We tend to think of our nation's significant historical events in hallowed halls and government buildings, but the very first 4th of July celebration occurred in a tavern.

Philadelphia's historic City Tavern, a restaurant that dates back to the 1700s, hosted the first 4th of July in 1777, one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Paul Revere were just a few of the high-profile names to eat and drink around the restaurant's tables.

The original 4th of July attendees would have feasted on hearty beef pies and salads made with potatoes and lentils, lamb and prime rib, and seasonal veggies like squash and corn.

For dessert, they would have served cherry pies and berry tarts. For drinks, they would have toasted their merriment with colonial-era ale.

City Tavern remains standing today but the original building caught fire and was demolished in the 1830s before being rebuilt in the 1970s.