Chowning’s Garden Bar

The Tavern, their backyard grill that operates in summer, offers a modern, average day grill menu at exorbitant prices. The prices here were for early fall 2025. I wish that Williamsburg food locations in the museum would put more effort into meal and plating design if they want to charge this much. Quality for cost was way off base.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

We were looking for Chownings, and someone on the street told us the only part open was out back. We walked around and were pleasantly surprised. Craig met us with a great smile, a nice welcome, and we received lovely service and good food. Shout out to the fries. Thank you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Do NOT get lunch in the backyard stand here. So overpriced! And the food is not good. They were out of the only decent vegetarian option— a grilled vegetable sandwich— as well as the French fries. The other vegetarian option said it was a veggie bowl but was literally just a grocery store premade house salad (lettuce, onion, cucumber, grape tomatoes) with Ken’s dressing. The attendant recommended the sausage to my family members and all of them thought it was terrible, even drowned in various condiments.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 3

It was a great experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Not too many choices for food at Colonial Williamsburg. The outdoor seating added to the atmosphere. The staff was friendly even though they were super busy. A tad expensive for the portion size.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Was the really the pub. 😢 patio with picnic food.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

If you'd like to spend 90 mins standing to get a sandwich and a salad then this place is for you.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

Beautiful experience however, is closed for renovations. Today is Jan 3, 2025.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Do not try to eat here if you have food allergies. Asked about an allergy for my child, and David who was working the Garden was incredibly rude and smug and refused to try to find out if a food contained a common allergy. Shockingly bad service. David is not someone who should be interacting with customers.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Food was not very good, especially the vegetarian sandwich

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 4

Horrendous wait and extremely overpriced

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Very disappointed! This was only one of two options for "real" food for lunch at Colonial Williamsburg open on a Tues. When we got here we ordered a chicken burger and pulled pork sandwich. You would think it wouldn't take that long. It took 45 minutes. Instead of fast food being fast it took soooooo long. That on top of the many bees and it was just a very sad experience. The poor guy on the grill did have the wind blowing smoke in his face. But every order was taking about 45 minutes to get filled. This place definitely needs some help in efficiency and quality. For the price it was a sore disappointment!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Sandwich, VA Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich

Had a great hearty meal here when we stopped and stayed the night on our way to South Carolina. Had a great Porter on Tap that was refreshing on a brisk November night. Genuine, Old World feel. Walking through the Colonial Streets on a cold night into a warm inn with Hearty Food and good beer. Felt like time traveling

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Amazing food and atmosphere

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Welsh Rarebit

Chef Charles and the staff were amazing. The food we had was hot and delicious. Definitely recommend eating here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5