Visitors to Bethlehem can dine in the same place where some of the Founding Fathers stayed during the Revolutionary War.
The Sun Inn stands at 564 Main St., where the Tavern at the Sun Inn restaurant and Christmas City Spirits call home as well.
According to the inn website, the tavern offers dining on the inn’s second floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside with live entertainment and a food truck. The full dining menu includes pork shank, scallops, sandwiches, beef crostini, soft pretzels, soups and salads.
Christmas City Spirits, meanwhile, offers drinks such as the Cherry Bounce, which uses Martha Washington’s recipe, as well as pickletinis, boilo and vodka. Its drinks also feature in the tavern’s menu and the inn’s ghost tours.
A chicken entree is on the menu Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Tavern at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Christmas City Spirits’ Cherry Bounce is for sale Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Christmas City Spirits’ Cherry Bounce is for sale Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Limoncello shrimp is a menu item Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Tavern at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Christmas City Spirits’ Coal Region Boilo is for sale Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Christmas City Spirits’ Pickle Rebellion is for sale Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The Rebel Burger is a menu item Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Tavern at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
Limoncello shrimp is a menu item Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Tavern at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The Tavern at the Sun Inn, which is also owned by Christmas City Spirits, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The Tavern at the Sun Inn, which is also owned by Christmas City Spirits, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The courtyard Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The gaststube, or guest parlor, is on display Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The gaststube, or guest parlor, is on display Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The Martha Washington Suite is on display Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard.
(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The Martha Washington Suite is on display Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard.
(April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The colonial kitchen is on display Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The colonial kitchen is on display Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The courtyard Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The courtyard Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The patio Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The tavern’s dining areas on the second floor Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The tavern’s dining areas on the second floor Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The tavern’s dining areas on the second floor Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The tavern’s dining areas on the second floor Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
The patio Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
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A chicken entree is on the menu Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Tavern at the Sun Inn in downtown Bethlehem. Founding Fathers and the Continental Congress visited the inn, which opened to the public in 1760, during the American Revolution. Today it hosts dining at the Tavern at the Sun Inn on second floor, Christmas City Spirits on the first floor, in the Rathskeller cellar during the late fall and winter, and outside on the patio and courtyard. (April Gamiz/The Morning Call)
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Sun Tavern’s history
Beyond the food and drink, the inn’s website, tour brochure and museum displays explain the history and importance of what John Adams once called “the best Inn, I ever saw.”
Upon entering the inn, which once went by the Sun Tavern and Sun Hotel, visitors immediately see the gaststube, or guest parlor, where people could chat or wait for a stagecoach. The Continental Congress met there as well, according to Dave Sherman, president of the Sun Inn Preservation Association board of directors.
Displays in the gaststube explain that after the Moravians purchased 500 acres along the Monocacy Creek in 1741 for a settlement, architect Andreas Hoeger submitted plans in 1758 for a “Publick House” that opened to travelers in 1760.
The building earned an “excellent” reputation, the tour brochure says, allowing guests to enjoy Delft hand basins, china, appointed servants, supper and beer from the Moravians. A British officer even praised it in 1778, writing that “every accommodation was equal to the first tavern in London,” the brochure quotes.
Brett Biggs, a preservation association board member and co-owner of the tavern and Christmas City Spirits, said the Moravians built the inn to handle outsiders and travelers that weren’t part of their community.
“Because the Moravians … didn’t want to intermix with a more English lifestyle, so what they said was, ‘We’re going to be pragmatic about this and we’re going to create an inn and we’re going to make it great.’ And what they did was create an inn with suites, which was unheard of at the time,” he said. ” ‘We’re going to make great food.’ There was even running water in the building in the late 1700s because Bethlehem was home to the first municipal water system [in America]. So it had a lot of amenities that you wouldn’t have found elsewhere, but that allowed it to become the destination that it was for a lot of the Founding Fathers because anybody traveling from New York and Philly or points beyond would make a point to stop at the inn because there was great food and great accommodations.”
Notable visitors during the revolution included John Adams in 1777, a wounded Marquis de Lafayette that same year after the Battle of Brandywine, Martha Washington in 1779 and George Washington in 1782.
Other visitors included Samuel Adams, Ethan Allen, Alexander Hamilton and Henry Laurens, the museum website lists.
Visitors can check out Martha’s suite and rope bed near the gaststube as well as a colonial kitchen that exhibits items such as a butter churn, a reproduction of a 1746 Moravian cabinet and a reproduction of a colonial cooking hearth.
Biggs said that while the inn doesn’t have specific plans for America 250, it will decorate for a Main Street block party scheduled for July 12.