Step back in time without leaving the metro area: tucked away in Tappan, New York, just 40 minutes from Manhattan, sits The ’76 House — America’s oldest restaurant.
Built in 1668, the tavern predates the United States itself, making it one of the most storied dining destinations in the country.
Though today it’s known for its Sunday brunches, candlelit dinners, and live music by the fire, this Revolutionary-era tavern was once the stage for one of the nation’s most dramatic spy stories.
During the height of the war, The ’76 House served as the makeshift prison of Major John André, the British officer who conspired with Benedict Arnold to surrender West Point to the enemy.
His capture — and eventual execution — shifted the course of the Revolution.
The episode earned The ’76 House its lasting nickname: “America’s Spy Prison.”
The tavern’s walls also hold memories of George Washington himself, who dined here alongside Continental generals and his provisioner Samuel Fraunces.
Far from just a pitstop for soldiers, the inn became a hub of revolutionary planning, a gathering place for patriots, and a witness to history that could have easily unfolded differently.
Of course, The ’76 House isn’t just a museum piece.
Lovingly restored by the Norden family, the restaurant offers all the warmth of a historic inn — four glowing fireplaces, a garden patio, and a cozy porch perfect for sipping wine.
Its acclaimed chef serves up hearty American fare like the famous Onion Soup Lafayette, a Berkshire pork chop glazed with Hudson Valley apple brandy, or a classic Yankee Pot Roast served with a popover.
Mind you—all presented in a setting where centuries-old beams and flickering candles transport you to another era.
On weekends, you’ll even find live music filling the tavern, keeping the centuries-old tradition of communal gathering alive.
How to get there from NYC
📍 The ’76 House is located at 110 Main Street in Tappan, NY.
From Manhattan, it’s about a 40-minute drive up the Palisades Parkway.
For those without a car, take NJ Transit’s Pascack Valley Line to Pearl River, then it’s a quick rideshare to the tavern.
