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Tucked behind Chowning’s Tavern, Chowning’s Garden Bar offers a charming retreat that reflects the practical beauty of an 18th-century colonial garden. Designed with both function and aesthetics in mind, this hidden gem is the perfect spot to enjoy a quick, classic bite steeped in history. Whether you’re savoring a traditional dish inspired by colonial flavors or simply taking in the surroundings, Chowning’s Garden Bar offers a unique blend of history, flavor, and ambiance just steps from the tavern.
Reconstructed 1766 tavern set in a white Colonial house with faithful furnishings & a Southern menu.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 109 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185
Phone: (855) 318-9795
Website: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/stay-play/dining/historic-taverns/chownings-garden-bar/
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Chowning’s Garden Bar – Colonial Williamsburg
Tucked behind Chowning’s Tavern, Chowning’s Garden Bar offers a charming retreat that reflects the practical beauty of an 18th-century colonial garden.
Food & Drink – Colonial Williamsburg
Chowning’s Tavern Garden. Seasonally Closed. Food & Drink. Chowning’s … Virginia BBQ, or take in scenic views from the outdoor terrace. The …
Colonial Williamsburg – Chowning’s Tavern
… Outdoor Activities Parks Beaches Hiking Biking Fishing Kayaking, Canoeing … 109 East Duke of Gloucester Street Williamsburg, VA 23185. (800) 228-8878.
Reviews
ManWorkingHere
Visited here on a warm 25 Sept 25. Walked around to find the back of the place was open where the inside tavern was not.
The counter service and open air seating under a vine-laden canopy was pleasant.
We had a Grilled Chicken sandwich and a Pulled Pork sandwich with Fries and Chips to share. Local Root Beer for me and water for the lady.
$14 for Chicken sandwich, and $14 for the Pulled Pork.
… moreThe counter service and open air seating under a vine-laden canopy was pleasant.
We had a Grilled Chicken sandwich and a Pulled Pork sandwich with Fries and Chips to share. Local Root Beer for me and water for the lady.
$14 for Chicken sandwich, and $14 for the Pulled Pork.
Lets Go
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.
… moreCharlie Todd
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.
… moreCyrous Bagheri
Very cool place in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Tons of seating, with such a cool atmosphere. Simple pickup and go menu.
… morePeter Shaw
A lot of fun getting to stop by for dinner. The service was fantastic, our server was great at explaining the food, the history behind it and also role playing a waitress from the colonial period. Absolutely loved it.
The food on the other hand was very mediocre. The roasted chicken breast was extremely extremely dry and so was the pulled pork. The Brunswick stew was solid. The snow egg was a unique historical xperience but not something I would get normally in a restaurant.
5/5 service, 2/5 food.
… moreThe food on the other hand was very mediocre. The roasted chicken breast was extremely extremely dry and so was the pulled pork. The Brunswick stew was solid. The snow egg was a unique historical xperience but not something I would get normally in a restaurant.
5/5 service, 2/5 food.
Angela Morris (Αγγελική)
It’s a place with history. I had a hard time recognizing the food. My granddaughter was under the impression she ordered barbecue ribs. She was served a barbecue sandwich. She just ate the chips. I ordered a salad with blue cheese. To my surprise I was served a salad that had a great presentation but did not eat it. I did have a cup of soup. I liked it. I loved the live performance. Southern old songs. The staff was friendly. The service was excellent. The atmosphere was very close to authentic version.
… moreSeth Miller
As some other reviewers have shared, is difficult to find open taverns in Historic Williamsburg during COVID. My family normally goes to the King’s Arms, but since it was closed, we decided to try Josiah Chowning’s for the first time.
Unlike what another reviewer shared, the process for adding your name to the list wasn’t that complicated and they even called us when our table was ready (having a wait is to be expected with parties of all sizes, especially during the weekend of Grand Illumination). Outdoor seating is available, but it’s weather dependant. We had a group of 8 and it took just over an hour to get a table. The nice thing is that since they call, you can explore the shops nearby if you’d prefer not to sit and wait (the are benches available outside).
Once we were inside, the fairly simple menus made ordering easy and the service was good. My wife and I ordered the savory pasties to share and they were really good. We weren’t sure if both the meat and vegetable pasties were included, but they were (apparently we didn’t read the menu very well). I got the trencher of beef and it was fairly good. My wife got the seasonal vegetable pithivier and she wasn’t too excited about it. I tried it and it was pretty dry. The pasties were better by comparison.
So overall I’d say the food itself wasn’t outstanding, but the atmosphere added to the experience (fireplaces, benches at the tables, servers wearing period clothing) Overall, as a group we decided we like the King’s Arms better, but if you’re looking for a new tavern to try, give Josiah Chowning’s a try.
… moreUnlike what another reviewer shared, the process for adding your name to the list wasn’t that complicated and they even called us when our table was ready (having a wait is to be expected with parties of all sizes, especially during the weekend of Grand Illumination). Outdoor seating is available, but it’s weather dependant. We had a group of 8 and it took just over an hour to get a table. The nice thing is that since they call, you can explore the shops nearby if you’d prefer not to sit and wait (the are benches available outside).
Once we were inside, the fairly simple menus made ordering easy and the service was good. My wife and I ordered the savory pasties to share and they were really good. We weren’t sure if both the meat and vegetable pasties were included, but they were (apparently we didn’t read the menu very well). I got the trencher of beef and it was fairly good. My wife got the seasonal vegetable pithivier and she wasn’t too excited about it. I tried it and it was pretty dry. The pasties were better by comparison.
So overall I’d say the food itself wasn’t outstanding, but the atmosphere added to the experience (fireplaces, benches at the tables, servers wearing period clothing) Overall, as a group we decided we like the King’s Arms better, but if you’re looking for a new tavern to try, give Josiah Chowning’s a try.
John R Schleigh IV
What a delightful place to have dinner! I have been to Colonial Williamsburg many times. For some reason it never occurred to me that there might be period cuisine. I am so glad we came here.
My family of four each ordered a different entree. Each choice was delicious and unique. One could say it was comfort food, all very savory, but I feel there is something more that I can’t explain. Different like traveling to another country to sample the fare, yet still American for each dish’s components.
I’d like to see more onion pye in the world around me after this experience.
Be sure to order the root beer!
… moreMy family of four each ordered a different entree. Each choice was delicious and unique. One could say it was comfort food, all very savory, but I feel there is something more that I can’t explain. Different like traveling to another country to sample the fare, yet still American for each dish’s components.
I’d like to see more onion pye in the world around me after this experience.
Be sure to order the root beer!
Joyce Wales
Authentic setting and delicious food. Variety of tasty choices. Friendly, knowledgeable servers who are practiced at the art of making your experience memorable. Prices are equal to the unique experience of enjoying a fine meal. Definitely save room for dessert! The chocolate pudding cake vanilla ice cream are divine!
… moreDennis Dougherty
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
… more