Wednesday Pub Night #114 - 8:00pm at Fraunce's Tavern

Back to the Pub Night home page

Good afternoon all,

Congratulations to the French World Cup team and Happy Bastille Day. Rather than find a cute little French bistro for PubNight, we'll be heading to a true American bar (let's see those French play baseball). It's time to head downtown (and I really mean downtown). The feeling is that the food here is not really worth it, so eat up before you get there and leave room for beers. There's a map on the pubnight page, if you get lost. We'll be there at 8:00.

"While not quite historical fact, it is extremely likely that George Washington tied a few on at this 1719 reconstructed colonial residence/tavern/former headquarters (in 1789) of the Department of Defense. It has been operated as a museum of American history and culture since 1907. Second floor period rooms &emdash; namely the Clinton Dining Room and Long Room &emdash; are chock-full of early Americana. The overall effect falls somewhere between clutter and charm.

The third floor Mesick and Loeb Galleries offer humble, though inspired, shows on the Colonial theme. There is also the third floor Flag Gallery, a best bet for early-flag enthusiasts.

It may be under the same roof as the Fraunces Tavern Museum, but Fraunces Tavern Restaurant is operated as an entirely separate business. The result? Instead of the usual coffee-and-sandwich afterthought found at most museums, the Tavern boasts a 17th-century, oak-paneled dining room/bar that serves a gourmet all-American menu. Highlights include a clam chowder made according to a recipe from 1789, and an entree of Maryland crab cakes ($21.95). Lunch and dinner are served under the watchful eye of the first president, whose portrait hangs on the wall. The menu changes daily and according to season."

See you tonight,

- stuart