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Christiana Campbell's Tavern

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A faithful recreation of an 18th-century tavern once favored by George Washington, offering colonial Southern fare and a unique historical dining expe...

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Wed/Fri 18-21h

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Christiana Campbell's Tavern

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A faithful recreation of an 18th-century tavern once favored by George Washington, offering colonial Southern fare and a unique historical dining experience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Step back in time for an unforgettable colonial dining experience with authentic recipes and live music."

TIP

Book Ahead for Dinner

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as this popular tavern fills up quickly.

Must-Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss the seafood pie, Mrs. Campbell's Fried Chicken, or the sweet potato muffins.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 4PM

Cuisine

Southern

Price

$$$

Phone

(855) 263-1746

Address

101 S Waller St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Colonial Dining

Authentic Colonial Dining

Experience traditional 18th-century fare, with many dishes inspired by recipes George Washington himself enjoyed.

Where To Eat While Visiting Colonial WilliamsburgWilliamsburg Best Restaurants
Live Period Music & Costumed Staff

Live Period Music & Costumed Staff

Enjoy dining with live music on traditional instruments and friendly staff in authentic period costumes.

Award-Winning Crab Cakes

Award-Winning Crab Cakes

Savor the tavern's signature lump crab cakes, praised as some of the best in the region.

Restaurants in Williamsburg and Hampton RoadsGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Book Ahead for Dinner

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as this popular tavern fills up quickly.

Must-Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss the seafood pie, Mrs. Campbell's Fried Chicken, or the sweet potato muffins.

Arrive Early for Ambiance

Visiting between 4-5 PM offers a more intimate experience with fewer crowds and more staff interaction.

Embrace the Experience

Allow yourself to be immersed in the 18th-century atmosphere with candlelight and live music.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead for Dinner

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as this popular tavern fills up quickly.

Must-Try Signature Dishes

Don't miss the seafood pie, Mrs. Campbell's Fried Chicken, or the sweet potato muffins.

Arrive Early for Ambiance

Visiting between 4-5 PM offers a more intimate experience with fewer crowds and more staff interaction.

Embrace the Experience

Allow yourself to be immersed in the 18th-century atmosphere with candlelight and live music.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners rave about Christiana Campbell's Tavern for its immersive historic atmosphere, friendly staff in period costumes, and live music. While many praise the authentic colonial fare, particularly the seafood and crab cakes, some find the prices to be on the higher side for the portion sizes. Overall, it's considered a unique and memorable experience that offers a step back in time.

"I was eating as part of a tour group with a selected menu. The starting muffins were soft and tasty. Next came a pea soup that was unlike any other I've had - served with a crisp in the bowl and parsley puree, then the server pouring the soup into the bowl. Remarkable flavor. My steak was tender and prepared just how I like it (medium rare). The accompanying vegetables were well prepared and the side dish of soft corn bread was delicious. Dessert was freshly baked apple pie. Not a missed note here, it was all first rate. My only negative is that the place is very noisy and my chair was unusually short. I would definitely repeat going here for a meal."

Larry Wagenaar

"I had such a wonderful experience at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern in Williamsburg! The atmosphere was charming and full of colonial character, with friendly staff who made the whole evening feel very special. The food was delicious and full of flavors.
What made it even more memorable was that they surprised me with a postcard for my birthday, which was such a thoughtful and unique gesture. Highly recommend this place for anyone visiting Williamsburg especially if you’re looking for great food with historic ambiance!"

Angie Concepcion

"I had no expectations of this dinner and was kind of blown away! You will not leave hungry, the flavors of the food are too enticing. And you will not leave bored because of the live entertainment and amazing service! First off the sweet potato muffins out the door I could have eaten the entire basket. I managed to find a copycat recipe online that I'm definitely going to try because I need to have more of those. My husband and I split the potato dumplings while my MIL got the seafood pie. We also got the apple pie for desert! Loved the live music and loved the experience"

Carly Voss

What People Like

Immersive 18th-century atmosphere
Friendly staff in period costumes
Authentic colonial cuisine

What People Dislike

Can be expensive
Some find portions small for the price

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, to ensure you can get a table at this popular historic tavern.

Google Review

Popular choices include the signature lump crab cakes, seafood pie, Mrs. Campbell's Fried Chicken, and the sweet potato muffins.

Google Review

The tavern offers an authentic 18th-century colonial experience with period decor, real candles, costumed staff, and live traditional music.

Williamsburg Best Restaurants

Yes, the restaurant prides itself on preparing traditional colonial fare using authentic recipes from the era.

Yes, live music performances on traditional instruments like mandolin, flute, and violin are often featured to enhance the dining experience.

Visiting earlier in the evening, between 4-5 PM, can provide a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.

Google Review

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Across the street from the Capitol, this tavern serves traditional seafood from the rest of the British colonies of North America. Mrs. Campbell's favorite dishes are sherried shrimp, scallops, and lobster, as well as the Waterman's Supper and lump crab cakes—the tavern's signature dish. An evening's entertainment might include storytelling or traditional music.

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Either way, you should head to Christina Campbell’s Tavern – a place once favored in the 18th century by President George Washington himself for its delicious seafood, such as scallops and shrimp. In addition to the main dining room, “The Cellar” at this tavern promises authentic, colonial ambiance and savory treats to a limited number of guests each night. Christina Campbell’s Tavern can be found at 101 S Waller St, Williamsburg, VA 23185.

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Christiana Campbell’s Tavern is a historic gem in Colonial Williamsburg, offering diners a taste of 18th-century America. The tavern is renowned for its traditional colonial fare, including seafood dishes like crab cakes and shrimp, all prepared using recipes that reflect the culinary heritage of the era. The ambiance is enhanced by the staff’s period costumes and live colonial music, making it a truly immersive dining experience.

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The thing about Colonial Williamsburg is that there are many historical taverns, so picking just one can definitely be a challenge. Christiana Campbell's, in particular, has a reputation for its food as well as its history thanks to an unlikely source: George Washington. It's said that this was the first president's favorite place to dine out, and those interested will be able to enjoy more than just food at this establishment.

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If you like seafood as much as George Washington, then you’ll want to visit Christina Campbell’s Tavern, Washington’s favorite when he had a hankering for a meal from the sea. The menu includes filet beef with crab-stuffed shrimp, crab cakes, clam chowder, Gloucester chicken, Chesapeake Bay jambalaya and the house specialty, sweet potato muffins. You’ll be eating as singers entertain you with songs from the Colonial era.

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While in Colonial Williamsburg, you really should make a point to eat in at least one of the historic taverns, and the crowning glory of the Colonial Williamsburg taverns has to be Christiana Campbell’s. It’s billed as being one of George Washington’s favorite places to eat, but it’s more than just a meal. For the experience and the quantity of food you get, Christiana Campbell’s was our favorite dinner in Williamsburg.

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Campbell’s is my family’s favorite eatery in Colonial Williamsburg, and it’s open only for dinner. This elegant, white-washed restaurant with an expansive front porch is surrounded outside by pathways made of broken oyster shells—a sure sign that good seafood awaits. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern specializes in fish dishes, and its lump crab cakes are some of the best in the region.

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For a truly historic dining experience, Christiana Campbell's Tavern transports guests back to the 18th century. Once frequented by George Washington, this Colonial Williamsburg institution focuses on seafood dishes inspired by colonial recipes. Dining here is more than a meal—it’s a step back in time, complete with servers in period attire and authentic decor.

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Dine at a restaurant that was frequented by George Washington himself!. The historic Christiana Campbell’s Tavern near the Capitol building serves up colonial-inspired, locally sourced fare with a focus on seafood. Highlights include the beloved crab cakes, seafood pie, filet of beef with crab-stuffed shrimp, fritters, and southern spoon bread.

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If you prefer seafood, Christiana Campbell’s Tavern is also pretty great for that. As the restaurant notes, it was “George Washington’s favorite for good reason”. Yes, not only did George Washington frequently visit this tavern, but the fresh seafood and culture of lively conversation haven’t changed much since.

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George Washington’s favorite Williamsburg restaurant was Christiana Campbell’s Tavern. Known for serving locally-sourced seafood, including scallops, fish and shrimp, Christiana Campbell’s menu is perfect for seafood lovers. For children under 12 who aren’t big on seafood, there’s also a seafood-free kid’s menu.

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Christiana Campbell’s Tavern – Located on South Waller Street, this tavern served George Washington and remains a popular destination to this day. We recommend making reservations well in advance. Guests can enjoy live entertainment while savoring classic Southern recipes made with locally sourced ingredients.

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For an authentic time at one of the colonial Williamsburg restaurants, you have to try Christiana Campbell’s Tavern. The rumor is that one was of George Washington when he was looking for seafood in Williamsburg. So come and enjoy dining in a historic tavern that has been around since the 18th century.

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None other than George Washington was a regular visitor to Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, making it a must-visit for history buffs. Eating here is a whole experience complete with candlelight and costumed servers sharing tidbits about colonial life. The menu is historically inspired and locally sourced.

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Regional seafood dominates the evening menu, and many dishes are prepared just the way George Washington would have had them when he dined here. For non-seafood lovers, there are beef and chicken dishes. There are "seatings" at this restaurant, and reservations are made through Colonial Williamsburg.

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Among these are Chowning’s Tavern (temporarily closed), Christiana Campbell’s Tavern (open Tues.-Sat. for dinner), where you may sample cod in the Dutch manner ($15); seafood “pye” ($49); and a recipe for fried fish from Thomas Jefferson’s personal cookbook ($36). Shields Tavern is an events space.

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America’s first commander-in-chief – George Washington – loved the seafood at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, and you will, too. Drop by and try delicious dishes based on Mrs. Campbell’s original recipes. It’s such a unique taverns Colonial Williamsburg experience, located at 101 S Waller St.

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It is said George Washington ate here but that's a bit of a fudge (he ate in the original Christiana Campbell's Tavern). No matter, had he done so he would have raved about Mrs. Campbell's sweet-potato muffins. For these, the reconstructed inn deserves the accolades.

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Hey, Washington used to dine in the original version of this recreated historic tavern. Serving southern fare for dinner, with items familiar to 18 th century Virginians. Balladeers dressed in Colonial costume entertain.

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If you love seafood as much as George Washington did, you’ll love Christina Campbell’s Tavern. (Washington ate here; the Tavern was his favorite in Williamsburg for fresh seafood.) Looking for some crab cakes?

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On a return visit in 2024, my husband and I enjoyed a dinner at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern. Similar to King’s Arms, there’s live colonial music here as well. You also eat by candlelight and it’s very nice.

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Long before women’s suffrage, the glass ceiling, or Shark Tank, there was Christiana Campbell. After her husband died in 1755, Campbell opened a tavern to support herself and her two daughters.

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Reservations can be made for dinner at King’s Arms Tavern, Shield’s Tavern, and Christiana Campbell’s Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg. King’s Arms Tavern is known for its peanut soup.

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In the tradition of a period chop house, the King’s Arms Tavern (400 E. Duke of Gloucester St, near the Capitol) serves roast beef, pork, duck and the tavern’s signature peanut soup.

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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.

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You could pick up something at the Raleigh Tavern Bakery or plan a nice leisurely lunch at King’s Arms Tavern or Christiana Campbell’s Tavern.

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