Chowning's Garden Bar

A reconstructed 18th-century alehouse, Chowning's serves casual quick fare for lunch, including traditional pit-style barbecue, beef brisket sandwiches, and Smithfield ham and Gloucester cheese on a pretzel roll. You can eat either inside the tavern or under a grape arbor behind the tavern. After 5 pm, Chowning's becomes a true Colonial tavern where Gambols (18th-century entertainment), a program presented for 25 years, operates throughout the evening.

In the evening, Chownings Tavern is a fun place to have a drink and enjoy the balladeers and costumed singers. Between 5 and 8 pm, it's a family event, after 8 pm the enterntainment is geared for grown ups. Dinner at one of the other colonial taverns is really popular.

The crawl concludes at Josiah Chowning’s Tavern, offering new world fare with its dining menu and specialty beers such as Old Stitch and Dear Old Mum, both brewed by Williamsburg’s Alewerks as historic ales best enjoyed in Colonial Williamsburg. Old Stitch, a brown ale, is a toasty and nutty beer, while Dear Old Mum is a spiced ale that is lighter and herbal. Alewerks also offers the Wetherburn’s Bristol Ale, a beer named for the tavern and English town of Bristol, which shipped its beer to the colonies with additional hops for the long journey overseas.

Celebrate the 250th anniversary of King’s Arms Tavern, where you and your family can sample a mouthwatering 18th-century inspired menu; experience exquisite culinary delights at the iconic Williamsburg Inn’s Rockefeller Room; or nosh on colonial-inspired pub fare at Chowning’s Tavern on Duke of Gloucester Street, arguably the most historic street in America. Of course, true history buffs won’t want to miss Christiana Campbell’s Tavern either, since it’s long rumored to have been George Washington’s favorite tavern in town.

Colonial Williamsburg houses four Historic Taverns each offering distinct menus inspired by history (and excellent taste.) Chowning’s Tavern provides the most casual experience with all-day dining, shared plates, specialty beer, and table games after 5. Christianna Campbell’s was noted as George Washington’s favorite spot for seafood. It still maintains the spirit today with lively political discussion and unforgettable crab cakes.

By day, Chowning’s is a no-frills pub with rough-hewn tables and chairs and equally rustic food; it’s the least expensive sit-down dining option. Families with young, noisy children will feel right at home here. Although I recommend staying away from the Brunswick stew (a thick, gamey-tasting muddle), Carolina-style pit barbeque is tasty, and pulled meat is available by the pint or tucked into a sandwich.

Categories: American restaurant About Restaurant:Our menu features beloved local favorites, including hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads, complemented by a selection of beer and soda. Additionally, we offer pasties—an English and colonial tradition of hand-held savory pies filled with beef or chicken. Perfect for enjoying on the go or savoring in the grapevine-shaded beer garden […]

Another way to spend the night at Williamsburg is to go to Josiah Chowning’s Tavern, located at 109 East Duke of Gloucester Street. This family-friendly dining place is also perfect for nightlife. With its Colonial-inspired pub fare, historic atmosphere, and live music, your Williamsburg nightlife will be one of a kind.

At theKing’s Arms Tavern feast on colonial game pie, classic peanut soup, or succulent Virginia ham.Chowning’s Tavern is an alehouse known for its Shepherd’s Pie and hearty bread bowls. While dining you can also try a salted rim ale refreshment. Every weekend the place starts hopping with live music and dancing.

Originally opened in 1766 by namesake Josiah Chowning, the Tavern offers feasts and friendship for a memorable night. A garden bar and cider stand are two highlights. Fiddlers play each night to add a merry atmosphere to the Josiah Chowning's Tavern experience.

However, during the slower season, lunch at King’s Arms is from Chowning’s. This was an equally good meal, albeit a little cheaper with a little less colonial ambiance due to the lack of candle light and music. However, the meal was just as good!

Established in 1766, Chowning’s Tavern is one of the oldest and most iconic eateries in Williamsburg. Its menu features classic colonial dishes such as roasted chicken, venison stew, and oyster pie, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

Chowning’s Garden Bar – Located on Duke of Gloucester Street, this family-friendly restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch. Its menu includes burgers, sandwiches, salads, and kids' meals.

Chowning’s Tavern – Kid’s Menu – Young Patriot’s Menu For children 12 and younger. All meals served with fountain beverage and choice of House-made Chips, Sautéed Vegetables, or Apple Sauce.

If you prefer a lighter, modern meal, the outdoor Chowning’s Tavern Garden Grill serves American standards like burgers and hot dogs. It is open during 11:00-3:30 on Thursday-Saturday.