Feeding a family on vacation is no small feat, especially when you're balancing picky eaters, hungry kids, and adults who actually want to enjoy their meals. The good news? Williamsburg makes it easy. From American favorites like BBQ to feel-good Italian feasts to a taco bar with a robot server, Williamsburg’s kid-friendly dining is sure to make the whole family happy.
King’s Arms Tavern 🔺
What's on the Menu: Traditional dishes, from prime rib to pork chops, inspired by real recipes from the 1700s. The kids’ menu includes tasty chicken drumsticks and “Macaroni Pye” (aka mac ‘n’ cheese). Adults can sip colonial-era craft cocktails.
The Vibe: You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time at this Colonial Williamsburg tavern, which features an authentic 18th-century setting complete with servers in period dress and tavern performers.
Why Kids Love It: It’s like stepping into another world. They’ll always remember this feast for the senses.
Pro Tip: Reserve early as certain time slots fill up quickly.
Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Que 🔺
What's on the Menu: Hand-chopped pulled pork, BBQ chicken, fresh garden salads, and a dedicated kids' menu with BBQ chicken, pulled pork, chicken tenders, and hot dogs.
The Vibe: Expect casual, no-frills indoor seating and outdoor picnic tables. Quick-service style means you order, grab your food, and find a spot to dig in.
Why Kids Love It: The kids' menu features can’t-go-wrong classics, and the outdoor seating area gives little ones room to move around while everyone finishes up.
Pro Tip: The banana pudding is non-negotiable.
Sal's by Victor
What's on the Menu: Southern and northern Italian fare including lasagna, chicken Marsala, smoked chicken ravioli, calzones, pizza, and hot subs. Gluten-free penne is available, and the Family Feast options serve five.
The Vibe: This longtime Williamsburg favorite features a strolling musician on busy evenings to add to the atmosphere. The spacious interior accommodates large parties comfortably.
Why Kids Love It: The kids' menu covers the Italian and American classics kids crave, from spaghetti and meatballs to chicken tenders with fries.
Pro Tip: Looking for a late dinner after a day of sightseeing? Sal’s is open 7 days a week until 11 p.m., and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Plaza Azteca
What's on the Menu: Sizzling fajitas, birria tacos, burritos, chimichangas, and more. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options are available. Complimentary chips and salsa to start.
The Vibe: This lively Mexican restaurant offers a festive atmosphere, cultural music, inviting booths, and a fun surprise: food delivered by a friendly serving robot.
Why Kids Love It: The robot server is the headline attraction. It's a fun novelty that kids remember. Tableside guacamole is an interactive experience younger diners enjoy, and a dedicated kids' section on the menu keeps ordering simple.
Pro Tip: Ask your server for specialty dessert options not listed on the menu.
Precarious Beer Hall 🔺
With Electric Circus Taco Bar & Ol' Dominion Burger
What's on the Menu: Electric Circus Taco Bar serves street tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and churros, while Ol' Dominion Burger covers smashburgers, fries, and ice cream floats. Those 21 and up can choose from 18 taps of beer, wine, or cider.
The Vibe: This modern, fun-loving beer hall within Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchants Square features picnic-style seating and a collection of arcade games.
Why Kids Love It: The arcade is a massive hit. Kids can play games before and after eating, making it a win-win dinner destination: parents get craft beer; kids get games and tacos. Everyone leaves happy.
Pro Tip: Weeknights tend to be less crowded, giving kids more room to enjoy the arcade. Note that Thursday nights and Fridays are highly recommended 18+ only.
Food For Thought 🔺
What's on the Menu: A diverse menu with American classics like Fork Tender Pot Roast and Grandma's Meatloaf alongside Pad Thai, Jamaican jerk chicken, and more. Gluten-free and seniors' menus are also available.
The Vibe: Inspired by the idea that great meals spark great conversation, the walls are covered with photos of inventors, scientists, and leaders alongside thought-provoking quotes. The motto is "Eat. Drink. Think."
Why Kids Love It: Tabletop trivia cards engage curious kids. Plus, the kids' menu goes well beyond chicken fingers, featuring salmon, ribs, and crab cakes for adventurous eaters.
Pro Tip: There’s butcher paper and crayons on every table — kids can draw while they wait.
Charly's Airport Restaurant
What's on the Menu: Sandwiches on fresh-baked bread, homemade soups and chili, daily specials, and desserts, plus famous crab cake sandwiches served on Fridays. Kids' menus (with options like grilled cheese, PB&J, and a hot dog) arrive on a coloring page with crayons.
The Vibe: Located at the Williamsburg Jamestown Airport, the restaurant features a patio overlooking the runway.
Why Kids Love It: Watching planes take off and land while eating lunch is an experience kids talk about long after the meal. The on-site playground adds more built-in entertainment.
Pro Tip: Charly's is open for lunch only, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so plan accordingly!
Shorty’s Diner
What's on the Menu: Scratch-made breakfast and lunch favorites, including omelets, pancakes, sandwiches, burgers, sides, and pies all made from family recipes.
The Vibe: This family-owned, retro-themed diner features black-and-white checkered floors and ‘50s-style décor.
Why Kids Love It: The atmosphere is fun, the booths are comfortable, and the food fills all the cravings.
Pro Tip: The Shorty's Special and Classic Sampler are legendary for big appetites.
Colonial Pancake House 🔺
What's on the Menu: Tempting specialty pancakes, waffles, and eggs for breakfast (gluten-free options available); soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches for lunch.
The Vibe: This family-owned restaurant gives off a cozy feel with a fireplace in the middle of the dining room and colonial-themed artwork.
Why Kids Love It: Kids' menus come with crayons. Breakfast is served all day, which makes everyone's morning (or afternoon) a little easier.
Pro Tip: It’s first-come, first-served on weekends and holidays, so arrive early to beat the wait.
Craft 31
What's on the Menu: Gourmet burgers and fries, hot sandwiches, specialty thin-crust pizzas, craft beer, cocktails, and other handcrafted delights. There’s also a raw bar featuring regional oysters.
The Vibe: Kick back at this comfortable casual restaurant, which offers live music on Wednesdays. The enclosed patio stays warm in winter thanks to overhead heating and a cozy fireplace.
Why Kids Love It: The kids’ menu is a crowd-pleaser with pizza, burgers, chicken fingers, popcorn shrimp, grilled cheese, and mac ‘n’ cheese. There are even kid-sized milkshakes.
Pro Tip: Ask about lunch, dinner, or happy hour specials, and don’t overlook the margarita flights.
More Food & Drink Options
From pancake houses to historic tavern dining and beyond, discover all the food & drink options that await in Williamsburg. Plus, get tips on great gluten-free dining spots.