Fraunces Tavern.

This one of those New York moments that makes you fall in love with the city all over again.

Fraunces Tavern is one of New York City’s oldest bars and was a favorite hangout spot for the Sons of Liberty. General George Washington visited the tavern several times, including nine days after Evacuation Day (when the last British soldier left New York) to bid farewell to his senior officers. Hamilton was known to frequent the tavern before, during, and after the war.

Here’s where it gets interesting for Hamilton fans. The Society of Cincinnati (a society of Revolutionary War generals and their descendants) met at the tavern on July 4, 1804. Interestingly, both Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton attended the event at Fraunces Tavern a mere week before their infamous duel.

While visiting, pop into the museum on the second floor for a peak at the room where Washington gave his farewell address ($10). When you’re done, head downstairs for a dram (or beer) at one of the most historic Hamilton sites in NYC, which happens to be a top-notch whisky bar.

Fraunces Tavern has an interesting claim to fame. In operation since 1762, this where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his troops in 1783 after the Revolutionary War, shortly before assuming the office of President.

The pub was also frequented by the likes of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr (who both attended an event at the tavern a week before their infamous duel. Needless to say, enjoying a pint (or cocktail) at the most historic bar in the Financial District is a must-do while exploring the neighborhood, if not for the history alone.)

As one of the oldest restaurants in NYC, it’s surprising that locals frequent this place more than visitors. There’s a small museum upstairs ($10) depicting the room where Washington gave his farewell speech, it’s pretty cool to check out.

Good to knowMy husband is a whiskey enthusiast. Having visited most of the city’s top watering holes, he bills Fraunces Tavern one of the best Scotch whisky bars in New York City.

Fraunces Tavern has an interesting claim to fame. In operation since 1762, this where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his troops in 1783 after the Revolutionary War, shortly before assuming the office of President.

The pub was also frequented by the likes of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr (who both attended an event at the tavern a week before their infamous duel). Needless to say, enjoying a pint (or cocktail) at the most historic bar in the Financial District is a must-do while exploring the neighborhood, if not for the history alone.

As one of the oldest restaurants in NYC, it’s surprising that locals frequent this place more than visitors. There’s a small museum upstairs ($10) depicting the room where Washington gave his farewell speech, it’s pretty cool to check out.

Good to knowMy husband is a whiskey enthusiast. Having visited most of the city’s top watering holes, he bills Fraunces Tavern one of the best Scotch whisky bars in New York City.

Fraunces Tavern has been in operation since 1762, effectively making this one of the oldest (but not the oldest) bars in New York City.

This famous New York City bar holds historical significance that can’t be beat, it hosted George Washington several occasions. Most notable when Washington came here to bid his troops an emotional farewell after the Revolutionary War victory in 1783.

Washington invited soldiers from the Continental Army to join his in the Long Room at Fraunces Tavern and a surviving account of the parting is well documented by Benjamin Tallmadge, who was present.

Whenever I visit this great NYC bar I’m always surprised by the lack of tourists. This seems more like a local joint, which never ceases to amaze me considering the history behind it. Make sure to visit the museum located upstairs, which history buffs are sure to appreciate. It’s home to fascinating relics and they even recreated the way the room would have looked when Washington bid farewell to his troops.

Fraunces Tavern dates back to 1762, making it the oldest restaurant in New York City. It’s famous for being the place where the Sons of Liberty Secret Society met during colonial days. This also where negotiations were made for British surrender.

After the end of the Revolutionary War, Fraunces Tavern hosted a victory feast, where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his commanding officers. Needless to say, enjoying a pint (or cocktail) at Fraunces Tavern is one of the best things to do in the Financial District, if not for the history alone.

As one of the oldest restaurants in NYC, it’s surprising that locals frequent this place more than visitors. There’s a small museum upstairs with interesting relics and a staged setting to show how the room would have looked when Washington gave his troops the farewell speech, it’s pretty cool to check out.

Sipping a dram at Fraunces Tavern one imagines the kinds of conversations General Washingtonce had with young Alexander Hamilton in perhaps the very same spot over some foul ale of the time.

The vibes are very old world which makes sense given that Fraunces is the oldest bar in New York City. How old you might wonder? Built in 1719, Fraunces Tavern is now over 300 years old, older than America itself by a solid 57 years (cheers to that).

But these ruminations can only be temporary at such an epic NYC whisky bar where the mind focuses mainly on the vast selection of single malt scotch whiskies available at one’s fingertips. My most recent order was an elusive Ardbeg Ardcore for $28.

While they don’t allow single ounce pours here, the bartenders are affable and there’s often live music to enjoy whilst you imbibe.

Fraunces Tavern dates back to 1762, making it the oldest restaurant in New York City. It’s famous for being the place where the Sons of Liberty Secret Society met during colonial days. This also where negotiations were made for British surrender.

After the end of the Revolutionary War, Fraunces Tavern hosted a victory feast, which is where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his commanding officers. Needless to say, enjoying a pint (or cocktail) at Fraunces Tavern is one of the coolest it, if not for the history alone.

Fraunces is the only place I’m aware of that’s still around where you can go and say you’ve enjoyed a pint at the same tavern as Washington himself.

Fraunces Tavern makes an appearance on our list of the 20 Best Scotch Whisky Bars in New York City.

Fraunces Tavern holds historical significance that can’t be beat. In operation since 1762, this where George Washington bid an emotional farewell to his troops in 1783 after the Revolutionary War, shortly before assuming the office of President.

The pub was also frequented by the likes of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr (who both attended an event at the tavern a week before their infamous duel). As one of the most iconic restaurants in NYC, it’s surprising that locals frequent this place more than visitors.

There’s a small museum upstairs ($10) depicting the room where Washington gave his farewell speech, it’s pretty cool to check out. Visiting Fraunces Tavern is always on my list of the best things to do in the Financial District for first time visitors.

Fraunces Tavern has been in operation since 1762, effectively making this one of the oldest (but not the oldest) bars in New York City. The iconic watering hole holds historical significance that can’t be beat, even hosting George Washington several occasions.

Needless to say, Fraunces Tavern is the ideal Thanksgiving dinner restaurant in NYC for history buffs. In 2023 dinner consisted of three courses that ran $95 per person. The main courses included traditional turkey, filet mignon, pan seared branzino and pesto pappardelle.