Cozying up at one of Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th-century taverns — Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, or Shields Tavern — is an appropriate way to spend a few hours, particularly in the late fall or winter. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, "known as one of George Washington’s favorite places to dine," according to Shotwell, serves up a historically inspired menu that includes hoe cakes, chowder, and fried chicken. She adds, "Candlelit rooms with the soft sounds of tavern music complete the dining experience.

Proprietor James Shields served the lesser gentry and upper middling ranks of locals and travelers in the 1740s. Today, the largest of the colonial taverns now serves more than just light fare, though soup, salads, wrap sandwiches, and pie are still popular. This tavern closes at 9 pm.

One of them does profit-sharing with their employees (umm, was it Shields Tavern?) and the lunch was great. Ask at the visitors center-they should know. Some ticket packages include lunch.

The pub crawl begins at Shields Tavern Garden with a tasting of a Shields Tavern colonial-era punch bowl, which is an exceptionally sweet libation meant to be uniquely paired with one of the tavern’s globally-inspired dishes. Shields Tavern offers the Spring Punch Bowl with pineapple-infused rum and flavored brandy with orange and ginger as well as its Wine Punch Bowl with white wine mixed with mango, lemon, sugar and lemongrass. During the 18th century, taverns such as Shields were communal gathering places for townspeople who shared these punch bowls.

Shields has recently expanded its menu and its hours (now open from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.), and because no reservations are accepted here, this is a good option if you decide to drop in unexpectedly. The interior is casual 18th century coffeehouse, and offers quick service. Try the cornmeal-battered buttermilk fried oysters or the Old English favorite ‘Bubble and Squeak’—a concoction of potatoes and cabbage that legend has it is named for the sounds one’s digestive system makes after eating it.

This restaurant offers typical Southern food, such as Carolina-style BBQ sandwiches, bangers and mash (a reflection of Colonial Williamsburg’s English ancestry), and other Southern go-tos. You can also enjoy a Colonial-style repast of ale-potted beef with mushrooms, pearl onions, and carrots over mashed potatoes. Colonial Williamsburg is an area of the country that was one of the first to be settled by Europeans (in the 1600s).

Gather around the table for a communal feast at the cozy Shields Tavern, also right on Duke of Gloucester Street. Order off the Groaning Board menu for historically inspired dishes served family-style, replicating the tavern culture of Colonial Williamsburg. Its inviting atmosphere and ADA accessibility make it a fun stop to dine like the locals did centuries ago.

Shield’s Tavern offers diners an 18th century menu of ale-potted beef with mashed potatoes smothered in mushrooms, carrots and pearl onions, as well as other traditional meals from Colonial times. The tavern also provides Southern meals such as bangers and mash, Carolina-style barbecue sandwiches and other staples well known by residents of the South.

Solid food and "Ye Olde Colonial" atmosphere is the draw at this 18th century-style tavern (which recalls one that James Shields operated in this area in the 1740s). You'll be sitting elbow-to-elbow with other guests at communal tables in the candlelit dining rooms …

(757) 378-3268 Drawing influences from every corner of the former British Empire, the cuisine at James Shield’s Tavern offers an authentic taste of the cosmopolitan nature of the Colonies in the 18th century. Located in the heart of New Town, convenience at its best!

Shields Tavern is located at 422 East Duke of Gloucester Street and offers food in an authentic 18th-century atmosphere. Here, you can dine on a nice crayfish and shrimp stew or a more familiar southern fried chicken. But after taking a bite, look around.

Shields Tavern showcases a melting pot of cuisine from all over the former British Empire. Dine on authentic dishes for lunch and dinner. While these international flavors are pleasing for some, younger diners may want something more familiar.

Shield’s Tavern – Also located on East Duke of Gloucester Street, Shield's is slightly lower in price and is open for lunch only on Tuesday through Saturday. Stop in for a plate of warm doughnuts, potato pudding, and some fried chicken!

Find more delicious colonial-era favorites at Shields Tavern. Bring the whole family to dine on delicious favorites like shrimp stew and pork shank. Everything is served by individuals dressed in costumes of the era.

We chose to eat at Shields Tavern for lunch because I felt it offered the best of both worlds!. You can look through all of the menus online and even make your dining reservations in advance to fit your schedule!

Fear not, as Shield Tavern serves an array of eats and drinks, ready to appease your appetite and rejuvenate you after an enriching exploration of the city’s historical gems.

Share regional favorites with your family and enjoy the warm and lively atmosphere of this restaurant that provides the most authentic 18th century tavern dining...

Shields Tavern used to be a wonderful coffeehouse-style place, where tired travellers could stop in to relax over light bites. Now it’s a private-function venue.

Comfort food at Shields Tavern (417 E. Duke of Gloucester Street) includes buttermilk fried oyster, seafood gumbo, buffalo stew and vegetable wraps.

Shields Tavern reflects the global flair of the British Colonies. Check the Colonial Williamsburg website for hours and reservation information.