Bars & Pubs
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The Study
Why it Made the List: The Study offers a unique setting for drinks — a 1920s-inspired speakeasy tucked inside 🔺Amber Ox Public House on the edge of Colonial Williamsburg. It's the perfect spot for those seeking an atmospheric aesthetic: think mood lighting, flickering candles, and antique leather. It's located in Merchants Square, so this is a good area for a post-cocktail shopping trip.
What's on the Menu: Staying on theme, the menu comes in the shape of a bookmark, with bar snacks listed on the back. Wine, beer, and small plates round things out, but the cocktails are the main attraction. The drink list features classics like a gin martini, plus creative cocktails like the Flame Flower, a tequila-based concoction with hints of honey and elderflower.
Insider Tip: This moody speakeasy is reservation-only with limited spots, so book in advance. Keep in mind it's a 21-and-up experience with a two-drink minimum.
Restoration Bar
Why it Made the List: Don't pass up an evening at the Restoration Bar if you're looking for a classy spot that doesn't feel stuffy. The bar sits in the historic Williamsburg Inn, an iconic luxury resort built by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg.
What's on the Menu: Expect a diverse cocktail menu with a mix of refreshing herbal drinks and fruit-forward adult beverages, plus a cigar cabinet and rare bourbons.
Insider Tip: Come prepared — the bar has a dress code, but that's part of the fun of looking the part. Think dressy-casual: dress shirts and nice jeans with closed-toe shoes are the way to go.
DoG Street Pub
Why it Made the List: DoG Street Pub specializes in craft beer, but they've earned their spot with a diverse cocktail list and a unique location inside an 80-year-old bank on Duke of Gloucester Street near Colonial Williamsburg.
What's on the Menu: The drink menu features a large selection of spirits, including local makers like Copper Fox, and offers classic drinks that pair well with pub food, like a Negroni or a spicy Bloody Mary.
Insider Tip: Don't just come for the cocktails — order a few pub snacks, like a warm beer cheese spread and a warm pretzel, or the Reuben croquettes.
Restaurant Cocktails
Second Street American Bistro
Why it Made the List: Second Street American Bistro is just the right choice for happy hour, especially on fair-weather days when you can enjoy the breeze on the patio beside the koi pond.
What's on the Menu: Expect classic mixed-drinks — martinis and margaritas — alongside creative seasonal offerings and mocktails. Go for the Bartender's Choice if you're feeling adventurous.
Insider Tip: The cocktail list is huge, and happy hour drinks run nearly half the price.
The Hound’s Tale
Why it Made the List: The Hound's Tale sets just the right mood for cocktails. Accent lamps line the bar, adding a warm glow, while whimsical dog-themed art adds a nice pop of color to this low-lit lounge setting.
What's on the Menu: The cocktail menu features twists on old classics. The brunch cocktail menu is a perfect example with drinks like the Old Fashioned Breakfast — bourbon infused with smoked bacon, butterscotch liqueur, orange juice, and candied bacon — or the B52 Espresso, made with espresso, Irish cream, Kahlúa, and Grand Marnier.
Insider Tip: Check out brunch if you're visiting on a Sunday morning, or grab one of the charcuterie boards built for sharing if you're just looking for a bite with drinks.
Casa Pearl
Why it Made the List: At Casa Pearl, the cocktails are just as cool and creative as the food and the setting, a renovated Texaco gas station turned hip oyster bar with artfully crafted drinks to match.
What's on the Menu: The cocktails are a mix of refreshing blends and spice-infused drinks, like the Oyster Shooter made with Fresno chiles, cucumber, and yuzu. The drink menu lists the "notes" under each cocktail — think "fruity, spiced, vibrant" or "tangy, fresh, savory."
Insider Tip: Oysters and tacos are the whole concept here, so don't skip them, but the other small plates are just as tasty and worth adding to the table, too.
Opus 9 Steakhouse
Why it Made the List: 🔺 Opus 9 Steakhouse is just the right place to splurge on an elegant evening out, but that doesn't mean you can't simply enjoy the scene with a cocktail at the bar, especially on a Wednesday night when live music turns the restaurant into an intimate jazz club.
What's on the Menu: This steakhouse has a reputation for elegance, so it's no surprise the drink menu is just as classy with favorites like the French 77, plus creative options like the Tuscan Spritz, a blend of limoncello with hints of rosemary, basil, and lime.
Insider Tip: Arrive early for a seat at the bar and lounge, but call ahead or book online if you're going for the full Opus 9 dining experience.
Water Street Grille
Why it Made the List: When it comes to atmosphere and beautiful views, Water Street Grille in Yorktown takes the cake. Natural light pours into the bar area through tall windows and a beautiful arched sunburst, creating a light and airy feel, while outdoor seating offers front-row views for schooner watching on the York River.
What's on the Menu: The drinks on this cocktail menu all have one thing in common — a tropical theme, perfect for the bright, easygoing atmosphere. It's even in the name with drinks like the Yorktown Sunset, made with pineapple vodka and passion fruit puree.
Insider Tip: For the best river views, grab a seat on the outdoor deck. After drinks, take a shopping break and explore the rest of Riverwalk Landing.
Distilleries & Taverns
Copper Fox Distillery
Why it Made the List: 🔺 Copper Fox Distillery is more like a culinary lab, where the distiller experiments with smoked grains and different fruitwoods like cherry, peach, and apple, creating fun and innovative spirits.
What's on the Menu: This impressive menu includes mules, martinis, and various spins on an old fashioned, like a lavender and peach tea version, plus mocktails and seasonal drinks. Enjoy your cocktails in the Speakeasy Lounge or the fire-pit courtyard.
Insider Tip: This isn't just a break spot for cocktails. It’s a fun, informative tour of a historic hotel transformed into a unique distillery, and tours are free every Tuesday.
King’s Arms Tavern
Why it Made the List: This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning one of Colonial Williamsburg's historic taverns. King's Arms Tavern makes the list for its period-inspired cocktail menu.
What's on the Menu: Shareable rum punch bowls and cocktails delicious enough to have survived the test of time, like a classic mint julep or a rummer.
Insider Tip: George Washington was known to visit King's Arms Tavern on more than one occasion — a reminder that you're sipping where history actually happened. Keep that same spirit going as you explore the rest of Colonial Williamsburg.
More to Sip & Savor
Discover more cocktail bars in Williamsburg, or branch out to craft breweries and wineries. Plus, check out the area’s notable restaurants for a full taste of the local food scene. Cheers!
Restaurant Cocktails
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Second Street American Bistro
Why it Made the List: Second Street American Bistro🔺 is just the right choice for happy hour, especially on fair-weather days when you can enjoy the breeze on the patio beside the koi pond.
What's on the Menu: Expect classic mixed-drinks — martinis and margaritas — alongside creative seasonal offerings and mocktails. Go for the Bartender's Choice if you're feeling adventurous.
Insider Tip: The cocktail list is huge, and happy hour drinks run nearly half the price.
The Hound’s Tale
Why it Made the List: The Hound's Tale sets just the right mood for cocktails. Accent lamps line the bar, adding a warm glow, while whimsical dog-themed art adds a nice pop of color to this low-lit lounge setting.
What's on the Menu: The cocktail menu features twists on old classics. The brunch cocktail menu is a perfect example with drinks like the Old Fashioned Breakfast — bourbon infused with smoked bacon, butterscotch liqueur, orange juice, and candied bacon — or the B52 Espresso, made with espresso, Irish cream, Kahlúa, and Grand Marnier.
Insider Tip: Check out brunch if you're visiting on a Sunday morning, or grab one of the charcuterie boards built for sharing if you're just looking for a bite with drinks.
Casa Pearl
Why it Made the List: At Casa Pearl, the cocktails are just as cool and creative as the food and the setting, a renovated Texaco gas station turned hip oyster bar with artfully crafted drinks to match.
What's on the Menu: The cocktails are a mix of refreshing blends and spice-infused drinks, like the Oyster Shooter made with Fresno chiles, cucumber, and yuzu. The drink menu lists the "notes" under each cocktail — think "fruity, spiced, vibrant" or "tangy, fresh, savory."
Insider Tip: Oysters and tacos are the whole concept here, so don't skip them, but the other small plates are just as tasty and worth adding to the table, too.
Opus 9 Steakhouse
Why it Made the List: 🔺 Opus 9 Steakhouse is just the right place to splurge on an elegant evening out, but that doesn't mean you can't simply enjoy the scene with a cocktail at the bar, especially on a Wednesday night when live music turns the restaurant into an intimate jazz club.
What's on the Menu: This steakhouse has a reputation for elegance, so it's no surprise the drink menu is just as classy with favorites like the French 77, plus creative options like the Tuscan Spritz, a blend of limoncello with hints of rosemary, basil, and lime.
Insider Tip: Arrive early for a seat at the bar and lounge, but call ahead or book online if you're going for the full Opus 9 dining experience.
Water Street Grille
Why it Made the List: When it comes to atmosphere and beautiful views, Water Street Grille in Yorktown takes the cake. Natural light pours into the bar area through tall windows and a beautiful arched sunburst, creating a light and airy feel, while outdoor seating offers front-row views for schooner watching on the York River.
What's on the Menu: The drinks on this cocktail menu all have one thing in common — a tropical theme, perfect for the bright, easygoing atmosphere. It's even in the name with drinks like the Yorktown Sunset, made with pineapple vodka and passion fruit puree.
Insider Tip: For the best river views, grab a seat on the outdoor deck. After drinks, take a shopping break and explore the rest of Riverwalk Landing.
Distilleries & Taverns
Back to Top of ListCopper Fox Distillery
Why it Made the List: 🔺 Copper Fox Distillery is more like a culinary lab, where the distiller experiments with smoked grains and different fruitwoods like cherry, peach, and apple, creating fun and innovative spirits.
What's on the Menu: This impressive menu includes mules, martinis, and various spins on an old-fashioned, like a lavender and peach tea version, plus mocktails and seasonal drinks. Enjoy your cocktails in the Speakeasy Lounge or the fire-pit courtyard.
Insider Tip: This isn't just a break spot for cocktails. It’s a fun, informative tour of a historic hotel transformed into a unique distillery, and tours are free every Tuesday.
King’s Arms Tavern
Why it Made the List: This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning one of Colonial Williamsburg's historic taverns. King's Arms Tavern makes the list for its period-inspired cocktail menu.
What's on the Menu: Shareable rum punch bowls and cocktails delicious enough to have survived the test of time, like a classic mint julep or a rummer.
Insider Tip: George Washington was known to visit King's Arms Tavern on more than one occasion — a reminder that you're sipping where history actually happened. Keep that same spirit going as you explore the rest of Colonial Williamsburg.