From years ago remembered as a tavern that featured food from the 1700s, like Brunswick stew. Menu today is like any restaurant. Also remembered students from Colkege of William and Mary being the wait staff, much more positive in the mid 1980s.Did not return the next day even though it was the only open restaurant on the grounds.
What a wonderful escape from the cold wind. The ambience was perfect for a Colonial winter repast. Both the clam chowder and Norfolk Pottage Pye were excellent, filling, & warming!
There is better food in Williamsburg. The draw here is the "traditional" food, decor, and service. It's not awful but the food is very pedestrian probably in much the same way it was 300 years ago. It's dark inside because it's all lit by candles (there's that 300 years again). Don't plan on drinking fine wines, there are none. Just average grape juice. Drink ale instead you will be much happier. Look let's be clear, this is little more than a "theme" restaurant and if that's what you are looking for well good for you, you'll enjoy it. But if you want really good food in a nice setting, this is not your place.
Excellent food and drinks! Loved the hunters pye! Our server John was so enlightening and knowledge of the the times, let alone a great server. My wife and I loved it!
This place was really fun to go to with the family. We went in the middle of March and waited about 10 minutes at lunch time. We ordered a colonial type beer called Old Stitch. It was one of the best beers I've ever tasted. While waiting for our dinner, a reenactment of a local tavern proprietor came around and shot off some witty banter with the guests which was quite unique.We ate the peanut soup that you must order. It tasted similar to warm peanut butter, but was really smooth and creamy. I also got a salmon BLT that was tasty. I'd recommend eating here if you ever have the chance!
The building is very well done a replica of a tavern in everyway . It gets very busy and the food is average they live off their location and tourists wanting food .i suggest you plan to go against the tide either as soon as they open or later in the day . To be honest it is smoke and mirrors with high price for the location .
We were told there was a 40 minute wait. We left and returned after 30 minutes and were told they had called our names and we could go in immediately. However, once there, we watched other parties coming in and being seated, while we stood and watched. I asked 3 different employees about this, but found them uninterested in helping us. However, this was the only down part of the visit and I think it was due to the fact that we were called before we were back from our walk. The place is wonderful and the service was lovely. More importantly the food was great! My wife had the chicken pot pie and said it was better than her mother's (Her mother's was exceptional!). I had a crab cake sandwich with wonderful home fries. We finished it off with strawberries and ice cream and coffee. It created a memorable meal!I noticed another couple enjoying pot roast and they told me it was also delicious. If you go to Williamsburg, plan to have lunch at this place. Go by early and give them your name, but be sure you get back well before they tell you. That's what we will do the next time we are there.
Food and service are excellent and being in the heart of historic Williamsburg made it even more of an authentic experience. The soups are really good.
In February, of course, it was our only choice for the first two evenings, but that neither takes away from our choice - we would have opted for King's Arms first anyway - or from the quality of the dining experience. I will have to bring a flashlight on our next trip, however; my fading eyesight can't see the menu by candlelight as well as it used to!
We had lunch here two of our three days - great soups of the day and exellent local ales on draft. Amazing old-fashioned setting, and it feels like a different place each time as long as you are seated in a different room. Have to admit we were worried since this was the only working tavern the weekend we were there, figured the service would be mediocre and food lousy and over-priced, but it was anything but. Be sure to make a lunch reservation for busier seasons!