America 250: This Revolutionary War Tavern Preserves A Legendary Past

Discover the Old ’76 House—A Revolutionary War Tavern Older Than America, With a Dramatic Spy Story That Shocked The World

I love discovering new historical hidden gems—and this Revolutionary War Tavern in Tappan, N.Y. is perhaps my favorite find ever!

This small stone building is a working tavern where you can eat a meal in a room that has witnessed 300 years of history. But to me, it’s also a museum, with original historic artifacts hanging on the walls in every direction you look.

Come along as I try to give you a feel for the ’76 House, an amazing pre-Revolutionary War tavern that offers a true taste of the past!

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Bar chairs are lined up at the bar at the Old 76 House tavern. — The bar at the Old 76 House.

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Don’t Have Time To Read The Whole Post? The ’76 House is a 300-year-old landmark in Tappan, N.Y., lovingly restored by the Norden family. Steeped in history, it is part museum and part foodie delight, serving exceptional cuisine in a truly unforgettable setting.

The sign outside the Old 76 House in Tappan, N.Y. that says dinner and cocktails.

The Old ’76 House Historic Tavern in Tappan, NY

The Old ’76 House is a restaurant and tavern inside a building that dates back to 1668. It is the oldest operating tavern in New York, and is said to be the oldest restaurant in the entire country!

From the outside, it looks like a classic colonial inn. Thick stone walls, small-paned windows, and a low roof sit close to the road.

Inside, you find large-beamed ceilings, wide-plank floors, and four fireplaces. Candlelight and low lighting give the rooms a warm and comfy glow that makes it easy to picture life in the 18th century.

(They also have a gorgeous garden patio in season and romantic porch dining area).

76 House sign is blue with yellow lettering. — 76 House Sign.

An Iconic Landmark for America’s 250th

When you visit the ’76 House, you aren’t just dining at a restaurant. You’re stepping into a place that was already well known when the United States was born. (Isn’t that amazing?)

Built alongside the founding of Tappan in 1686 and expanded in 1755 to welcome weary stagecoach travelers, this storied tavern soon became the beating heart of a community already fed up with British rule.

A flag hangs in the background of the Revolutionary War Tavern in Tappan, NY, with a lantern hanging in the foreground. — Dining room and bar area in the Old 76 House.

A Colonial Tavern That Is Part Of Our History

In fact, the townspeople gathered at the ’76 House in 1774, to sign a bold protest document that few outside the area have ever heard about.

Chairs lined up at a bar and thick wooden beams overhead at the '76 House tavern. — There are artifacts everywhere you look at Old ’76.

On July 4, 1774—two full years before the Declaration of Independence—the Dutch town fathers gathered inside its timbered walls to draft and sign the Orangetown Resolutions, a statement of defiance that many historians consider one of America’s earliest declarations of independence.

A blue door with tables set for dinner in the dining room. — George Washington was sitting at a table to the left of this door when a courier arrived to deliver a document found on spy John Andre.

Major John Andre and the plot with benedict arnold

The most celebrated episode in ’76 House history was when the tavern served as the place of confinement for Major John André.

André was the British spy who plotted with the arch traitor Benedict Arnold for the surrender of West Point, the linchpin of America’s control of the Hudson River.

One of the dining areas in the Old 76 House, a Revolutionary War tavern where spy Major John Andre was held. — This is the room where John Andre was held.

Militiamen caught André with papers in his boot and brought him as a prisoner to Tappan, where General Washington was staying.

Washington used the DeWint house as his headquarters, Mabie’s Tavern (’76 House) as André’s prison, and the nearby Dutch church as a courtroom to give André a fair trial.

Found guilty, two days later at high noon on Oct. 2, 1780, a crowd of about 1,500 soldiers and onlookers witnessed the hanging of Major John André on the hilltop behind the tavern.

A round table with a fireplace in the background with bluish tile. — Hanging on the wall in above the fireplace is the original watercolor of John Andre that was turned upside down by George Washington upon reading the papers Andre had been found carrying.

A closeup of the drawing of John Andre that still hangs upside down after being turned by George Washington. — A closeup of the drawing of John Andre hanging upside down.

A Who’s Who Of The Colonies

If the walls of the ’76 House could talk, they’d spill other stories from famous historic figures that makes this Revolutionary war tavern‘s list of guests a who’s who of the era.

Alexander Hamilton lived upstairs for nearly two years. And Generals Nathanael Greene, Anthony Wayne, Lord Stirling, John Glover, and Henry Knox all passed through its doors.

Other notable figures include Baron von Steuben, the Marquis de Lafayette and the daring spymaster Benjamin Tallmadge.

Closeup of the bar rail that was once a hitching post in front of this Revolutionary War Tavern. — This bar rail was once the hitching post in front of the Old 76 tavern.

And then there was George Washington himself—who enjoyed tavernkeeper Mabie’s brew so much that he took the recipe home to Mount Vernon and made it himself.

Fun Fact: On various occasions, this tavern accommodated every General of the west wing of the Continental Army including Commander-in-Chief General George Washington.

Few places in America can claim such a roster of legends.

A wall in the 76 House showing a portrait of Washington and an eagle and a display of pans. — Every wall holds historic treasures at the ’76 House.

Still Another Page Of History

That isn’t the end of the history that took place at the ’76 House. The next time George Washington returned was for a critical conference with Sir Guy Carleton.

After three days of negotiation at the nearby Dewint House, the commanders adjourned to the tavern for a meal prepared by the famed Samuel Fraunces.

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When the talks concluded, Carleton handed Washington the official plans for the British evacuation—and formally recognized the United States as a free and independent nation.

Later that day, a 17-gun salute fired from the shore of Tappan, now Piermont, thundered the news across the Hudson: America’s independence was no longer a hope, but a fact.

Historical artifacts hang on the wall of the Old 76 House relating to the Revolutionary War and America's founding — The walls are full of Revolutionary War memorabilia.

Tips For Dining At The ’76 House

Don’t hurry to your seat. Make sure you look around. Many guests realize later how much they may have missed.

One of the fireplaces in the dining room at Old 76 House. — One of the fireplaces in the large dining room.

Look for:

Thick stone walls and deep window frames that hint at the building’s age
Heavy wooden beams overhead prove that the building was built before 1700 (the beams are so large they could only come from the King’s trees. Colonists were not permitted to cut them down after 1700)
Old fireplaces, still in use during cooler months, and many historic treasures on their mantels.
Framed documents, portraits, and signs that tell stories of Washington and Andre

Walking around the tavern is like going on a treasure hunt. Look up, look down, and take a moment with the plaques, pictures and displays.

If you have questions, ask the staff. They are wonderful about sharing local stories and pointing out details that most diners miss!

Author Jessica James holds a Revolutionary War rifle at the Old '76 House in Tappan, N.Y. — Yes, you can even hold a Revolutionary War era rifle at the ’76 House.

Special thanks to Robb Norden, the Tavernkeeper who showed me around (and let me hold a rifle), and Thomas Markowski the Maitre d’ and GM who greeted me and made me feel at home.

Planning Your Visit

Dining In A Revolutionary War era tavern

Inside, you will find low lighting, candles on tables, and cozy corners. In cool weather, fireplaces add both warmth and atmosphere.

There is often live music, which adds to the old-time tavern feel.

Two cozy chairs by a window and a spindle in the window. — Comfortable seating for eating or an evening of relaxation.

Menu Highlights For History Lovers And Foodies

The menu changes, so always check the latest version online. In general, you can expect hearty American and tavern-style dishes, like Yankee Pot Roast, Meatloaf, Chicken Pot Pie, Shepherd’s Pie, Faroe Island Salmon and Shrimp Scampi, to name a few.

Reservations are smart, especially for weekends, special events and nights with live entertainment.

Event space in the Revolutionary War tavern Old '76 House with wooden floors and tables set up a large room. — One of the rooms used for special events in the tavern.

The tavern also has special event space, perfect for birthday, anniversaries and wedding parties.

Location: 110 Main Street, Tappan, N.Y.

Restaurant Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Lunch noon to 3 p.m. and dinner 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: Lunch noon to 3 p.m. and dinner 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, lunch 11:30 to 2:30 and dinner 3 to 8 p.m.

A sandwich on a plate with a glass of water in the background. — The sandwich I ate for lunch was delicious.

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A Small Hamlet Steeped in a Monumental Past

Located in Rockland County near the New Jersey border, the ’76 House sits in the historic hamlet of Tappan, NY—a true treasure for history lovers.

Settled in the 17th century, Tappan witnessed key moments of the American Revolution and today welcomes visitors to walk the same streets where history was made.

From the centuries-old ’76 House and the André trial site to the DeWint House, one of Washington’s wartime headquarters, Tappan offers a surprising number of historic stops packed into its quiet streets.

A look inside the DeWint House showing old wood floors and a desk and fireplace. Washington stayed here, right down from the Revolutionary War Tavern, the 76 House. — Inside the DeWint House, where Washington stayed, just down the street.

Other Revolutionary War Sites In Tappan

Within a short walk or drive, you can see more traces of the Revolution. The DeWint House, a well-known Washington headquarters site, sits nearby.

There are markers and sites tied to Andre’s capture and trial, old churches, and graveyards where early residents rest.

The Tappan Historic District includes other stone houses and a colonial-era street layout.

A white building that is the firehouse in downtown Tappan, NY. — The quaint hamlet of Tappan, N.Y.

Day Trip Ideas: from New York City or New Jersey to Tappan

Tappan works very well as a day trip from New York City or northern New Jersey. In light traffic, the drive takes about an hour by car.

You can plan a relaxed day: a scenic drive along parts of the Hudson River, a stop at a nearby park or overlook, lunch or dinner at the Old ’76 House, and a short tour of local sites.

If you have extra time, link Tappan with other Hudson Valley towns that also played roles in the Revolution. The region is dense with stories, yet still easy to explore at a calm pace.

Where To Stay

Conclusion

The Old ’76 House offers something rare: the chance to eat in one of America’s oldest taverns while sitting in rooms tied to George Washington, Major John Andre, and the struggle for independence.

With the 250th anniversary of the United States so close, this is a perfect time to seek out real places like Tappan, and start planning a visit where every bite comes with a side of Revolutionary War history.

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