Best of the Burg: Date Spots

JR Herman explores some of Williamsburg’s great restaurants, taking into account atmosphere, price range, and typical menu. Continue reading for inspiration on where to eat the next time you’re planning a date or a night on the town with friends.

Williamsburg has an amazing selection of restaurants — we are truly lucky to live in a city with such varied culinary options, both on the high and casual ends of the spectrum. For all those seeking a great place for a date, below is a compilation of some of the Burg’s best restaurants, although it is by no means an exhaustive list. I have tried to include variety in price range, fare, and atmosphere in order to help ensure that there is a place to fit everyone’s budget, taste, and style. For those not currently in a relationship, don’t stop reading — these restaurants are also perfect for an outing with a friend.

Fine Dining

King’s Arms Tavern ($$$) is located at 416 East Duke of Gloucester St. (open from 4:30pm to 7:15pm Wednesdays through Sunday)

King’s Arms Tavern is on the pricier side, but it certainly offers an incredible and authentic Colonial Williamsburg experience that is worth the price. Dating all the way back to 1772, King’s Arms Tavern was considered the epitome of Williamsburg fine dining. Today, servers are dressed in traditional Colonial garb, just as they would have dressed back in the day. The décor, from wallpaper and candlesticks to cutlery to menus and napkins, is intended to enhance the realism of the colonial dining experience. Musicians often travel table to table treating guests to colonial-era music. The fare itself is inspired by eighteenth-century recipes — the menu changes on a seasonal basis but typically features an array of “soupes” and “salets,” steaks, beef tenderloin, shank of lamb and, of course, their famous (and delicious) prime rib. I highly recommend the Southern Pecan Pie with whipped cream — no trip to King’s Arms is complete without. Other desserts include bread pudding in bourbon custard sauce, syllabub, fudge cake with cherry compote and red wine syrup, tavern ice cream, and wild berry crumble. The tavern features a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including wine, ale, and punches. Make sure to make a reservation in advance, as spots often fill up quickly in the best of times, and given COVID-19 circumstances, reservations are even more vital to ensure a spot at this popular eatery.

Fat Canary ($$$-$$$$) is located at 410 West Duke of Gloucester St. (open every day except Monday from 5pm to 9pm)

All those who have been to the Cheese Shop are probably familiar with the existence of the Fat Canary, even if they have not actually been — the two restaurants (owned by the same family) share the same building. While the Cheese Shop offers more casual eats, the Fat Canary offers a true fine dining experience. The Fat Canary, interestingly, is not named after an overstuffed bird, like many assume. Ships coming to the New World stopped at the Canary Islands to resupply, and one of the products stocked from the Canary Islands was wine, referred to as Canary, from which the restaurant takes its name. The Fat Canary is a pricey but high-end option for those really looking to go the extra mile for a date; for this reason, it is well-suited for anniversaries, birthdays, and other very special events. The Fat Canary is highly esteemed by food critics — it has received the four-diamond AAA rating every year since its opening. The menu changes seasonally, but previous menus have included Atlantic salmon, Guinea fowl, lamb shank, scallops, short ribs, and beef tenderloin, as well as several gourmet salad options. As you might expect, make sure to make a reservation in advance if you plan on eating here.

ZACHARY LUTZKY // FLAT HAT MAGAZINE

Upscale Casual Dining

The Cheese Shop ($-$$) is located at 410 West Duke of Gloucester St. (open daily from 10am to 6pm)

The Cheese Shop, often frequented by College of William and Mary students looking for delicious sandwiches, is a great place for an upscale casual date. The Cheese Shop carries artisan cheeses from all over the world, so any cheese you could possibly want, they probably have — those who love charcuterie boards will truly enjoy this date experience. The Cheese Shop also boasts an impressive wine cellar with over 4,000 wines, as well as micro beers. Daily wine tastings take place in the cellar. Of course, the Cheese Shop is most known for their impressive selection of sandwiches, most topped with their famed house dressing. Their roast beef sandwich with cheddar cheese and house dressing is, of all their sandwiches, my personal favourite. The Cheese Shop is a fabulous date spot for those looking for a relatively inexpensive option, delicious food, and a laid-back atmosphere for a lunch or early dinner date. The Cheese Shop will always hold a special place in my heart — it was where I picked up my first copy of The Flat Hat while still in high school — I decided then and there to join the paper, if I ever became a student. So on your way out, make sure to pick up a complimentary copy of The Flat Hat to check out the latest news. Maybe the latest scandal will be a conversation starter on your walk back to campus.

ZACHARY LUTZKY // FLAT HAT MAGAZINE

Bangkok Garden ($$) is located at 1346 Richmond Rd. (open daily for lunch and dinner — check their website for daily hours, as they vary depending on the day of the week)

Bangkok Garden offers diners delicious (and authentic) Thai cuisine. According to Bangkok Garden, Thai cuisine consists of four main elements: spicy, sweet, sour, and salty. Bangkok Garden offers a wide variety of dishes that incorporate a mixture of these taste groups, including curry, fowl, seafood, noodle, rice, and stir-fried dishes, as well as salads and soups. The sheer plethora of menu choices can admittedly be quite overwhelming, but this variety ensures that there is a dish for everyone, even the pickiest of eaters. They also offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options and can tailor a meal to your personal spice preference — just request a certain star level, with between one and one and a half stars being a good level to start with to ensure you don’t make your dish too spicy. My Bangkok Garden favourites are the Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles mixed with your choice of meat and assorted vegetables); the Kapau fried rice (your choice of meat added to stir-fried Jasmine rice); the Pia Saam Ros (deep-fried fish served with various Thai sauces); and the Laab (onions, carrots, lime juice, and chili powder with either chicken, beef, or pork). For appetisers, I would particularly recommend the Bangkok Spring Rolls (deep-fried roll with meat inside served with sweet and sour sauce), Steamed Rolls (vegetables in a rice wrapper), or Siam Wings (chicken wings with chili sauce). For those looking for a nearby restaurant that offers international fare, Bangkok Garden is a great pick with extremely tasty offerings.

The Whaling Company ($$-$$$) is located at 494 McLaws Cir. (open Tuesdays through Sunday from 4pm to 9pm)

The Whaling Company is a massive, 9,300 square foot eatery with New England boathouse vibes. Their specialty is seafood, but anyone can find something to love on their vast menu which includes salads, soups, pasta dishes, and grill. Appetisers include oysters, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops, chicken tenders, ahi tuna, clam chowder, catfish, french fries, and more. Known for their fresh fish, entrée options range from fried shrimp and oysters to North Atlantic cod, tilapia, lobster, and crab. For those not crazy about seafood or pasta dishes, The Whaling Company offers chicken dishes, loin chops, filet mignon, and New York strip. I particularly enjoyed the tilapia with french fries, a fish and chips style meal. The atmosphere is relaxed, and if you get the treat of being seated in one of the back rooms, you will have the pleasure of experiencing walking through this seemingly endless restaurant with a unique décor. This locally owned and operated restaurant offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience at reasonable prices.

Maurizio’s Italian Restaurant ($$-$$$) is located at 264 McLaws Cir. (open daily from 11am to 10 or 11pm.)

Maurizio’s offers every Italian food staple — pizzas, subs, paninis, chicken, veal dishes, and salads, as well as traditional pasta dishes. Maurizio’s has been family-owned and operated ever since it opened in 1984, and both pasta and sauces are made entirely from scratch. Dishes are incredibly fresh and of the highest quality, and my family has even driven the 45 minutes from Norfolk to Williamsburg just to eat lunch or dinner here. Maurizio’s also boasts an impressive dessert menu which includes cheesecake, cannolis, tiramisu, lemon Italian cream cake, and more. An absolute must-try dessert is the Tronchetto Limone — a cheesecake-stuffed pastry placed in crème brûlée sauce and topped with chocolate syrup and sugar. This scrumptious dessert is perfect for sharing. The Belgian chocolate mousse cake is another mouth-watering option.

Taverns & Pubs

DoG Street Pub ($-$$) is located at 401 West Duke of Gloucester St. (open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to midnight and Friday through Saturday from 11am to 1am)

Conveniently located in Merchants Square, this gastropub was originally an 80eighty-year-old bank. Lunch and dinner menus offer a wide variety of food, including everything from chicken wings to cheese boards, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. This unpretentious eatery combines good food and affordable prices, all while boasting an extensive beer menu as part of the pub experience.

ZACHARY LUTZKY // FLAT HAT MAGAZINE

Chowning’s Tavern ($$) is located at 109 East Duke of Gloucester St. (open Wednesdays through Sunday from 11:00am to 7pm)

Similar to King’s Arms Tavern and the other Colonial Williamsburg taverns (Shields and Christiana Campbell’s, both of which are temporarily closed at the time of writing, due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Chowning’s transports diners back in time to the days of Colonial America’s eateries. Chowning’s Tavern offers pub fare in a colonial alehouse environment. Chowning’s is known for its delicious (and era-authentic) shepherd’s pie and beef trencher. Other options have more of a modern flair (like hot dogs, BLTs, and veggie burgers). Chowning’s Tavern root beer is an absolute must-try. Of all the Colonial Williamsburg taverns, Chowning’s is the least expensive, so it is a great option for those who want the experience without having to pay for the fine dining experience.

Bistros

Blue Talon Bistro ($$-$$$) is located at 420 Prince George St. (open every day except Wednesday from 8am to 8pm)

Blue Talon Bistro provides diners with comfort food and French-inspired dishes that are sure to delight. The menu includes everything from rotisserie chicken, mac and cheese, savoury crepes, duck barbeque, and salmon po’ boys to gourmet salads. The food is of the caliber of a fine dining experience, but the vibe is rather down-to-earth. Make a reservation in advance if you want to ensure a spot.

Second Street American Bistro ($$) is located at 140 2nd St. (open daily from 11:30am to 9pm)

Second Street American Bistro’s atmosphere is very comfortable, yet elegant. The patio includes a fire pit and even a koi pond. The menu includes a wide variety of burgers, wraps, and sandwiches (like BLT, chicken, crab cake, grilled cheese, tuna, shrimp, and Rueben). Entrées include lamb shank, seafood bakes, steak, and pasta dishes. My personal favourite has to be the classic Second Street Burger with cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, and applewood smoked bacon. Desserts include churros, carrot cake, bread pudding, signature sundae, crème brûlée, and chocolate torte. Those looking to unwind with a glass of wine or microbrew beer will find a fine selection of alcoholic beverages. Second Street Bistro is a fabulous choice for American fare.

Casual

Baskin-Robbins ($) is located at 416 Prince George St. (open daily from 10am to 10pm)

This one needs no explanation — going out for ice cream is such a classic date idea that some may even consider it a cliché. Not only do they offer all flavours of ice cream imaginable, but they also serve milkshakes and smoothies. Time to get that big scoop.

Paul’s Deli ($-$$) is located at 761 Scotland St. (open daily from 10:30am to 2:00am)

Paul’s Deli is another pleasant date place with good food that won’t break the bank. Paul’s Deli offers a wide variety of food: pizza; strombolis; Greek specialties (gyros, souvlaki, etc.); Italian platters (alfredo, marinara, spaghetti, parmigiana, etc.); hamburgers; sandwiches; soups; quiches; and subs. Locally owned and operated since it opened in 1977, Paul’s Deli is open 365 days a year. Happy hour specials go live every night from 5 pm to 9pm PM.

Aromas Coffeehouse Bakeshop & Cafe ($-$$) is located at 431 Prince George St. (open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 8 pm, Sundays from 8am to 8pm)

Aromas is another favourite of students of the College due to its very convenient location, specialty lattes, espressos, macchiatos, teas, and smoothies. Meet your date in this cute coffee shop for your daily caffeine fix and get breakfast (served until 12pmnoon), lunch, or even dinner. Besides beverages, the menu includes lots of wraps, melts, salads, and various desserts. Aromas provides a cosy environment, fresh food at reasonable prices, and a pet-friendly patio, perfect for a casual date.

ZACHARY LUTZKY // FLAT HAT MAGAZINE

The Colonial Pancake House ($-$$) is located at 301 Page St. (open daily from 7am to 2pm)

The Colonial Pancake House’s menu includes traditional breakfast food like Belgian waffles with various topping choices, assorted omelettes, egg, sausage, and bacon dishes, breakfast burritos, and pancakes. My recommendations are the strawberry Belgian waffle, fruit-topped French toast, and corn beef hash. They also offer a gluten-free menu for those with dietary restrictions. The lunch menu includes soups and salads, sandwiches, subs, and burgers. The Colonial Pancake House offers diners a relaxed, cosy, and friendly atmosphere (and good food) at very affordable prices. Let’s bring back the breakfast date!

Hopefully, this exploration of some of Williamsburg’s eateries has either inspired you to check out a restaurant for the first time or to consider an age-old classic the next time you’re looking for a date place. Bon appétit!