Located inside Hotel Petersburg, Shirley’s offers an elevated dining experience in a beautifully restored historic setting. Our seasonal menus highlight fresh, locally inspired dishes, from refined Southern favorites to creative chef‑driven specials. Join us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or relax at the bar with handcrafted cocktails and a curated wine list. Perfect for casual meals, business lunches, special celebrations, and private events, Shirley’s blends warm hospitality with exceptional food in the heart of Old Towne Petersburg, VA.
Tavon S
The service was amazing! The Atmosphere was the best! The food was very good! The Chicken with mushrooms sauce and potatoes with Mac&Cheese was good! My wife had the Lamb Chops with Mac&Cheese. Everything was hot and fresh. Lamb Chops was very tender! Chicken was falling off the bone!
… moreJack J
My wife and I went there for Valentines Dinner. It was recommended by our daughter. Well she has good taste. The staff was very friendly. Kirk our server was fantastic. He made some excellent suggestions and was on point with everything. The food was amazing. Everything was prepared perfectly. Definitely give them a try. It’s a hidden gem.
… moreSuzanne J
We decided to try Shirley’s for our 36th anniversary this past Tuesday night. I noted on our reservation that we were celebrating this event. First, the venue is really beautiful. We were greeted promptly, but the server didn’t ask if we were celebrating anything. Finer establishments should always ask. Second, we ordered the shrimp cocktail appetizer, which was delicious. The server did not come back for nearly 15 minutes because he was only 1 of 2. Two larger groups came in, so our service experience went downhill from there. Our entrees came and were delicious (smash burger, fried green tomato and the composed little salad). But no one ever came back to check on our drinks or the meal. We were there for about 90 minutes. Not sure we will go again. Waitstaff needs training and there need to be more of them. If you don’t have enough waitstaff, the manager needs to be out there helping and checking on patrons. This could be a really nice dining experience, but it needs work. Food 4.5. Service 1.0.
… moreCaitlin Hebert
Had the lamb chops and macaroni. Nice adult atmosphere, staff were great. You can expect to spend some money in here. Great spot for a nice dinner.
… moreAnna T
Wonderful atmosphere for date night. Patio area is comfortable and inviting. Service was spectacular. We told our waitress about horrible peach cobbler from another place we had so she said they had a great one on the menu and she was right. It was exactly what we wanted. I could have made a small meal or snack out of their mac and cheese. It was a good size portion for me.
… moreReinhart
the cocktails and the meals were outstanding in presentation, flavor, quality of cooking, and quantity. This is true for the appetizers and main courses.
Shirley’s is located in the old section of Petersburg, where our family lived for decades, so it is with pride and pleasure that we strongly recommend Shirley’s as an outstanding restaurant, anywhere. Beverages, appetizers, main courses, and enjoying the ambiance of an era gone by in this restored hotel and restaurant – definitely worth the drive to Olde Towne Petersburg for an outstanding meal.
See photos for appetizers and entrees we enjoyed.
The overall price per person includes cocktails and service tip.
… moreGeorge
Wow! What a great find! We chose Shirley’s for our date night and were not disappointed.
The hotel and restaurant have such a classic charm and feel, and it was better than the pictures. There is so much history in the area, from Tabb Street Presbyterian Church across the street to the courthouse just a few blocks away.
We felt welcome and comfortable, and so did everyone else. In fact, a great part of the night was getting to know the older couples who sat near us. We loved the friendly vibe.
The service was top notch. Everyone was kind, considerate, and attentive. Our drinks were always full, and our waitress checked in regularly. Kudos to everyone there. Super job.
The food was just as expected for the quality of experience and for the price paid. Everything was delicious and flavors were balanced. Portions were filling but not excessive, and dessert was delicious.
I think there was a valet parking lot nearby if you want to kick it up a notch. We met the attendant on the way in, and he was very kind. However, know that there is street parking everywhere. We parked and walked several minutes to and from dinner without a problem.
We hope everyone has the same experience we had at Shirley’s. We are looking forward to visiting again sometime in the future!
… moreCya Vsqz
Apparently they are open for breakfast but not taking reservations for that time. Menu for lunch doesn’t have much so we tried an appetizer and it wasn’t fresh. It was so cold you can tell it was made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. This was the shrimp martini ceviche. Not too much spice and the chips are homemade with some seasoning on them. While eating lunch there was a maintenance guy outside with a blower and I couldn’t even have a good conversation.
… moreJ J
Thought this old hotel might be an interesting place to visit on a business trip. Service was good. Interesting decor with bygone high ceilings with marble and wood accents. Fun!
Food was most disappointing. Bottom of Cuban sandwich was burned. Salmon was overcooked and especially the vegetables. Charred Brussel sprouts were mushy, same for the chutney. Thought about sending the food back but felt sorry for the server. I don’t like to post negative reviews, but the food preparation deserved one.
… moreJoe Mangioni
Booked the thanksgiving dinner and was very pleased. Service was top notch, enjoyed the food and drink, and the hotel has a nice vibe. I think folks expecting real gold accents and a parking lot need a reality check about where they are. We enjoyed the holiday and appreciated the hustle of the crew from bar to kitchen.
… more