Private Dining at Fraunces Tavern

This permanent exhibition portrays one of Fraunces Tavern’s private dining rooms in the late 18th century. New York had quickly become a cosmopolitan, global port city by the 18th century where travel and trade routes brought new ingredients and ways of cooking and presenting them. And while other taverns were providing average communal fare, Samuel Fraunces was making culinary history. Fraunces was one of the first to offer delicious food, at any time of day, in an elegant setting with individual table service. His cooking and reputation in the City brought government officials and prominent members of society (including many of the country’s Founding Fathers), as well as private clubs and companies to the Tavern to meet and entertain away from the Tavern’s public rooms.

SEE THE EXHIBITION: Included in regular admission price. Become a Museum Member and visit this exhibition for free!

EXPLORE OUR COLONIAL CULINARY RESEARCH DATABASE: This database includes a collection of research relating to 18th century culinary practices.

EXPLORE OUR COLONIAL COOKBOOK DATABASE: This database includes a collection of 18th century cookbooks that played an important role in the growth of foodways.

EXPLORE OUR TOOLS OF THE TAVERN DIGITAL COLLECTION: This collection includes a selection of pieces of cookware that demonstrate how colonists used these objects to prepare, cook, and serve food in their daily lives.