In Colonial Virginia, taverns were far more than watering holes. They were community hubs, tightly regulated with permits and set menus. I know because my own 1740s home in Scottsville once served as one, licensed by local officials (including Peter Jefferson, Thomas’ father) to provide “wholesome lodging, diet for travellers, and stablage for horses,” plus a pint of Virginia cider at six pence.
Today, the prices may have changed, but the atmosphere hasn’t. Step inside a historic tavern and you’ll find creaking floors, low beams, and the sense that if you listen closely, you might still catch the clink of pewter mugs and whispers of revolution. These five spots aren’t just places for a pint—they’re living links to Virginia’s past.
King’s Arms Tavern
416 E. Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg
For a tavern experience that feels truly transportive, there’s no better destination than the King’s Arms in Colonial Williamsburg. Founded by Jane Vobe in 1772, this historic restaurant whisks you back to the 18th century, complete with costumed staff and musicians serenading guests on traditional instruments as they dine. Bear in mind, this is as authentic as it gets, meaning that tables are seated snugly together—a tricky fit I discovered when I ate here six months pregnant. Historically accurate peanut soupe, game pye, and roast ducks make it worth the tight squeeze. ColonialWilliamsburg.org
Photos by the Vacation Channel | Courtesy of King’s Arms Tavern
Michie Tavern
683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy., Charlottesville
Preservationists often say that the best way to save a building is to keep it in use—and Charlottesville’s Michie Tavern is proof. Initially built in northern Albemarle County on land John Michie purchased from Major John Henry in 1746, the tavern has been welcoming guests for centuries, beginning in the 1780s when Michie received a license to operate a tavern. In 1927, Josephine Henderson, a tourism visionary, saw its potential and had the building moved to its current placement below Monticello at the foot of Carter Mountain. Today, it serves visitors rustic and sublimely delicious fare like fried chicken, black-eyed peas with ham, corn bread, and biscuits. And for those looking for something to quench their thirst, visit the 1784 pub and have a draft. MichieTavern.com
The Tavern
222 E. Main St., Abingdon
In Abingdon, you can dine in the very room where Henry Clay once broke bread at the aptly named Tavern. Established in 1779, this storied building has worn many hats over the years, serving as a post office, barber shop, and even a bank. Today, its menu pays homage to one of its most devoted stewards, the late Max Hermann, a German-born U.S. Army master sergeant who ran the tavern for 30 years with the same precision and passion he brought to his military service. Dine on spaetzle and jägerschnitzel by one of five working hearths or stop by for its annual lively Oktoberfest. AbingdonTavern.net
Hunter’s Head Tavern
9048 John S. Mosby Hwy., Upperville
The stone walls snaking along the patchwork roads into winsome Upperville are your first hint that you’ve stumbled into an old-timey oasis. Pull up to the Hunter’s Head Tavern, and you’ll know for sure: You’ve found it. Once a log cabin, this historic building was built in 1750. An 1800s addition added a second story, but for years it was just a family home. In 2001, Sandy Lerner recognized its potential as a pub and revived its Colonial soul. Take it from me: The best time to sink into this cozy haven is en route to Dulles on a frosty winter’s day. Tuck into fish and chips by the Hunter’s Head fireplace before you brave security to parts unknown. HuntersHeadTavern.com
1710 Tavern
314 S. Water Ln., Tappahannock
It’s amazing what two people can do with a bit of imagination and perseverance. When Greg and Jennifer Huff bought Tappahannock’s Essex Inn, they realized there was another great opportunity across the street: a dilapidated 1710 tavern. Having taught high school history, Greg was more than intrigued; he wanted to return the building to its original intent. So the couple bought the site and painstakingly revived it. Today, it’s one of Tappahannock’s finest dining establishments, and the food (savory pork tenderloin, decadent risotto) is as exciting as the experience. For example, they’ve left a panel of the old wall exposed under glass so visitors can view the original architecture. 1710Tavern.com
Hanover Tavern
13181 Hanover Courthouse Rd., Route 301, Hanover
Keeping a historic tavern alive in the 21st century takes ingenuity, and that’s what makes Hanover Tavern stand out. Originally licensed in 1733 to serve courthouse users and stagecoach passengers, it’s been a community fixture for centuries. The initial Colonial-era structure was later replaced by the current building—dating from 1791, the 1820s, and 1830s. Today it thrives as a multiuse cultural hub for education, dining, community, and theater. Each year, 2,000 fourth graders come for field trips—“Kids really engage with the history and bring it to life,” says Executive Director David Deal. Performance art has been part of the tavern’s story since the 1950s, and the Bradley Theater continues that tradition with regular shows. For the holidays, the tavern is dressed in greenery and welcomes guests for its annual Christmas Tea, this year themed Christmas at the Abbey on Dec. 7. HanoverTavern.org
This article originally appeared in the December 2025 issue.
