Christiana Campbell’s Tavern Menu Taste of Colonial America
The Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu offers traditional recipes that blend flavor with a rich past. Christiana Campbell’s Tavern is more than just a restaurant; it’s a window into colonial America. Located in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, this historic tavern dates back to the 18th century. Visitors today can enjoy the same dishes once loved by patriots like George Washington.
What makes Christiana Campbell’s Tavern special?
This tavern isn’t just known for its food, but for the entire experience it offers. Diners walk into a world where powdered wigs and candlelit dinners were the norm. Servers dress in colonial clothing, and the ambiance mirrors the 1700s. Still, the Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu remains the star of the show, showcasing seafood dishes and southern charm.
See what’s on the Menu
Here’s a quick look at some of the popular items from the Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu:
| Dish Name | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Green Pease Soup | Creamy pea soup with herbs, served with toasted bread | Starter |
| Farced Oysters | Baked oysters with greens and cream | Appetizer |
| Fried Chicken | Marinated and crisp-fried, served with ham | Main Course |
| Seafood Pye | Pie with lobster, scallops, shrimp, and herbs | Main Course |
| Crab Cakes | Classic cakes with onions, bread crumbs, and seasoning | Main Course |
| Potato Dumplings | Boiled and seasoned potatoes in flour dumpling form | Side Dish |
| Apple Tansey | Colonial-style sweet apple dessert with nutmeg | Dessert |
Focus on seafood with historical flair
Seafood is the heart of the Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu. In colonial times, fish and oysters were easy to get and loved by many. The tavern still serves popular choices like crab cakes, shrimp, and baked fish pies. Each meal is made using recipes from the 1700s, offering a taste that feels both fresh and historical.
Traditional starters
The meal often begins with a bowl of Green Pease Soup, a smooth, creamy dish with herbs and garden vegetables. Another popular choice is the lettuce salad inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello gardens. These items are more than just starters—they set the tone for what follows. They prepare the taste buds for the colonial feast.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Green Pease Soup without Meat | A traditional pea soup prepared with herbs like thyme, sweet marjoram, mint, and green onion, served with white toasts. | $10 |
| Lettuces from the Garden | Fresh garden lettuces dressed with verjus and fine Italian oil, inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s gardens at Monticello. | $13 |
| On the Half Shell | Chesapeake region oysters served with mushroom catsup and allegar mignonette/nasturtium. | $19 |
| Farced Oysters | Baked oysters with minced greens boiled in cream and smoked streak, topped with buttered crumbs. | $19 |
| To Crimp Shrimps | Shrimps boiled briefly in salted water, drained, garnished with parsley, and served with a good sauce. | $22 |
Main courses
When it comes to main dishes, the Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu shines with hearty flavors. Diners love the Fried Chicken, marinated and served with country ham. Seafood Pye is another favorite—filled with lobster, shrimp, and scallops all wrapped in a buttery crust. These meals don’t just fill your stomach—they tell a story.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Campbell’s Fried Chicken | Marinated chicken dipped in seasoned flour, quickly fried, and served with good ham. | $35 |
| Crab Cakes | Prepared by combining boiled crab meat with egg, finely shredded onions, bread crumbs, and seasonings. | $49 |
| To Fry Fish | Fish dipped in egg, coated with bread crumbs, and fried to achieve a grease-free finish. | $38 |
| A Seafood Pye | A pie made with a good crust, filled with boiled fish, scallops, shrimp, lobster, lemon peel, sweet herbs, wine, and butter, served with gravy. | $54 |
| To Broil Beef Steaks | Middle-cut steaks seasoned with pepper and salt, broiled over a clear, quick fire, and finished with a bit of butter. | $58 |
| Potato Dumplings in the Italian Manner | Boiled potatoes seasoned with pepper and salt, rolled in fine flour, cut into dumplings, and served with garden vegetables. | $30 |
Side dishes
No colonial meal is complete without the right sides. Diners enjoy Potato Dumplings in the Italian Manner, which are soft and buttery with pepper and salt. These pair well with fish or meat dishes. Other sides include seasoned greens and soft breads that add variety to the rich flavors on the Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu.
Desserts
The dessert options feel like a warm hug from the past. Items like Apple Tansey remind visitors how simple ingredients can create big flavors. It’s a blend of apples, nutmeg, and butter. There’s also bread pudding with raisins and cream. These sweets wrap up the meal with old-fashioned comfort.
Favorite stop in Colonial Williamsburg
Travelers planning a visit to Colonial Williamsburg always include this tavern in their trip. It’s one of the best-reviewed dining spots in the area. And the reason is simple—the Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu gives people more than they expect. It mixes learning, fun, and flavor in the perfect way.
Locatios
| Tavern Name | Address | Operating Hours | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christiana Campbell’s Tavern | 101 South Waller Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | (855) 263-1746 |
Please note that the tavern is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations are recommended due to limited seating. Colonial Williamsburg.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular dish on Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu?
The Seafood Pye and Mrs. Campbell’s Fried Chicken are two of the most loved items for their rich, colonial-style flavor.
Does Christiana Campbell’s Tavern offer vegetarian options?
Yes, the Green Pease Soup and Potato Dumplings in the Italian Manner are vegetarian-friendly choices on the menu.
Is a reservation required to dine at Christiana Campbell’s Tavern?
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during weekends, due to limited seating and high demand.
Are the dishes on Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu historically accurate?
Yes, most dishes are based on 18th-century recipes that were common in colonial Virginia.
Final thoughts
If you want to taste what America’s founders ate, this is the place. From crab cakes to warm soups, every bite feels timeless. The Christiana Campbell’s Tavern menu reminds us that food can be a powerful link to our past. It brings stories to life and leaves a lasting impression long after the last bite.
