
Shields Tavern
HOURS OF OPERATION
Tuesday - Saturday
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Details:
$$
Family Friendly
Contact:
Phone
Shields Tavern
Taverns were central to 18th-century life, serving as gathering places for locals and travelers alike. Guests paid a set fee for a meal and often shared communal sleeping arrangements. Shields Tavern, originally operated by Jean Marot in 1709, later came under the management of his daughter Anne and her husband James Shields. By 1750, it was one of Williamsburg’s seven licensed taverns, catering to the lesser gentry and upper middling ranks with food, drink, and entertainment.
Today, Shields Tavern continues this tradition with the Groaning Board menu a historically accurate family-style service, where guests enjoy a lively, communal dining experience reminiscent of 18th-century tavern hospitality.
July 4 Picnic Baskets
Enjoy a festive July 4 Family Picnic Basket from Shields Tavern Pavilion, available 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Relax in the shade at your reserved picnic table and indulge in holiday favorites like Mr. Shields’ Ice Box Fried Chicken, cornbread, potato salad, and fresh watermelon and strawberries, all topped off with patriotic cookies and refreshing lemonade.


