Fraunces Tavern
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Here stood Fraunces Tavern, established by Samuel Fraunces after moving from New York where he had operated a famous tavern. He served as George Washington's chief cook, 1790-94, while the President lived in Philadelphia.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
On this spot stood a tavern kept by Samuel Fraunces, who had run a celebrated establishment in New York before following the new federal government to Philadelphia. From 1790 to 1794, while Philadelphia served as the nation's capital, Fraunces worked as George Washington's chief cook in the presidential household. His tavern and his kitchen placed him at the center of the young republic's political and social life.
Why it matters
It connects everyday hospitality to the founding era, when Philadelphia was the seat of national government and figures like Fraunces helped sustain the household of the first president.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Merchants' Exchange Buildingnearby · 143 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Living History Center0.1 mi away
- Powel House0.1 mi away · 244 South 3rd Street
- Museum of the American Revolution0.1 mi away · 101 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- New Hall Military Museum0.2 mi away · Philadelphia
- Science History Institute0.2 mi away · 315 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- City Tavernnearby · 138 South 2nd Street
- First Bank of the United States0.1 mi away · 120 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Carpenters' Hall0.2 mi away · 320 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Second Bank of the United States0.2 mi away · 420 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Becuna0.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
- USS Olympia0.3 mi away · South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Food & drink
- FRIEDA0.1 mi away · 320 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Olivier Cafe0.2 mi away · 50 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Buddakan0.2 mi away · 325 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- National Mechanics0.2 mi away · 22 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia
- Menagerie Coffee0.2 mi away · 18 South 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Franklin Social0.2 mi away · 401 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- Philadelphia Marriott Old Citynearby · 1 Dock Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Thomas Bond Housenearby · 129 South 2nd Street, Philadelphia
- Apple Hostels Philadelphia0.2 mi away · 32 South Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Best Western Plus Independence Park Hotel0.2 mi away · 237 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Apple Hostels0.2 mi away · 33 Bank Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing0.2 mi away · 201 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Samuel Fraunces
- · George Washington
Themes & tags
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