Temperatures may have dipped in Virginia's Historic Triangle, but that doesn't mean going outside has to go on the back burner. The fun is just heating up in Williamsburg, where outdoor dining and drinking options abound thanks to fire pits and heaters. The coolest breweries and bistros offer up tasty bites and tempting tipples to chase away the chill.
The Virginia Beer Company
A trio of custom-built fire pits warm up winter at The Virginia Beer Company, where biergarten-style tables bring Oktoberfest vibes to every season. Seats are available on a first-come, seat-yourself basis, and rotating brews (including seasonal releases) can be paired with bites from an eclectic food truck lineup that alternates frequently. Food trucks have served up everything from modern street tacos and Venezuelan fare to sausages, wings, BBQ, and Hawaiian favorites.
Billsburg Brewery
Water views complement the craft beer at Billsburg Brewery, one of the area's newest breweries. The blaze from a spacious outdoor fire pit makes an ideal place to laze with a traditional-style lager, pilsner, or ale and enjoy the vista from Billsburg's 10-acre marina. Their Waterfront Grill offers everything from gourmet sandwiches and crispy pub fries (smothered in beer cheese and topped with bacon) to healthy keto bowls and fresh vegan dishes.
Precarious Beer Hall
Expect the unexpected at Precarious Beer Hall, where brewers Adrian Garrett and Owen Flannery are always experimenting with new brewing processes, or "attempting perfection" with more traditional styles. A rotating selection often includes West Coast-style IPAs, lagers, barrel-aged stouts, and sours. The duo make celebrating local produce a priority in what they call "culinary-inspired beers," which makes Precarious an ideal haunt to savor a snack from on-site Electric Circus Taco Bar or Ol' Dominion Burger. Snag a spot by the fire pit or an outdoor heater and stay toasty during the winter months.
Amber Ox Public House
In the mood for modern Southern food? Head for the outdoor heaters at Amber Ox Public House, the sister restaurant to Precarious Beer Hall. The menu frequently includes such hits as shrimp and grits, a biscuit board, chicken & dumplings, and braised short rib poutine. Amber Ox brews its own craft beers and also curates a list of beers from surrounding states that pair well with the menu. The food here is locally sourced from regional farmers, perfect for the foodie and craft beer snob.
Second Street An American Bistro
Creative cocktails, mouthwatering martinis, and microbrews with big taste are just some of the signature items at Second Street An American Bistro. The outdoor patio includes a fire pit, gas heaters, and landscaping with water features, making an inviting spot to kick back and savor a good meal in winter. If there's room left over after indulging in palate pleasers like lasagna, steak, grilled salmon, or a burger, don't pass up the colossal carrot cake or variety of infamously large cookies. The Bistro offers one of the area's most extensive dessert menus.
Copper Fox Distillery
Whisky and spirits are a surefire winter warm-up. A sprawling outdoor cocktail garden and spacious courtyard patio with an Instagram-worthy fire pit are just a few of the spaces that make Copper Fox Distillery worth a visit. The historic 6-acre plot includes several buildings and a freshwater pond. Check out some of the highlights during a tasting, while picking up gin, bourbon, or whisky from the retail shop, or while sipping one of their creative cocktails. Tempting tasting flights let you sample a range of flavors to find your favorite.
La Tienda Tapas Bar
A taste of Spain comes to Williamsburg at La Tienda Tapas Bar, where small plates include sizzling shrimp with garlic, and bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Manchego cheese complement house-made sangria. Chorizo-studded cheese boards bring the heat, as do several outdoor heaters on La Tienda's cozy patio with string lights. Don't forget to ask about the daily paella selection.
Explore more of the area's best food & drink options, discover top outdoor experiences for winter, or see our guide to Williamsburg by season.