1 of 12
Shrimp and Grits from the Gabriel Archer Tavern at the Williamsburg Winery is a local favorite.
2 of 12
Craft 31 offers a Bloody Mary bar where you can pick and mix.
3 of 12
Try a Tortilla Española at La Tienda.
4 of 12
Blue Talon Bistro serves breakfast every day.
5 of 12
The Old Chickahominy House offers a classic southern breakfast.
6 of 12
La Tienda offers plenty of appealing choices that could qualify for brunch on their tapas bar menu.
7 of 12
La Tienda’s Executive Chef Ika Zaken and Manager Molly Zaken met when both were attending culinary school in France.
8 of 12
Photo used courtesy of Odd Moxie.
For sustenance and a show you won’t soon forget, reserve a table at Capriccio’s in New Town for the Circus of Sistah’s monthly drag brunch.
9 of 12
Blue Talon Bistro offers warm oatmeal, a perfect way to start the day.
10 of 12
Grace Williams and Daniel Kennedy invite you to sample fluffy pancakes, homemade pies and ham biscuits at the Old Chickahominy House.
11 of 12
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, browse through the Old Chickahominy House's legendary gift shop.
12 of 12
The Trellis serves brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Variety is the spice of life—and eating out! If your party is divided about what to choose for a relaxing meal on the weekend—you’re in luck. Williamsburg has plenty of options! Brunch may well be the summit of the meal mountain. Not only does it allow enthusiastic eaters to consume two meals simultaneously, it usually takes place on the weekend when schedules are more relaxed and nobody’s going to judge if a Mimosa or Bloody Mary accompanies it.
For those times when you’re feeling indulgent, The Trellis’ Sunday brunch delivers in a garden-inspired setting with champagne cocktails and offerings such as slow-roasted duck and chicken hash with Mornay sauce or Sally Lunn French toast with bourbon vanilla syrup. It’s also one of the rare places that offer creamed chipped beef on a biscuit, a throwback dish from World War II that reminds many old-timers of their military stints.
For sustenance and a show you won’t soon forget, reserve a table at Capriccio’s in New Town for the Circus of Sistah’s monthly drag brunch, usually the fourth Sunday. Doors open at 11 and for $25, guests enjoy brunch and the opportunity to see three to five performers—both drag queens and drag kings—as well as a bit of comedy by event organizer Aria Overhere. Expect to hear music from Lady Gaga, Adele and Madonna, but be sure to make a reservation because shows fill up quickly.
When nothing but tradition will do, head directly to Old Chickahominy House to appreciate old-school hospitality and a classic southern breakfast daily. Visitors often assume the building dates to Colonial times, but it was actually built in 1962 to look old using 200-year-old materials, including paneling from Carter’s Grove plantation. Many favorites such as Virginia ham biscuits have been staples since they first landed on the original ‘55 menu. Locals populate this Williamsburg treasure as much for its solid southern food as for the familiar faces of long-time staff, while smart visitors know to pencil in time to peruse the legendary gift shop.
If your stomach switches over to lunch at noon, full stop, your delicious options multiply. As scenic settings go, it would be tough to beat a vineyard, making the Gabriel Archer Tavern at the Williamsburg Winery a lovely place to enjoy ambiance that feels worlds away from town. The menu skews more toward lunch—sandwiches, salads and a few main dishes such as a burger or shrimp linguine—while the quiche of the day satisfies those who require eggs.
If you don’t call it brunch without a Bloody Mary, you’re in luck with the Craft 31 Bloody Mary bar, which features limes, pickles, Old Bay, Texas Pete and A1 steak sauce—pick and mix your own. Their brunch menu includes omelets, French toast and breakfast pizzas! Over at Opus 9, the Sunday Brunch Buffet, includes Belgian waffles, hot and cold options as well as carving and omelet stations. Hungry yet?
Blue Talon is that rare bird that offers breakfast every day before taking a quick breather for 45 minutes and then serving lunch in its cheerful teal and tangerine-colored space. Guests can savor a consummate French breakfast like a wedge of Brie and a croissant, or something more American such as a breakfast platter groaning under eggs, sausage, a Virginia ham biscuit, bacon, potato cake, grits and, yes, a toasted baguette.
While La Tienda doesn’t technically do brunch anymore, those in search of a Saturday mid-day meal (11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.) can find plenty of appealing choices that could qualify for brunch on their tapas bar menu. From a Spanish omelet with Yukon Gold potatoes and onions to Iberico pork sliders and two types of paella, there’s plenty of stellar Spanish-influenced eating here.
Whatever you’re hungry for, enjoy!
bluetalonbistro.com • capricciowilliamsburg.com • craft-31.com • oldchickahominy.com · opus9steakhouse.com • thetrellis.com • tienda.com · williamsburgwinery.com/gabrielarchertavern
