Tavern 1785, a historic restaurant located in Lewisburg, WV
The Tavern 1785, is over 200 years old and offers a unique dining experience with antiques and civil war memorabilia and a menu covering a broad range of cuisines. In the spring and summer you can enjoy the outdoor dining in the beautiful gardens. Or, in the winter in one of the cozy rooms with a fireplace. Catering and private parties are also available.
The Tavern 1785 was the “Mayor Foster House” built after 1783, when John McClanahan bought the land from the Virginia Land Company. The core of the structure consists of two hewn oak log buildings joined by a framed portion called the dog-trot. This area was left open to separate the living quarters from the kitchen in case of fire. Evidence in the attic and stone basement suggest that the cabin on the old Midland Trail side (Washington Street) was built first, with the second cabin being added shortly after.
The exterior of the logs were exposed for a short time before clapboards covered them. Covering the logs was not only a sign of refinement and status, but also has the practical value of weatherproofing, as the clay chinking typically had to be redone every few years. The interior logs were covered as soon as possible, though they have been uncovered more recently in the back cabin and the dog-trot.
The original roofing material was split oak shelves, some of which are still visible in the attic. The standing metal roof was probably added when the original shakes began to fail.
There are three masonry chimneys in the older part of the house. Although they are all made of locally fired brick, the chimney at the rear of the back cabin has a stone base with a height of eight feet. This chimney and its larger hearth indicate that it was probably used for cooking and that the first floor of the back cabin was originally the kitchen. The other hearths are small and shallow, and therefore designed for heat.
Sometime in the latter half of the 1800s, a framed addition filling in the L formed by the two log buildings (the dog-trot) was built. This is dated by the fact that neither rip nor vertical sawn lumber was used, but circular sawn lumber, which became available only when larger water or steam driven mills became established in the area.
A two-story porch was added and then enclosed later to facilitate a modern kitchen and exterior stairs were added for rental purposes. This building was a home until 1998 when it was converted to a restaurant. During that time, it was not lived in much, but did have several interesting owners.
In 1814, Luke Bowyer owned the house along with a much older and smaller version of what it is now The Greenbrier. Mayor William Foster owned the house and lived in it along with his family. A Justice of the Peace, appointed by Thomas Jefferson, then Governor of Virginia, lived in the house as well.
The house, now the Tavern 1785 restaurant, is owned by Tony Juker. Check out the slide show below to view the dining areas of this quaint log cabin...Tavern 1785:
My husband and I have been to the Tavern 1785 many times with friends and family. As on this lovely, summer evening with friends, Ann and Roger Day from Glade Springs,
we all had a wonderful salad, Maryland crab cakes and the dessert, creme broule was fabulous........................
as was our waiter Dana Crump.
And, compliments to the Chef, Scott MacGregor, who was kind enough to stop by our table for a photo.
Tavern 1785 is located at 208 West Washinton Street in Lewisburg, WV.
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For reservations at the Tavern 1785, call 304-645-1744
Looking for a special place to have dinner with friends, family, business meetings or for a special romantic dinner…check out the Tavern 1785.
Surrounded by ambiance.....with it's lush gardens for an outside setting or cozy rooms inside the quaint log restaurant the Tavern 1785 is a great place to enjoy a wonderful evening in Lewisburg anytime of the year!
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If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs, please feel free to contact me by phone at (304) 520-2133, email, or visit my website. Licensed in West Virginia and Virginia.
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Rebecca--what a great localism post, but it also gives the reader a personal view of the author. I will look for this tavern if I am traveling in your area. Love crab cakes and creme broule. Yummy.
Rebecca,
Wow ... that is so cool ... to have a historic restaurant dating back to right after the War for Independence!!!! Great writeup!!!
Lori Cofer
Mary, thanks for your kind remarks...the food is very good and the crab cakes the best!
Lori, thank you and yes it is very cool!
Cool looking place. I like to go to restaurants that have a little history...
The Tavern sounds great Rebecca. We have a similar type of place not too far from where I live. I like an old tavern myself.
Michael, thanks, like you new LOOK!
Bill, taverns are fun!