Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Jefferson Restaurant

    3.5 (261 reviews)
    ModerateBarbeque
    Closed 3:00 pm - 8:30 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Jefferson Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    THE JEFFERSON RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like The Jefferson Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - The Jefferson Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Christmas Eve dinner at The Jefferson
    Tracy R.

    The Jefferson was very accommodating to my daughter and I on Christmas Eve. They welcomed us with open arms, the service was outstanding as was the food! I cannot recommend this restaurant enough to try while in Williamsburg. Our interaction took place on the phone first a few days prior and then in person. While our visit was about an hour, we were treated like family. This made our Christmas even more special.

    Salad
    Kevin W.

    Family-owned establishment that gets a lot of attention, at least based on their advertisements in the local maps/guides as well as some flyers they had that I saw in our hotel. Either way, since we were staying in the area we decided to give a few places a try and this was one of them. The food was generally speaking, good. We had a decent group so I was able to try a nice variety of dishes. I myself had the Southern sampler which had the trio of friend chicken, ribs and ham (the Smithfield/salty one). I was a little apprehensive, based on some of the reviews here, but I can say generally speaking it was a good dish and the portions were immense. You get two lightly-fried piece of chicken (which tasted nice and flavorful, though the breast was a little dry) along with some fall-off-the-bone tender ribs that was actually my favorite part of the meal. The ham was good albeit a bit salty. I also tried the fried catfish, which was by far the best dish of the night. The fish was perfectly fried, light and really fresh. It also had some terrific flavor and was by far the most tasty entree I tasted. I also had a chance to try the ham entree (the sweet one). It was fine but a tad too sweet for my preference. However the ham itself was nicely prepared. I also enjoyed their homemade rolls as well as their homemade herb salad dressing. Both were nice little additions to the meal. This place has a nice/comfy ambiance. People were dressed in period garb, which was fine but somewhat confusing as the restaurant itself didn't give off the vibe that it was a colonial tavern. However, the folks here were very friendly and the host was very kind. Generally speaking, you can't go wrong if you choose this place to sample some good southern fare.

    The Jefferson Restaurant!  It's cozy but needs some slight modifications.
    Vance S.

    The Jefferson Restaurant is located in Williamsburg Virginia, not far from the historic district of town. I assume the restaurant is in honor of President Thomas Jefferson considering he is from the area. The restaurant is family owned which made it all that more appealing to me. The manager was there and he engaged well with us and other customers. Very military and first responder friendly so bring your credentials! it was not busy at all when we arrived. The servers where dressed in colonial style dress that for some reason creeped me out! The restaurant though clean, is in need of some renovation. The selection of food was kinda all of the place. I mean, they had a moderate selection of basic dishes from the time, then some other things you would not expect, like BBQ ribs. I had a rib, fried chicken combo with a couple of sides. My wife had the same minus the ribs. The chicken seems to be a popular item according to Yelp reviews, so I gave it a shot. Chicken was crispy, lightly seasoning and good. The ribs though, well they were let down for me. The were boiled, lightly brown then drowned with a lot of BBQ sauce. I also had green beans and mashed red potatoes with skins on; they were ok. The good thing about the dinning experience was speaking to other visitors from out of town. The manager came by and talked to us for a while too after pushing some desert on us. After we initially denied dessert, he suggestive sold it to us when he brought it for us to get a look at it first. It really is a nice "mom and pops" place. It does need some upgrades and the food is average, but the hospitality is second to none. Give them a visit if you are in the area! Happy Yelping!

    Peanut soup
    Stephanie G.

    I like that this restaurant is one to lean in to the historic feel - they got a carriage out front, the waitresses dress in a historic-y outfit. I'm all for that. The interior was giving me more 80s interior vibes than 18th century, but that's no big deal. Unfortunately, the food was a bit disappointing but okay. Positives: the bread rolls were good and they offer peanut soup and give samples first. I have tried it before but I guess people don't like it so it's smart to offer samples. It's like a liquid peanut butter and an old-fashioned dish and you know what, I love that it was offered. I love liquid hot peanut butter bowl of soup. I got the seafood platter which is about $30 and includes flounder, crab cake, scallops and shrimps which sounds good but it was all fairly bland. Maybe it was because I got it broiled but I've had broiled seafood before. It came with cocktail and tartar sauce. It was fine but it ended up feeling overpriced. The baked potato was standard. I think it's a nice restaurant but I don't know if it would come back. I liked the concept more than I liked the outcome. A+ for peanut soup though.

    Tisha R.

    Brian is an EXCELLENT server! In town for a friend's birthday weekend. What the taste of the food is lacking is covered by the delightful staff. The rolls are warm and delicious. My wing had a feather. The chicken breast was okay. Rice pilaf was over cooked. The green beans were tasty. The ribs were not my hubby's. Went to the restroom to wash my hands from the ribs and chicken. It was clean and shows it's age of 53 years. Wait! How can I forget dessert? The cheesecake with raspberry sauce was delicious!!! Overall a good experience. Thanks for the laughs Brian!

    Brittney B.

    Nothing to great about this place but the service. Georgia was a great waitress! Which is why there is a star. The food was not great at all. Had to send back our steaks because they were well done and when we received the new ones they were more on the rare side. Not a great experience the restaurant could take the time to dust and clean the vents. I love dessert but wouldn't dare try it literally not happy about this place to be honest first place wasn't great in Williamsburg

    fried chicken and mashed potatoes
    Don C.

    Our Grubbing Friends invited us over for a nice lunch. They wanted us to try something different than where we normally order, a traditional American restaurant in the rich colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, kind of way. We love the area, with its many fall-colored leaves and landscape. They took us to The Jefferson, a curious and small restaurant with offerings that are based on America's second President. An American family-style type of restaurant based on the late 1800s, the waitress and waiters were all dressed in late colonial attire. The restaurant had been around since the mid-1900s. Established in 1956, The Jefferson has been serving meals for 67 years. While the place does show some wear and tear and a few aging spots, the food, however, did not displease. Both the taste and portions were huge and packed with flavor. I tried the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, accompanied by a puddle of dark gravy. My partner had the crabcake along with a slice of Virginia ham, while our other Grubbing Buddy ordered a large plate of broiled filet of flounder. The taste of the food made up for the lackluster surroundings, and I plan to return and check out their other nearby, sister restaurant "Mama Steve's House of Pancakes."

    a horse drawn carriage parked on the side of the road

    See all

    21 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 5
    Love this 19
    Oh no 2
    Photo of Margo P.
    39
    101
    19

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andy W.
    0
    36
    23

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob H.
    0
    25
    0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kevin W.
    1653
    1146
    2035

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dustan G.
    9
    185
    62

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bud M.
    5
    189
    18

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The food was great and the service was phenomenal! You definitely will not leave hungry!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bev E.
    7
    22
    32

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - The Jefferson Restaurant

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Barbeque 909 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Rick's Cheesesteak Shop - Cheesesteak

    Rick's Cheesesteak Shop

    4.7(704 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$

    Man... this place rocks. Seriously... we're not even close to the area and we've visited nearly…read moreevery time we've been in the Burg. I don't know what the difference is between this Rick's and the other ones, but this one feels the most authentic and just what a cheese steak should be. The seasoning is simple, nothing overpowering. The bread could use more toasting, but it compliments the meat seasoning very well. When it comes to Cheese Steaks, it doesn't get more authentic and true to taste than this. I like the fact that they also have some great chicken cheese steaks (the fam isn't a fan of straight steak) with the same level of attention to detail as the original. Overall, I highly recommend this place if you're in the area. it's a big, big, win. Food Taste: 5 Overall Service: 5 Value of service to cost: 5 Facility: 5 Ambiance: The inside is very simple. Nothing crazy other than a decent place to sit and eat. Repeat customer: yes Dog Friendly: patio

    Pretty solid Philly cheesesteak shop! The Philly cheese steak was nice and cheesy. The bread was…read moresoft, personally wish it was a little more sauced up. The onion rings were nice and crispy! The Philly egg rolls were tasty, but I wish there was more cheese. But it had a good crisp. We got the buffalo garlic sauce, which tasted very much like pure buffalo sauce. So if you like buffalo, it's a good choice. The inside had graffiti on the walls and felt very urban, giving the city vibe. The service was nice and fast. There is plentiful outdoor seating as well! Thank you for the food as we travel from Hampton Roads to Northern Virginia!

    Photos
    Rick's Cheesesteak Shop - Inside

    Inside

    Rick's Cheesesteak Shop - Large classic cheesesteak

    Large classic cheesesteak

    Rick's Cheesesteak Shop - Celery soda

    See all

    Celery soda

    Two Drummers Butcher & BBQ Provisions - Pig flying

    Two Drummers Butcher & BBQ Provisions

    4.3(13 reviews)
    2.1 mi

    I had a taste for BBQ, was on my way home and would be passing by Two Drummers restaurant so, I…read moremade the stop for a to-go order. It's been at least a year since visiting TD because it's somewhat of a lengthy drive from where I live so, when passing by it's a convenient food option. So glad I stopped and revisited. My visit was mid afternoon with only a handful of customers in the place. I was instantly greeted with a friendly smile and hello, said I wanted to order a to-go and grab a beer as I waited. Melody at the bar was very friendly and accommodating as she served up a beer and walked me thru my food questions and order. Once I got home, it was chow time. The whole rack of ribs was deliciously moist, tender and flavorful as was the pulled pork I ordered for sandwiches. The sides included mayo based slaw (they have both vinegar and mayo slaw choices) and collard greens. The slaw was fresh and good but, the collards were very good! I should have also order the baked beans but was an oversight. I'll order the beans next time for sure and there will be a next time sooner than later. My late lunch/early dinner to-go was a delicious meal. Two Drummers staff is friendly, the food is very good and, if stopping to eat in the restaurant or to just have a beer/drink at the bar, the atmosphere is warm and comfortable. Definitely a good family owned business to patronize!

    The service was very attentive. The food was delicious. We ordered 2 entrees and shared. If I had…read moreto do it again, I'd order just the brisket with 2 sides: hush puppies and greens. Possibly start with the burnt ends. The Sangria was delicious. The atmosphere was casual. I'd go back.

    Photos
    Two Drummers Butcher & BBQ Provisions - Sangria

    Sangria

    Two Drummers Butcher & BBQ Provisions - Decor

    Decor

    Two Drummers Butcher & BBQ Provisions - Sign

    See all

    Sign

    Second Street American Bistro - Flatbread  pizza

    Second Street American Bistro

    4.4(1.7k reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    We were looking for somewhere to eat in Williamsburg and came across this spot. At first glance, it…read morelooks like an upscale restaurant, but it's actually casual dining and kid-friendly. We were seated right away, and our service was awesome from start to finish. FOOD REVIEW Thai Poppin' Shrimp 5/5 - I really appreciated Robin for making sure we had a great experience with this dish. Berry Burrata 3/5 - Not my favorite, but still decent. Asian Chicken Wraps 3/5 - This was okay, just a little too saucy for me. Fried Green Tomatoes 5/5 - One of our favorites. The pimiento cheese paired perfectly with it. Carolina Burger 4/5 - Huge portion, and my son really enjoyed it. 2nd St Burger 4/5 - Another big portion and overall really good. Kids Pizza & Tenderloins 3/5 - Decent for the kids, though the pizza bread was a bit dense. DRINKS Margarita 4/5 Prickly Pear 4/5 Robin really made our experience even better. She checked on us frequently and made sure everything came out right. The portions here are on the larger side, so I'd recommend ordering family-style if you're dining with a group. Overall, the food was great, and the service made the experience even better.

    I searched for French dip in Williamsburg. Second street bistro kept coming up on ChatGPT. I looked…read moreat the menu and saw a brisket sandwich. When I got to the restaurant I asked if they had horse radish: no. Au jus: yes. I wanted a piece of Carrot cake but I thought $18 was exorbitant. I opted for the pecan pie instead. The online menu said they had some crispy chicken dinner... It was no longer part of the menu when I arrived to the restaurant.. My significant other is allergic to shellfish, and does not eat pork... There weren't a lot of entrée options for him because there was pork all over the place. I did order him some salmon since he could not get the chicken. He liked the salmon. The broccoli had no flavor on it. And the brown rice pilaf was equally Bland. The brisket sandwich was ...okay... but dipping it in French onion soup calling it onion jus.... It just pissed me off. I think the menu was overpriced for tourists. The staff seemed to be doing the best they could. I guess I'll continue my hunt for the best Friend dip in Williamsburg. I'm down here a lot.

    Photos
    Second Street American Bistro - Bar area

    Bar area

    Second Street American Bistro
    Second Street American Bistro

    See all

    Dominion Dogs Hot Dogs Cold Beer - This was not it for me.

    Dominion Dogs Hot Dogs Cold Beer

    4.6(65 reviews)
    2.9 mi

    Another fun and "low-key" romantic Valentine's Day dinner!…read more Food, service and atmosphere were perfect and fun! Love that we got to do this again and appreciate the whole evening! I even stepped outside of my plain hot dog and got the Carolina dog with pulled pork, bbq sauce and coleslaw' so yummy! Also tried the pickle fries for the first time and they were delicious! Dominion Dogs never disappoints!

    So a few friends and I swung by this evening for a quick bite. This review is a sort of almost a…read morehome run.. Our group ordered an American dog, two coneys, and a burnt ends dog. They also came with fries or onion rings, funnel cake fries, and a drink of your choice. Two of the guys had the root beer and said it was pretty good. Now as for the dogs, the two guys that had the coneys were happy with them, although one was hoping for a little more spice from the chili, but it was by no means bad. The burnt ends dog was said to be pretty freaking good. As for the American dog, we'll that was a different story. It wasn't a bad dog, but it tasted like it had been boil cooked and not cooked on the griddle. Additionally, it wasn't really that warm. I guess warm is a good description for it. It would have been better if it was hot and you could see some cooking marks on it. Alas, it was and had neither. But again, it wasn't a bad dog, but it could have been much better. The onion rings were pretty tasty though, as were the funnel cake fries and crinkle cut fries. This night was Wednesday, so it was trivia night. At 6:30. At about 6:00 people really started to come in, and by 6:30, the place was packed. Guess trivia night is a big hit... The people working there were super friendly and you fealt as if they were happy to be there. I would have given it 5 stars, but tbe warm dog just brought my experience down a bit. But don't let that stop you from going there, because you'll probably have a good time with good food and good people.

    Photos
    Dominion Dogs Hot Dogs Cold Beer
    Dominion Dogs Hot Dogs Cold Beer - Love the setup

    Love the setup

    Dominion Dogs Hot Dogs Cold Beer - Cheerwine! So good!

    See all

    Cheerwine! So good!

    The Jefferson Restaurant - bbq - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...