In Colonial Williamsburg, the historic King’s Arms Tavern—an 18th-century reproduction tavern with colonial decor, staff in period attire, and live violin music—serves distinctive dishes such as peanut soup, Cornish hen, and game pie. Food For Thought Restaurant is a quirky dining destination featuring American cuisine alongside thought-provoking quotes, discussion cards on the tables, and biographical pictures of inventors, scientists, and social leaders on the walls.

This 18th-century-style chophouse is where the gentry dined, and is still the finest of the historic area's four Colonial taverns. Colonial delicacies include roast prime rib of beef, pork chops, Cornish hen, game pie, and favorites such as peanut soup. Mrs. Vobe's Tavern Dinner, named after the tavern's 18th-century proprietress, Jane Vobe, is a fixed-price three-course meal.

Inside there are fewer options but the menu is still light fare, BBQ sandwiches and chilli and a few other things.

King’s Arms Tavern (lunch daily, dinner Thurs.-Mon.) was originally opened by Jane Volbe in 1772, and its restoration is highly detailed in colonial fabrics, furniture and pewter. I had a wonderful meal at King’s Arms, while chatting with chefs Ivey Boyd and Naomi Jarmond, that began with a superb, creamy seafood chowder ($8 or $12) and hearty Brunswick stew ($8 or $12), a very old dish made with fowl, beef, corn and lima beans. Welsh rarebit ($9), once a staple of American menus is now rare indeed, but the version at King’s Tavern ($9) makes you wonder why: It is what used to be called a “savoury,” made with melted cheddar cheese, mustard and wine, served with country ham and moist cornbread.

Continuing out on DoG Street, the crawl provides further insight into Colonial Williamsburg’s historic pubs such as King’s Arms Tavern and Wetherburn’s Tavern. King’s Arms, a tavern that was originally established in 1772, provides for a fine dining experience to enjoy with more fortified drinks, including: the Peach Brandied Punch, with peach brandy, rum, orange and peach; King’s Arms Punch with rum, lime, ginger bitters, simple syrup and soda water; and Sangaree Punch with Madeira wine, red wine, citrus and simple syrup. Meanwhile, at Wetherburn’s Tavern, travelers would enjoy libations over games.

Established by Jane Vobe in 1772, King's Arms Tavern offers an immersive journey back to Colonial Williamsburg’s heyday. This authentic reproduction tavern recreates the elegance of the era, with servers dressed in period attire, dimly lit pewter candlesticks, and décor that echoes 18th-century charm. The menu is inspired by colonial recipes and refined for modern palates, some of our feature selections include prime rib and pork chops, blending historical authenticity with contemporary culinary flair for an unforgettable dining experience.

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.

Right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, this historic tavern has a certain charm that really does transport you back to another era. This comes through not just in the decor, the staff in their colonial attire, and the occasional live violinist, but really in the food. I mentioned the peanut soup earlier, which is something I think everyone should try at least once (okay, don’t try it if you have a peanut allergy, but that’s the only excuse I’ll allow).

When you’re in Williamsburg – especially if you’re visiting for Colonial Williamsburg – you really have to eat at a tavern at least once. King’s Arms Tavern and Christiana Campbell’s Tavern are two of the most well known. The tavern originally opened in 1772 and the experience has been recreated to match what you may have seen in that time period from the furniture to the outfits worn by servers.

Located in the historic area, this tavern takes you back in time with its colonial-inspired dishes and period costumes, delivering a rich taste of history. The King's Arms Tavern is set in a quaint, 18th-century building that offers a truly immersive experience. Dine like a colonist with offerings such as peanut soup and game pie, prepared using traditional methods with a modern twist.

This eatery specializes in American fare reminiscent of colonial times. King’s Arms Tavern is one of the Colonial Williamsburg restaurants that captures every essence of 18th-century dining, from the costumes and music to the candlelight. The 18th-century recipes updated to match modern taste provide guests with a refined and historic chophouse experience.

If your idea of romance includes stepping back in time, then King’s Arms Tavern will enchant you. This Colonial Williamsburg staple is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience that immerses you in 18th-century charm. The candlelit setting, costumed servers, and historically inspired menu make it a standout among romantic restaurants in Williamsburg.

This 18th century chop house is the finest (and most crowded) of the colonial restaurants. The large space is broken into many intimate dining rooms, each of which are understated and comfortable. Expect candle-lit ambiance, period reproduction tables and chairs, antique maps on the walls, and pewter salt and sugar dishes on each table.

If you’re a fan of live history and the chophouse experience, Kings Arms Tavern is a stellar representation of the robust local tavern scene. Here, the servers and hosts are decked out in traditional Colonial American garb. (The kind locals might have worn when the tavern originally opened in 1772.) Yes, it’s that kind of place.

Since Jane Vobe opened the original tavern in 1772, this authentic reproduction of a public house serves 18th century food tailored to meet modern-day tastes. The décor is authentic and the servers dress in period costumes. John, our server, was amazing with his knowledge of the way they did things at the original tavern.

Located within a few blocks from our Bed and Breakfast in Williamsburg, The King's Arms Tavern is a quintessential Williamsburg dining experience. Step back in time as you enter this 18th-century-inspired establishment. The cozy atmosphere, complete with period costumes, is ideal for warming up during winter.

If you want to experience a true colonial meal, head to this authentic reproduction of an 18th century tavern in Colonial Williamsburg's historic area. The menu features actual colonial recipes, such as Cornish hens and crab croquettes, modified for modern palates. No worries—there's also a children's menu.

This isn’t just dinner—it’s dinner with a side of time travel. King’s Arms Tavern recreates an authentic 18th-century dining experience, complete with candlelight, costumed servers, and classic colonial recipes like peanut soup and game pye. It’s hearty, rustic, and honestly, kind of magical.

King’s Arms Tavern – Located on East Duke of Gloucester Street, this is another family-friendly restaurant that's open for lunch and dinner, Thursday through Monday. We're told that the Peanut Soupe is a must-try. A complete kids' menu offers selections like beef short rib or mac and cheese.

For a cozy evening, indulge in a candlelit dinner at King’s Arms Tavern or The Fat Canary. To top it all off, unwind with a relaxing couples’ spa treatment at local resorts. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Williamsburg is the perfect destination for a romantic escape.

A visitor to Williamsburg is in need of trying two local delicacies: ginger cakes and peanut soup. The absolute best peanut soupe can be tasted at The King's Arms Tavern. Though many have tried to create their own version of this famous dish, the King's still reigns supreme.

All of Colonial Williamsburg's taverns offer fun re-creations of the 18th-century dining experience, but this one adds a bit more elegance. Candlelight reflects off white linens, tables are set with square yard napkins, and windows boast handsome draperies.

Set in a replica public house, you can enjoy a meal with a touch of colonial elegance. King’s Arms offers dishes with a fresh take on 18th-century recipes. King’s Arms menu varies between lunch and dinner but the restaurant also has a kid-friendly menu.

King’s Arms Tavern prides itself on being the most finely appointed of the taverns, with a chophouse menu. Shields Tavern reflects the global flair of the British Colonies. Check the Colonial Williamsburg website for hours and reservation information.

For a taste of Williamsburg’s colonial past, visit the King’s Arms Tavern. This recreated 18th-century tavern offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere and a delicious period-inspired Southern menu. The waiters are all dressed in period costumes too!

On February 6, 1772, Jane Vobe opened a tavern on East Duke of Gloucester Street. It became one of the liveliest places in Williamsburg. Genteel colonists would gather there to enjoy live music, friendly service, and good food.

The King’s Arms has been in business since 1772 when Jane Vobe opened it. Vobe described it as an establishment “where the best people resorted.”. Servers tend to you, and wait staff clad in fashions of the 18th century.

This is another period dining option, with servers dressed in 18th-century fashion. They serve traditional southern fare by candlelight with appropriate music. Take a stroll through the historic district after dinner.

For lunch, your best bet is the King’s Arms Tavern, one of my go-to spots in Williamsburg. The colonial chop house opened in 1772. Its menu features hearty fare like Brunswick Stew, Chicken Hash, and Onion Pye.

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.

My husband and I had an amazing dinner at King’s Arms Tavern the first night of our trip. We ate by candlelight near a window. It was romantic and had great ambiance.

It was there that I was first served Peanut Soup, while traveling with my high school history class on our much-anticipated “East Coast American History Tour.

The hostess will request your full name before entering the genteel King’s Arms Tavern. That’s so you can be addressed in formal Mr., Mrs., or Ms. fashion.

Treat Dad like royalty this Father’s Day at King’s Arms Tavern!. Enjoy a delicious 3-course menu specially made to celebrate the king of the household.

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.