How You Can’t Get Better Than A Historic Meal In Philadelphia.

Even a January Blizzard didn’t prevent Restaurant Week in Philadelphia. And although the culmination of another year of Philadelphia culinary perfection is in sight— you can in fact still enjoy a historic meal anytime.

Started in 2003 by Philadelphia’s Center City District — it’s culinary delight for the taste buds with dishes from some of the best eateries in our City. And being the oldest, planned metropolis in North America — while all of these historic firsts were transpiring between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers — the Founding Father’s needed a good meal.

Just over 250 years ago — Colonel George Washington arrived in Philadelphia after a long journey from Mount Vernon to attend the Second Continental Congress. When he arrives in the City — he dines at Philadelphia’s City Tavern.

The City Tavern opened in 1773 — and even played unofficial host to the First Continental Congress. It was also the place of the first celebration of the Declaration of Independence. The City Tavern was also damaged in a fire in 1834 and the building was demolished in 1854. It was reconstructed in 1976 for the Bicentennial of America. The new location would operate until it closed during the pandemic in November of 2020.

Photo Courtesy of Wiki Commons

By the time that William Penn arrived in what would become his Philadelphia in 1682 — the Blue Anchor Tavern was already under construction. One of the first places that Penn visited — the tavern between Dock Street and Front Street would also become extremely significant in Philadelphia history. It served as an exchange for grain in the city, an inn, and even a postal office. The original building was demolished in 1828 with the other structure on the site being torn down before the Great Depression.

Like W.C. Fields once did — visitors to Center City can also still visit Philadelphia’s oldest, continuously operating Tavern to this Day. McGillian’s Old Ale House has survived in Philadelphia even before the Civil War. Originally started as the Bell in Hand Tavern — McGillian’s has been serving alcohol in Philadelphia since 1860. Opened by Catherine and William McGillian — the Tavern even served cheesesteaks, invented right here in Philly in the 1930s and has been the site of such events in Philadelphia as the end of the Civil War, Cinco De Mayo, a Phillies World Series victory, and Pearl Harbor Day in 1941. McGillian’s still has every liquor license hanging on it’s walls since 1871.

Enthusiasts can also see Philadelphia’s oldest surviving Tavern — A Man Full of Trouble — which is in Philadelphia’s Society Hill Section and has operated since 1759. Originally constructed at the shores of Philadelphia’s Little Dock Creek — it served as a frequented spot for those who worked the docks and sailors alike. Originally owned by Michael Sisk — the destination also offered food and lodging. It has been closed to the public since 1996.

Good news, Philadelphia. It’s not necessary to be as famous as George Washington, William Penn or W.C. (Fields) to enjoy a satisfying meal in our City. Whether it’s during Restaurant Week or anytime you feel like having a satisfying meal — you’ll get that same great, historic feel. One along with a great Philadelphia dining experience.

Michael Thomas Leibrandt lives and works in Abington Township, PA.