King's Arms Tavern

King’s Arms Tavern is a working restaurant in the Historic Area of Colonial Williamsburg, where period-style surroundings meet a modern menu inspired by colonial cooking. Its story reaches back to tavernkeeper Jane Vobe in 1772; today, visitors come for a meal, costumed service and, at times, live tavern entertainment. Check Colonial Williamsburg’s official page before visiting for current hours, menus, reservations and accessibility arrangements.

What to expect

The tavern offers lunch, a lighter afternoon fare period and dinner on its published schedule. Colonial Williamsburg describes the setting as an “authentic reproduction,” with period attire, pewter candlesticks and décor recalling the eighteenth century; the food is inspired by colonial recipes but adapted for contemporary diners.

The official page highlights dishes such as prime rib and pork chops, and lists separate lunch, dinner, children’s, beverage, dessert and light-fare menus. Live performers in period dress may add music and entertainment to the dining experience; check what is scheduled when you book.

History

Jane Vobe advertised the King’s Arms in 1772, placing it near the eastern end of Duke of Gloucester Street, across from the Raleigh Tavern and near the Capitol. Colonial Williamsburg’s historical research describes it as a prominent gathering place where guests ate, drank, lodged and socialized. Its operation also depended on the labor of enslaved people, including Gowan Pamphlet, who later became a Baptist religious leader in Williamsburg.

The original building burned in the first half of the nineteenth century. Colonial Williamsburg reconstructed the tavern using archaeological evidence and historical records; it opened as a restaurant in 1951, while construction continued through 1953.

Planning your visit

The tavern is at 416 East Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg’s current listing shows lunch, light fare and dinner on Sunday–Monday and Thursday–Saturday, with Tuesday and Wednesday closed. Hours and special-date arrangements can change, so confirm the schedule on the official restaurant page before setting out.

Reservations are available through Colonial Williamsburg’s booking system, and the dining listing recommends reserving ahead. The restaurant identifies itself as family-friendly; consult its live menus for current dishes and prices rather than relying on older menus or descriptions.

Accessibility

Colonial Williamsburg says ADA-accessible dining is provided in the nearby Purdie Kitchen, a separate building from the tavern. Guests should check in at the tavern entrance so a host can escort them there. Contact the restaurant in advance to confirm arrangements that suit your needs; the official listing gives the phone number as 855-240-3278.

Nearby

The tavern is part of the larger Historic Area, making it a natural meal stop while exploring Williamsburg and Colonial Williamsburg. For other period-themed dining options, see Christiana Campbell's Tavern and Historic taverns in Colonial Williamsburg.

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References

External links

• King's Arms Tavern: hours, menus and reservations — Colonial Williamsburg
• The King’s Arms Tavern: A History — Colonial Williamsburg