather have better food and less ambiance."
Dined on 02/05/2013
2005
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Review 49 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Everyone should experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Everyone should experience this historic location plus the fabulous food, excellent."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2009
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Review 50 for City Tavern
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I feel like I'm back in the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I feel like I'm back in the 1700's. The smoked pork-chops were a hit!"
Dined on 01/29/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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