Man Full still stands at its original building site at 127-129 Spruce Street in Philadelphia”s historic Old City. One such establishment – A Man Full of Trouble Tavern is today the only surviving pre-revolutionary tavern in Philadelphia. There were, however, other less exclusive public houses that appealed to the humbler and perhaps less refined factions of society, including laborers, sailors, and other waterfront workers. Although the original structure was damaged in a fire and subsequently demolished in 1856, a replica was built at 2nd and Walnut Streets in 1976, and is open for business today. In fact, it is well known that this famous pub is where members of the First Continental Congress met unofficially in 1774 and where the country’s early leaders met to celebrate the first anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Perhaps most recognized of such venues in pre-revolutionary times was the City Tavern, whose patrons included Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, and George Washington, amongst others. The colonial elite were inclined to patronize more fashionable “upscale” establishments. As a result, taverns, or “public houses,” became the center of social, business, and political activity in the city.
Furthermore, they were the largest and most abundant (about one for every 25 men) public buildings available for community interaction.
They were a one stop source of food, entertainment, and cheap drinks. In the years leading up to the American Revolution, Philadelphia was unquestionably a city of taverns.
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