Michie Tavern
Step back in time at Michie Tavern, a historic 1784 Virginia landmark serving authentic Southern comfort food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed dining
Michie Tavern
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed dining
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Michie Tavern, a historic 1784 Virginia landmark serving authentic Southern comfort food.
"Dine in a tavern that our founding fathers once did was awe inspiring."
🎯 All-You-Can-Eat Feast
Come hungry! The Southern buffet is generous. Drinks and dessert are extra, so budget accordingly.
🕰️ Time Travel Dining
Embrace the historic atmosphere. It's an experience that transports you to 18th-century Virginia.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
All-You-Can-Eat Southern Buffet
Savor crispy fried chicken, pulled pork, biscuits, and classic Southern sides in a historic setting. A true taste of comfort food!
18th-Century Ambiance
Dine in a tavern that feels like stepping back in time, complete with historic decor and a unique atmosphere.
Historic Gift Shops
Explore charming shops offering unique souvenirs and local crafts, adding another layer to your historical visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Buffet Experience
Step Back in Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 All-You-Can-Eat Feast
Come hungry! The Southern buffet is generous. Drinks and dessert are extra, so budget accordingly.
🕰️ Time Travel Dining
Embrace the historic atmosphere. It's an experience that transports you to 18th-century Virginia. +1
🛍️ Explore the Shops
Don't miss the gift shops and old cabins on the property for extra historical immersion.
💰 Value for Money
If you're not a big eater, the buffet might seem pricey. Consider it an experience fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 All-You-Can-Eat Feast
Come hungry! The Southern buffet is generous. Drinks and dessert are extra, so budget accordingly.
🕰️ Time Travel Dining
Embrace the historic atmosphere. It's an experience that transports you to 18th-century Virginia. +1
🛍️ Explore the Shops
Don't miss the gift shops and old cabins on the property for extra historical immersion.
💰 Value for Money
If you're not a big eater, the buffet might seem pricey. Consider it an experience fee.
📅 1784 Pub Specials
Check out the 1784 Pub on Fridays and Saturdays for special deals like mac n cheese and ham biscuits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Michie Tavern for its authentic 18th-century ambiance and delicious, hearty Southern buffet, especially the fried chicken. The historic setting and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as major draws, making it a memorable experience for history buffs and families alike. Some find the buffet pricey if they don't eat much, and note that drinks and desserts are additional costs.
"Thoroughly enjoyed my experience from arrival to departure. To sit and eat in a tavern that our founding fathers once did was awe inspiring. The service was fantastic as well as the food. I will definitely plan future visits here with my family. I also recommend visiting the gift shops as well and checking out the old cabins on the property. Great place for history buffs! Oh, and Morgan was awesome. The staff really take care of you."
Charles Smith
"Southern comfort food, in a historic tavern.
The service was excellent, and they are very hospitable. You go through a buffet, which offers: coleslaw, green beans, black eyed peas, stewed tomatoes, barbecued pork, grilled and fried chicken, and soup. You can get soda and ice tea as well. After you go through the buffet, if you want anything else the waiter will get it for you. You can order desert later, too. Pay on your way out.
All in all, worth a try! More expensive than lunch somewhere else, perhaps, but it's an experience you won't get elsewhere. Food was good, if not "exceptional," but ample quantities - you certainly won't go hungry!!"
Ben A
"It's a nice place with a nicer, larger gift shop at the bottom of the hill. I didn't realize it was a buffet restaurant though. I don't eat more than one plate of food so it was expensive for me. Drinks and dessert not included. Very pretty building and atmosphere. The staff are fantastic!"
reddahlia3000
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Michie Tavern is located southeast of Charlottesville, Virginia, about a 10-15 minute drive. It's conveniently situated near Monticello. You can reach it by car via Thomas Jefferson Parkway.
Yes, ample parking is available at Michie Tavern, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Michie Tavern is located just a short distance from Monticello, making it a perfect stop for lunch or a historical experience during your visit to Thomas Jefferson's home. 
For a day trip to Charlottesville, combining Monticello and Michie Tavern is a popular choice. Driving is the most convenient way to access both locations.
Public transportation options directly to Michie Tavern are limited. It's best accessed by car, especially if you're combining it with visits to nearby attractions like Monticello.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically purchased upon arrival for the buffet. It's advisable to check their official website for any changes or special event ticketing.
Michie Tavern's main dining room hours can vary, but the 1784 Pub often has specific hours, typically open Fridays and Saturdays from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Always check their website for the most current information.
There isn't a separate admission fee to enter the tavern or gift shops. You pay for the buffet meal if you choose to dine.
Reservations are generally not required for the buffet, as it operates on a walk-in basis. However, for larger groups, it's always a good idea to call ahead.
The buffet includes a variety of Southern dishes like fried chicken, pulled pork, coleslaw, green beans, and more. Drinks and desserts are typically not included and are priced separately.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Michie Tavern is famous for its traditional Southern comfort food, served buffet-style. Expect classics like fried chicken, pulled pork, biscuits, stewed tomatoes, and black-eyed peas. +1
The fried chicken at Michie Tavern receives rave reviews and is often highlighted as a must-try dish. Many visitors consider it some of the best they've had.
While the buffet is heavily meat-focused, there are typically several vegetable side dishes available, such as green beans, stewed tomatoes, and black-eyed peas, which can cater to vegetarians.
The buffet is priced per person and can be more expensive than a typical lunch. However, many find the experience and quantity of food to be worth the cost. Drinks and desserts are extra.
Information on takeout or delivery is not widely available. The primary dining experience is the sit-down buffet in the historic tavern. The 1784 Pub may offer specific items.
📸 📸 Photography & History
Yes, Michie Tavern offers a very photogenic setting with its historic architecture, charming interiors, and surrounding grounds. It's great for capturing the feel of 18th-century Virginia. +1
Michie Tavern was established in 1784 and has a rich history, serving as an inn, tavern, post office, and school. It's a Virginia Historic Landmark and offers a glimpse into colonial life.
Photography is generally allowed inside Michie Tavern to capture the historic ambiance. However, it's always polite to be mindful of other diners.
While not formal guided tours, you can explore the historic building, the old cabins on the property, and the gift shops, which provide a sense of historical context.
Michie Tavern is located very close to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's historic home, and served patrons visiting the area during his time. +2
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The historic setting, complete with old cabins and charming gift shops, can spark children's imaginations and make history come alive. It's a great way to introduce them to a different era in a relaxed, engaging environment. Consider visiting during weekday lunchtimes to avoid larger crowds, which can make the experience more enjoyable for families. The casual nature of the buffet means kids can eat at their own pace. Remember that drinks and desserts are extra, so factor that into your budget.
💰 Budget Travelers
For a more budget-friendly option, consider exploring the 1784 Pub on Fridays and Saturdays, which sometimes offers specific deals like mac n cheese and ham biscuits for a set price.
🏛️ History Buffs
Combine your visit with nearby historical sites like Monticello and James Monroe's Highland for a comprehensive historical tour of the Charlottesville area.
+1 Exploring the old cabins and the gift shops on the property further enriches the historical context, making it a deeply satisfying experience for those who appreciate historical immersion. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of Colonial Virginia
While the buffet is the main draw, it's worth noting that drinks and desserts are typically priced separately.
+1Beyond the dining, Michie Tavern also boasts charming gift shops offering a variety of souvenirs and local crafts.
The Historic Charm of Michie Tavern
The ambiance is a major draw, with many visitors praising the authentic 18th-century feel.
Beyond the main dining area, the property includes old cabins and gift shops that contribute to the immersive historical experience.
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