Fraunces Tavern is a working bar and restaurant with a museum on Pearl Street in Lower Manhattan. The tavern opened in 1762 in a building dating to 1719, and George Washington said farewell to his officers here in 1783. Explore the museum galleries on the upper floors, then settle into one of the tavern’s rooms for American comfort food. Mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, oysters and fish and chips are among the choices; there is also a piano bar upstairs and live music at times.
A tavern in a building dating to 1719
The building at Pearl and Broad streets was built in 1719 as a private residence for the De Lancey family. Samuel Fraunces bought the property and opened a tavern there in 1762. The tavern became a gathering place during the American Revolution, and George Washington visited it on several occasions.
In 1783, after the British evacuation of New York, Washington met his officers at Fraunces Tavern to bid them farewell. The Long Room is associated with that gathering. The building’s history also includes use as a residence, hotel and tavern, before its upper floors became museum galleries in the early 20th century.
What to see in the museum
The Fraunces Tavern Museum occupies the second and third floors. Its galleries present artifacts and exhibits connected with the Revolutionary era and the history of the building. The Long Room is a key stop for visitors interested in Washington’s farewell to his officers. Small signs and historical details around the tavern add context even if you are not visiting the galleries.
The museum has an adult admission price of $10 in the supplied visit information. Check the museum’s website for current details before planning around the ticket price.
Food and rooms in the tavern
The restaurant serves American tavern food, with dishes including chicken pot pie, oysters, fish and chips, and mac and cheese. The lobster and shrimp mac and cheese is another menu choice. The broader menu also includes a Scotch egg, pretzel, chicken wings and charcuterie. Options and dishes can change, so check the current menu when you visit.
Different rooms give the meal a different feel. The downstairs area is more pub-like, while an upstairs lounge houses the piano bar. Beer, wine and cocktails are available, and live music is part of the tavern’s entertainment at times. You can make the visit a meal, a drink stop, or a combination of dining and museum time.
Planning your visit
Fraunces Tavern is at 54 Pearl Street in the Financial District. Weekend evenings can be busy; reservations are recommended for those visits. A weekday or early afternoon is a better fit if you would prefer a quieter meal. If you want to see the museum too, leave room in your plans to visit the second and third floors before or after eating.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Fraunces Tavern?
It is at 54 Pearl Street in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District.
Is there a museum at Fraunces Tavern?
Yes. The museum galleries are on the second and third floors and cover the building and Revolutionary-era history.
How much is museum admission?
The supplied visit information lists adult admission at $10. Check the museum website for current ticket details.
What should I order at Fraunces Tavern?
Menu items include chicken pot pie, oysters, fish and chips, mac and cheese, lobster and shrimp mac and cheese, and Scotch egg.
