Shields Tavern

One vegan dish, must ask server for it. It’s made fresh for you, but tastes fantastic. FYI does take time to cook and serve Updated from previous review on 2026-01-23

My husband and I had lunch here honestly on a whim while visiting Colonial Williamsburg. We had dined at King's Arms Tavern before and expected something similar. The food was amazing, as expected. It was some of the best food we've ever had and there was nothing we didn't like. I will say, it's organized as a family style meal with a set menu that allows you to try everything. You have the option to choose things basically like a normal restaurant, but just trust me and choose the recommended menu because you absolutely want to try everything. The atmosphere was so cozy and peaceful. A musician came in and played Spanish guitar for us which was so magical. It was just such a peaceful, delicious experience in the 18th century. The desserts are not included in the menu price, but get them anyway. We had a strawberry cream dessert and a pear tart that was on the menu just for today and both were absolutely spectacular. It's been a long time since we've been to a restaurant that we felt was totally worth the price, but this was. If you need a recommendation for where to eat while you're in Williamsburg, choose Shield's Tavern.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken Dinner, Beef Olives Another Way, Strawberry Cream Dessert, To Make a Grand Sallet

The experience was amazing! Booked for Christmas without reading the description and it was the best Christmas dinner for me. The history of eating where thousands of travelers before have eaten. The authentic style food. The staff! Justin, our server, was delightful, friendly, attentive and informative. Would 100% come here again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It was fun and parts of the meal were excellent. The salad, beef pie, mashed potatoes and dessert were very nicely done. The chicken was dry and very salty. We went for the Christmas groaning board and finished just before the Grand Illumination which is right outside the door. Expensive but it's a great overall experience.

Service was friendly and accommodating. An adventure on a cold & windy day. Lantern light at our table. Wait staff superior!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The experience can't be matched at other restaurants. This is truly a unique dinner by candlelight. You feel like you are really a time traveler.

Cameron was the best server and accommodated us with our food allergies and the kitchen was went out there way!!!! Service was great

Limited menu. Well prepared and presented food. Roving guitar player enhanced the experience with music from colonial times.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My first time eating here with the WWP group. The food was very good especially the fried chicken. The server was great, courteous, professional and very engaging!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This Tavern, along with the staff, and a waitress who had not only great server skills, but a wonderful side of great attitude to go along with it!!! I was there with my son on Thursday, 10/9/25 and will prayerfully return ASAP!!! The music/singing transported me back to a more genteel era, and as I am a true fan of the years '1732 - 1834;' it was indeed a breath of fresh air!! God bless you all for all you did/do!! Best endeavors, Letitia Cline

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We visited last week with a school group for a colonial dining experience. The fried chicken, potato pudding, vegetables, and biscuit were delicious. The lemonade was also refreshing. However, many of us were quite disappointed with the yellow cake with white frosting and sprinkles that was served for dessert. It did not seem like an authentic colonial dessert, but rather like a grocery store sheet cake. In addition the gluten free guests received a beautiful and delicious Strawberry Cream dessert. For the price we paid, it seems like we should have all received the strawberry dessert listed on the menu. Please serve better desserts for an authentic colonial experience.

We visited this 18th century tavern in historic Williamsburg. The menu was simple and very much in-period. I had the fried chicken which came in a huge serving with mashed potatoes. And my husband got the salad with chicken slices. The servers wore period costumes, and there was a gentleman playing the mandolin and flute. The atmosphere was nice and I really enjoyed the whole 18th century tavern experience

They have an inn too, I believe, but we stayed at a different hotel

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

One of the best and most surprising meals we had during our stay in Williamsburg. The meal is a set menu of salad, dinner rolls, vegetables, potatoes, roast rolls (Beef Olives Another Way) and fried chicken, so your bill is per person with dessert and drinks being an additional charge. With that said, you can get as much as you want, so we all left happily full. The fried chicken was the best we have ever had in our lives! Our kids wanted a second helping of the doughnuts and the strawberry cream was delicious on a hot day. Our server was very knowledgeable in explaining the food and how it was pertinent to the time period, as well as the history of the building and the contents inside. Our only complaint was the A/C wasn't working and it was hot outside, but they had some portable units, fans and windows open to make it more comfortable, and it really didn't hinder our experience.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Chicken Dinner

They have no beer and call it a tavern with beer mugs on the sign!?!?!? Really disappointing

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Loved the experience of 18th century dining. $76. For two all you can eat, with optional dessert. Of course my husband ate the desert before I could snap a picture.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5