The small town of Williamsburg, as the capitol of colonial Virginia, relied on taverns to provide politicians and other travelers of the day with places to relax as they enjoyed a few drinks, received hearty home-cooked meals and continued their business or argued politics. Some of the taverns even provided shared overnight living quarters. One room with bed and floor accommodations could, at times, include 10 or more customers.
The most important establishments during the 1700s were located on Duke of Gloucester Street, which is the main road that leads to the capitol building. In keeping with a considerable part of Colonial Williamsburg, most of the taverns are historical reconstructions. One building, however, is the original establishment where George Washington and others met. Each tavern features period or recreated 18th century furniture and provides the comforts afforded to travelers and visitors of the time.
Chowning’s Tavern was opened by Josiah Chowning during 1766. It appealed to the “ordinary sort” and today’s diners can enjoy lunch featuring Brunswick stew and sandwiches. Adjacent to Market Square, this typical colonial alehouse also features evening entertainment such as balladeers, colonial games and other “diversions” popular during the 1700s. On pleasant days, dining is possible in the back garden.
The King’s Arms Tavern was opened by Jane Vobe during 1772. It became one of the town’s most genteel establishments and features traditional southern fare and after-dinner cordials. Colonial game pie, roast prime rib of beef and hot apple cider are among the popular items.
During the 1740s, James Shields assumed proprietorship of the tavern that his father-in-law had operated for several decades. Today’s guests dine on southern comfort food inspired by “colonial receipts.” The seasonal menu takes advantage of foodstuffs available from the local marketplace.
Patriots at Raleigh Tavern
The Raleigh Tavern, which opened around 1717, served as a center for social, commercial and political gatherings. Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee and Francis Lightfoot Lee established a committee of correspondence here that kept in contact with those of other colonies prior to and during the Revolutionary War. Washington often noted in his diary that he “Dined at the Raleigh.”
The Raleigh hosted small private dinners and larger public dinners. It also held lectures and auctions of merchandise, land and slaves. During 1824, as part of his final tour of America, the Marquis de Lafayette returned to Williamsburg and visited the tavern.
That original structure burned during 1859 and it was rebuilt from 1928 to 1932. Today, it has a bake shop that includes gingerbread and apple cider.
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern is the only history-related dining establishment located on the opposite side of the capitol building and just across the street from the park boundary. It is named for the proprietress who was described by one customer as “a little old woman about four feet high and equally thick.”
Washington was a faithful customer of this tavern known for giving satisfaction to travelers and townspeople with a taste for seafood. It also is known for its sweet potato muffins and hot spoon bread.
Back on Duke of Gloucester Street, the latest addition to the landscape is Richard Charlton’s Coffeehouse. It is a reconstruction located on the original foundation to re-create the 1765 hotbed of political, business and social activity adjacent to the colonial capitol building.
The new coffeehouse was built using 18th century construction techniques but in compliance with modern building codes. Visitors learn about the significance of Charlton’s business and enjoy a sampling of period coffeehouse beverages – coffee, tea and chocolate. The porch of the building stages scenes of the period to educate visitors.
The Original Tavern
The only original tavern building in Williamsburg is Henry Weatherburn’s Tavern. It is located near all the other taverns on Duke of Gloucester Street. While you can tour the entire building to see the public areas, upstairs sleeping rooms and the outbuildings in the back, this building does not serve any food or drink. It provides a history lesson about colonial tavern life. Washington was a frequent visitor.
The taverns are open year-round but hours seasonally fluctuate. Reservations are recommended for meals, especially during summer. During times when crowds are thin, it is possible to be seated quickly without a reservation.
All the taverns provide services by costumed interpreters and sometimes customers can enjoy conversations with the tavern owners. It has been noted that today’s Christiana Campbell closely resembles the original.
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