Enjoy a true historical dining experience at some of the many colonial restaurants and taverns in the Williamsburg area. Many are within walking distance of the area's many historic attractions.

Price Key:
$ = $1-20 per plate
$$ = $20-50 per plate
$$$ = $50 or more per plate

Chowning's Tavern
Price Range: $$
Rating: 3.6 stars
Location: Duke of Gloucester St., next to Market Square and the Courthouse
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 AM-10:00 PM

During the day, Chowning's offers quick fare, specializing in barbecue sandwiches and quick meals at the garden bar behind the tavern. In the evening, Chowning's becomes a true 18th-century pub, serving light fare and local beverages, including Williamsburg's own draft root beer. Dress is casual, and seating is on a space available basis. Chowning's specializes in family dining between 5:00 and 8:00 PM.

Visit the Chowning's Tavern Web site for more information.

Christiana Campbell's Tavern
Price Range: $$
Rating: 4.5 stars
Location: Waller St., near the Capitol
Hours: 11:00 AM-10:00 PM Mon-Sat

Local seafood served in traditional Colonial style, including oyster fritters, sherried crab stew, and pan friend stuffed rainbow trout. Dress is casual, and reservations are suggested.

Visit the Christiana Campbell's Tavern Web site for more information.

King's Arms Tavern
Price Range: $$
Rating: 4 stars
Location: Duke of Gloucester St., opposite Raleigh Tavern
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 AM-10:00 PM

Known in colonial times as the restaurant where the elite meet and eat. The traditional menu includes peanut soup, game pye, and roast prime rib of beef. Dress is casual, and reservations are suggested.

Visit the King's Arms Tavern Web site for more information.

Shields Tavern
Price Range: $$
Rating: 3.5 stars
Location: Duke of Gloucester St., near the Capitol
Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 AM-10:00 PM

Shields Tavern is now operating in the spirit of an 18th-century coffeehouse, providing a venue for interaction between guests and interpretive and research staff. The tavern offers coffeehouse fare in the tradition of James Shields in the 1740s. Dress is casual.

Visit the Shields Taven Web site for more information.

Williamsburg Inn Regency Room
Price Range: $$$
Rating: 4 stars
Location: 136 East Francis St.
Hours: Open for Sunday brunch, and daily for lunch and dinner

The Regency Room's elegant dinners include lobster bisque, roasted lamb loin, and the famous Williamsburg Inn crab cake. Afternoon tea is also available in the Terrace Room. Dress is formal -- jackets are required for lunch, and jackets and ties are required for dinner. Denim is not allowed at lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Reservations are suggested.

Visit the Regency Room Web site for more information.

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