NYC — Spring 2016: Fraunces Tavern

Looking for a nice place to eat that also happens to be a historical landmark and museum? Look no further than Fraunces Tavern.

Gotham's Palate
Fraunces Tavern is New York City's oldest building that served as a headquarters for George Washington. So, naturally, they've turned it into a museum (with nine galleries) that also houses a restaurant and a bar that is known for its whiskeys (it is apart of the American Whiskey Trail). I'm sure it operates as a popular watering hole for Wall Streeters after work Monday through Friday, but on Saturday and Sunday, you'll find that it's actually a very tranquil place to eat. When we got there late Sunday morning, the restaurant was surprisingly quiet, most likely due to its location (not many people go to the Financial District for brunch, choosing to go to trendier, more modern places further uptown). After the crazy busy restaurants we had frequented during this trip (with upwards of one-hour wait times!), the quietness was more than welcome. I ordered the Gotham's Palate, a variation of the classic cream cheese and lox combination, with pickled onions, horseradish cream, and seaweed salad on top of pumpernickel toast. Despite it being listed under "Main Courses," I recommend this more as an appetizer to share, because despite it being fresh and tasty, it's not exactly filling. My dad and my brother ordered the fish and chips, which were perfect — the fish was super-tender and flaky, and the beer batter was light and crispy — and leads me to believe that they specialize more in classic pub fare (reviews also rave about the pot pie and burgers). Either way, it's the perfect place to relax and unwind — a time-out from the New York City hustle and bustle — and maybe take in some history, too.

Fraunces Tavern 54 Pearl Street New York, NY 10004 (212) 968-1776