Food For Thought Menu – Williamsburg, VA

Type : Restaurant

Location : Williamsburg, VA

Food For Thought is a family restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia, that’s as engaging for the mind as it is for the senses. Surrounded by quotes and images of inventors, scientists, and social leaders, our atmosphere aims to inspire families and encourage discussion over wholesome, delicious food.
Food For Thought’s menu is as diverse as the great thinkers themselves. Our diner’s choices vary from American classics, ethnic dishes, healthy vegetarian options, or one of our nightly seafood specialties. The foundation of our menu is built upon American staples like our famous Fork Tender Pot Roast, Grandma’s Meatloaf, and “fall off the bones” ribs. America grew up on these meals, and we love paying homage to our country’s past.

American fare with global influences served in a conceptual eatery decorated with words of wisdom. Based on 6 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.7 stars. Price $$

✔️ Dine-in ✔️ No takeout ✔️ No delivery

Food For Thought 23185

Address:
1647 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Phone: (757) 645-4665

Website: https://www.foodforthoughtrestaurant.com/?y_source=1_Mjg5MTQxMDAtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D

Social Profile:

Hours

Wednesday 11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Friday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM–9 PM
Sunday 11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Monday 11:30 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday 11:30 AM–8:30 PM

Menu

Dine In Menu
MICHELANGELO’S CAPRESE
Fresh, local, Hannover grown tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, spring mix, extra virgin olive oil, drizzled with a slightly sweet balsamic glaze. (GF available) $11.5
WINNER WINNER FRIED CHICKEN AND SAUSAGE GRAVY DINNER
The name says all you need to know. Crispy fried antibiotic & hormone free chicken breast topped with our homemade sausage gravy and your choice of two sides. $19
UNREAL VEGAN REUBEN
Traditional sandwich, non-traditional ingredients. Unreal Deli™ vegan corned beef (from Shark Tank fame), sauerkraut, vegan Russian dressing, vegan provolone cheese, toasted to perfection on multi-grain bread. Served with our skinny fries. $19
FRESH FRUIT CREPES
Your two choices of strawberry, pineapple, blueberries, or bananas topped with homemade whipped cream & vanilla bean ice cream topped with dark chocolate shavings.$9.5
ROASTED RED PEPPER WITH SMOKED GOUDA
ALFRED’S GUMBO
Vegan
CHILLED TOMATO GAZPACHO
Vegan, GF
SHRIMP BOAT
Crispy wild caught Argentinian red shrimp tossed in a Southwest remoulade sauce then nestled in baby potato skins served along side bruschetta tomatoes. $13
‘” I DON’T EAT RAW FISH”
“I was skeptical the first time I tried rare tuna but I’ve become a huge fan. The flavor of a bite of seared Ahi grade tuna with a slice of ginger, a dab of nose clearing wasabi, and a dip in soy sauce is unbelievable…” (GF available) $15
STICK TO YOUR RIBS SNACKER
A handful of our slow-roasted ‘fall off the bone’ BBQ baby back pork ribs with stick to your fingers sauce. (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $13.5
DA VINCI DIPPERS
Cheese filled ravioli, crusted with Italian bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, fried golden brown, with a side of our zesty marinara sauce for dipping. $9
SMOKE AND FIRE
Hand breaded antibiotic & hormone-free chicken strips, tossed in our Chipotle hot sauce (also available without spicy sauce). $9
WHAT BIG MUSSELS YOU HAVE!
A heaping bowl of black shelled mussels steamed in a white wine cream sauce and finished with fresh mushrooms, fresh basil, garlic and tomatoes. Served with toasted crostinis for soaking up the delicious sauce. $17
HOW ABOUT HUMMUS?
A selection of garden fresh raw veggies and toasted flatbread surround our homemade roasted red pepper hummus creating a light and easy-to-share appetizer choice. $12
ROASTED RED PEPPER WITH SMOKED GOUDA
ALFRED’S GUMBO
Vegan, GF
CHILLED TOMATO GAZPACHO
Vegan, GF
BERRY ABUNDANT SALAD
Strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, apples, sweet corn & pine nuts atop spring mix & romaine lettuce. Comes with your choice of Cilantro Lime chicken or Vegan Gardein® chicken, and your choice of our homemade balsamic vinaigrette or raspberry vi…
FARMER’S HARVEST SALAD
Crisp mixed greens with sliced apples, candied pecans, bleu cheese crumbles, dried cranberries and croutons tossed in our house balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette. (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $16
FUNKY BEET SALAD
Roasted beets tossed in our house balsamic vinaigrette with chopped red onion and candied pecans. Served on a bed of greens and topped with shredded carrots & crumbled bleu cheese. (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $16
CLASSIC COBB SALAD
Crisp greens, red onions, sweet corn, bacon, avocado slices, egg, tomatoes, croutons and bleu cheese crumbles served with our tangy honey mustard on the side. (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $17
“The All-In-One” GRILLED STEAK SALAD†
We combine all the components of a great meal in one salad: salad greens mixed with a grilled grass-fed, all-natural filet mignon, grilled tomatoes, roasted baby potatoes, green beans, bacon & bleu cheese crumbles, topped with crunchy onion crisps…
LUMPY CRAB CAESAR SALAD†
Lumps of crab atop a bed of romaine salad with parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, and fresh bacon crumbles. Market Price.
SMALLER SIDE SALAD
A la carte Side Salad $6.5 or add to an entrée for only $5 (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request)
SALAD PROTEIN TOPPERS
FORK TENDER POT ROAST
Our pot roast is slow cooked for hours and hours until it falls apart with a fork. Smothered in our homemade gravy.* $21
GRANDMA’S MEATLOAF
Juicy, flavorful, and envied by Grandmas everywhere. Topped with your choice of brown gravy or tomato sauce.* $20
FAMILY REUNION
Pot roast & meat loaf combo.* Served with two sides. $23
STICK TO YOUR RIBS
A generous helping of ‘fall off the bone’ pork baby back ribs. Grilled with a slightly sweet and smoky finger lickin’ BBQ sauce.* Served with two sides, (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $30
GRASS FED- ALL–NATURAL FILET †
Raised naturally on lush pasture, free ranging and never confined, fed antibiotics, or treated with growth hormones. Try our 6 oz char-grilled tenderloin filet topped with your choice of Merlot Butter, Chimichurri Butter or Roasted Garlic Mushroom…
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS †
This combo features our char-grilled grass-fed filet mignon with your choice of Merlot Butter, Chimichurri Butter or Roasted Garlic Mushroom sauce, accompanied by one of our delicious lump crab cakes and your choice of two sides.* $36
THAI ONE ON
Our version of Pad Thai. A spicy peanut sauce is sauteed with rice noodles, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, peanuts, mushrooms, drizzled with fresh lime juice & a fragrant sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Topped off with your choice of our Ci…
CILANTRO LIME CHICKEN
Two boneless breasts marinated overnight, charbroiled to perfection and drizzled with our Cilantro Lime glaze.* Vegetarian or Vegan? Substitute our Cilantro Lime Gardein ® Vegan Chicken. (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $22
LIGHT AS A FEATHER
For a light & healthy choice try a breast of cilantro-lime chicken. Served with steamed broccoli and a side salad. Vegetarian or Vegan? Substitute our Cilantro Lime Gardein ® Vegan Chicken. (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $18.5
THAT NUTTY CHICKEN!
A Pistachio and Parmesan cheese encrusted cutlet, pan roasted and topped with our Roasted Garlic Mushroom sauce on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes with a choice of one side dish. $21
LIGHT AND HEAVY CRABCAKES
A light & fluffy mix of fresh herbs and Japanese bread crumbs surround heavy lumps of sweet crab meat. Served with a ramekin of Southwest Remoulade sauce for a perfect complement to this Eastern shore tradition.* MARKET PRICE
DOWN SOUTH
Creamy grits are smothered with wild caught Argentinian red shrimp, bell peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms in a zesty pan sauce. Ya gotta try this un y’all. (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $25
HICKORY SALMON
Hickory & molasses encrusted Norwegian salmon topped with fresh apple salsa. Served with two sides. $22
CRISPY FISH AND CHIPS
Panko bread crumbs surround wild caught Haddock to produce a crispy coating. Served with skinny fries & coleslaw. $20
PANKO BAKED WILD HADDOCK
A crunchy outer texture surrounds a delicate white fish filet, and is drizzled with lemon cream sauce. * $21
THE CRAB-A-BELLA
One of our lump crab cakes nestled atop a spinach stuffed portabella mushroom, topped off with melted provolone cheese and a sprinkle of Old Bay. Served on a bed of jasmine mushroom rice and bruschetta tomatoes. $25
THE ULTIMATE VEGETARIAN
Enjoy half of a roasted spaghetti squash tossed with sun-dried tomato pesto sauce, Roasted Garlic Mushroom sauce, Marinara (V) or vegan basil pesto topped with bruschetta tomatoes and pine nuts. Served on a bed of our jasmine mushroom rice. Ask a…
PICK THREE EXTRAVAGANZA
No… this isn’t a new Virginia Lottery game. You pick three of our fresh side dishes and we’ll throw in your choice of a bowl of soup or a side salad. **Upgrade to a small Beet Salad or Farmer’s Harvest Salad for $3.50. (Can be made Gluten-Free up…
PORTABELLA STACK
Grilled portabellas are layered with grilled eggplant rounds, vegan provolone cheese and topped with sun-dried tomato sauce on a bed of jasmine mushroom rice with a sprinkle of bruschetta tomatoes. $21
BAKED EGGPLANT MARINARA
We hand bread slices of fresh eggplant with bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings. We top them off with marinara, melted fresh mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of basil pesto. Served with our steamed broccoli. $18.5
It’s Here…BEYOND BURGER®!!
The world’s first 100% plant-based burger that looks, cooks, and satisfies like ground beef. 20 grams of plant protein. No GMO’s, No Hormones or Antibiotics, No Soy, No Gluten. Yes Way!!! Served on a Kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, sautéed mushr…
A BIRD IN THE HAND
A char-grilled Cilantro-Lime organic chicken breast on a toasted Kaiser roll with lettuce and tomato. Comes with our skinny fries. Vegan Cilantro Lime Gardein® Chicken available. (Can be made Gluten-Free upon request) $16
BLACK ANGUS BRIOCHE BURGER
1/2 pound antibiotic-free, hormone-free, char-grilled burger on a brioche bun with fixins and skinny fries. $16.5
SHRIMP PO’BOY
Crispy wild caught Argentinian red shrimp tossed with tangy Southwest remoulade sauce piled on a brioche bun. Served with skinny fries. $18
GRILLED PORTABELLA SANDWICH
Enjoy grilled portabella, grilled eggplant, roasted red pepper, bruschetta tomatoes and vegan provolone cheese piled high on a brioche with sun-dried tomato mayo. Served with sweet potato fries. $17
TIME FOR CHOCOLATE
A dense flourless dark chocolate cake served with vanilla bean ice cream. (GF) $8.5
GOURMENT BREAD PUDDING WITH BRANDY CREAM SAUCE
Brandy marinated cherries are baked into this scrumptious bread pudding made with buttery Croissants, a sprinkling of bittersweet chocolate chunks and topped with our brandy crème sauce. $10
RASPBERRY HAZELNUT TORTE
Vegan and gluten-free and STILL delicious!!! Garnished with dark chocolate shavings. (GF, V) $8.5
VILLA DOLCE MANGO AND RASPBERRY SORBET
Looking for light and refreshing dessert? This is it! $7.5
THE BEST CREME BRULEE
Rich, creamy custard topped with caramelized sugar produces flavor that explodes in your mouth. $8
HOT APPLE NACHOS
Hot caramelized apples sit atop triangles of cinnamon sugar dusted tortillas, vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with natural honey. $12
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Grits
Creamed Spinach
Homemade Cole Slaw
Orange Buttered Beets
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Jasmine Mushroom Rice
Corn & Green Pea Medley
Steamed Broccoli
Skinny Fries
Sweet Potato Fries
Fruit Medley
Lunch
SOUP OF THE DAY
Light And Heavy Crab Cake
A light & fluffy mix of fresh herbs and Japanese bread crumbs surround heavy lumps of sweet crab meat. Served with your choice of two sides. Market Price
How About Hummus?
A selection of garden fresh raw veggies and toasted flatbread surround our homemade roasted red pepper hummus creating a light and easy-to-share appetizer choice. $12
Crab Cake Sandwich
Enjoy one of our delicious broiled crab cakes atop a toasted Kaiser roll served with skinny fries. Market Price
California BLT
Avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato & mayo served on a croissant with skinny fries and pickle spear. (GF available) $16
Crispy Fish & Chips
Panko bread crumbs surround wild caught catch of the day to produce a crispy coating. Served with skinny fries & cole slaw. $19
Crispy Fish Sandwich
How to eat: 1) Slather with tartar sauce; 2) Plop on some cole slaw; 3) Add generous drizzle of Sriracha; Smile… as you enjoy the cool spicy crunch. $19
Fork Tender Pot Roast
Our pot roast is slow cooked for hours and hours until it falls apart with a fork. Smothered in our homemade gravy. Comes with choice of two sides. $18
Grandma’s Meatloaf
Juicy, flavorful, and envied by Grandmas everywhere. Topped with your choice of brown gravy or tomato sauce. Served with your choice of two sides. $17
Cilantro Lime Chicken
Marinated overnight, charbroiled to perfection and drizzled with our Cilantro Lime glaze. Served with your choice of two sides. (GF available) $16.5
Stick To Your Ribs
‘Fall off the bone’ baby back pork ribs. Basted with a slightly sweet and smoky finger lickin’ BBQ sauce. Served with your choice of two sides. (GF available) $18
Quick & Light… Soup & Salad
Enjoy a bowl of one of our signature soups and a fresh side salad. $15
Fried Shrimp Platter
Nine medium wild caught shrimp served with your choice of two sides and a ramekin of our Southwest remoulade sauce. (GF grilled shrimp available) $18
Cheese & Trees
Made to order pasta shells with a creamy cheese sauce tossed with fresh broccoli. Comes with a bowl of soup or side salad. If you like spicy food you really need to try our Buffalo style Mac & Cheese! Just say “spice it up”. Substitute gluten-free…
It’s Here…BEYOND BURGER®!!
The world’s first 100% plant-based burger that looks, cooks, and satisfies like ground beef. 20 grams of plant protein. No GMO’s, No Hormones or Antibiotics, No Soy, No Gluten. Yes Way!!! Served on a Kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, sautéed mushr…
Yin & Yang Salmon
Lightly seasoned and drizzled with a balsamic glaze and lemon butter cream sauce. Served with your choice of two sides. (Available without the sauces upon request.) $18.5
The Coastline
Lump crab, fresh asparagus, tomato, bacon, Gruyere cheese and a touch of Old Bay mayo. $21
Tuscany Grilled Cheese
Fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato and our house balsamic vinaigrette. $16.5
Wine Country Grilled Cheese
Crisp apples, fresh strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, honey mustard and creamy brie. $18
All-American Grilled Cheese
Tomato, thick bacon, sliced avocado and American cheese. $16
Meat & Potato Lovers Sandwich
Your choice of gravy covered pot roast or meatloaf served on a toasted brioche bun with mashed potatoes. $17
Black Angus Brioche Burger†
1/2 lb antibiotic & hormone-free char grilled burger on a brioche bun with fixin’s and skinny fries. (GF available) $16.5
Berry Abundant Salad
Strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, apples, sweet corn & pine nuts atop spring mix & romaine lettuce. Comes with your choice of Cilantro Lime chicken or Gardein Vegan chicken, with your choice of our homemade balsamic vinaigrette or raspberry vi…
Funky Beet Salad
Roasted Beets tossed in our house balsamic vinaigrette with chopped red onion and candied pecans served on a bed of greens and topped with shredded carrots & crumbled bleu cheese. (GF available) $16
Lumpy Crab Caesar Salad
Lumps of crab atop a bed of romaine salad with parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, and fresh bacon crumbles. (GF available) Market Price
Farmer’s Harvest Salad
Crisp mixed greens with sliced apples, candied pecans, bleu cheese crumbles, dried cranberries and croutons tossed in our house balsamic or raspberry vinaigrette. (GF available) $16
Classic Cobb Salad
Crisp greens, red onions, sweet corn, bacon, avocado slices, egg, tomatoes, croutons and bleu cheese crumbles served with our tangy honey mustard on the side. (GF available) $17
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Grits
Creamed Spinach
Homemade Cole Slaw
Orange Buttered Beets
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Jasmine Mushroom Rice
Corn & Green Pea Medley
Steamed Broccoli
Skinny Fries
Sweet Potato Fries
Fresh Fruit Medley
Kids
Grandma’s Pot Roast Or Meatloaf
Antibiotic-free/hormone-free delicious home-cooked pot roast or meatloaf served with choice of one side. $10
Kid’s Pasta
Pasta shells with your choice of marinara, basil pesto, butter or Mac n’ Cheese. $8 Upgrade the pasta to Gluten Free penne pasta for $1
Chicken Strips
Coleman antibiotic-free/hormone-free chicken strips, fried or grilled, with choice of one side. $8.5
Wild Caught Shrimp
Seven wild caught tender shrimp, fried or grilled, with choice of one side. $11
Kid’s Ribs
Three antibiotic-free/hormone-free fabulous BBQ Ribs served with choice of one side. $10
Kid Crab Cake
Lump crab cake with choice of one side. Market Price
Kid Salmon
Baked Norwegian Salmon seasoned with salt and pepper, served with one side $12.5
Kid’s Fish& Chips
Wild Caught fried haddock and skinny fries. $10
Kid’s Burger/Cheeseburger
Traditional quarter pound antibiotic and hormone-free burger with or without cheese. Comes with one side dish. $8.5 Veggie Burger available.
The Little Vegetarian
Half of a grilled portabella and grilled zucchini on Jasmin mushroom rice and topped with sundried tomato pesto. $8.5
Skinny Fries
Creamed Spinach
Homemade Cole Slaw
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy Grits
Mashed Potatoes
Orange Buttered Beets
Steamed Broccoli
Jasmine Mushroom Rice
Sweet Potato Fries
Fresh Fruit Medley
Corn & Green Pea Medley
Wine
Williamsburg Winery Governor’s White American Riesling, 2022 Williamsburg
.A semi-dry, light and fruit Riesling with aromas of peach, citrus, and fresh wildflowers.
Echo Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2022
The bright, pure flavors of this wine echoes the beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. This white wine has floral and tropical notes of citrus, figs, melon and passion fruit. a beautiful, light straw color with a tint of green with vibrant, fresh …
Del Vento Pinot Grigio, 2021 Italy
The rooster is a symbol of good luck, and with Del Vento, Italian meaning of the wind just like our breezy vineyards, we’ve taken a new direction with Pinot Grigio. Refreshing and bright, this expressive white wine exhibits a clean palate of miner…
The Mill Keeper Chardonnay, California, Multi-Vintage
At the root level, tradition means nothing if it only looks backward. The Bale Grist MILL served as part of the early inspiration for The MILL KEEPER brand, as you will see on the labels that feature scratch board artwork by Mark Summers commemora…
Zonin Primo Amore Moscato, Italy
Straw yellow with golden reflections in color. On the nose, fruity and very inviting with intense scents of peaches and exotic fruit. On the palate, refreshing and delicately sweet; reveals hints of stone fruit on the finish.
Santola Vinho Verde, Portugal
Produced from Loureiro and Pederña grapes grown in the granitic soils of the VINHO VERDE region, the Santola is a delicious, spritely and refreshing white. It doesn’t get much more traditional, thirst-quenching or seasonally perfect then this wine…
Ghostrunner Red Blend, 2021 California
We started Ghostrunner as a way to bring to the market a great tasting red blend that you’ll enjoy drinking anytime. This handcrafted wine shows complex fruit and has a gentle, well-balanced finish. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety o…
Siete Fincas Malbec, 2020 Argentina
This Malbec presents deep aromatic notes of juicy plum, fresh violet and roses and a hint of cedar. Medium bodied and round in texture, ripe summer berries lead to soft tannins on a persistent finish.
Le Charmel Pinot Noir, 2020 France
This wine shows deep in color, with ruby tints. It has scents of red and black berries mixed with floral notes, together with hints of delicate spices and vanilla. On the palate, it displays aromas of crushed black fruits such as raspberries, blac…
Cline Ancient Vines Red Zinfandel, 2020 California
The 2019 Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows the varietal strawberry character that Zinfandel is known for. Well balanced and fresh with a touch of vanilla and toast make for a very enjoyable glass of wine. Charred oak aromas complete with good, juicy r…
Liberty School Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Reserve, Paso Robles, California
Liberty School represents our version of the American Dream itself; it awakens the spirit that exists in all of us to be and do better not because we have to, but because we want to. Fruit driven in style, this wine showcases classis varietal flav…
Château L’Escarelle Rumeurs Rosé, France 2022
The limited release from Château de l’Escarelle captures the natural beauty of Provence both with the vibrant, aromatic wine in the bottle and in the distinctive bottle design created by illustrator Perrine Honoré. Spot the tiny scarab beetle on t…

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Menu Photos

Photo Gallery

Reviews

Carolyn B
Enjoyed our meals. Our food was delicious, but was hoping for something more celebratory as we were celebrating our son’s 34th birthday. However, we really liked the “Food for Thought” conversation starter cards on the table. Those kept everyone at the table engaged and the wait for our food did not seem to take too long. Great place for a family dinner night out .

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Nicole Walker
There was a slight wait but it was well worth it. The food was delicious and the service was outstanding. My daughter accidentally spilled her water all over the table and the manager himself personally brought towels and cleaned it all up. He brought us all new utensils and napkins and tried to ensure we were comfortable. Will definitely come back whenever vacationing in Williamsburg.

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Carrie J
Delicious food and kind staff. Only downside is parking. The lot was full so you have to park 2 lots over at Ripleys. Not far to walk just a really small parking lot. Hubby got filet with blue cheese crumbles which he said was delicious. I got broiled crab cakes and skinny fries yum!

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Ray B
This is a “One of a Kind” restaurant. There are no other locations anywhere else, and if you go, you’ll see why!

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Dorinda Riley’s
Food for Thought.

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Scott Hackenburg
Loved this place! Good food, good prices and service was world class! Bathrooms are nice and clean. Dining area is filled with inspirational quotes from folks not just Benjamin Franklin, which was a pleasant surprise. They have merchandise for sale too! We will be back for sure!

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Pepe 18
Had a great meal here last week with family. The food was tasty and well prepared. I like the theme of the restaurant. Had some kids in our party, and it was nice to show them the quotes and stories, etc. Would definitely come again.

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Elizabeth White
As always loved our meal. Brought 2 first timers with us tonight they are also in love. My Gluten free Vegan so super excited to try meatloaf that was safe for him.

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Karla Pleas
When I tell you, you must try everything, you must try everything here. This place is impeccable. I tried to eat there every day I was in Williamsburg. Everything about this place said “impeccable.” The service, the food, the atmosphere. I didn’t want to leave, but I had to. Will definitely be back.

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Mikel A Walker Sr
Great restaurant! This is our 2nd time eating at the restaurant. The first time we ate here was pre-covid and now.

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