Dobbin House Tavern

About Dobbin House Tavern

The Dobbin House Tavern occupies the oldest building in Gettysburg, constructed in 1776 by Reverend Alexander Dobbin, a Presbyterian minister and educator. Today, this beautifully preserved Colonial structure offers fine dining in an atmosphere that transports visitors back to the 18th century.

The restaurant operates on multiple levels, each with its own character. The basement Springhouse Tavern features original stone walls, hand-hewn beams, and candlelit tables beside the actual spring that once supplied the house. Upstairs, the Alexander Dobbin Dining Rooms offer more formal Colonial elegance with period antiques and fireplaces.

The menu features American cuisine with Colonial influences, including items like game hens, prime rib, and fresh seafood. Many dishes are prepared with herbs from the on-site garden. The wine list includes selections from nearby Pennsylvania wineries alongside national and international options.

Beyond dining, the Dobbin House served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. A hidden crawl space above the basement once sheltered escaped slaves making their way north. This history adds profound significance to the building's story.

The structure witnessed the Battle of Gettysburg firsthand, with both Union and Confederate forces fighting literally in the streets outside. Bullet holes and other battle damage remain visible on the exterior walls.

For Pine Ridge campers seeking a special evening out, the Dobbin House offers Gettysburg's most atmospheric dining experience.

What to Expect

• Authentic Colonial Ambiance: Candlelit rooms, exposed beams, stone walls, and period antiques create a genuine 18th-century atmosphere for your meal.
• Underground Railroad History: A hidden crawl space above the basement once sheltered escaped slaves. This powerful history adds significance to the dining experience.
• Springhouse Tavern: The basement level features the original stone spring that supplied the house, with tables set beside this unique historical feature.
• Battle Witness: The building stood during the Battle of Gettysburg, with fighting occurring in the surrounding streets. Bullet damage is still visible.