King's Arms Tavern — Restaurant in Williamsburg

Like most, we came here on our vacation to Williamsburg. We had missed it last year when we came due to not having reservations, so we made those very early in the planning process. We had reservations at 5pm on a Thursday (for reference). I'm torn with how to rate it - part of me thinks it deserves a solid 2 star tourist trap, the other part thinks it could stretch to 3.5 stars. I read some reviews where people were happily shocked this wasn't a tourist trap - I did not eat at the same restaurant as they did. Here are our tips, pros, and cons: Tips: Reservations are a MUST. Period. Don't expect to come here and eat without one (if you do - kudos - it's not the norm). Forget the prime rib and go with the pork chop (MUCH better option). Don't let your kid (or yourself for that matter) get the salmon. There is parking off of Francis street you can park in for the tavern's guests. If you are seeing Colonial Williamsburg the same day, DON'T count on getting the shuttle bus on ANY kind of schedule or availability in the afternoons (they fill up fast and become less timely as the day goes on) - plan for tons of time to get to your car and go to hotel and then add more time to that. That said, if you're in park-clothing (t-shirts and shorts) you will be fine. Despite the prices, the clientele is very casual for the most part. Pros: -The "CHOP OF SHOAT" or Pork Chop is VERY GOOD. It's a large, tender, cut that was cooked perfectly with a succulent and perfectly sweetened sauce. Highly recommend - compared to the rest of the menu it shoots far above it's price point. The ambiance is almost on-point. Maybe not quite what you expect if you've been seeing the great "interpreters" in CW all day, but it tries and mostly succeeds. The hostesses and most of the staff were in costume and in character which added to the effect. Our waiter seemed more like a washed-up Back Street Boy in CW costume than the rest of the staff, but it all worked out. The musician that played pushed this to a pro and added a solid star for this review. The veggies were all fresh and very well prepared. Cons: The "beef stew" was a poor choice on my part, I should have done the peanut soup and at least tried the signature soup for the tavern - lesson learned. The stew tasted like minestrone right out of an Army Dining Facility from 20 years ago with some beef strings added. Wasn't good and to me, wasn't stew. Go with the peanut soup. The prime rib. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't BAD, but it was the same as you'd find at any catering hall in the country today. The gravy was the worst part and the abundant horseradish was the best. Skip it. I can't speak for the tenderloin, but as I said above the pork was amazing. I'd go that route. The Salmon was the "catch of the day" - not sure what day, but it wasn't recent. Again, this aligned with the salmon I'd get from the chow hall in the Army. Nothing special and certainly not worth the $42. My daughter LOVES salmon and ate 1/2. The Service. We were in a back room where our waiter served us all at once and we couldn't see any other room, so I can only speak for our experience. He was dressed for the part, but in no way was he in character and he certainly wasn't a very good waiter for any period. Nothing outrageous (he forgot my wife's salad, brought it at the very end of dinner after we asked, with a meek apology, but no remedy or options. Given the prices and the outstanding staff in the rest of the park, this was a let down. The drinks. Just get the beer or wine. The 9 square feet of thick linen napkin they give you is a little hard to work with, but I'm...

King's Arms Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, is an absolute treasure that takes diners on a captivating journey through history while offering a delightful dining experience. From the moment you step foot into this charming restaurant, you're transported back in time to the days of Colonial America.

The first thing that strikes you is the awe-inspiring historic building that houses King's Arms Tavern. Its stunning architecture, reminiscent of the 18th century, exudes a sense of grandeur and elegance. The combination of brick walls, wooden beams, and quaint windows evokes a warm and inviting atmosphere that instantly sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.

The interior is equally captivating, with its historic furnishings that pay homage to the rich heritage of America. The authentic period décor, including vintage lighting, antique furniture, and portraits of prominent historical figures, adds a sense of authenticity and nostalgia to the dining experience. As you sit at your table, you can't help but marvel at the craftsmanship and attention to detail that has gone into preserving the ambiance of yesteryears.

But the real star of King's Arms Tavern is, of course, the food. The menu features a carefully curated selection of colonial-inspired dishes that tantalize the taste buds. From hearty stews and succulent roasts to delectable seafood, each dish is a harmonious blend of traditional ingredients and modern culinary techniques. The culinary team pays meticulous attention to historical accuracy, ensuring that every bite is an authentic representation of the flavors enjoyed by our ancestors.

The staff at King's Arms Tavern deserves special praise for their exceptional service and knowledge. Friendly and attentive, they are well-versed in the history of the restaurant and are happy to share intriguing stories and historical tidbits, enriching your dining experience further.

To complement the incredible food and ambiance, the restaurant boasts an impressive selection of wines and spirits. The extensive drink list includes vintage wines and classic colonial-era cocktails, making it a haven for beverage enthusiasts.

King's Arms Tavern is not just a restaurant; it's an immersive journey back in time. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience, this place has it all. The combination of the historic building, the captivating furnishings, and the outstanding cuisine makes King's Arms Tavern an absolute must-visit in Williamsburg, Virginia. Your visit here is bound to be etched into your memory, making you eager to return for more of its enchanting charm and...

My wife and I had dinner at King's Arms on August 17th at 7 PM. As we approached the restaurant, I saw two women and a man, dressed in colonial garb, standing around doing nothing. I figured they were from other businesses since they were blocking the door and said nothing to my wife and I as we arrived. As we moved around them to enter the restaurant, one of the women said, "Do you have a reservation?" We answered that we didn't. She implied they were required, so we turned to leave. Fair enough. She then said that the restaurant could seat us. Next, she asked if we would like to see a menu, implying that we might not be able to afford the entrees. At this point, I began to get irritated with the attitude and asked if the three needed to see our identifications?

The second woman who had also been standing around said snidely, "Yes, I would like to see your identification." Rather than ask her 1. Why wasn't she working if she was an employee of the King's Arms? and 2. Was it the practice of all King's Arms employees to be rude to customers?, I opened the door to look for someone who could help us get a table other than the two rude women I had been dealing with. Now, it was the man's turn. He fussed at me for not waiting for him to show me to a table. Did he say, "Sir, let me show you to a table?" Nope. I guess we were supposed to know that was job by ESP. I pointed out that with an hour left until the restaurant closed that there were by my count eight empty tables and that I was glad they could somehow squeeze us in. By the way, the sign on the front of King's Arms says "Reservations Recommended" (i.e. not required), so there was absolutely no need for any attitude from the three door-blocking, rude employees at the front of the restaurant. With a half-empty restaurant, you would think that the King's Arms would be thankful for the business.

Thankfully, our waitress was a normal human being who did her job with care and kindness. The food was not bad, but certainly overpriced. The meat was dry and the sides were maybe a tablespoon of mashed potatoes with a carrot. There were musical performers who were also simply normal humans, unlike the three who accosted us when we arrived.

If you like mediocre food at high prices with a side of rude employees, the King's Arms is the...