Restaurants

Williamsburg abounds in restaurants catering to tourists. Most national chain, fast-food, and family restaurants have outlets on Richmond Road (U.S. 60) west of town.

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Taverns 

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation runs four reconstructed 18th-century "ordinaries" or taverns. They aim at authenticity in fare, ambience, costuming of the staff, and entertainment by wandering balladeers. Dinner at one of the taverns is a necessary ingredient of the Williamsburg experience. Their seasonal hours and menus change often, so what I write here may be inaccurate by the time you arrive. Current offerings are posted out front and at the ticket booth on Henry Street at Duke of Gloucester Street, and are available at the visitor center, so you can see what's being served before making your reservations.

You don't need a reservation to buy soups, sandwiches, and baked goods at the bakery in the Raleigh Tavern, which is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

The Early Bird Gets the Reservation -- Advance reservations for dinner at Christiana Campbell's and King's Arms taverns are essential during the summer and on weekends during spring and fall. You can book tables up to 60 days in advance by dropping by or calling the visitor center (tel. 800/447-8679 or 757/229-2141). Lunch reservations are accepted only for major holidays.

Eating Cheaply

In addition to Aromas Coffeehouse, Café & Bakeshop, other choices for inexpensive snacks and meals include the barbecue sandwiches at Retro's, two doors away at 435 Prince George St. (tel. 757/235-8816), which are better than Pierce's, and Retro's serves tasty hot dogs, too. Open daily 11am to 9pm.

Also in this block of Prince George Street is Lenny's Gourmet (tel. 757/253-0458), purveyor of specialty salads, sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and sushi rolls. Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 6pm.