Christiana Campbell’s Tavern in Colonial Williamsburg is a carefully reconstructed 18th‑century tavern originally owned by entrepreneur Christiana Burdett Campbell, who welcomed luminaries like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Today it continues to serve a locally sourced, colonial‑inspired menu—seafood favorites such as crab cakes, spoon bread, and shrimp—within its historic ambiance and even hosts tavern performers for an immersive period experience.
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern evokes an intimate 18th-century ambiance, with white-washed walls, dark wood-paneled dining rooms, and candlelit tables set beneath brass sconces and pewter decor. Servers dressed in colonial-era garb move quietly through the rooms, while live period musicians drift between tables. The overall effect is warm, historic, and immersive—a cozy step back in time.
Christiana Campbell’s Tavern offers a historically inspired seafood-focused menu featuring locally sourced shrimp, scallops, fish, and their signature jumbo lump crab cakes served alongside creamy spoon bread and sweet potato muffins. Guests can also enjoy hearty colonial-era dishes such as a savory Seafood Pie with fish, scallops, shrimp, and lobster in a rich gravy, as well as classic Southern-fried chicken and flavorful chowders. Seasonal desserts like rum laced custard, lavender shortbread, and trifle round out the menu for a true taste of 18th-century cuisine.
We were treated to some spoon bread to start. Made from cornmeal, milk, butter, and eggs, the spoon bread is rich yet light, baked until golden, and is soft enough to be eaten with a spoon.
Next up was a libation, which was quite strong if memory serves me correctly. You can also do punch bowls, which is nice for sharing.
My entree was "TO BUTTER CRABS" - heat it in a little wine, some pepper, salt and nutmeg a few crumbs of bread, a good piece of butter (The Lady’s Assistant, Charlotte Mason, 1777). This was a bit different, but I did enjoy the hunks of crab meat. Simple and very lightly seasoned.
Dessert was A RUM CREAM TART - Served with cream...whipped up to stand strewn with a double refined sugar and American Heritage Classic Chocolate dusting. (A Christiana Campbell’s Classic).
It, too, was fairly simple with light flavors.
I think the appeal of this place lies more in the connection to history and the resurrection of old-timey recipes. But, with staying true to that, there aren't a ton of bold flavors and rich, hearty sauces. Things are seasoned minimally and simply.
Have you been?
Grade: B
