Looking for great food in Williamsburg? Chowning's Garden Bar is a top-rated American restaurant known for serving classic American flavors in a welcoming, memorable setting. With a strong 4.40-star rating, this Williamsburg, VA American restaurant offers locals and visitors a satisfying dining experience built around comforting dishes, quality ingredients, and a friendly atmosphere.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed meal with family, meeting friends for a casual night out, or looking for a standout place to enjoy American cuisine in Williamsburg, Chowning's Garden Bar delivers the kind of experience that keeps guests coming back.
To learn more about Chowning's Garden Bar, a highly rated American restaurant in Williamsburg, VA, explore what makes this local dining destination a favorite for American food lovers.
Popular Items
Frequently ordered and highly recommended items at Chowning's Garden Bar
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Food & Drinks
Flaky pastry filled with onions, vegetables, and potatoes
Boneless chicken with onions, vegetables, and a touch of nutmeg
Roasted vegetables with a warm curry seasoning
A savory dish made with aged cheddar, served over hearty bread the German way
Fresh garden greens dressed to your liking
Garden greens with Virginia ham, chicken breast, cheese, eggs, and fresh vegetables
Hear from our valued guests
Very cool place in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Tons of seating, with such a cool atmosphere. Simple pickup and go menu.
We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary here. 1966. Celebrated our 50th. Dine here on each return. The food is tasty the ale hits the historic spot and the ambiance takes one back 200 years. Located on Duke of Gloucester Street midway between the Capitol and Courthouse it was a perfect spot to discuss politics over a pint.
Every dish was delicious. The appetizer crock of cheese, ( I ordered)The Virginian pork BBQ sandwich.... Don't forget to add the slaw to the sandwich & u must get the potato salad!! Family ordered....shrimp gumbo, the barbecue ribs, pasty Brunstick stew, lemon berry family punch bowl, wild berry crumble & pecan pie
Great spot to eat. Managed to get a table for dinner shortly before closing. Personally I found it much better than King's Arms Tavern. Service was fantastic and attentive. Waitress understood my gluten allergy and even brought out gluten-free bread without being asked, which was an awesome touch. The chicken was delicious, as was the pie my wife had. Snow egg dessert was unique, light, and delicious.
We've frequented all of the historic restaurants in Colonial Williamsburg, and Josiah Chowning's is the most laid back. No need for reservations, you're seated first come, first served. The staff are all welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable, and witty. The menu is not huge, but has something for just about everyone. There are nifty period recipes that are unusual and quite tasty. On our last visit, I had the Rarebit appetizer, and Brunswick Stew for the entre, and both were delicious. I heard the ribs were on point as well, but there were no leftovers to sample. Pretty good sign the vittles are fairly legit. Plus, they offer Pimm's Cup from the bar, which should be tried if you never have prior. All around fantastic dining experience.
Authentic traditional Tavern with an amazing vibe. Traditional dress and very welcoming. Especially Christine who was wonderful! Made all the difference to our stay. Christine explained the history and what is happening now in the area. Had the all American Hot Dog which was delicious and the home made cider which warmed me up on a chilly night. Felt very welcome in here. Thank you.
Josiah's was exactly what I was hoping for. The food was good although the Welsh Rarebit was really salty. We only had to wait about 20 minutes and we went around 1pm. My favorite dish we tried was the chicken hash. It's a little pricey but the experience is worth it.
So first the food, the important part. It’s really good. It felt like everything I tried and had was just great. It might not be to the taste of some but as someone who travels all over the place and has food of all kinds, this was great. The staff was great and the atmosphere was very good. I didn’t have to wait at all for a Friday afternoon. I’m not sure if there was anything that I would change about my experience here.
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!
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!
Common questions about Chowning's Garden Bar
Chowning's Garden Bar is located at 109 E Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA 23185, United States, Williamsburg, VA, United States.
You can reach Chowning's Garden Bar by calling +1 855-318-9795.
Chowning's Garden Bar has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 1898 customer reviews.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible seating, Wheelchair-accessible toilet.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following service options: Outdoor seating, On-site services, Takeaway, Dine-in, Delivery.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following highlights: Live music.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Coffee, Comfort food, Spirits.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following dining options: Lunch, Counter service, Seating, Table service.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom, Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following crowd: Family friendly.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following children: Good for kids, High chairs, Kids' menu.
Chowning's Garden Bar features the following pets: Dogs allowed outside.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
Request a table and we'll confirm your booking shortly.
