Imagine walking into a bar that’s older than the United States, with candle-lit corners and walls that have been hearing secrets since before the Revolutionary War.
This place has served soldiers, spies, and even a founding father or two, and it’s still here pouring pints just like it has for centuries.
If you think history is boring, think again, because this spot proves the past can be loud, fun, and full of surprises.
Curious? You should be, because we’re about to check out the oldest bar in New York that’s managed to keep going for more than 250 years.
Where Is It?
Fraunces Tavern is located at 54 Pearl Street in Lower Manhattan, right in the heart of New York City’s Financial District.
It’s just a 3-minute walk from the Whitehall Street subway station (R and W trains) and also close to Bowling Green (4 and 5 trains) and Broad Street (J and Z trains).
If you’re coming from Midtown, catch an express train and you’ll be sipping a pint of history in no time.
About
Fraunces Tavern feels like a full-on time machine with beer on tap.
Located in one of the oldest surviving buildings in Manhattan, this spot is part colonial-era pub, part museum, and all kinds of awesome.
You can walk in for a drink and suddenly find yourself surrounded by wooden floors, low-beamed ceilings, and old-school charm that hasn’t changed in centuries.
And today, it’s best known for pouring pints where George Washington once gave a farewell speech and serving hearty food that always wins people over.
It’s got a full restaurant and bar on the ground floor with classics like fish and chips, chicken pot pie, or a solid burger, along with a stacked whiskey list.
Pretty much everyone comes here, you’ll see tourists, history nerds, locals, and office workers grabbing after-hours drink.
Upstairs, you’ll find the Fraunces Tavern Museum with nine galleries filled with Revolutionary War artifacts, portraits, and beautifully restored rooms.
You don’t have to visit the museum to enjoy the tavern, but it’s worth checking out if you’re even a little curious about American history.
History
Fraunces Tavern opened in 1762, when West Indian–born innkeeper Samuel Fraunces turned the 1719-built house into a major meeting spot in colonial New York.
Back then, it wasn’t just a place to grab a drink because it was a hub for revolutionaries, rebels, and the whispered conversations that helped spark a new country.
One of the things it’s best known for is that George Washington gave his emotional farewell to his officers here on December 4, 1783, after the British left New York.
That moment actually happened in the Long Room upstairs (yes, you can still visit it), which has been recreated to its 18th-century glory.
Throughout the 18th and early 19th centuries, the tavern served many different roles.
It was used as office space for the Confederation Congress, a boarding house, a warehouse, and at one point even a dance hall.
The building also went through multiple renovations and reconstructions over the years, including a major restoration in 1906 by the Sons of the Revolution.
Not every part of the current structure is original because some sections were rebuilt or reimagined, but much of the building still reflects its early history.
The museum opened in 1907 as a result of that effort, and since then, it’s been a one-stop shop for Revolutionary War buffs and anyone curious about NYC’s roots.
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays after lunch are your sweet spot because it’s quieter than the lunch rush and less packed than happy hour.
If you want to explore the museum without crowds, mid-afternoon is your best bet.
Opening Hours
The restaurant and bar area is usually open from 11:30 AM to 12 AM, and sometimes a bit later on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The museum is open daily from noon to 5 PM, but it’s a good idea to double-check their website before you go, as hours can change for holidays or private events.
Tickets and Pricing
The tavern itself is free to enter if you’re just going for food or drinks.
The museum charges $10 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors, and kids, and it’s absolutely worth it if you’re into Revolutionary War history.
Other Tips
- The dress code is casual, but the place has a classy pub feel, so you might want to skip the gym clothes.
- If you want to sit in the more historic part of the tavern (especially the bar area), ask when you check in because they don’t always seat you there automatically.
- Happy hour deals usually kick in during the early evening, so timing your visit can save you a few bucks.
Things to Do Nearby
Once you’ve soaked up the colonial vibes, you’re surrounded by more NYC icons.
Battery Park (The Battery) is just a five-minute walk with great harbor views and ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Then there’s Stone Street, a cobblestone alley packed with outdoor dining and historic beauty.
You can also reach Wall Street and the New York Stock Exchange in under 10 minutes, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is about a 15-minute walk if you want more history.
Basically, Fraunces Tavern is easy to get to, packed with cool things to see, and surrounded by more historic spots than you can shake a tricorne hat at.
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