NYC, South Ferry. Built in 1719 for Stephen DeLancey, it was purchased in 1762 by Samuel Fraunces who opened a tavern under the name of Queen Charlotte (Queen's Head Tavern), making it the oldest bar in the city. Before the Revolutionary War it was a meeting place of the Sons of Liberty who plotted and launched the New York Tea Party here. On December 4, 1783 the Tavern hosted an elaborate "turtle feast" dinner for George Washington, where he bade farewell to his officers of the Continental Army (apparently there was much sorrow and weeping). After that the building served as the headquarters of the newly formed Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of the Treasury, and the Department of War. In 1975 the Puerto Rican paramilitary group FALN exploded a bomb at the tavern, resulting in injuries.

The interior is vast and grand, with many rooms of all sizes and several bars. As you would expect there is lots of beautiful carved dark wood, ornate glass work, and decorations of every sort on the walls. I especially like that there are a couple of snugs - one of my favorite features in British pubs.

72 beers on tap to choose from, almost all local/regional craft brews (no Budweiser or Coors Light!). Samuel Fraunces Ale and Peeper from Maine brewing were my two delicious choices. A must stop for historic pub lovers when visiting NYC.