Explore 10 Amazing Eateries To Uncover the Best Diner in Williamsburg
Explore 10 Amazing Eateries To Uncover the Best Diner in Williamsburg
Treating yourself to delicious Southern comfort food is a must to experience Williamsburg, VA, to the fullest. Well-known for its colonial history, the city is the perfect place to enjoy good old American food.
Diners all over Virginia serve America’s favorite dishes, like burgers, sandwiches, pies, and pancakes, but how do you find the perfect diner in Williamsburg that hits all the right spots?
We’ve selected the best diners in the area that serve homemade American food, and they’re all conveniently located near your favorite Westgate Historic Williamsburg Resort.
The Best Williamsburg Diner—10 Fantastic Options
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Shorty’s Diner
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Five Forks Cafe
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Old Chickahominy House
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Rick's Cheesesteak Shop
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Colonial Pancake House
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Retro’s Good Eats
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Southern Pancake and Waffle House
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Second Street Bistro
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Food for Thought
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Astronomical Pancake and Waffle House
Whether you’re up for a mouthwatering breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, you’ll love these fantastic Williamsburg diners.
1 | Shorty’s Diner |
Shorty’s Diner is a great place to have large portions of delicious American classics, including sandwiches, eggs, French toast, and pancakes at affordable prices. This place serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and it has a kids’ menu.
If you decide to eat at Shorty’s Diner for breakfast or brunch, you can try omelets with cheese and ham or veggies, eggs Benedict, steak n’ eggs, or country-fried steak. This diner also has amazing country ham biscuits, breakfast burritos, and pancakes with toppings like bananas, blueberries, and chocolate ships.
Its lunch menu boasts over 20 types of sandwiches, including pork tenderloin, Philly cheese steak, tuna melt, sloppy toppy, and BBQ sandwiches. All sandwiches come with Shorty’s special fries and cole slaw or potato salad.
WHERE: 627 Merrimac Trail, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: 757-603-6674
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2 | Five Forks Cafe |
Located around four miles from your favorite Westgate resort in Williamsburg, Five Forks Cafe is a traditional American diner that’s been serving locals and tourists since 2006. It's known for its affordable yet yummy food, attentive staff, and fast service.
Five Forks Cafe's menu includes a blend of sweet and savory dishes to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Breakfast is served all day, so no matter when you stop by, you can enjoy three-egg omelets with your choice of fillings and a variety of breakfast sandwiches. You can also indulge in pancakes or hearty combos like biscuits n’ gravy and griddled corned beef hash.
For lunch, try homemade burgers served on a brioche bun or order a lunch plate with fish n’ chips, fried chicken strips, or hamburger steak. The menu also includes salads, sandwiches, and special breakfast and lunch food for kids.
WHERE: 4456 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: 757-221-0484
3 | Old Chickahominy House |
Indulge in Southern specialties inside the charming Old Chickahominy House, which has been operating since 1955. This place is famous for its great food, old-fashioned interior, lovable cats roaming around, and lovely gift shop.
Try the Old Chickahominy breakfast—a specialty made with two eggs, Virginia country ham, bacon, sausage, grits, and hot biscuits. You can also opt for Miss Melinda’s pancakes or fried eggs with various sides.
For lunch, have Miss Melinda’s special—a combo that includes a cup of Brunswick stew, VA country ham on hot biscuits, a fruit salad, and a homemade pie along with coffee or tea. The lunch menu also includes Southern classics like chicken and dumplings, homemade chicken rice soup and biscuits, and various sandwiches.
WHERE: 1211 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: 757-229-4689
4 | Rick's Cheesesteak Shop |
If you’re hungry for fantastic cheesesteaks, hoagies, or burgers, Rick's Cheesesteak Shop is a must-visit. Guests can’t stop praising its cheesesteaks, some claiming they’re better than the original Philly version.
For the ultimate experience, order Rick’s Original Cheesesteak—a thinly sliced sirloin steak with American cheese served on an Italian roll. You can also try the buffalo steak, open-face gravy steak, or pizza steak with red sauce and provolone.
Its hoagies are just as great. They’re served on an Italian roll with provolone and fillings like ham, turkey, BLT, pastrami, or corned beef.
The menu also features cheeseburgers, hamburgers, and the diner’s specialty burgers, as well as hotdogs, clubs, chicken wings, and kids’ meals.
WHERE: 603 Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA 2318 | WHO: 757-221-9566
5 | Colonial Pancake House |
Operating since 1977 in Historical Williamsburg, Colonial Pancake House has an extensive menu of classic Southern food for breakfast and lunch and offers gluten-free options.
This is a great place to try an authentic colonial breakfast or have the special banana split waffle. There are also eggs and omelets served with grits or home-fried potatoes and toast or a homemade biscuit. Plus, you can have breakfast sandwiches and pancakes.
For lunch, you can enjoy various soups and salads, including Caesar and Greek salad. The menu also includes subs and sandwiches served with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and French fries or chips.
If you want something special, order one of the house specialties like the Ruben or chicken strips with fries.
WHERE: 301 Page St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: 757-253-5852
6 | Retro’s Good Eats |
Travel back to the 1950s in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg and enjoy American favorites at affordable prices. From burgers and hot dogs to fries and grilled sandwiches, this place offers delicious lunch and dinner options and guarantees fast service.
Relax in a 50s-inspired interior and feast on the diner’s special plates. Try the homemade meatloaf, shepherd's pie, chicken tenders, or fried shrimp.
This eatery has an extensive sandwich menu, including grilled cheese, patty melt, BLT, crab cake, and meatloaf sandwiches. You can also order sandwiches with sides like fried pickles, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings.
Try the special lamb burger with bleu cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions, have a classic hamburger or cheeseburger, or opt for a Chicago or BLT hot dog. If you’re craving something sweet, the diner serves milkshakes and root beer floats.
WHERE: 435 Prince George St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: 757-253-8816
7 | Southern Pancake and Waffle House |
If you’re visiting Busch Gardens, make sure to stop by Southern Pancake and Waffle House—one of the best pancake houses in Williamsburg. This family-owned diner serves traditional Southern dishes for breakfast and lunch inside in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
This place has an impressive breakfast menu, with popular items like three-egg omelets, egg platters with a meat of your choice, waffles, and pancakes. It also offers combination plates with dishes like pancakes or waffles and two eggs, as well as the Big Southern Breakfast if you’re super hungry.
For lunch, you can indulge in a basket with fries and chicken tenders, fish and chips, or popcorn shrimp. You can also have sandwiches like Philly steak sub, grilled chicken, and grilled cheese.
The diner has special menus for kids and seniors and serves refillable drinks, including Virginia’s finest coffee.
WHERE: 1605 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: 757-220-5542
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8 | The Smokey Griddle Pancake House |
The Smokey Griddle Pancake House is a small diner with a carefully chosen menu that locals adore. It’s a perfect place for a quick breakfast, lunch, or coffee.
If you decide to come by for breakfast or brunch, try eggs and omelets served with sides like fresh home fries, grits, toast, or biscuits. You can also have cheese, bacon, sausage, or veggie omelet, or Griddle’s specialties, like a breakfast chimichanga, chorizo con huevos, burritos, and quesadillas.
During lunch hours, this place serves delicious sandwiches, including grilled chicken club, the pulled pork BBQ sandwich, and the cheesesteak sub. You can also have hamburgers, hot dogs, crispy tacos, fried chicken, and grilled pork chops with sides of your choice.
WHERE: 2227 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185 | WHO: 757-229-1718
9 | Food for Thought |
Besides keeping your stomach full, Food for Thought feeds your mind. This authentic eatery’s decor showcases pictures of famous scientists, inventors, and social leaders. Its walls feature thought-provoking quotes you can discuss while waiting for your meal.
This isn’t your classic diner—Food for Thought combines classic American dishes with vegan, vegetarian, and international food.
For lunch, you can have finger-licking specialties like a crab cake sandwich, crispy fish and chips, grandma’s meatloaf, or a fried shrimp platter. If you want something unique, try the Tuscany grilled cheese with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato, or have a lumpy crab Ceasar salad.
Its dinner menu is available all day and features dishes like shrimp bisque, Poseidon’s seafood platter, fork-tender pot roast, and pork baby back ribs. Plus, there are kids’ and gluten-free menus.
WHERE: 1647 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 2318 | WHO: 757-645-4665
10 | Astronomical Pancake and Waffle House |
If you like pancakes, you’ll love Astronomical Pancake and Waffle House. This diner serves massive pancakes with numerous toppings, as well as delectable breakfast and lunch dishes, perfect for a family meal.
Whether you prefer sweet toppings like chocolate chips and fruit or savory toppings like bacon, there’s a perfect pancake for you. French toast and waffles also come with numerous toppings like berries, apples, strawberries, and peaches.
Besides pancakes, this diner serves excellent omelets, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as lunch specials like a gyro platter, chicken strips, and a basket of shrimp. Plus, it has a kids’ menu and serves sweet and refreshing milkshakes.
WHERE: 5437 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188 | WHO: 757-253-6565
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Frequently Asked Questions About Finding the Perfect Diner in Williamsburg
Which diner in Williamsburg, VA, has a kids’ menu?
Most diners in Williamsburg, VA, have a kids’ menu. Still, the best ones include Astronomical Pancake and Waffle House, Rick's Cheesesteak Shop, Five Forks Cafe, Shorty’s Diner, Food for Thought, and Southern Pancake and Waffle House.
What is the best diner in Williamsburg to have pancakes?
The best diner to have pancakes in Williamsburg, Virginia, is Astronomical Pancake and Waffle House. It serves massive pancakes with toppings like apples, berries, chocolate chips, and bacon. Colonial Pancake House and Southern Pancake and Waffle House are also great options.
Which diners in Williamsburg, Virginia, serve large portions?
Shorty’s Diner serves large portions of classic American breakfast and lunch dishes like omelets, sandwiches, French toast, and pancakes. Its menu features 20+ types of sandwiches and various egg dishes like eggs Benedict and steak n’ eggs.
What are the best diners in Williamsburg, VA, to have breakfast?
While most diners in Williamsburg serve breakfast, one of the best places to have breakfast is Shorty’s Diner, due to its large portions, affordable prices, and delicious food. Other great options include Colonial Pancake House, Old Chickahominy House, and Five Forks Cafe.
Which diners in Williamsburg have the best dessert?
Retro’s Good Eats is a great place to have dessert in Williamsburg. It offers delicious milkshakes and root beer floats. Astronomical Pancake and Waffle House is also an amazing choice—it offers milkshakes, waffles, French toast, and pancakes with sweet toppings.
Williamsburg—The Perfect Getaway for All Types of Vacationers
Regardless of how you like to spend your vacation, Williamsburg offers attractions for all ages and preferences. Laid-back vacationers love its wonderful museums and wine-tasting venues, nature lovers enjoy camping in its stunning parks, and thrill-seekers spend hours in its incredible amusement parks.
For more information on Williamsburg hotels and attractions, check out our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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