Shields Tavern

$$
Family Friendly

Welcome Back to Shields Tavern

The term “Groaning Board,” possibly originating in the Middle Ages, described a table so laden with food that it seemed to groan under the weight, or perhaps the guests groaned with delight. In the 18th century, taverns were central hubs for news, information, and travel rest stops, where guests paid a fee set by the Governor for a meal and a place to sleep, typically a crowded spot on the floor. Taverns were gathering places for locals and for diverse people, objects, and ideas. Jean Marot, a Frenchman, operated a tavern on this site from 1709 until his death in 1717, after which his widow Anne took over. Their daughter Anne and her husband James Shields managed it from the early 1740s, living there with their children and several enslaved workers. By 1750, Shields Tavern was one of seven licensed taverns in Williamsburg, offering food, drink, lodgings, and entertainment like gambling and billiards. It catered to the lesser gentry and upper middling ranks of Williamsburg society and travelers to the capital.

open now

Our Hours

Tuesday - Saturday

11:00am - 2:00pm

Getting Here

422 East Duke of Gloucester Street
Williamsburg VA 23185

Phone

Groaning Board

Served with Salad, The freshest vegetables prepared in the usual way, Good Bread, both Entrees, Potatoes, and a pitcher of Iced Tea

Prices:
Adult: $29 per person
Children ( 10 years and under): $15 per person

To Start

To Make a Grand Sallet

After washing your lettuce, be sure it is dry and chopped, arrange it on a platter with pippins sliced fine, good cheese as you choose, pickled vegetables, candied nuts. Dress with the juice of lemons and good oil mixed up well or dressing four sour’d cream and sweet herb will also be fine
(The English Art of Cookery, Richard Briggs, 1788)

Entrees

Beef Olives Another Way

The best beef is from the leg, pounded thin with a rolling pin, stuff it with cubes of a dry penny loaf to which is added vegetables chopped fine. Brown them and put in your baking dish with gravy...place in a slow oven
(The Art Of Cooking made Plain and Easy, Hannah Glasse 1766)
To Fry Chicken

Clean your chicken well, being sure it is clear of feathers, marinated with salt and vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer, rolling in fine flour and fry quickly in lard or clear oil
(Dictionarium Domesticum, Nathan Bailey, 1736)

Corner Dishes

Potato Pudding and Mr. Shields Vegetables of the Season

After they are boiled, mash then in a mortar, or a clean board with a broad knife, and put them into a pan with milk and butter until it is melted…

Mr. Shields Vegetables of the Season are sent to table in the Best manner with good butter and herbs
(The English Art of Cookery, Richard Briggs, 1789)

Dessert

To make Strawberry Cream
$10
Take one pint of thick cream and set it on the fire, keep stirring and make it sweet with double re-fined sugar, add in strawberry jam and the peel of a lemon, when it is cold bring it to froth.
Is very good served with warm doughnuts

Strawberry Cream $10

Plate of Warm Doughnuts $10
(The Complete Confectioner, Hannah Glasse, 1765)

Menus

Dining Events

Couples socializing with drinks around fire pit

SWEET TEA & BARLEY: LABOR DAY WEEKEND PATIO CELEBRATION

Come join us for an unforgettable Labor Day and end-of-summer celebration at Sweet Tea & Barley’s Patio! Get ready for an evening filled with music, games, and delectable food that will tantalize your taste buds.

SOCIAL TERRACE: TIDE TO TABLE

Join us for our 2nd Annual Tide to Table event featuring local brews, oyster farmers, seafood, and music.

Colonial Williamburge Tea Set Up

SUNSHINE IN A CUP: AFTERNOON TEA

Enjoy a delightful afternoon with your family and friends while indulging in the fine Afternoon Tea at the Williamsburg Inn with a Summer-inspired menu.

Listening Live Music on Social Terrace

SOCIAL TERRACE FALL BASH

Bring your fall scarves, boots, and warm up around the fire pits on the Social Terrace. We will have fall-inspired food, cocktails, and live music. Finish the night with gourmet s’mores.

Shield's Tavern Gallery

July 4 Shields2

Shields Event - Night

shields-tavern-outside

Shields Tavern Dining Table1