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Fraunces Tavern
Founded in 1762
New York
Around 1762, an innkeeper named Sam Fraunces bought a three-story brick mansion in what is now Manhattan's Financial District and turned it into a tavern. Popular among local revolutionaries, including the Sons of Liberty, the watering hole became their de facto town hall. Even George Washington frequented Fraunces Tavern, becoming friends with Fraunces and making his farewell address to his officers there in 1783. Today, the restaurant, which also served as the meeting place for the city's first chamber of commerce, continues to serve lunch and dinner.
