Williamsburg, VA

We will be in Williamsburg for a conference the last week in October. Any suggestions for eating? I have never been there so I know nothing about what is available. We had rather not rely on "tourist information."

NOBOBY knows any good places in Williamsburg? Am I going to have to rely on a guide book? Argggggg

Try these (many) threads:
 
http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/search.aspx?searchid=153917&high=Williamsburg&forumid=20

That gives me a message : no records to display.
I also tried the search function and got one reccommendation for a place in Toano, eight miles out of W'burg. I was hoping for some current recs from people whose opinions I respect.

Sorry I didn't see this before mbrookes.  I love the bbq at Pierce's Pitt, but other than the sweet potato stix, the sides leave a lot to be desired.  Still worth while for the pork bbq sandwich alone.
 
http://www.pierces.com/default.asp
 
And I haven't been able to get here yet, but I've read great things about Jamestown Pie Company.
 
http://www.buyapie.com/
 
Hope it helps and have a great time!

These are two of my favorite places to eat in Williamsburg:
 

French cuisine in Williamsburg, Virginia, fine wines, Special Events, Business Lunches, and Banquet Rooms
 
Welcome to The Cheese Shop ~ Merchants Square Williamsburg, Virginia
Also  a meal at one of the taverns  in Colonial Williamsaburg is a  great experience.  We  love King Arm's Tavern.  Be sure to try their  peanut  soup.
There are many other good eating places that  I enjoy  but  not sure  of what you  are looking for.  MY son enjoys it  but  I do not  like Pierces Barbeque at all.  The only  thing  worth eating there,  in my  opinion, are the  sweet potato  fries  which  are really good.

I have to concur with Buffetbuster regarding Pierce's Pit Bbq.
 
Buffetbuster and I went to several different BBQ joints over a weekend  last May and Pierce's was the best out of all of them and the sweet potato fries are the best side items they have.
 
 

Thanks for giving me something to go on. I appreciate the help.

For breakfast Five Forks Cafe in the Village of Five Forks(just south of Williamsburg) is an excellant non-touristy restaurant.
We also enjoyed Pierces Pit Barbecue. although I am far from an expert on good southern Barbecue.
One of the taverns in CW  would be nice for athmosphere The food was acceptable, albeit overpriced.
If you have time, a roadworthy place  can be found on the other side of the James River (TAKE THE FERRY) in Surry Va. The Surrey(Thats not a typo, the restaurant name is spelled differently from the town)House has excellant ham and very good peanut soup.

I agree with Brookquarry regaring Surrey House. 
The peanut soup is fine, the stewed tomatos were fantastic and
the country ham was good too, if you get the peanut pie, it's very similar to pecan pie- I didn't mention Surrrey House it previously because it appeared you were looking specifically for Williamsburg but Surrey House which appeared in several of the older Roadfood books is a good diversion.

We will have a car, so "near-by" is good. I've never had peanut soup. That sounds tempting.
 

I would also recommend one of the historic inns. I always enjoyed the King's Arms, but it has been a few years since I dined there.  It is not cheap, but it is a unique experience.

Go to The Corner Pocket for good eats, cold drinks and outdoor dining.  There's music and pool too.  Go to The Whaling Co. for fine dining for dinner. 
 
The Corner Pocket @ 4805 Courthouse St., Williamsburg, Virginia, VA 757 - 220 - 0808.
http://www.thecornerpocket.us/
The Whaling Co. @ 494 McLaws Circle Williamsburg, VA 757 - 229 - 0275.
http://www.whalingcompany.com/