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Name: Food For Thought
Address: 1647 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Telephone: (757) 645-4665
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 4.34

Food For Thought

1647 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185

(757) 645-4665
Store is closed

Food For Thought Menu

Prologue

Shrimp Boat

Smoke And Fire

How About Hummus

Da Vinci Dippers

Michelangelo's Caprese

I Don't Eat Raw Fish

"sticks To Your Ribs" Snacker
Acknowledgements To - Soups & Salads

"the All-in-one" Grilled Steak Salad

Farmer's Harvest Salad

Lumpy Crab Caesar Salad

Classic Cobb Salad

Roasted Veggie Bisque

Caesar And The Rasta Mon

Roasted Beet Salad
Soups & Salads - Topper

Chicken Breast

Portabella Cap

Sirloin Steak Or Salmon Filet
Chapter One - Where It All Began

Fork Tender Pot Roast

Stick To Your Ribs

It's Twins

Grandma's Meatloaf

The Best Of Both Worlds
Chapter Two - Fowl Play

That Nutty Chicken

Cilantro Lime Chicken

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Light As A Feather

Thai One On
Chapter Three - You Have To Sea It To Believe It

Light And Heavy Crab Cakes

The Crab-a-bella

Down South

The One That Didn't Get Away
Chapter Four - The Garden Of Eden

The Ultimate Vegetarian

Baked Eggplant Marinara

Portabella Stack

Pick Three Extravaganza
Chapter Five - Hands-on Experience

Shrimp Po'boy

Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwich

Jerk Chicken Salad On A Croissant

Meat & Potato Lovers Sandwich

Ciabatta Burger

Grilled Portbella Sandwich
Endnotes

Creamy Cheese Grits

Creamed Spinach

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Homemade Cole Slaw

Jasmine Mushroom Rice

Redskin Mashed Potatoes

Corn & Green Pea Medley

Steamed Broccoli

Skinny Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

Grilled Zucchini

Squash Casserole
Chapter Six - A Happy Ending

Gourmet Bread Pudding With Brandy Cream Sauce

Time For Chocolate

The Best Crème Brulee

Hot Apple Nachos With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Healthy Meal suggestions for Food For Thought

Prologue

Shrimp Boat [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smoke And Fire [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

How About Hummus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Da Vinci Dippers [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Michelangelo's Caprese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

I Don't Eat Raw Fish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

"sticks To Your Ribs" Snacker [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Acknowledgements To - Soups & Salads

"the All-in-one" Grilled Steak Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Farmer's Harvest Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lumpy Crab Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Cobb Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Veggie Bisque [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar And The Rasta Mon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Beet Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups & Salads - Topper

Chicken Breast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Portabella Cap [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sirloin Steak Or Salmon Filet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chapter One - Where It All Began

Fork Tender Pot Roast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stick To Your Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

It's Twins [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grandma's Meatloaf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Best Of Both Worlds [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chapter Two - Fowl Play

That Nutty Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cilantro Lime Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jamaican Jerk Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Light As A Feather [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai One On [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chapter Three - You Have To Sea It To Believe It

Light And Heavy Crab Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Crab-a-bella [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Down South [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The One That Didn't Get Away [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chapter Four - The Garden Of Eden

The Ultimate Vegetarian [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baked Eggplant Marinara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Portabella Stack [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pick Three Extravaganza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chapter Five - Hands-on Experience

Shrimp Po'boy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cilantro Lime Chicken Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jerk Chicken Salad On A Croissant [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Meat & Potato Lovers Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ciabatta Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Portbella Sandwich [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Endnotes

Creamy Cheese Grits [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creamed Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mashed Sweet Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Homemade Cole Slaw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jasmine Mushroom Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Redskin Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Corn & Green Pea Medley [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Skinny Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Potato Fries [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Zucchini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Squash Casserole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chapter Six - A Happy Ending

Gourmet Bread Pudding With Brandy Cream Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Time For Chocolate [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Best Crème Brulee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hot Apple Nachos With Vanilla Bean Ice Cream [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Williamsburg for healthy meals suggestion.

Applebee’s ( 1640 Richmond Road )

Visit below restaurant in Williamsburg for healthy meals suggestion.

Applebee’s ( 1640 Richmond Road )

Write An Anonymous Review

Steven F.

Visiting historic Williamsburg? Do not miss this attraction. If you order the steak, splurge on the filet. The butter merlot was excellent. No reason to live life with regrets. Mashed sweet potatoes, slaw & cornbread will make you wonder, "why can't every restaurant make food this good?" This establishment's reputation has customers waiting outside so grab a seat at the bar and chow down while the patients decipher what they will order when they get the chance.
(5)
Alex S.

We went based on many positive online reviews. There was a 40 min wait and it turned out to be worth it in the end. We had sealed tune, wild sockeye salmon, chicken strips, and pesto pasta. Everything was fresh and delicious. Deserts were excellent too: bread pudding(the best we ever had), crem brule, and fruit filled crepes.
(5)
Gregg F.

Awesome, simple, and delicious cuisine. If you're searching for good 'ol comfort food at a reasonable price, this place is definitely recommended. This was a family dinner after a really busy day. The hotel we stayed at recommended the place. And to my surprise it was really good. Being in the mood for something home made, I tried the meatloaf. I know what you may be thinking, diner food?! But it was amazing, had a good mixture of peppers (just a touch) and gravy. I am salivating just thinking about it. It was seriously that good. My son had the spare ribs which were right, spot on delicious. Daughter had a filet medallion, it melted in your mouth. All in all a great meal. Great service and a good time.
(4)
John T.

Good food. Homey. Reasonable pricing. This is a popular local lunch spot.
(3)
Eve D.

My husband love the pot roast . Very tender and lot of flavor. We will definitely come back
(5)
Rick S.

This was a fun place to stop for a meal. Fun and inspirational quotes throughout the restaurant (including the mirror-image one in the bathroom!). Helps maintain the colonial feel of Williamsburg. We had the All American grilled cheese (bacon, avocado, tomato, American cheese) and the Lime cilantro chicken sandwich. Both were well presented and tasted fantastic. Great service too. Pleasant and prompt. The manager came by too. He was cordial and checked up on the food and service. A nice, modern restaurant with a hat tip to Williamsburg's heritage.
(5)
Katie P.

The wine flight of reds is the best idea for dining if you're like me and can't decide on anything you want. My fiancÃ© had the Rum drink. Their fish is to die for. Thai One On was pretty tasty as well. Our waiter was such a sweetheart and he really made our experience a good one. The ambience of this place is relaxing and fun; the whole restaurant has a theme! You should try fishing through the brain games on the table!
(5)
Kristine M.

I LOVE FOOD FOR THOUGHT! I seriously do. I'm glad it's a bit of a ways from us or we would be here too frequently! I've been twice so far, and was just as pleased this second time as I was the first time. The first visit was a couple years ago, with my boyfriend. We ate here for lunch after shopping at the outlets, and before heading to Christmas Town at Busch Gardens. It's really close to the outlets, so if we ever feel like eating while in that area, I will always suggest this place. The place is decorated with a bunch of quotes and sayings all over. I wish I took more pics of those. Really cool spot. The last time I went, I had the crabcake sandwich which was excellent. I loved their creamed spinach side! YUMMY! The crab cake was perfectly seasoned, and had barely any "filler". Awesome. Today, we were on our way back down to Va Beach from a quick overnight trip to Maryland, and on our way home we were trying to think of a good place for lunch. I chose this place; glad I did! The place serves "Lunch" from 11am-4pm - smaller portions of dinner for a bit lower price, and a few gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with soup or salad. I had the Coast Line grilled cheese - Gruyere cheese, old bay mayo, asparagus, bacon, lump crab meat....it was AMAZING! For my side, I chose the crab and corn chowder soup. Also delicious. I am such a fan of this place and if in the area, will definitely come again. There are so many more things on the menu that I would love to try!
(5)
Andrew W.

I really don't know what to say other than its one of the top 5 restaurants I've ever eaten at anywhere...this includes noted restaurants in NYC, Boston, Charleston SC, and Vegas. Just incredible...there was 8 of us and everyone raved no matter what meal. The crÃªpes for dessert were a great touch. Wish I remembered our waitresses name...she was great and really on top of everything. So glad our resort gave us the recommendation to try the place out.
(5)
Kate H.

The delicious food and quaint atmosphere make this a can't miss in Williamsburg. We stopped by for lunch and had a great experience, starting with the basket of delicious parmesean rolls and sweet potato cornbread. I ordered a lunch special - the Berry Abundant Salad ($13.5) -- greens topped with berries, apples, sweet corn and grilled chicken. It came with a blueberry yogurt dressing, but the fruit on the salad was so flavorful that I skipped the dressing. I made up for those missed calories with a side order of creamed spinach. Amazing and some of the best I've had! My husband had the Tuscany Grilled Cheese w/ the veggie bisque ($10.5). The soup was really flavorful without being overly veggie-esque. Kid meal options are unique here ($4.75-7.5) -- things like pot roast, ribs, shrimp, etc. Our kiddo had some yummy chicken fingers with fries. IMO, kid's drinks should always be included with kid's meals, but they aren't here. One hokey thing I noticed throughout the restaurant -- lots of signs/statements by the owner or manager. One on the door about parking, one in the bathroom, etc. Kind of tacky, but I suppose felt necessary to somebody. Speaking of parking -- there isn't enough of it for the number of seats in the restaurant, but head two-doors down to park at the Ripley's museum and make the short walk to the restuarant.
(4)
Alissa F.

Cons: Parking is tight and overflow parks at Ripley's. Crowded waiting area. Cheese grits were not creamy-dry and held the shape of the scoop. Pros: Excellent food. Excellent and quick service. Pot roast was truly fall apart and mashed potatoes were tasty-not your typical restaurant mashed potatoes. Crabcake was full of crab and accompanied by a yummy spicy remoulade. Filet was tender. Nutty chicken was delicious. Grilled zucchini and green beans were yummy. Side salad was fresh and bread was soft and warm. Had flourless chocolate torte and nutella and strawberry stuffed crepes for dessert. Chocolate torte was rich and crepes were divine! We plan to try and go one more time before our vacation is over....call ahead for seating and your wait will not be as long. Fun table games for the family and paper tablecover for little doodlers. Definitely comfort food, but also had some lighter selections and even a gluten free pasta. Highly recommend! Update: ended up going back the very next night....hubs got pot roast again because he loved it so much the first time. I got salad with bleu cheese, candied pecans and added filet on top-fresh greens and filet was awesome. Daughter got kids ribs, which literally did slip right off the bone. Owner came to our table and introduced himself....very nice guy. Call ahead and go! Its worth it!
(5)
Mariam A.

This place specializes in comfort food, so it was the perfect place to go on a cold rainy fall afternoon. The thing that made the food even better was the amazing service I received. All the staff have great advice when helping me choose and every song me person that walked past asked how I liked my food. I had the coastline grilled cheese sandwich - gruyere, crab, asparagus, and tomato - with the roasted red pepper and smoked Gouda soup as my side. Oh and they serve you fresh warm bread and butter upon sitting. All this cost me a mere $14. Cannot say enough positive things about this establishment.
(5)
Kim T.

Good food, great service! Loved the complimentary bread basket. It was warm and soft. Husband had the family reunion (meatloaf and pot roast) and I had the shrimp boat appetizer as my meal. Tried some of his dinner and it was delicious. The pot roast was moist. The meatloaf was a bit on the salty side, but still good. The shrimps were plump. Overall a satisfying meal. Each table had cards you can go through that served as conversation starters, finally understood where the name came from. Would come back if we visit Williamsburg again.
(4)
Rachel B.

Don't waste your time on the long wait to get in this place. Don't understand all the hype. Better food else where!!
(3)
Kristina A.

The hubs and I dined here this weekend because of the rave reviews on Yelp and the close proximity to our hotel. What a wonderful dining experience! Our server, Anna, was the best! Our drink cups never went empty and she constantly checked in on us. I also thought it was a nice touch that the owner came to each table and talked to the patrons. What a way to make you feel welcome! Now... let's talk about the food. Ah-mazing! I ordered the pot roast w/mashed potatoes and grilled zucchini, while hubs ordered the NY strip w/skinny fries and Jasmine mushroom rice. Soooo good! We even splurged on a dessert - the bread pudding was heaven. Hubby talked about that steak all weekend (it was that good!) Thank you for the hospitality, Food for Thought! We will definitely be back!
(5)
Linsdey W.

This place provides such a warm, fun, happy environment. It is for for both family and small parties. The waiters all seemed pleasant and the manager was wonderful when she came to greet us at the table. I love the detail and thought into the small things of the place such as the brain teaser cards and live fresh chosen flowers at the tables. The food was exceptional and tasty. I appreciated the light feeling it ; not being geeasy, oily, or overly seasoned. Overall, the place is definitely a sweet treat to visit while in town. I do not regret choosing to come here!
(4)
Tosha B.

We decided to come to this place at the recommendation of a friend who is from Williamsburg. We probably shouldn't have decided to show up on Valentine's Day without a reservation, but we just decided to carryout since we didn't want to wait 2 hours for a table like the other 50 people in the waiting area. The parking lot was pretty small and there were several signs warning people not to park in the neighbor's lot because you will get towed. I appreciate the warning, but they need to do something about the parking situation. We ordered our carryout meal right at the hostess stand and it was super crowded and kind of awkward. I wish they would have invited us to walk over to the bar to do it or something where it wouldn't have felt so uncomfortable and rushed. Our food took about 20 minutes to get done. We ordered the shrimp and grits and it was good, but I think it would have tasted better if we had it there. The sauce that went on it came on the side, which I guess was so it didn't get too soggy? I don't know why, but it would have been nice if the whole meal was put together for me. It also came with a few different rolls and cornbread which was nice. It was a good meal and I look forward to trying it out for real in the restaurant next time we're in Williamsburg.
(3)
Susan M.

Just downright amazing! My son had the meatloaf and said it was the best dinner he has ever had.
(5)
Marsharelle T.

My favorite spot when visiting the area. Clean, quick, fresh and delicious. The shrimp and grits is a really great dish. And the ribs are decent as well. The staff is friendly. But be prepared to wait in the summer. No reservations. They do offer priority seating, but the average wait seems to be 25 mins.
(4)
Kristina N.

This place is a gem for anyone with a dietary restriction with lots of options and a staff that is always accommodating. I've been many times and always want to try something new and everyone I have taken to Food for Thought has been satisfied. You can't really go wrong with any of their choices, but my favorites are the portobello sandwich, the portobello stack, and their ultimate vegetarian. They also always have amazing salmon and salad specials. The only problem is they only do call ahead seating - no reservations - and they're always busy so there can be a wait. But just get a drink at the bar, order an appetizer, and look around at the decor and you'll be fine.
(5)
David E.

Food for Thought was great. We really enjoyed it. No TV's was actually nice. Loved the premise and the food. Thinking and conversation were fun. Bread was really good pre-meal. The food was really fresh and tasty, a nice break after a week on the road from Austin, TX. This could be a fun restaurant in many cities. I could see it doing well in Austin, Seattle and other cities.
(5)
G M.

By far one of the best in Williamsburg. Sweet potato corn bread and super soft onion rolls arrived in the bead basket. Both outstanding. Smoke and Fire chicken strips appetizer in spicy sauce was very good. Entrees of pot roast, meat loat, ribs and flounder were all excellent. Service is all around very good and very friendly. Side dishes here are not an after thought as in many restaurants. From the mashed potatoes to the green beans, all sides were excellent. For an excellent home style meal you cant beat this place but definitely call ahead. Its always packed over the summer.
(5)
Kiron M.

Great food and great service! I got the shrimp po' boy and creamed spinach. It was delicious! My boyfriend got the salmon with sides of cheese grits (very fluffy!) and steamed broccoli. He was impressed that the salmon was so fresh! And we really enjoyed the sweet potato cornbread and Parmesan rolls. Additionally, I really enjoyed my summer sangria, truly fresh fruit! Our server was great (wish I had asked her name so I could rave about her in this review!) We'd definitely come back again!
(5)
Todd G.

Food for Thought is creative and clever both in design and dishes, has great service, and is decently priced. The menu is mid-sized and full of references and clever jokes while still looking professional. The specials menu was substantial, and as a vegetarian I found several good options there (as well as a few in the normal menu). We went late August on a Friday evening and there was a 30 minute wait. There's a bit of space to wait inside and a nice small area outside as well. They were pretty busy. The place has quotes and information of creative and impactful people on the walls, as well as some conversation starters and brain teasers in a container on each table. They started us out with a bread basket with sweet potato cornbread and parmesan rolls, which we very much enjoyed. I don't recall the exact name of my entree, but it was something like the "Incan Salad", with quinoa, pine nuts, corn, greens, orange, and some kind of orange vinaigrette. The combination of texture and taste was perfect in my opinion. It was pretty big and I ate every bite. For dessert we had a chocolate tort with vanilla ice cream and sliced strawberry. It was delicious and perfect for two people. The owner, Howard, came by and was very friendly but didn't overstay his welcome at our table by any means.
(5)
Hugh M.

I've been one more time since my last review - I had the panko baked flounder this most recent visit. As I've always been fairly unimpressed, this was no exception. While at first I thought that this was the worst of the bunch by far, after thinking back on the past experiences I've had at the restaurant, I realized that the other meals really hadn't been much better than this one. I was too excited about this restaurant, about all of the rave reviews from my friends and on this website, to be let down so hard. Unfortunately, though, it did, and I've come to terms with it. And again, i really dislike all of the libertarian propaganda plastered all over the walls. There are two things I do like a lot about the restaurant though, and those are a) the creamed spinach, which is to die for, and b) the cheesy little mind games they have to play with on the tables. Oh, and the wait staff are always very friendly.
(2)
Shea M.

The recommendations from Yelp has done it again! Excellent choice for breakfast! Inviting and comfortable atmosphere with interesting facts on the menu items. Good selection of vegan dishes. I enjoyed the "Down South" shrimp and grits (not on breakfast menu but allowed to order it) and spouse the BLT...parking is not the best but you can easily grab a spot while others leave out..even while busy, we received our food Hot and Fresh very quickly!
(5)
Sarah M.

Waiter was incredibly knowledgeable in vegan options, which we greatly appreciated. Great service throughout the meal. Ordered the quinoa burger and the Thai dish. The burger was great and I thoroughly enjoyed the skinny fries. The Thai dish had vegan chicken substitute and veggies, nothing spectacular but nice and filling. Food was overall good and we would come back if passing through the area. Atmosphere feels a bit like a chain even though it isn't....
(4)
Ken B.

I'm bumping my review up to 5 stars because the owner was kind enough to write a personal message to me apologizing for the long wait. That and the fact that it was beyond their control justifies a proper update to my review. Also, I forgot to mention that they bring out a bread basket with super delicious sweet potato cornbread and Parmesan bread. And now that I'm thinking about it we had fried ravioli as an appetizer. It was very yummy and my kid absolutely loved them. Not sure why I forgot about these details, maybe it's because everything else was so amazing that I was mesmerized. Yeah that's the excuse I'm going with. Throw in a nice message from the owner with a genuine apology and it easily reminds me that good businesses still exist in this country! Food for Thought is a prime example of this great American experience!
(5)
Chasity B.

This place was just OK.... Nothing special, and nothing to write home about. Had the meatloaf and it was extremely dry even smothered in gravy.. Pot roast was the best thing on my plate, but again nothing special... Mashed potatoes tasted old like they where left over from the day before. My husband had the California BLT... Again he was not impressed... It was just another sandwich. Must say if we come back to town we probably want be stopping here again.. Oh and don't order the coffee it was so strong the spoon could have stood by itself... Tasted like mud!
(3)
Amanda E.

My husband and I tried Food For Thought for the first time this evening. We were seated promptly and our server quickly greeted us at our table. We had a half off of an appetizer coupon so we got the ribs. They were super tasty. The meat was juicy and fell right off the bone. The sauce was flavorful and I think it might have been made there. For the main course my husband ordered the family reunion and he loved it. Which doesn't happen very often with him because he is super picky. I got the nutty chicken with creamed spinach. The spinach was hands down the best I have ever had. Potatoes and chicken were also good, but the spinach was the star. All in all this was a great meal and I would recommend giving this place a try if you love down home comfort food.
(4)
Winnie W.

We went on July 3rd and the line was very long. But we got seated very quickly and the food was fast too! The staff was super friendly. And food was very nice. The mussels are the most memorable! Next time we are in town, we will come back and try other things on the menu.
(4)
Vic F.

We had the shrimp boat appetizer which was tremendous. The scallops wrapped in bacon was excellent, as was the Crab Cake over Portobello mushroons!
(5)
Vijay L.

Amazing Food!! We had to eat their food multiple times. We never dined in the restaurant, take-out only, so I can not comment about the dining room, but all I know this is one of the best places that I have ever ordered from. Very good vegetarian options, along with meat options. My entire family, including my 4 year-olds, loved this place, and almost worth another trip from NYC just to eat there again.
(5)
Delors K.

Best breakfast place in Williamsburg!! The service was Excellent!! The food was Super Fresh & delicious. The staff was amazing! They were very accommodating for an entire Soccer Team & parents! The complimentary beignets were served hot & fresh!
(5)
Erica R.

The food wasn't that impressive, and the drinks were pretty overpriced. The menu is witty and clever, but the wait staff took forever to take our orders, and the food was, as I said, very mediocre.
(2)
Reezle W.

They catered to my sister's vegan needs extraordinarily well. The food was delicious and the choices were great. Wish I lived in the area so I could explore the menu. The lentil chickpea burger was housemade and looked great. My flounder sandwich was awesome with Cole slaw and sirracha like it was suggested I have it and my sweet potato fries were awesome. The seared ahi tuna appetizer was really unexpectedly great, the seaweed salad served under it was a hidden gem. This is a great place that is going to have different options as well as Williamsburg ' s southern staples.
(5)
Wilson Z.

Nice interior, service was good. Price was ok for the portion. Main problem was with what I ordered. I ordered the pot roast, which had no flavor, and really bland. I rarely add additional salt on my food. But it was in much need of it. Overall ok, i would give it another chance if I was ever in Williamsburg again. But that's highly unlikely.
(3)
Abby K.

Food for Thought is a must visit while in Williamsburg if hospitality and service are important to you. It was the best restaurant we visited while here for a week and our biggest regret is that we didn't try it sooner so we could go back again. The wait was out the door on a Friday night at 9:00pm. We were told the wait would be 30 min but turned out to be less than 15 min. While waiting the owner brought around stuffed mushrooms to all those waiting - even my family that was waiting outside with a drizzly rain. Once seated we were warmly greeted by our server who explained the menu. The beer and wine list were not extensive but adequate for our taste. My family was craving a home style type meal and we were happy to try the Pot roast, meatloaf, jerk chicken and farmhouse salad. The portions were large. Each entree came with two sides. My son was thrilled when the waiter suggested he get the mashed potatoes AND the French fries! The salad was large with fresh vegetables and not your run of the mill iceberg/ rains lettuce combo. The food was very good - not the best I've ever had but far from the worst. It came out very quickly- we were slightly disappointed as we were having so much fun playing the card games supplied in every table. Our waiter was very attentive- our water glasses were rapidly filled and soda and iced teas appeared without asking. I also want to mention the bread basket - delightful yeast rolls and sweet potato corn bread - a wonderful start to the meal. The owner stopped at every table to ensure customers were satisfied. Clearly this restaurant values customer service highly. I will definitely be back next time I visit Williamsburg!
(4)
Rob N.

I'm gonna guess this used to be a Bennigan's before that chain tanked. FFT seems to pitch themselves as global comfort food. The perception is somewhat significantly more than the reality. The menu's not that exciting, being noticeably a collection of different ways to serve up about a half-dozen base dishes. The food wasn't bad, but it didn't impress. We kept wanting more aggressive flavors or better seasoning. Honestly, I'd probably rate everything better if they just threw away all the pretense and just stripped everything back to a solid diner/comfort menu and did it really well. Here, the gloss-coat of healthy/global flavor doesn't strike a solid chord. However, a diner menu with fresh, local, and/or organic ingredients would probably spur me to a second look.
(2)
Denice K.

My kind of place!! Food for foodies but kept the atmosphere casual. Love the inspiring menu options and they have the best kids meal options I've ever seen anywhere, hands down. A real gem in Williamsburg.
(5)
Amanda A.

The food was great but we had the worst service ever. When we told her we were not ready to order she acted like we were a burden. Then we never got our salad before the meal and she said it was because she had so many tables but really we watched her just stand and fold napkins the whole time. She didn't even bring out our food. The guy who did was amazing. Wish we could have tipped him. The owner came and spoke to us about our disatisfaction and offered us to come back and have dinner on him but we are on vacation and probably wont spend both nights eating there when the service is spotty. I was super disappointed because I found this place on TripAdvisor and it was highly rated.
(2)
Blane K.

On the hunt for soul food, we decided to give this restaurant a chance after reading some up & down reviews on Yelp. Steak was good, kind of hard to go wrong with steak. My wife had jerk chicken with mango salsa on top which was "yummy" in her opinion. I thought it was pretty good also. The half slab of ribs appetizer we ordered was not warm at all! Somehow the meat was soft & fell off the bone but was still dry. We were very disappointed about the ribs. The overall check was too expensive for the quality of food we received. I probably will not recommend this place to others. I think there are better places around Williamsburg.
(3)
Traci S.

This place is excellent for adults and kids alike! We enjoyed the honest and creative cuisine, affable wait staff and appreciative owner who came to our table to chat after our meal. We will certainly go back to this 5 star establishment. I'm still dreaming of that coconut infused beer!!!!
(5)
Ali F.

My wife and I love dining here. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere warm, and the food is good. The bread is awesome, I love their sweet potato corn bread. The veggie options are ok. Parking is another issue, there's often a wait to be seated.
(4)
Kathy C.

Great restaurant for families or anyone. We ate there with a friend and her young son who is allergic to almost everything (wheat, dairy, soy, eggs and of course the normal nut allergies). Food for Thought was very careful and conscientious in preparing some plain chicken and vegetable dishes for him and seemed very educated on the subject. so that was one of the highlights of the trip for this young man. For the rest of us the food was just yummy! I had the shrimp and grits-not the best I've ever had, but very very good. My husband had the meatloaf sandwich which he said was great, and my friend had the eggplant marinara-a huge portion and delicious. We also split the roasted beet salad. The sweet potato cornbread was very good. Sadly we did not have room for desert-they sound delicious. Again, the service was very attentive and accommodating to our needs. And I thought it was a great value also-for the 4 of us the dinner was $65.00. We had no alcohol or deserts, but full dinners for 4 in W'burg for that price I consider very good. There are so many restaurants in Williamsburg-we usually try to avoid the chains and eat at unique or local places- and this definitely fit the bill on all counts.
(4)
Audelle H.

I really liked this place - lots of variety on the menu. Great vegetarian and vegan choices as well. My party of 3 tried all the flights which included several good local options. We also did dinner one day and lunch the next just to try other things on the menu. Just as good the next day. Great service and the little brain teasers on the table made for good meal convo.
(4)
S G.

This place was amazing! After coming to Williamsburg as a tourist several times over the past several years, this place was extremely refreshing, compared to the other blah restaurants available. The menu combines classic-traditional American (ribs, pot roast, etc.) with modern healthier/vegetarian options (a gluten-free quinoa pasta special) and has delicious results (complimentary sweet potato cornbread, who would have thought?). Coming during prime dinner time, there was a medium wait (45 minutes) but with planning and/or calling ahead this could be avoided. The place is small, so it gets crowded easily. The entire staff was cheery and pleasant. My waitress was very helpful in my family's decision on what to order. She was very attentive and enjoyable. After the meal the owner came to ask how the meal was, and was equally pleasant and enjoyable. Bottom line: This place is a must for any trip to Williamsburg.
(5)
Blake S.

Among the restaurant chains on Richmond Road, sits this unique restaurant. My husband and I notice they served breakfast, and decided to give it a try. We were looking forward to the possibility of a new breakfast place, and we were not disappointed. The breakfast menu is a relatively new feature, and it is well thought out with a creative menu of diverse offerings. The food was very satisfying and yummy, and the portions are extremely generous. The benedicts were very good! we will definitely go back again, and would reccommend it.
(5)
Stephen Q.

Food for thought puts their special twist on their dishes. This locally owned establishment serves great food and is one of our favorites.
(5)
Taylor C.

Ordered the acorn squash seasonal special and it was absolutely delicious. The steak entree was prepared as ordered. Service was great and enjoyed the atmosphere. Will be returning.
(4)
Dean P.

We ate at this great casual restaurant twice when vacationing in Williamsburg. It was our favorite place by far. The onion bread served as a first course was scrumptious. The watermelon gazpacho was a nice combination of spicy and sweet. A varied menu great for meateaters and vegetarians alike. The question card on the table sparked fun conversation. Don't miss this gem!
(5)
Veronika R.

Please open one of these where I live..... pretty please. Best food ever. That's all you need to know. Don't be deterred by the full parking lot. Park in Ripley's and walk over. (Don't park in front of the vacant neighboring lot that tows. They are just cranky that their food is not as good.) Was full on a Saturday night, but we had no trouble finding a seat at the bar and ordering there. And weeks later I'm still dreaming of that key lime pie. This place is amazing!
(5)
Florence M.

Great service and food. We come here every time we come to Williamsburg. I always have the Pot Roast. It's definitely my favorite dish. I love their sweet potato fries served with brown sugar butter and creamed spinach too. The rolls and corn bread they serve for appetizers are tasty as well. Tried this delicious flour-less dark chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert for the 1st time and it was the best thing I ate tonight. It was soooo yummmy! You will not be disappointed eating here.
(4)
Sage K.

EXCELLENT food; EXCELLENT service! Delicious, good-for-you food and a clean and friendly atmosphere. Great place to bring the kids, too. This restaurant has something for every diner. Thinking about going here? Go, go, go!!
(5)
Natia J.

I ordered the shrimp boat as an appetizer. It was a little spicy, but good. I also ordered shrimp n grits, which was delicious... I was full from the shrimp boat and bread (yummy cornbread and yeast rolls). So, I had to pack the shrimp n grits to go. Overall the food was very flavorful. The service was okay. It was not bad, but it also was not excellent. ***Parking at the restaurant is very limited. However, customers are allowed to park at Ripley's Believe or Not. The walk is not far. There is a sign in the parking lot stating customers will be towed if they park directly next door. So, be sure to park at Ripley's...
(4)
Nichele W.

I was in town from DC Visiting my mom for her birthday and looking for somewhere new to take her for dinner. I decided to go to Food For Thought because of the excellent reviews. My mom really enjoyed her meal. She has the Harris Ranch Natural filet with merlot butter cooked medium well. Her steak was very tender and flavorful. Her mash potatoes and steamed broccoli was cooked to perfection as well. I ordered the stack of ribs with mashed potatoes and steam broccoli as well. Every thing was delicious. The ribs literally fall off the bone. They were tender and juicy. And all the food came out piping hot and shortly after we order. The bread basket was full of warm bread and sweet potato cornbread. Yummmmy. Even though we came on a Wednesday night the place was packed. They do not take reservations but our wait was only about 20 minutes for the two of us. All the staff was friendly and the Manager came to our tables to ask us how our food was and how everything was going. Overall i would definitely go back if in town again and looking for tasty food. Note: the parking situation was a little tight. But they do have additional parking in a lot or so over at the Ripleys Believe it or Not. The restaurant directly next to FFT is very petty for not allowing folks to park on their COMPLETELY empty parking lot and there is a sign at FFT that tells you their neighbors will tow you. What a shame.
(4)
Sarah B.

We have eaten here several times and always had a good experience. We tend to eat vegetarian food here and they do tofu very well. The dining room and tables, etc. are not fancy. It is hard to describe. Like a place where families go out to eat after church. Seems to usually have a wait. We ate here for dinner last night. It was Sunday at 8:10 and they were still on a half hour wait. I ordered an excellent tofu special with curry and sticky rice. My husband had the portobello stack, which was also good. We had mashed potatoes and asparagus for sides, which were excellent. The only bummer was that the waitress forgot the soup. However, this is a restaurant that values business, even though they have plenty of customers. The manager apologized and gave us a free dessert. It was a heavenly bread pudding so we were happy. Will keep going back every time we go to Williamsburg.
(5)
J David H.

Most of the time I give a lot of thought into my overall experience when providing a review. That process usually occurs later into the day, next day, or even weeks afterwards. This was the easiest 5 star review I have had the pleasure to award in a while. As a matter of fact when exiting I told the manager point by point why I would be writing a review on yelp and giving them a 5. Lets start off with the name of the restaurant, it's cool and there is some thought behind it. In my opinion it's not only a great meal they desire to provide for customers, but also a family experience around the dinner table. You will see cards on the table for fun open ending prompts to have a family discussion, also trivia puzzle cards too! The cards signify to me that your experience with family and friends is equally important as the food which is amazing by the way. "Eat Drink Think" is on their sign. Food for Thought has been around for close to eight years, but it has caught fire with word of mouth in the last two. The secret is out that they can handle huge crowds and provide a high quality product at the same time. I laid witness to an insane Sunday crowd and at the same time not missing a beat at any stage of the service. Be prepared for crowds, but it is a large restaurant and the time provided in my case was right on the dot of a 30 min wait. Parking can be an issue in their own lot, but there is overflow at Ripley's Believe it, or not. As a matter of fact that is a great way to exit since there is a light if you need to make a left. There are three bench seats provided which is not enough. This will be my only complaint and area for improvement which is minor in the great scheme of things. The young male hostess was seen repeatedly calling names and being very professional and personable. When our name was called it was no different. A greeting and quickly showing you to your table with menus and "I hope you enjoy your dinner". This set the tone for the nigh and can often be a missed opportunity for a business. I've seen it too many times that the hostess is not the right fit for this very important position of a customers first impression. Our waitress Lilly was quick to our table and got drink orders going quickly as my wife and I reviewed the massive menu and it is massive. I will not complain about it's size because I have first hand knowledge and enough local word of mouth to know they pull it off. As well Lilly never rushed us and was well versed in answering questions. I decided on a Williamsburg Ale Works to drink after our waitress graciously provided a sample. Orders were taken in a timely fashion. Bread was provided immediately and was an assortment of cornbread and white, it was good. A look around the dining room revealed a bright colorful atmosphere. We were in the bar room, a square full service watering hole. However there is no seating around it. Everything seemed clean and orderly. The tables are close in together, so be aware if this is an issue. What was most noticeable about the crowd was they were having a good time. The family beside us were using the discussion cards and really into it. Our dishes of pot roast and meatloaf came out in around 15-20 minutes. They were delivered by a runner and the manager. My wife special ordered the meatloaf with no gravy on the meat, or mash and it was correct. A little teasing when delivering the meal that there was no gravy had the runner come close to a heart attack. This is a place that strives for excellence and no mistakes. My wife and I shared our large meals and we both agreed that they were not only very yum, but for price point a real bargain. We both had the broccoli as a side and it was melt in your mouth. I had the sweet potato mash and it was very strong. Our waitress followed up with us a short time later to check on food correctness, temperature and taste. Half way into the meal the manager stopped by to check on us. This is not done enough at this price point and was appreciated. Our waitress was always around and accessible if we needed her. When finished our plates were cleared and we were asked if we wanted desert to which we declined. Our check was promptly brought out to us and I was just so impressed with the quality, size and pricing out of the dishes. The check was quickly closed out and a 5% discount card was provided for a return visit. I eat out a lot and it's not often that you find everything hitting on all cylinders. From the hostess, to the waitress, to the manager to of course the wonderful food. I was downright impressed that their product was this incredible keeping in mind the place was packed out. It does not go unnoticed by me that this is due to strong management and training of staff. The consistency of 900 reviews and being a 4.5 stars tell me they have bottled a recipe for success. I thanked the manager as I exited and I would like to do so again. Please keep it up and I will return soon.
(5)
Xerxes N.

850 reviews and a close to 5 star rating? Sure, that's a heck of a reason for us to try this place. A big breakfast, Go Ape, Yelp CMYE... Yup, let's close it down with Food For Thought. It's locally owned, loved by people from all over, and serve some good food. I was way too exhausted to read through all the cool things they offer on top of food: riddles/brain teasers on the tables, historical context throughout the restaurant, a cool picture of our past Presidents above the urinals, etc. It all adds in the experience. And for a place that is heavy toward tourists, prices are reasonable. After all the eating I did for the day, I had to go with something simple, a burger. But this one was legit. It was cooked as I requested, big, juicy, and had the right amount of sauteed mushrooms to add additional flavor. Everyone in our party enjoyed their meals. We ended the night their chocolate cake and ice cream. The cake looks heavy but comes in light and very easy to eat. It's the sneak up on your kind of food coma dessert. I look forward to going back when I'm in Williamsburg again.
(4)
Danielle M.

We wanted to try something a little different this visit to Williamsburg . I'm glad I checked into the reviews on here. We went for dinner and really enjoyed our dining experience. The bread basket included a Parmesan bread and sweet potato cornbread (which I really enjoyed). It was moist and wasn't too sweet. We didn't get an appetizer and I'm glad since I'm just so stuffed from the dinner I had. I ordered the shrimp and grits which you can get in mild, medium and spicy. I got medium and I'm glad because it did have a nice amount spice. It was pretty tasty. The cheesy grits were good. The sauce is very loose and I think if I had one complaint about the dish , that would be it.. However it was flavorful. My hubby got the ribs which he really enjoyed. He chose sweet potato fries and broccoli. I tasted the fries and I think they would be better if they were not thick wedge fries and were perhaps steak fry width. I say this because they weren't uniformly cooked (the center was a bit raw). The brown sugar dipping bitter was good , but I actually preferred it for the cornbread and not the fries. My baby chose the fries shrimp with skinny fries . I really enjoyed the shrimp I stole from her. My oldest got the crab cake and I didn't have a chance to taste since she inhaled that.. Our waitress Olivia was very informative and friendly. I loved the fact that the owner walked through greeting guests and passing out hor'dourves to the waiting patrons. Customer service is pretty important and they over delivered in this area. I will be back the next time we visit .. I really want to taste the beignets. :-)
(4)
Timmy T.

We needed a tasty lunch place to hit up before our crazy adventure at the outlets on tax free weekend. Pull out the YELP app and this place is one of the top search results. I was excited to try this place because the menu seemed inventive and the reviews were high but my overall food experience was just okay; read below for more details. The parking lot is a little small and there's strict parking rules/signs for neighboring establishments so be careful of where you park. The service here is awesome from the hostess to our waitress and to possibly the manager checking up on us; everyone was cheery and seemed genuinely happy to be there. The wait time for a table of two for lunch was non existent as I was expecting to wait awhile for a popular place to eat. I got the coastline grilled cheese sandwich: crab, asparagus, tomato, bacon, Gruyere cheese, and some old bay mayo. I probably should have just gotten the basic grilled cheese with just cheese and bread with tomato soup because this grilled cheese was more of school sandwich than a grilled cheese. It tasted okay.. none of the flavors were really exciting my taste buds and was a lot bigger/thicker than a normal grilled cheese. I liked what I got, but wish I got something else. My gf got the crab cake with two sides. When it came out it was only one average sized crab cake, which she also liked but wasn't really impressed by it or anything. I wasn't impressed on my first visit by the food but I would want to come back to try something else. The prices are a little high as our bill was around $30 for two sandwiches. SN: Their menu states they take food allergies very seriously but the last sentence also states they won't be responsible for any serious illnesses... you can't really say those two sentences because it really doesn't mean anything. To really prevent food allergies, your kitchen can only carry certain ingredients/prepare certain foods to avoid cross contamination.
(3)
Brooke T.

3.5 stars Came here with the fam bam after a stellar recommendation from a family friend. Claimed that the shrimp and grits were divine in addition to sweet potato cornbread. Couldn't wait to try. Location is pretty straight forward, this place has a fair sized parking area, it get's kind of tight though. We got there early for linner. This place doesn't take reservations, and as we were leaving there was a long wait! Quaint on the inside, menu is overwhelming! There are so many things to choose from. I truly believe that there is something for everyone from seafood, to vegan, sandwiches and the like. There are various specials depending on when you come during the day. Bread baskets up, two types of bread, the sweet potato cornbread, and cheesy what I think is an onion like bread. I must say, of the two, I totally dug the cheesy bread better. I'm not certain that I would have known that sweet potato was in the cornbread had it not been advertised as such. For entree's I had the meat and potatoes sandwich, which is basically either meatloaf with gravy/marina or pot roast on a brioche bun. It comes with a side of mashed potatoes. I also tried the buffalo style mac and cheese, which had sriracha in it, the shrimp platter, crab cake, grits, and shoe string fries. The portions provided were pretty healthy, there was definitely plenty to go around. In trying my sandwich, I thought that the pot roast was cooked great! The meat was very tender and there was just enough gravy that the bread wasn't dry or too soggy. I loved the fact that they didn't skimp on the veggies that one would normally get in a pot roast, they just threw it on the sandwich! Carrots anyone? Ha! Although advertised as a brioche bun, I really didn't pick up those flavors at all. I was less than thrilled with the mashed potatoes. I think in theory they tasted alright, I love when they are chunky, but the gravy used on them just wasn't my favorite. The mac and cheese was cheesy, and the sriracha gave it a nice kick that I totally wasn't expecting. I really think the flavors married well here. I totally think I would try to make that at home. The shrimp platter was of nice size, plentiful, and cooked perfectly. The platter itself came with two sides one of the sides were grits, which weren't my favorite. I totally didn't dig the consistency. I prefer my grits to be a bit more creamy. I'm not sure if these are the same consistency that is served with the shrimp and grits, which I peeped BTW and they looked dope!! Random aside, others in our party commented about the consistency of the grits the owner made a fresh batch! How great is that!?? The service here was great, or server handled our large party well, and was able to answer all questions that were posed of her, changing of entrees and the like. If I'm ever in the area again, I'll be sure to come back and try something else, probably those shrimp and grits man.
(3)
Mindi A.

So far the best meal of our trip. Yelp let us down in the Outerbanks, but this place is awesome! The Crababella and shrimp and grits (down south) were both outstanding. Hubs is a shrimp and grit connoisseur, and he said its one of the best he's ever had. I will dream about the rice on the Crababella. It was perfect. So was the creamed spinach. The crab cake was probably my least favorite part of the dish, and it was still delicious. The place is adorable and the service is fantastic, great meal.
(5)
C C.

I went back to Food for Thought after not having been there for many years. I remember going several times within the first couple years of them being open and never being upset, but never particularly being impressed. Our meal this weekend was much better than I remembered. To start, our table shared the Da Vinci dippers - fried ravioli. They were delicious and the sauce was particularly good. I ordered a cup of crab and corn chowder - this was the most disappointing part of the meal. While not bad, I just didn't enjoy it. It had mushrooms in it, which I hate, and was very heavy on the celery, which I also hate. You could tell there was crab in it, but not big pieces. The bread was DELICIOUS - soft, fluffy cheese rolls and dense cornbread. Yum! My shrimp po'boy was delicious - a soft bun, juicy shrimp, tasty sauce. I had it with grits instead of fries and they were yummy. My brother had the filet and crab cake; my bite of his crab cake was not particularly impressive, but he said the steak was good. My niece ordered the shrimp and grits - definitely what I'll be having next time! My boyfriend's tuna au poivre special was good, but just shy of being excellent; I think it had more to do with the quality of tuna itself as opposed to anything done by the restaurant. Preparation-wise, it was great. Our table shared 3 desserts; the chocolate torte was good, the creme brulee was good, and the strawberry and nutella crepes were EXCELLENT. Overall, I'm glad someone else chose here and we went back; I'd like to go again sometime. I still am not over the moon about their menu; it's not one of those places where I have a hard time choosing. But what I do like, I like a lot.
(4)
Barbara H.

Non- chain non-touristy place in Williamsburg. Off beat interesting decor. Filled with quotes and pics of authors inventors and intellectual. Fantastic menu with variety and interesting items. Loved it!
(5)
Tim R.

The service was excellent, friendly, helpful, and prompt. The owner seems to make a point to stop and talk to all tables. The food was good, they had a great gluten free menu for my wife. The theme is fun as well and can make for an enjoyable experience. The cards on the tables seemed to keep the conversation going and people off their phones.
(5)
Pat W.

For the Price, We EXPECTED a Delicious meal. We had scallops, and fried Oysters. The oysters came with rice. Oysters were so Bland, no seasonings. The scallops were just ok. Not much flavor. Fish was good. Won't return.
(1)
Sonya A.

Enjoyed this experience very much! The wait was worth it. The staff send out apps for waiting hungry people. Lots of quotes around to read. Games on table for guests- really neat. The shrimp boats were awesome- just enough sauce and shrimp was fresh. The NY strip was know your socks off- no steak sauce needed.
(4)
Steven H.

We absolutely love this place! Great food! Great service. We have been here several times, but this most recent visit locked up the 5 stars. My wife is nursing our five month old who has sensitivities to dairy and soy. The staff was awesome accommodating my wife's needs. The waitress, manager and owner visited the table to ensure they got it right. They created a meal off the menu that was delicious and safe for my wife to eat. They truly went above and beyond to make this a wonderful experience. And since she could not eat the rolls with melted cheese or the cornbread they brought to the table before the meal, they offered her a fresh fruit cup. I had the nutty chicken. It was very good. Creamy sauce over juicy chicken served over mashed potatoes. Very good. The Deep South is also a favorite! Cheesy grits, shrimp peppers... awesome! I highly recommend the bread pudding for dessert. Chocolate and cherries!
(5)
Sharon D.

Absolutely delicious! Had the special. A stuffed flounder. So flavorful! The white sangria was very good as well. My sons chicken tenders were hand breaded. And he loved it! The service was great!
(5)
Kelly G.

This place is quite over rated! Long wait and small parking lot. Delicious rolls and bad cornbread. Breaded ravioli for appetizer was pretty good but similar to your basic fried cheese. Pot roast was good but not great. Meatloaf was bad. Kids chicken fingers and crab cakes were strangers gut up bad. Salmon was dry. My wife liked her filet a lot. As far as sides: cheesy grits which everyone raves about were more like gummy grits. Peas and corn were similar to Golden Corral, grilled zucchini had no flavor. Mashed potatoes and mashed sweet potatoes were fine but simple. All in all an OK meal accompanied by a gaudy price tag. Honestly I would have been happier at a chain restaurant, comparable quality but half the price.
(3)
Marcellus E.

The food and service was great. Had the Shrimp and Grits and it was delicious, just wish there were a few extra shrimp to go along with the grits I had left over. For dessert I had the bread pudding and the apple cinnamon nacho. All I can say is delicious. I would highly recommend to anyone.
(4)
Dave A.

Visiting Williamsburg on vacation with my family and decided to enjoy some of the local non-chain restaurants for dinner. Food for Thought was a great choice. Although the wait (45 min) was a little longer than expected, it was worth it. The bread before dinner was great, sweet potato cornbread and a yeast roll with cheese topping. Plenty to choose from on the menu for all different appetites. I had the Family Reunion, a combination of pot roast and meatloaf. Both were excellent.
(4)
Sheri O.

This was the best meal I have eaten in a restaurant in a really long time! The food was perfectly cooked, our server, Megan, was amazing, and even on a busy Friday night, the owner stopped by our table to see if everything was ok. It was more than ok, the whole dining experience was phenomenal!!!!
(5)
C.c. S.

That. Was. Amazing. I don't know what kind of magic they put in the sauce that came with the sweet potato fries. The jerk chicken is the stuff of legend. The service was top notch, the owner did a table touch, and the atmosphere is fun. There was nothing bad about this visit.
(5)
Rex B.

Do yourself a favor and go to Food for Thought. My wife and I liked everything about this restaurant - from the quirky wall posters to the cleverly written menu to the delicious appetizers, entrees and dessert. She had the veggie bisque for appetizer, baked flounder with creamed spinach and sweet potato fries for entree and we split the bread pudding for dessert. I had tasty ribs for appetizer (that fell off the bone), cheesy grits and shrimp for the main course and scarfed half of the pudding with that excellent brandy sauce. We both thoroughly enjoyed the food. The best news is we brought over half home and have enough food for dinner tomorrow! A great bang for the buck. We highly recommend and plan to return to Food for Thought. By the way, Nick did a superb job as our server!
(5)
Wing C.

"Gourmet diner" would be the perfect description - My husband and I only had time for one meal in Williamsburg and we couldn't be happier to have chosen FFT. How could we say no to warm, welcoming bread basket consisted of home made sweet potato cornbread and cheesy bread? My husband and I arrived right after their lunch rush and were seated in the beautiful sun room. Initially we were overwhelmed by their endless choices- offering both lunch and dinner menu. Ultimately, we decided we wanted to be comfortable on our drive home so we stuck to their lunch menu. He ordered their famous grandma's meatloaf with creamed spinach and mashed potatoes while I ordered their crab cake with sweet potato fries and corn + pea medley. We couldn't be happier with our choices. Our two entrees were just perfect! The meatloaf were lick off the plate good. My husband expressed he couldn't recall ever having meatloaf this good! He loved the fact that they allowed him to choose to pair the meatloaf with either the gravy or the tomato sauce. He also couldn't stop crediting himself to the wise decisions of the two sides. At first glance, my crab cake was tiny compared to my husband's steak sized meatloaf. However once I began demolishing my plate, i realized this crab cake patty was much thicker/taller than I gave initial credit. Additionally, the seasoning was spot on, the patty was jam packed with chunks of crab meat. Then there was this amazing brown sugar butter sauce... not sure if it went with my sweet potato fries or the crab cakes. But I ended up dipping/drenching everything I could possibly eat with it. Wished I had ordered an additional side of the sweet potato fries (crispy crunch with a piping hot, soft center) because although the corn and pea medley was fine, it just wasn't anything to write home about. Service was warm and attentive. Warm bread baskets + water constantly refilled. My waiter even brought out another cup of brown sugar butter sauce after I already finished 95% of my plate. If only I had another meal to try their brunch or dinner...Next Busch Garden trip, I'm so there!
(5)
Roger Y.

Our hotel recommended this place as well as every Yelp review. It's clear why. Atmosphere is lovely, service was first-rate and food was excellent. The bread basket had rolls that melted in your mouth and were rivaled only by the moist squares of hot cornbread served with real butter. I had the lump crab grilled cheese and Precious had the grilled chicken with lime and cilantro sauce. Both solid choices and I'd recommend either. The only miss was a side of grits. If grits can be scooped out with an ice cream scoop and they hold their shape then they are either over-cooked or cold. Another choice would have been better. We also opted to try a flight of white wine samples. That was a smart move. All five were superb.
(5)
Tony A.

Here is some 'Food for Thought' - how about we mention that the "southwest remoulade" is in fact just a $#!+ ton of Creole mustard. Creole mustard has its place in this world... I get that. But damn, if I'm in the other camp. I would have liked the option to have a more traditional Louisiana-style remoulade. Something either mayo or oil based with a bright red to ruddy-orange color and has other flavors in it besides mustard. When I think of a Po' boy the biggest thing I'm looking forward to is that pink remoulade. This version is just straight up Creole mustard (no proof just speculation) Emeril Lagasse's Creole remoulade sauce has vegetable oil, chopped green onions, chopped yellow onions, fresh lemon juice, chopped celery, Creole mustard *ONLY 3 tablespoons*, ketchup, chopped flat-leaf parsley, chopped garlic, prepared horseradish, cayenne, and freshly ground black pepper. I didn't taste any of that. My taste buds were too busy getting molested by the mustard assault. This "southwest remoulade" would go great with a brÃ¤twurst! In my opinion, it has no place on a classic shrimp po' boy. I suppose we could argue about Louisiana-style remoulade vs. Creole remoulade but I've said my peace. I only mention it because I was really looking forward to that Po' boy and the mustard just really ruined it for me; but enough of that. The dining experience was first-rate. The wait staff are total professionals and the atmosphere was very pleasant. I thought the dÃ©cor was lovely. I liked the beer selection they offered. I snuck a bite of the nutty chicken which was delicious. I just ordered the wrong thing (for me). I'm sure the locals love the mustard. Its evident folks like this place. I can't in good faith give this place a bad review just because of my prejudice towards mustard. Next time I will order the fish.
(4)
Jonathan B.

My family and I came here on a Wednesday night and the place was packed. I figured the food had to be unbelievable and I was right. The Family Reunion (pot roast and meatloaf) combo I ordered was amazing as was the Nutty Chicken my wife got. It's worth the trip.
(5)
Tom H.

I ordered the Family Reunion which was Pot Roast and Meatloaf. Really good. We had 15 in our party and called ahead & had no problems. They are very accommodating. Very good menu. Nothing our group had was bad. Service was great. You got to try.
(5)
Jaime T.

First off, let me say this: this was initially going to be a 3-star review but the staff turned things around quickly, which warrants this 5-star review... We made reservations for 8 people at 6pm but, when we arrived, we were told that it's actually "preferred seating" if you call ahead and it would still be about a 30-minute wait for a table (??). With 3 hungry kids in tow, this was a hiccup we weren't expecting but we rolled with it. Finally, it was time to be seated and where do they take us? The bar. ...um, what?? This was incredibly bothersome because it's just inappropriate to have kids in a bar and we expressed our concerns to the waitress (Brandi), who apologized profusely. The owner (Howard) then came over to apologize, as well, explaining there simply wasn't room to accommodate us elsewhere because they were packed (true- but a group of 7 adults had just been seated in the dining room moments before our party, so logic should've taken over and switched up the seating). Nonetheless, everyone was starving, so we decided to push past the inconvenience, hoping that the food would make up for it... And this is where our experience took a turn for the better! The food was delicious and the service was incredible! Our waitress was very attentive and accommodating, especially when it came to one of the little one's allergies: my niece is allergic to nuts and eggs, so Brandi quickly mentioned that we should not let her eat the complimentary bread (which was just delivered to the table) because it was made with eggs- AND she recommended grilling the chicken tenders and baking the French fries because the tenders are dredged in egg whites before breading + the fries are cooked in the same oil used to fry the tenders. In addition, the owner came by the table once more and offered to move us into the dining room because a larger table had just come available but, although we declined (the kids were already settled on and enjoying their meals), the gesture was not lost on us! So, all in all, it ended up being a great experience and I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who's looking for fantastic food and stellar service!
(5)
Lisa W.

Outstanding lunch! I had the nutty chicken and it was quite literally the best crusted chicken dish I've ever had. My friends had the meatloaf, as well as the shrimp and grits. All were super happy with their lunches too. We avoided coming for dinner because of the wait ...but now? We will definitely go hungry all day and get in line for dinner. Such great food!!
(5)
Kristen D.

I've had their version of a Pad Thai and also the grilled chicken sandwich. Both of my meal have been excellent. I've only eaten at the bar as the wait time is always so long to get a table in there! I must say the two ladies who have been behind the bar both times have been fun and great company! They've made great recommendations for food and drink choices. I'm sure the other waitstaff are awesome but these two ladies make the experience so much better. Love that they use sustainable food in their cooking! A great gem.
(5)
Anne B.

Ate here three times in two days because the menu offered numerous choices for vegetarians and vegans (for our daughter) AND tons of delicious options for us meat eaters. We were in the area for the kid to compete in the Jamestown Triathlon, so super fuel was important and this place had many great options. The staff could not be nicer or more efficient. Dining at the bar, the bartender made heroic efforts to research and locate the channel with the baseball game we wanted on TV. The Margaritas are are as good as everyone says. The kitchen saves time by using some high-quality prepackaged ingredients, such as the Gardine Vegan Chicken Strips, which they somehow managed to make taste much better than they do when I make them at home... The timesaver ingredients allow the chefs to lavish more time on things like the fresh vegetables of the day, which were amazing. Also, even in a large and full restaurant, food comes out in about 10 minutes flat. Would eat here again every time I am in the area.
(5)
Shah S.

Food for Thought was excellent. We liked it so much that we returned. The pot roast was my favorite. They tell us that it is cooked over 10 hours. Very flavorful. Also, sampled the meatloaf, lime chicken and humus. All good. Be prepared to wait. We went almost near closing both nights and waited about 15-20 minute each night. The bar area is a good place to wait and sample local brews. You can easily pass the time reading the great sayings and playing the card games at each table.
(5)
Candice C.

This is an excellent restaurant and this is our first time here. The atmosphere was very calming and the servers were great. Our food came out got and it was sooo good. We will be back for breakfast!
(5)
Allison R.

The Yelp reviews don't lie - this place is awesome and shouldn't be missed! We went in for a Friday night dinner and were seated immediately, though I am guessing during the summer/tourist season the line is astronomical. For dinner I had the all-in-one grilled steak salad. Normally I'm not a steak person, but this seemed too good to pass up. Grilled steak, roasted tomatoes, roasted baby potatoes, crispy onions, green beans, bleu cheese crumbles, bacon... it really is an entire meal in salad form! With ranch dressing, it was super delicious. Would definitely have it again. The husband had the cod special, which was also good, but his sweet potato fries stole the show. And the dipping sauce was awesome! I will say we were totally jealous of our neighbor's shrimp and grits. We know what we will be getting next time... Somehow we had room for dessert, and shared the flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Delicious, and a great way to end a great meal. And it was totally reasonable, too! We will be back.
(4)
Carolyn S.

Awesome service and the food is fantastic. This is our most favorite place to eat in Williamsburg. I recommend Food For Thought to everyone who asks for recommendations. The shrimp and grits is out of this world but the entire menu is just as great!
(5)
LaTrea P.

Excellent food, excellent service !! Love the theme and everyone was so friendly. Would def come here again. Shrimp and grits were A++!
(5)
Benjamin M.

Great food from start to end. You can't go wrong with any of their plates. Good staff.
(4)
Justin L.

Food was ok, no sausage in the shrimp and grits though :(. Service was good, but the lights above our table kept flickering. Friendly people all around.
(3)
Jerry H.

I was very happy with my dinner at Food For Thought. Great service, a delicious pot roast, tasty skinny fries (served hot-YES!), green pea and corn medley was a nice change of pace, a nice soft roll and bread pudding. Excellent all the way around.
(5)
Matthew V.

We were on vacation in Williamsburg and looking for just the right place to eat with wife and two little ones. While frantically trying to read reviews on restaurants we drove past we saw the that the parking lot at FFT was packed and that was a food sign. We had to wait about 35 min, but boy are we glad we did wait! First of all we loved the atmosphere and "enjoy capitalism" theme. Common sense quotes from great men show up everywhere...on the walls, menus and tee-shirts! The food was wonderful! I had the Mediterranean Flounder with mashed sweet potatoes and asparagus. Not only was he food amazing but the service was stellar as well. We ordered one child's meal to split between our kids and the server already divided it up on two plates. The prices were good as well, not cheap, but good price for quality food. Lastly our server even gave us some coupons to further encourage a future visit. I look forward to enjoying another great experience at FFT in the future!
(5)
Sara W.

Very cute restaurant. Laid back environment! The bread is delicious while you wait for your order. I had the pot roast with mashed sweet potato and steamed broccoli. My husband had the ribs with grits and steamed broccoli as well. Both were tender and very tasty. It came out quickly and the staff is nice. I will definitely come here again!
(5)
Leah S.

Stopped in for a quick lunch here on the way back from OBX. I've eaten here before but it's been so long I can't remember much about the experience itself other than it was pleasant. I was not extremely hungry so I opted for their soup and salad lunch special. I had the corn and crab chowder and a house salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The chowder was flavorful though not as thick and creamy as I've come to like my chowders. I did feel that I got some crabmeat and corn in each bite though. The salad was a basic house salad, but they hit the mark with their vinaigrette dressing! Hopefully I will get a chance to eat here again soon so I can update my review. For now a solid 3.5 stars for a quick meal.
(3)
Debbie C.

WOW!!! From the service to the food, everything was awesome! I was so happy to find a place that had options for me and my vegan daughter. She actually found a place where she could enjoy a meal from app to dessert! A nice variety on the menu for all different tastes. The food was fresh and high quality. And I love a generous wine pour! The atmosphere made for nice conversation.
(5)
Hope H.

This restaurant has come a long way since it first opened. Now my kids ask to go there! Love the food, the variety is unique and of course we like writing on the tables, tic tac toe anyone? It's home cooking, southern specialties and a bit of flair, definitely recommend!
(4)
Robin J.

Listen to me. This place is SO good. Expect some sort of a wait. The place is bright and sunny inside, with quotes plastered about every wall (including the ladies' room, which can only be read in a mirror). Trivia cards sit on each table, which is a cute touch. Everything about this place is very lunch-y and casual to me. Good for a nice bite to eat before or after hitting the outlets, I wouldn't necessarily come here for a date night (but that's just me). The Ultimate Vegetarian is my standby - like the twice-baked potato of spaghetti squash, one of the two versions being topped with bruschetta tomatoes is just a genius idea and nice touch. The mushroom jasmine rice bed its served on is so flavorful and yummy. I can totally vouch for the hummus, meatloaf, grilled portobello sandwich, grilled portabella stack (I found my eggplant a little tough, though, and didn't like that it was skin-on... but did find the gouda complemented everything nicely), pick three extravaganza (only 11 bucks or something?!), grits, creamed spinach, squash casserole, veggie chowder... I've had some really amazing and friendly service here, and I've had some mediocre service. It's like that in a lot of restaurants. Completely forgivable. The only true downside is that parking can be a bit of a situation... and you can NOT park in the plaza next door!
(5)
Brian C.

Amazing vegetarian and vegan service. The waitress even clarified, "are you vegan or vegetarian?" Lots of options on that front. Non-vegetarians are not going to go hungry either. The Ribs were great. The tuna was grilled perfectly. The mussels needed to be more entertaining, that was the only thing that wasn't outstanding. Mussel sauce needs a little more inspiration. Quick serving, and very friendly. The manager helped immediately with our minor desert snafu.
(5)
Apostle S.

We discovered this place while looking for somewhere different to go for breakfast. The staff was very friendly and the owner made constant rounds to make sure that everyone was doing well. Their fresh juice is awesome and you absolutely must try the grit cakes! Everything we had for breakfast was wonderful and we're looking forward to returning soon.
(5)
Tony K.

Without a doubt worthy of 5 stars. My wife and I found this place, through Yelp, on the second day of a week vacation. It was so fantastic we returned on our 4th day. Everything we had was fantastic. Especially the Pot Roast. And, their attention to customer service was spot on. If you're anywhere near, give yourself a treat and stop in for lunch or dinner. I know if we're ever back in the area, it's where we'll be eating. Just food for thought.
(5)
Chuck B.

Exception service!! Request Paul M, he is one of the best waiters we had in 10 years. The food was delicious. Unique menu, everything prepped to perfection. Great experience!
(5)
Sonja M.

Service was excellent! Food was good, crab cake was delish, albeit small. The cornbread and rolls for starters were also yummy. My teen loved the tshirts, so I'll be back for food and some shirts.
(5)
James A.

Amazing service, environment, and best of all, the food!!!! Filet was cooked to perfection, paired with a no fillers crabcake. Sides are amazing also!! A must try!!
(5)
Brianna W.

For my birthday my husband and I both took off work without exact plans. (Perfect!). The weather was ugly and we are still new to the area so we drove around ran a few errands and then ended up on our way to Colonial Williamsburg - On our way to Food For Thought. This was MY kind of place. We may make the 1 hour plus drive just to eat here again. The appetizer was Potato Skins with spiced shrimp and bruschetta - flavor punch! AMAZING, the whole time I was trying to figure out how to recreate this in my kitchen. I decided to go with the most sold over what might usually stick out to me: The roast beef, asparagus, and sweet potato mash. YUM. Tender, juicy, and flavorful. The portion was too big for me but it made a great lunch the next day also. They brought us a free dessert of choice for my birthday and we tried the Apple & Cinnamon dessert. It had a scoop of ice cream in the middle with honey drizzled on top. Good but the pastry triangle were too flaky and I almost feel churros would have gone better. I enjoyed it but we didn't finish it. (Big portions)
(5)
B D.

Wonderful family restaurant with delicious meals for both adults & children (in my book, not an easy find). Friendly, attentive staff. Each night the restaurant manager has stopped by to check on our visit and satisfaction. My family has eaten here 3 consecutive nights and plan to go again tonight. Highlights--scrumptious sweet potato cornbread, the most tender pot roast I have ever eaten, fresh salmon, home made soups, fantastic mashed sweet potatoes, good vegan options, quality wine and beer selections, and great desserts. I highly recommend Food For Thought.
(5)
David M.

This is my first review but I felt I HAD to write one finally. The food here was excellent from the starters to the deserts, the best mussels I have had in a long time and who would have thought a very good Pad Thai. We had a party of 8 and they sat us in about 30-40 minutes on a crowded night, not bad to me. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable on the menu and history of the place. Kids got some local history comics signed by the author there too for cheap and it kept them off the iPhones for 15 minutes, thanks! Highly recommend this place for families or travelers, met both there. Thanks!
(5)
Larry H.

Good food and staff was friendly. Very different atmosphere. They give military discount.
(4)
Neil S.

Great little place. Baby backs are the best I've had in a long time. Everything tastes fresh. Service is fast without feeling rushed.
(5)
Madonna D.

The food is outstanding, inventive and fresh. The staff is fantastic--the perfect example of service. Loads of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Mock meat substitutes for many entrÃ©es. Nice atmosphere. Everything is delicious, and everyone can find something here. Accommodating for parties and kids. Amusing theme and commentary throughout space, menu, decorating. I travel to Williamsburg just to go to Food for Thought. It is frequently a celebration spot for my family and friends.
(5)
Candyce M.

This place is soo good! I shared the shrimp boat appetizer and had the Panko encrusted flounder. My friends had the shrimp and grits and crab cakes. We raved about it all! The rib appetizer was tender and flavorful! No wonder it's busy here! Can't wait to eat here again!
(5)
Joe S.

This place well worth stopping in if ever in the area. Great service and great quality food.
(5)
Danielle F.

We loved this place so much the first time that we came back the next day for dinner. They have an extensive gluten free menu as well as a regular menu. The staff are all very knowledgeable about gluten free. The food is amazing and the price is good. I had the California Cobb on gluten free bread and I felt like I didn't have celiac because the bread was amazing. They said it came from a local bakery but couldn't find it when I googled it. No matter. This place is definitely popular so be prepared to wait up to 30 mins. at dinner. Well worth the wait!
(5)
Rick G.

My wife and I were visiting Colonial Williamsburg, we arrived the night before and looked to Yelp to find a place to eat. And we were not disappointed. Food for Thought was excellent. I tried the meatloaf with asparagus and sweet mashed potato's. The meatloaf was so tasty and the asparagus was not over cooked, a mistake most restaurants make. My wife had a dish for those that can't decide between the meatloaf and pot roast, a smaller potion of both (great idea by the restaurant) with the asparagus and red mashed potato's. To drink she had an Irish Coffee and said it was excellent, I had a locally brewed ale beer that was also excellent. The service was great. Another great recommendation by Yelp.
(5)
Amanda K.

Excellent selection for veg/vegan. I had the Incan salad on the specials menu. Great melding of flavors. Just be aware that it's a sweet salad if you don't care for that kind of thing. Hubby had Ultimate Veg with pesto. Num! Good kids menu. Service was excellent. She went above and beyond. We had a large party of 10, including an infant so I wasn't too upset when we had to wait for a table. Hung around the bar with a few beers to pass the time. The meat eaters at the table also enjoyed their dinners. If you are in the Burg, check this place out.
(5)
Kathryn C.

Stopped in here while visiting family and it was a pleasant surprise. Very cute, nicely decorated cupcakes. The staff was great and the only problem was the multitude of yummy cupcakes. It was hard to choose. Will definitely stop in again next time I will be in town. Definitely recommend this shop. Great for a nice desert stop. There are flavors for everyone's taste.
(5)
Ana P.

I've been wanting to eat here every time we visit Williamsburg but could never convince the rest of the group because they are into chain restaurants. So we went here for breakfast and was pleasantly surprised! Excellent service, great quality of ingredients and very nice decor. We had freshly squeezed OJ, free beignets (yum)! I had the Portobello stack which is Portobello mushroom topped with vegetarian sausage, spinach, an expertly poached egg and bruschetta tomatoes. It is served with home fries and sour cream sauce. It was amazing! Great textures, flavors and the tomatoes are cold which are a nice touch. The beignets melted in your mouth... As well as my kids' pancakes. My husband had the challah french toasts with fresh berries and they were delicious! Prices are reasonable. I really liked having vegetarian, gluten free and healthier options overall without sacrificing flavor and quality. I want to go back for lunch and dinner!
(5)
N L.

I wanted to try this restaurant based on the reviews here on yelp. But we were disappointed!!! I had the BLT Croissant and the potatoes. My husband had the Oink Oink Omelet and grits. The croissant blt was not all that. It was missing something. Salt? Mayo? I'm not sure. The potatoes didn't help either. They were kind of wet, not crispy at all. They could use more seasoning. My husband tends to prefer chain restaurants such as bob evans. I always want to try new places but I felt bad for bringing him here. The beignets were made out of yeast dough and were not good. They were too tough. This review is based on breakfast only. Maybe I'd return for lunch or dinner but definitely not for breakfast.
(1)
Jeff Y.

I wholeheartedly give Food for Thought one of my rare five-star ratings! I was in Williamsburg with Avery and trying to decide where to go for lunch. He had heard lots of great things about Food for Thought, but had never been, so we decided to give it a try. The parking lot is very small, so there is a sign saying that you are welcome to park in the lot for Ripley's Believe it or Not next door. Fortunately, we came early enough (around 11AM) that we were able to find a spot in the restaurant's lot. I really liked the logo of Ben Franklin in a chef's hat. =) As soon as we walked in, we were warmly greeted by the hostesses. Since we had arrived at the tail end of breakfast, but Avery wanted to eat off of their lunch menu, we decided to go ahead and get seated and wait for half an hour. We were seated in a beautiful side room (let's call it the "garden room") that looked like an addition/annex to the main restaurant. This particular room had floor-to-ceiling windows so it was super bright that morning. I loved all of the plants right outside the windows, and the natural light made me very happy. I also loved all of the pithy quotes on the walls. Our waitress was EXTREMELY friendly and checked on us consistently throughout the meal. We ended up ordering a benedict dish and "grapefruit brulee" off of the breakfast menu while we waited for lunch to start. There were also these cool conversation starter cards that presented various discussion topics, as well as a few riddle/mystery cards, to keep us entertained while we tried to kill time. Breakfast orders come with a complimentary portion of beignet bites, which were delicious! Although I was expecting the grapefruit brulee to be grapefruit-flavored custard with the brulee sugar top, it was actually a fresh half of grapefruit with a sugar shell! It was a creative take on brulee and I thoroughly enjoyed it (although Avery only had one small bite since he doesn't like grapefruit). The eggs benedict were absolutely phenomenal. For lunch, we shared the "That Nutty Chicken," an amazing chicken cutlet coated with lots of nuts. We chose sweet potato fries as the side, which came in huge steak-cut pieces. This dish was just as good as the breakfast dish. I really enjoyed the complimentary bread as well. We decided to split a dessert too, and ordered the Hot Apple Nachos with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. This dessert was served in a stunning, star-shaped presentation. It was a little sweet for my tastes, but delicious nevertheless. The owner of Food for Thought came by during our meal and personally spoke with us for a good few minutes. It is obvious that he is passionate about his restaurant and wants his diners to have amazing meals. Overall, my meal experience at Food for Thought could not have been any better. Top notch food paired with great service in a gorgeous environment and friendly atmosphere! Plus, since I "straddled" two meals, I got to try things off of two different menus at once! ;D I will definitely be back when I am in Williamsburg again.
(5)
Haley C.

I highly recommend their breakfast, they squeeze the oj fresh and the grit cakes and bacon are out of this world. The crepes are very good too. The Coffee is bad. As for dinner its pretty much a toss up on what you order. My favorite is the pot roast :) oh and the sweet potatoe corn bread is AMAZING
(5)
JS B.

A very clever menu disguises a fairly standard list of options, but they do these options very well. Cornbread and cheese roll with salad course is nice touch, as is Virginia peanuts in the bar. Limited but interesting taps. Nice wine list. Not my favorite, but a regular stop when I am in for several days.
(4)
Amy K.

This is one of our favorite restaurants. The food and service are always great. The menu is fresh and creative. I love the pre dinner bread and the variety of sides (like mashed sweet potatoes and creamed spinach). The Panko flounder is amazing. Don't forget to try a crepes for dessert- delicious!
(5)
John D.

Food is so so, steak needed the basics salt and pepper. Atmosphere is unique but in good taste. The service is awesome. Price is a little high. Overall they get a three, the service pushes them to a four.
(4)
Toni S.

My favorite place to eat when I'm in Williamsburg. The food is excellent, the service is top notch and the atmosphere is so cozy.
(5)
Clarice H.

My boyfriend and I were on a mini holiday in Williamsburg. In between our trips to all the sites, we wanted to pick an eating place that's worth going to. I went on Yelp and found this place. It had a lot of a reviews and every review was very positive. The restaurant was walking distance from our hotel, so we thought, "why not?" The restaurant offers priority seating, so, just in case, I made one. Make sure you you have an understanding of how a priority seating works...it's not a reservation. When you check in, they will seat you as close to your chosen time as possible. So, in case you see a wait already, expect a little wait yourself. When we checked in, they said it would be about 25min. Not too bad, the place was pretty crowded that night. Just behind the hostess stand was a bar. There were seats available, so we decided to just sit at the bar. It was comfy and not packed and the football game was on! By the time the hostess stand called us, it was only 15 min later, so really, the wait wouldn't have been that long if we didn't decide to eat at the bar. We ended up coming here twice, the night before NYE, and the night of NYE. Both meals were excellent and the prices are really fair. I highly recommend coming here for a nice meal. Both girls who worked the bar when we went, were extremely nice and on top of their toes. Our water glasses were always full, and they were very attentive. So, if you're in the Williamsburg area, come check this place out. I'm sure you'll love it as much as we did!
(5)
Angela M.

This place was fantastic. Our server (Hans) was a prince among men and the food was delicious. I split the pot roast/meatloaf combo with my friend and it was plenty of food. And do yourself a favor and save room for dessert as the apple nachos are fantastic. If I ever find myself in Williamsburg again, I will definitely be back.
(5)
Stephanie S.

So good!
(5)
Candra M.

This was stop 1 of our weekend long eating binge. This place had good reviews on Yelp and we knew some people that have been before so we knew this had to be our first stop. We drove a few hours to get to this place from Laurel and glad we made it early because they started getting crowded around 9:30 or 10. We were seated right away, the servers were really friendly and helpful. There were 4 of us and we ordered a nice variety of food. Everyone absolutely enjoyed everything. The grit cakes were EVERYTHING!!!!! I've never had nor heard of them before but it is definitely worth trying, even if you don't like grits. I would highly recommend this place to anyone. We loved the cards that were on the table, we actually tried to go through them all. Another nice touch was the owner was walking around asking people how they were enjoying everything. I love that, it shows that he really does care about the service and quality.
(5)
Ricky W.

Went here for breakfast. Service was top notch, and the food was creative and tasty. Loved the beignet bread service. Coffee was good and they had a great selection of hot tea. I ordered Country Fried Steak Benedict and my wife got the breakfast sandwich with avocado, both served with grit cakes. Can't say enough about the service and warm atmosphere as well. We've had some disappointing meals here in Williamsburg, but this redeemed the town. If you're looking for an uninspired diner-style eggs-meat-and-toast in a gross booth with a dozen kids running rampant, I suggest any of the hundred "best pancake" houses lining the street. But if you want a real, homemade, from scratch meal, do yourself a favor. Worth the premium for good food and service.
(5)
Danielle B.

I found this place after Googling vegetarian food in Williamsburg. My entree was amazing! Spaghetti squash with pesto and rice with mushrooms. It's great to see so many good, creative vegetarian/vegan options. Apparently most chicken entrees can be made with vegan chicken too! I loved that there was also plenty of meat, so it was a menu my husband and I could both enjoy. Really really appreciate this awesome menu and hope to have a chance to try something else if I am back in town. This would be 5 stars easily if our service hadn't been so poor. We never got rolls because they kept saying the rolls weren't ready yet and would be 5 more minutes. But we saw others being served rolls in the 40 or so minutes following the first promise of rolls in 5. Not a huge deal but I was starving and would have gotten soup or a salad if I knew I would be waiting for my entree with nothing to munch on. We didn't see our waiter after placing our orders until he brought us the check long after we had finished eating (a different person brought our food). I get it, labor day is a busy time, but that doesn't need to detract from my experience if you hire enough servers. Also they don't take reservations and we had a 25 min or so wait despite using call ahead seating. If the food weren't so good the service and seating policy would make me hesitate to return.
(4)
Jamie W.

We went for dinner on Saturday night, and this restaurant had an hour wait. The restaurant is rather small, and the waiting area was pretty close and stuffy, so we decided not to wait. We returned for lunch on Sunday, and I will say the food was very good - the cornbread was moist and flavorful, and my clam chowder was amongst the best I've had. I also really enjoyed my Eggplant Parmesan. Our service was wonderful. Our waitress, BirJon, provided us with attentive and excellent service, and even used her tablet so show us pictures of dessert when sharing the dessert menu. I definitely recommend this restaurant.
(4)
C T.

Great place. Menu has great selections. Also have gluten free menu if you need one. A little pricey for lunch but the food was worth it. Food was fresh. Excellent coleslaw side. Sweet potato fries come with a delicious dipping sauce. Po Boy was as good as New Orleans!
(4)
Cindy S.

Sadly my experience today wasn't what I've had in the past. I've been a loyal customer for years. Even after moving to Denver I still come to Food for Thought several times a year. The food was ok but I was disappointed in my experience with my server and the manager, Pablo. With so many places to eat in Williamsburg I'm embarrassed that I've spent so much time advocating Food for Thought. I'll take my family and friends elsewhere in the future.
(3)
Traci W.

What a great little find! I'm so appreciative of the wide array of vegetarian and vegan options. I especially loved the fact I could swap Gardein chicken to make any dish vegan. I felt valued as a customer. Even more so when I realized that the dishes were really well thought out and not just an afterthought. The vegetables were fresh and well prepared. The service was really friendly and made excellent food recommendations. (As a foodie, nothing irks me more than asking the wait staff for recommendations and hearing the obligatory, "oh, everything here is good.") The parking situation is REALLY precarious. The lot is very small, spaces are extremely limited, there are signs warning you not to park in any other lots, and there are people vulturing for spaces the moment you exit the restaurant. For a restaurant with as many patrons as they have, it is a little awkward. Next time I'm in the area, if I can get a parking space, I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Glenn M.

We thought the food here was very good. The slow-cooked roast beef was indeed fork-tender. The meatloaf was good, as well, as were all the sides. Service was very fast. The server entered our order into a tablet device, and before we could pick up our phones to play a round of Cookie Jam, the food was arriving at the table. It was piping hot and really quite good. A lunch menu is available with smaller portions for lower prices than the dinner menu. All in all, we were quite pleased.
(4)
Marcel C.

Avoid at dinnertime on Saturdays. Waiting times can run up to an hour. Well, except if you call ahead, then you make the Fast Track list. To bad we didn't know that beforehand. ..
(3)
Sara S.

Was Visiting the Williamsburg area with friends for one of our friends Birthday, and she found this place highly rated on Yelp. She is a vegetarian so she loved that they had vegetarian chicken! We ended up going there for dinner one night and lunch the next. My boyfriend who usually hates veggies loved the creamed spinach, and the vegetarian chili was great as well. The staff is very friendly and the owner stopped by and said hello. :) They also have fun games at the table.
(5)
Janina K.

Consistently awesome, year after year. Great cornbread, sides, and fish. Perfect service, too!!!
(5)
JR M.

Really good food and service. Not much parking, and the next door owner tows, so be careful. Complimentary hot beignets were a nice touch!
(4)
Jud M.

Fourth dinner in Williamsburg at Food for Thought was a great experience. After reading other Yelp reviews about the long wait time, we decided on a *very* early supper at 5:15pm. Result: party of six...no wait. Our waiter was fantastic. He was able to answer any of our questions and brought samples of the soup for my father to "try before you buy". We started with the shrimp boat (see other reviews for details), which was wonderful. My father decided on the red pepper and Gouda soup, which was also great. For drinks, a carafe of Sangria and a flight of microbrew beers. The sangria glasses were full of fresh fruit and the beers were tasty, if not the most unusual I've heard about. For dinner, we had steaks, meatloaf, and pot roast...yes, pot roast. My daughter (age 8) declared the meatloaf a 4 on a 10pt scale, but the pot roast was a 9. My steak was perfectly cooked and seasoned and accompanied by really nicely done creamed spinach and fries. Everyone else really loved their pot roasts. Our waiter was consistently attentive, including checking on items for allergens. We topped off our meal with desserts. Two different crepe dishes. One with fresh blueberries and strawberries with whipped and ice creams. The other with Nutella and strawberries. Both were very healthy portions and were shared around the table. Dinner and drinks for four plus two kids was reasonably priced at $150, considering the attention paid to the meals' preparation and the service. I'd recommend getting there early and having a wonderful meal at Foosd for Thought. By the way, there was a 45 minute wait when we left at about 6:30. We timed it just right!
(5)
Paul F.

What an incredible meal! The have a very creative menu with great unique items! Awesome ambience! Their tables which are covered in white paper, which they give crayons to kids for them to color on. They also have these mind trap and other cards on the table for people to spur conversation! The food was remarkable! This is easily one of my new favorite restaurants!
(5)
Jenn S.

Lets just say we will be back! I had the Jamaican jerk chicken with squash casserole and asparagus. Excellent! My husband had the cilantro chicken and it was delicious too! This was a very clean and family friendly restaurant. You won't regret trying this place!!!!!
(5)
Xavier C.

This place is pretty awesome. With my wife being vegetarian, finding places that serve outstanding food for the both of us can be difficult. This place was able to deliver delicious food for her as well as healthier food for myself. We had everything - from the alcohol, appetizer, main course and dessert. Alcohol selection was very fair. I'm a beer snob and they carried a "better than usual" craft beer selection that I was able to work with. My wife chose a fantastic red wine. Appetizer was the Caprese. This came out very fast and was not under-cooked or greasy as all heck. With our main meals we picked off the specials and these also came out quickly (in the range of mexican restaurant quickly) and was very delicious. Finally topped off with the brulee and an Irish Whiskey. This place did not disappoint and we would love to come back. Would highly recommend to anyone!!
(5)
Rich M.

Food for Thought was really phenomenal. Me, my wife & some of our friends looked on yelp to see whee to eat & it came up with so many positive reviews & stars. So we decided bases on that alone & it did not disappoint. We can see why people raved about it so much. We started of dinner with a very gracious host & wait staff that took care of all our needs. My wife has a gluten allergy & pregnant & they catered to whatever she wanted even to bringing her Gluten free rolls while everybody else got rooks so she wasn't left out. Our friend couldn't decide what to get & the staff made suggestions of what they really loved & described it to a point of getting people's mouths watering. Our food arrived in a timely manner as well as my cabernet sauvignon. I had the steak & crab cake & I was please. It was a sirloin & I'm usually not keen to that strip but it was plump, juicy, great size & the crab cake with way more crab then most I've tasted in my life time. Everybody's food was great but what really topped it was when we left my wife forgot her left overs, she went back in to get them & the table was already cleared. The waitress asked if she forgot something & she told her that it was her left overs. The waitress didn't waist time to let the manager know & had her make a brand new dish for my wife to take home. My mind was blown on the service. I commend that establishment & staff for them to have such a high standard to please their customers in every way. I'll be a repeat customer for years to come.
(5)
T N.

Excellent service, delicious food!! Found this place through Yelp, and hoped for the best. We were welcomed nicely and seated quickly. Tables have paper table covers so kids can color-- this should be a requirement for every restaurant!!! Our 3.5 and 1.5 year old got busy while we ordered. Our waiter and all the staff were really attentive and courteous-- southern hospitality at it's best! We got some delicious complementary beignets to start. We had some great French toast, caprese omelette and pancakes. Everything tasted so fresh and clean. We loved this place as it wasn't the usual touristy pancake house but felt more homey and welcoming and we weren't treated like another number. Thank you to the great staff!!
(5)
Kelly C.

When you see people waiting to get in on a non-holiday Sunday evening, you know it's going to be good. Read through a few reviews and what was consistently recommended and touted upon as awesome were the pot roast, corn bread, Crab-a-Bella, and the personal service. I'll say this now: good food, hilarious waiter, and overall an interesting dinner. Ambience: I normally do not comment on the ambience, but it's such a peculiar one that I just have to say something. The walls are painted with various quotes (including a witty quote in the ladies' bathroom--see pic) and a darkish color that added to the whimsical feel of the place. Just to add to the night, they stock each table with mind twisters and interesting court facts from the past on cards. Our table took turns at this guessing game in between ordering and waiting for food. Service: Quick and hilarious. Our server came directly to our table with waters (great idea for the thirsty guests), offered some good recommendations (e.g. the combo chicken), and whipped on over every time our waters were in need of refills. The best comment of the night was a reference to the quickly disappearing water from our very thirsty friend's cup. "Did we put crack in our water?" If it wasn't funny, then I'll belatedly preface the joke as "you'd had to be there" to get. Back on point, it's definitely an attentive service we received. Food -- my favorite part of eating out: 1. Pot Roast includes 2 sides ($14.50): a pile of meat plus a few carrots for the meat lovers. Well-roasted and seasoned. Perhaps not the juiciest meat after chewing through a quarter of the served portion, however, definitely worth it if you were to split it with another person. 2. Crab-a-bella ($17): Crab meat enveloped by a cheesy coat and balanced on a large portobello mushroom over jasmine mushroom rice. Personally, I think this was the most well-made food out of the bunch. Delish. 3. Combo Chicken includes 2 sides ($14.50): 2 somewhat-juicy chicken breasts: one Cilantro lime, one Jamaican Jerk. The flavors were good and the jerk chicken a tad spicy. While I think it's a good deal, I'd probably try the well-reviewed Nutty chicken instead. 4. THE sides: - Creamy Spinach: yums. It tastes exactly like it is supposed to taste. - Creamy Cheesed Grits: ok. Kind of bland and barely cheesy. Maybe too heavy of a side for my pot roast. - Squash Casserole: quite good. A mix of yellow squash and zucchini, I believe. Got to get those veggies in. - Jasmine mushroom rice: well-received at our table. - Redskin mashed potatoes: good as well. Certainly worth trying. Overall, a nice dinner experience with a bit of a twist. Wished the food was more rave-able, alas, it wasn't meant to be. Nonetheless, I'd give it a try when you're near the area. Note: extra parking 2 lots over in front of Ripley's Believe it Or Not museum. The restaurant is located 5 minutes drive away from the Williamsburg Outlets.
(4)
Michael C.

Doesn't look like much from outside but is an awesome restaurant, the tuna for appetizer was great, the kids meals (2 kids) were real food and not something that was microwaved or reheated. The food tastes really fresh like it was farm to table they feature an organic menu, the manager went from table to table asking: "how did we do?" You hardly ever see the manager of a restaurant doing that anymore. Will definitely go back! Loved the theme of the place and the cards on the table to make you think.
(5)
Jamie D.

Amazing menu. Too many delicious dishes it is hard to choose what to get. Everything my party ordered was wonderful. Great selection of food. Will come back again! Make sure to get the Veggie Bisque soup! It has a bit of a kick but it is so delicious.
(5)
George S.

Food for Thought is easily the best restaurant in Williamsburg. Here is how I got to my ranking: Food 4/5: The food is delicious, but then again after an eight hour drive, what isn't. With the immense extraordinary reviews, I guess I expected a bit better, but don't get me wrong; it's delicious. I really only give 5's if the food blew my mind, and while delicious, I guess it didn't. FOOD BREAKUP Ribs 5/5: Fell off Bone Pot Roast 3/5: Tasted Average Meatloaf 5/5 Bread 4/5 Service 5/5: Being from New York City and not a small Virginia town, I was surprised when four separate workers greeted me during my meal, including the chef. Atmosphere 5/5: The games, presidential quotes, and theme created an amazing restuarant
(5)
Mike B.

Great good at good prices and very friendly staff. Not to mention the great beer selection!
(5)
Sashi D.

This place has amazing food..I was very surprised! I had the jerk chicken with mango salsa. It came with two sides and one of the sides I chose was their sweet potato fries that came with a sweet sauce..these fries were sooo good!!! The jerk chicken was so tender and flavorful. Also tried the dessert..dessert nachos with apples and ice cream...also very delicious! We came here in the late afternoon on a Sunday and was surprised at how many customers there were around this time. The service is also great..we had such a nice waiter! This is the place to go to !!
(5)
David M.

We ate at this casual restaurant twice while visiting the Williamsburg area and really liked everything about this restaurant! My wife had the Classic Cobb Salad with Sirloin Steak twice; and I had the Veggie Bisque Soup, their Brioche Burger and the Shrimp Po'Boy. I tried my wife's salad with steak & I'm not a big fan of Sirloin (prefer filet mignon instead), however the sirloin was tender & was delicious! Also, their Veggie bisque soup is a must, and their Brioche Burger and the Shrimp Po'Boy were very good! If you like CrÃ¨me Brulee, this is another must! Also dinner time gets extremely crowded and there always seem to always be a long wait. So, I would strongly recommend calling ahead of time to put your name in on their wait list to lessen amount of time you may wait at the restaurant. I highly recommend trying Food for Thought b-c the service, quality and variety are excellent!
(5)
Brad A.

Excellent local family owned business. Great fresh food using fresh local ingredients. Friendly, professional service. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
GR G.

Restaurant came recommended as a local option. Great everything, atmosphere, service and food. Very kid friendly staff and good food choices.
(5)
Bryce M.

Absolutely divine! Affordable prices for incredible food. Very healthy selection. Was impressed by the staff knowledge of the menu and attention to detail, especially allergies. Must try the bacon-wrapped scallops if they have them!
(5)
Chris S.

Really good food. They have a good selection and are willing to substitute sides. A must stop eatery in the Williamsburg area.
(5)
David E.

Great service and food. I had pot roast and meatloaf combo, wife had a steak. Everything tasted like home cooking. They have Pepsi products if you have a preference.
(4)
Brittany B.

Great place! I got the pot roast which was yummy and my husband got some kind of stuffed mushroom special. The great thing about this place is that have vegetarian and gluten free options. Huge plus! Dessert was good. We had bread pudding but were tempted by the homemade key lime pie. Lots of options for everyone.
(5)
Carla C.

The food was OK, nothing to write home about. We really enjoyed the bread that came out before our meal. We liked it so much we asked for seconds! :-) We were pleased by the amount of food that we were given for the price but it was not as savory as I has hoped. I got the pot roast and my husband ordered the meatloaf sandwich. I was expecting a homemade taste but it missed the mark.
(3)
Dina J.

Other than the wait time to get a table was an enjoyable experience. Great food. Great beer selection and kiddo enjoyed her meal as well. Will be back
(4)
Josh O.

Wow! This place was awesome! we started out with the shrimp boat. I had the pot roast and meatloaf and my wife had the crab cakes. Everything was so good! We are going back before our vacation is over.
(5)
Matt B.

If you're within 10 miles of this place and decide to go somewhere else, you're probably making a mistake. Everything they brought to our table was a well planned menu item and masterfully prepared. I had the pork pot roast and Inca salad and my wife a Portobello sandwhich. All Amazing. The service was great and the prices were surprisingly low.
(5)
Alan Y.

The service was perfect, ambiance is above average with nice cloth tablecloths. It feels upscale. Coffee, so so, a bit weak. Crab cake sandwich was OK. The shoestring fries are good.
(3)
Jen L.

Great food choices. I'm very particular about healthy choices for my child and so many places have only traditional junk meals with no healthy sides. This restaurant offered a great selection of both traditional and non traditional veggies (steamed spinach whoa!). There were also choices for meat and/or seafood lovers like my husband. Clean, great service.
(5)
Amanda S.

Great menu selection of farm fresh healthy foods. Cornbread was flavorful but as other have noted a little dry (but it's cornbread), other table rolls were very good. I had the Crab Chowder which I wish had more crab in it (I think I only tasted one or two pieces) and the Farmers Harvest Salad which was a large portion and very fresh. The bar featured a pumpkin ale that was also very good. Atmosphere was nicely decorated and fitting the Colonial theme. Table were a little tight but with the line of people trying to get in I can't see much of a better option. Service was quick and thoughtful. A little pricey but overall a decent meal.
(4)
Lucy X.

Stopped here for a late breakfast on a weekend while visiting Busch gardens. The whole colonial theme of the restaurant was interesting and fun. I got "breakfast in paradise" (a quarter of a pineapple topped with organic lowfat vanilla yogurt, homemade granola, and an assortment of fruit) which sounded too good not to try! I also got the grapefruit brÃ»lÃ©e for dessert, for only $3 it was also too good not to try. Although it was indeed a very sweet breakfast, and not what I'd typically go for, it was fresh and definitely satisfying. And because we were eating into lunch time, our waitress was super nice and got us some complimentary sweet potato cornbread (which they have for lunch) :)
(5)
Lisa G.

I've long been a fan of Food for Thought (the pot roast, fish & chips, meatloaf, smoke & fire were some of my favorites), and I appreciate it even more since moving to a vegan diet. It's hart to believe that this morning was only my second breakfast visit. The tofu scramble was delicious, and I'd recommend it to anyone, vegan or not. This summer I've tried most of the vegan items on their lunch and dinner menu. The big fruit salad and quinoa salad have been on the specials menu for a while, and both are tasty and filling. Their quinoa burger is also excellent, and I like the gardein chick'n subbed on the cilantro lime chicken dish. This is one of the best places to eat in town; the staff is always friendly and helpful and they offer something great tasting for everyone in your group.
(5)
Brian P.

Ate lunch today. It was okay. Cornbread= decent flavor but dry. Jerk chicken= lacked spices, very overlooked/dried out. Sides were applied with an ice cream scoop: Cheesy grits were ok, sweet potatoes were purÃ©ed beyond mush and were kinda dull. Dining companion had flavorless crab cakes and very substandard coffee (said it wasn't much different than the NescafÃ© machine at the hotel we were staying at). Service was good. "Theming" is a mixed bag - there are various sets of "thoughtful" board game cards on the tables designed to spark conversation. The place doesn't seem like it knows if it wants to be a casual cafe, or an upscale dining experience. The food does seem to be an afterthought. We had much better food downtown in merchants square a few nights earlier.
(3)
Amy O.

We could have eaten here every night on our 3 nite visit to Williamsburg. Unfortunately, we didn't discover it until our last night. This place is a MUST if you're in the area. Group of 4 adults and 4 kids ages 7-10. We started with a shrimp and potato app. A perfect dish. Delicious! Also had the hummus and veggie plate. I appreciate this kind of thing so the kids can eat but not fill up on bread. For dinner the kids had the usual kids meals, but all had great steamed veggies alongside. Very appreciative of this. I had the family reunion which is pot roast and meat loaf. Decent but meat loaf was dry. It was an end piece. Hubby had the salmon and plate was cleaned. Friend had ribs and devoured them. Another had a sald with chicken. She raved. Oldest son had panko flounder and gobbled it up. Tasty food. Good drinks. A great waiter. My only complaint was that there were too many good things on the menu which made it hard to choose! Poor me.
(5)
Gina S.

We tried this restaurant based on the location to our hotel and the reviews. I would say the menu is difficult to read for two reasons. One, simply due to poor lighting in the restaurant and two, it had too many (if you order this then you can get that) type of squares on the actual pages. Our waitress was okay. She kept saying, I'll be right back then 5 minutes later she would show up. Then there was the food. We shared the Avacodo BLT and the Extravaganza. There was One slice of Avacodo and two strips of bacon on the sandwich which was $9.95. The extravaganza was Three sides on a plate plus a side salad. Well, One medium scoop of grits, Three stalks of asparagus and Three slices of semi grilled zucchini was it! Not what I would call extra! Oh, and it was $11! We won't be going back. If you must eat there get a side salad and order the corn bread. Save yourself some money.
(2)
Nichole S.

Came here on way back to DC from GWL. What a treat!! Great atmosphere, super service and really good food! Will definitely be coming back. I had the cilantro chicken with sweet potato fries (a must with the dip). My son had kid's menu crab cake, it was top notch. The service alone is worth coming but food worth returning!
(5)
Adam C.

My fiancÃ©e and I were there last weekend because we had a bridal wine tasting event at the Williamsburg Winery so we stopped in here for lunch. I must say the food was astounding. We got the hummus, which I normally don't care for but tried it and liked it. I ordered the "Down South" which was shrimp and grits and it was delicious. The grits were smooth and creamy, the shrimp cooked perfectly, and the sauce was thick and packed with flavor which took me to Flavortown! My fiancÃ©e got the steak salad which was a bed of fresh greens with cherry tomatoes and a perfectly cooked sirloin on top. The steak was cooked exactly to her order (rare) and oh so tender. Last, but not least, we had the bread pudding which was to die for. I've had Bread Pudding in a Michelin star restaurant and this bread pudding was just as good as what I've had before, if not better. We will be coming back! Shazaam!!
(5)
Joe O.

I thought the food was okay and nothing to rave about. I has the pot roast which was pretty good. I was there with 16 other people and everyone agreed it was a good meal but nothing to write home about. One thing I will say are the appetizer ribs were excellent. Meat just fell off the bone. Service was great and they were accommodating for a large party.
(4)
Brian S.

Good place. Wish salads came with our dinners, but overall, nice place. Great atmosphere. I had the Parmesan chicken with mash potatoes. She had acorn squash dish. Staff was great. I would certainly go back.
(4)
Justina B.

Wow... I don't understand the good reviews. Crab cake was fishy (which means not fresh), jerk chicken was cold, grits were rubbery and cold, Cole slaw was clearly dispensed from a store bought plastic jug (think Reesers), service was slow, water tasted like crap. They get one star because the manager tried to make it right and comped my food and drink. The food is not fresh... It is clearly frozen or packaged. My husband had some creamed potatoes and said they tasted like warm yogurt. Don't go here. Or, when you do... and it sucks... email me so I can make fun of you for not paying attention to my review.
(1)
Michelle B.

This is a great restaurant to visit in the Williamsburg area. Not only is the food amazing, but the customer service and atmosphere is on point too. Upon arrival, we were seated immediately. I asked the waitress for suggestions, and she gave some great ones. As we sat there, we were reading the cards on the table that can really strike up some interesting conversation. We finally settled on the Shrimp and grits and the fish and chips. Both entrees were prepared perfectly and had wonderful flavor. The shrimp and grits really stood out with all of the peppers and creamy goodness. The fish was crunchy and flaky just the way I like it. Whenever I am visiting the area, Food for Thought has my vote for a great meal.
(5)
Danielle M.

Went here on a date. He liked his food, but I ordered the shrimp and grits which was supposedly one of their specialties, Idk about you guys but when I think of shrimp and grits I don't think of soup. The shrimp were cooked nicely and the grits were ok, but they were swimming in sauce, so much that it was ridiculous. I might even have liked the "soup" but it was pretty much flavorless, I ended up eating the shrimp off the top and leaving the rest.
(3)
steve k.

Out of town family and I had dinner at FFT on Friday, June 27, and it was a far and away superior experience compared to my first visit even with a large crowd and having to wait for a table. Our food including microbrews were good and the service was spot on. Very glad I came back.
(4)
Rae-Lyn F.

Like history or unique food or a really nice atmosphere? This is an awesome place. Small and quaint. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and the food we ordered. The pumpkin beer is terrible! I got the portobello mushroom meal, not because I'm a vegetarian, but because it sounded delicious. They had several vegetarian options. The tuna appetizer is meh and the sweet potato fries are very good.
(5)
Jennifer K.

This place was funny. It's theme seemed to be The Republican Party. We had a great time though. Our server was awesome, and the food was plentiful. The rolls were amazing. Everyone was pretty happy. I had the Rib appetizer...and I had leftovers! No such thing as a small portion here!
(3)
Sylvia S.

Spent a week in Williamsburg and ate here twice with the family. Wish we could have eaten here every day. The food is awesome. Breakfast consisted of country fried steak benedict with grits. WOWZA! Some of the best grits I've tasted and I've tasted my share of grits all over the country. Benny was also great. Cinnamon apple pancakes, spinach benedict and standard eggs and bacon meals were also consumed by my party and everyone was very much impressed. We got a free basket of tasty beignets. Came back for lunch another day and tried the pistachio chicken, cilantro lime chicken and the salmon dish. both chicken dishes were quite unique and very good. Free cornbread and rolls with lunch. I love cornbread! Service was extremely fast and friendly both times. We enjoyed playing their brain teaser games while we waited for our food. I'd make the trip back to Williamsburg just to eat here.
(5)
Jason B.

Great wait staff and service. Food was pretty good. Had the hummus appetizer which came with assorted veggies as well - very tasty. Pot roast was alright, grits were pretty dry, brocolli was just brocolli - can't blame that on anyone except the brocolli. Mixed drinks were not that good, decent beer list with a few taps. Would go again if we came back through town. You can do priority seating - call and tell them when you plan to arrive and they put your name on the top of the wait list. They were telling people 45 minutes and we only waited about 5.
(3)
M S.

I have Celiac Disease and used my iPhone app 'Find Me GlutenFree' while we were on vacation in Williamsburg Va. Food For Thought came up so my husband and I decided to try it. That was THE BEST decision we've made in a long time. The waiter (Darin) was very knowledgeable, pleasant and a pure joy. Service was great and the food was fantastic. My husband does not need to be gluten free. He said his Pad Thai was very close to the best he's ever had and my steak (perfectly cooked) with sides of cheese grits (D-E-L-C-I-O-U-S) and grilled zucchini was outstanding. We will definitely be returning. Our waiter was Darin and he
(5)
HJ K.

I had dinner there last night for the first time and it was amazing. Good price, excellent service, great food! Their pot roast was really tender. Sweet potato cornbread and parmesan dinner rolls were delicious too.
(5)
Lyn M.

This place is really good! Get there early for dinner. My husband and I arrived at 5:30 and were seated immediately. By 6:30, there was a wait. Inca super grain salad (quinoa) with grilled salmon was excellent. Husband had the meatloaf with creamed spinach. Also excellent. Terrific service.
(5)
Stan C.

Great experience. Food was delicious. Customer service was excellent. Try the shrimp boat appetizer. No complaints this way.
(4)
Shar C.

Sweet potato corn bread. What else can be said?? An interesting concept for a restaurant. Built around the idea of philosophers and great thinkers, the menu itself has interesting and unique names for its items. My first time being here I trusted on the oh so helpful yelp to decide what I was going to order. It was clear that the sweet potato corn bread was a winner, but as far as entrees go they all looked really interesting. I had read that the pot roast was tasty, but I was not in the mood for that today. I went ahead and ordered the Portobello Stack (portobello mushroom and eggplant stack covered in a rich and creamy sauce on top of a jasmine rice pilaf), which was incredibly delicious. My sister ordered The Ultimate Vegetarian (well seasoned spaghetti squash on top of a bed of jasmine rice), which was equally delicious and a must have for non-meat eaters. I also enjoyed the fact there were little games on every table while you waited for your meal (MindTrap, anyone??) Note: They now serve breakfast and they give you a free cup of coffee or tea with your breakfast coupon with your check. Great food, good service, interesting restaurant. A must try if you've never visited this restaurant before.
(4)
Brad A.

The number of reviews on Yelp sent my wife and I to this restaurant. The interest was peaked when we were told there would be an hour and a half wait. (Never waited that long for a meal before but had to see what the fuss was about). Our meal was well prepared, served promptly, and tasted delicious. Their menu is cute and if I lived closer I would try other menu items. But I was satisfied with the entire experience. To sum it up, I would definitely eat there again but I wouldn't wait that long ever.
(4)
Jarom M.

Great meal. The veggie bisque is amazing, as is the nutty chicken. The steak salad my wife had was so so. But the breads are amazing!!
(5)
G M.

I went here with my kids for spring break. We were on yelp looking for good places to eat in the area. Let's just say the food was excellent and the service was wonderful. I like when I am sitting at my table and the wait staff notices that my glass is almost empty and they proceed to refill my glass without waiting for me to ask. I just want to say if I am ever in the area again I will definitely be stopping by again.
(5)
Jeff E.

I got dumped here over a really excellent plate of shrimp & grits. The breads are to die for as well. They were even kind enough to mail me my credit card after I ran out sobbing and the bartender gave me a most empathetic "I know that feel bro" look. Excellent customer service. Try the raspberry crÃ¨me brÃ»lÃ©e!
(5)
Jay M.

Theme of the place is just great, especially given its location. The beer flight was excellent. Wine selections just so-so. Food was very good, but not great. A good value for the price. It was our server's very first day, but we wouldn't have known it if she didn't tell us. The power actually went out while we were there. They handled it very well. We would definitely ho back.
(4)
Terry M.

Wait was long but suppose that's because the food is good! All reasonably priced as well. Drinks are actually cheap compared to many spots.
(4)
Rina S.

This was an amazing dining experience. My husband and I are vegetarians and we picked this restaurant on a trip to Williamsburg because it seemed to have more than a veggie burger and some pasta for vegetarians. They had a vegan "chicken" that you could have in place of the Jamaican Jerk or Cilantro Lime Chicken. They gave you the option of putting a portabello on top of entree salads. Plus, they had a whole vegetarian section. They gave us sweet potato cornbread and parmesan rolls to start for free. They were amazing, especially the sweet potato cornbread. I could have eaten that all day. We ordered the vegetable bisque, which was some sort of green puree. I have no idea what was in it, but it was delicious. It was flavorful like a curry, but not spicy. For the entrees, we did the vegan chicken combo, which was both the Jamaican Jerk and the Cilantro Lime (instead of two cutlets of just one). We got the squash casserole and mashed sweet potatoes on the side. We also got the Portabello Stack (which comes on a bed of jasmine mushroom rice). The chicken was quite close to real chicken. I haven't eaten meat for over 15 years, but my husband has only been vegetarian for a couple. He also remarked how similar it was. The Cilantro Lime was much better than the Jamaican Jerk, but the mango salsa on the Jamaican Jerk was pretty tasty as a little side. The sides were great, but I still don't like squash so I could only try a bit of it. It was good for squash, but not my favorite thing. The Portabello Stack was too much food, but incredibly delicious. The way it was cooked meant it didn't feel too heavy (even when I had more than I should). The rice had veggies and mushrooms in it. The stack had a little sauce and smoked gouda in it, which made it perfect. For dessert we had the Nachos, which were fried tortillas with cinnamon and sugar, apples, and honey. It was kind of like a deconstructed apple pie. The presentation was the best part. We couldn't finish it, but it was worth having anyway. The theme/decor was a bit odd. Some of the things screamed conservative and then, if you looked at the books that were for sale, they had cookbooks that are more for your hippie types (like books about having a conscious when you select what to eat and the ingredients you use). The service was great. They were prompt, helpful, and checked on us regularly (without being annoying). The manager seemed to visit every table and not just for a cursory "everything good?" He asked how we were, what we liked and didn't like, where we came from, how we found the place, etc. He even bussed our table and ordered dessert for us. When it took more than 3 minutes to come out, he even came and apologized and told us why it was taking a little longer than normal.
(5)
Salette A.

We came here because many other reviewers had mentioned that it was a good place for vegetarians and vegans. I did not see the vegan chicken on the menu, so I don't think they do a good job of highlighting it as an option. On the vegetarian menu, only the Pick Three Extravaganza seemed to be vegan with careful selections and no modifications. I had the gazpacho, broccoli, zucchini, and peas and corn. For $10.90, this should have been a lot of food, but it wasn't. I mean, this is July in Virginia. Zucchini is abundant. But I got maybe four slices. Honestly, I could have done better at the Golden Corral.
(3)
Hyun M.

The pot roast my in-laws had was very good. My son enjoyed the lump crabmeat and bacon Caesar salad. My husband got a burger. I had beet salad, yummy. I also had the bacon wrapped scallops. I loved the scallops. My other son got kid's ribs and as birthday boy got the bread pudding. He only gave it up at the end, so I got a bite. My nephew got kid's fried shrimp. I had the chocolate with raspberry sauce. It was OK, but next time I will try the strawberry Nutella crepe. Being a tourist, especially with a large party of 7 call ahead an hour before heading over. It gives them a heads up and helps you cut your wait time. The staff was very attentive and when our party separated. There was a mix up on our leftovers, the manager came through on getting our desserts. Remember if you love good food with wonderful thought provoking quotes and questions then this is that heady place for your body's appetite. Enjoy and say The Martin family from MD sent you!
(4)
Raven G.

The quiet and insightful atmosphere is perfect. Not to mention the best meatloaf I have ever tasted with gravy and or tomato sauce. The best sweet potato fries I have had in a long time. This is a great place. The staff was very nice and service was very quick. Oh and the corn bread is amazing
(5)
Anne P.

Great dinner with family tonight. Shrimp boat - one potato was burned not a big deal still good. Ultimate vegetarian dish was fresh and light, simple, and served beautifully. Paired with a Bell's Ale. Attentive service. Even though very busy manager stopped at table to say hello and ask about our dinners. Very nice. Would recommend.
(4)
Chris R.

Great service from hostess to bartender to wait staff to the manager that stopped by to check on my meal, even the chef that delivered my dinner. Took a recommendation of my waitress Birjan and ordered the bacon wrapped scallops with grilled zucchini. Everything cooked perfectly and the rice was excellent! The free sweet potato corn bread and rolls were amazing. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is that most of the menu seems a tad high on price, but I will definitely be back.
(4)
Kevin M.

This is the best restaurant in Williamsburg. Period. The food is terrific, I've enjoyed the service of the entire waitstaff, and the restaurant is unique. Whenever I have family and friends in to visit, this is where I bring them. Always a great experience. Highly recommended!
(5)
C L.

We just finish having our Easter lunch at Food for thought. As usual the food is great. The roll and corn bread are delish. The prime rib, NY strip steak, Hickory salmon and fish and chips were really good. The fish is crispy on the outside and tender inside. We all tried each other's meal. The roasted veggie soup was just ok. My fork tender pot roast was fork tender but a bit bland. I have to ask for extra gravy which tasted greasy. My son got it last year when we visited and it was good so maybe the chef is having an off day with the pot roast. . Our server was excellent. Sorry I forgot her name. Overall the experience was very good. I will definitely come back.
(4)
Emily B.

Dear Food For Thought, You are not the latest trendy restaurant in New York City that received a glowing review last weekend in the New Yorker. You are an allegedly nifty eatery in a tourist hub. Kindly get your crap together. First night my family and I went, and there were so many people in the entry area my extremely skinny brother couldn't even muscle his way through to the hostess' stand to find out how long the wait was. Fine, we realized we'd need reservations. NBD. Second night, we showed up confidently, having made reservations that afternoon. We were then told it would be a 45 minute wait PAST when we were told the reservations had been for. "We've been very busy and running behind," the hostess told us, although she didn't really seem to care. Okay. THEN WHY AREN'T YOU WARNING PEOPLE MAKING RESERVATIONS TO SHOW UP A TRILLION HOURS LATE? She told us that people without reservations had to wait an hour and a half, as if that was any consolation. Not honoring a reservation time within 10-15 minutes TOPS is an epic fail in my book. Forty-five minutes? Are you kidding me? We were all really pissed at this point and vowed to not go back. If they can't even handle reservations in a competent manner, I have no idea why I should trust them to handle serving us a meal without completely screwing that up, too.
(1)
Yvonne T.

First time visit to Williamsburg, VA, from NY, for a family trip during the kids midwinter recess I yelped where to go to eat and Food For Thought popped up. How can I exaggerate what a great find this place was! For $15 dollars, I ordered a combo of meatloaf and pulled pork that came with a side of mash and cornbread, I'd died and gone to soul food heaven! Service was incredible as well, our server was so good dealing with a table of 5 adults and 4 children. We'll definitely come back here to eat if ever in Willy's burg.
(5)
Jennifer L.

I was very pleasantly surprised by this restaurant! It looked a little cheesy from the outside, but the food is amazing! The menu offers plenty of choices for varied diets from carnivores to vegetarians and the atmosphere is lovely.
(5)
Ronald B.

We saw the Yelp reviews. We went. We were so impressed we went back for breakfast the next day. Food For Thought has food as good at its price point as I've ever had. The menu is eclectic American. They take gluten free seriously but the regular menu is not limited because of it. The wait staff is knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The owner was in the restaurant and introduced himself to us in the middle of the Saturday night rush and then again on Sunday morning for brunch. I had Shrimp and Grits for dinner as well as tasting the beet salad with salmon, the pot roast, the meatloaf and a kid's hamburger. All were excellent. The grits are a statement, not a staple as they are served loaded with cream and butter and are scoopable rather than pourable. My breakfast omelet the next morning was huge, perfectly cooked, and loaded with meat. The grits with cheese were just as spectacular as the grits I had the night before. Highly recommended!
(5)
Patrice G.

Super nice and friendly staff. The food choices are many and diverse. Healthy choices. We choose it for its gluten free choices. But loved soup to nuts!!
(5)
Asuka N.

After a long day at Busch Gardens, I came here with my fiancee and a couple of friends for dinner. There were already plenty of people waiting outside by the time we came in, and even though we had put our name down on the list for 'preferential' wait time, we still ended up hanging out quite a bit longer than we expected. In the end, we got seated at a table in the front of the restaurant, where it seemed like there was a little more light. Very spacious and nice ambiance, and the waiter was pretty helpful. That said, I do feel like they do go a little over the top to be formal and polite - to me, it's feels more like a casual place to eat out with the family. As for the food - a bit of a mixed bag from my perspective. The breaded chicken was tasty, with a little kick of spiciness, but nothing too amazing - same goes for the hummus. The clam chowder was very good, though - not too thick, but not too soup-y like SF clam chowder can be like. I ended up getting the pot roast, which was delicious - although the gravy on it was definitely a little overdone. The mashed potatoes weren't as chunky as I've had elsewhere, but they're smooth and creamy, and the gravy does work really well with them. My fiancee had the 'best of both worlds'; while the crab cake was pretty good (not the best I've had), the steak was terribly done - not cooked well at all, and way, way too chewy for a steak. The merlot butter was a nice touch, but the overall quality of the steak was quite below average. I do like the fact that they have craft breweries on tap here (having Troegs is a major plus in my book), but the food definitely was a bit on the disappointing side. Some dishes were well done, but others (namely the steak) were not really up to snuff. I would come back to potentially try other dishes, but my expectations would be tempered.
(3)
Christine G.

Lots of variety. If someone has a dietary restriction, this place can accommodate. We had the codfish, ahi tuna appetizer, and the crab cakes. Crab cakes were crab- filed. Tuna didn't feel as fresh as can be, but we also went late at night. Had beer flight sampler. Great coffee flavored chocolate infused beers. Had discussion cards to kill time-- which spurred a couple of interesting conversations. Influential people and quotes on the wall. Overall good experience.
(4)
Jim C.

This place is amazing, the food is so fresh and tasty. I had the Lincoln log cabin omelet which was very filling, I couldn't even think about finishing the potatoes that came with it. My girlfriend got the fruit crÃªpes which were out of this world as well, fresh fruit, fresh cream, everything was just awesome. She even got some mimosas and it clearly had freshly squeezed OJ. If you're in the area definitely stop in for breakfast.
(5)
Alex K.

Ate here on a recommendation from a local friend. Ambiance and service were fine but the food was just "blah". I had the meatloaf with sides of grits and sweet potato fries. Meatloaf had no taste and was very dry. Grits were good but cold. The fries were better than most I've had.
(3)
Diana C.

The food here is remarkable. Comfort food with a flair. You can tell the chef that perfected these recipes has talent, and his kitchen staff knows how to execute his vision. We tried coming here first on a Saturday night, and the wait was going to be 90 minutes so we decided we would come back on a weeknight and only had to wait 20-25 minutes. We were there in April so I imagine during peak tourist season in Williamsburg it may even be longer. That should tell you how good the food is. I had the lump crab meat, covered in melted cheese, on top of creamed spinach, on top of a huge portabella mushroom cap all served on a rice pilaf surrounded by fresh tomatoes. The variety of flavors and textures with this dish were fantastic. My wife and her father both had pot roast and not only was it out of this world, it was more than they could eat. They also serve a homemade bread that is outstanding. This place is worth waiting for.
(5)
Tristian B.

I had a friend and her family coming down from Northern Virginia and we were supposed to meet up in Williamsburg. I had two friends highly recommend this place to me. They said it was family friendly and the food was good. It was tourist season when we went, so of course it was busy, but service was still spot on. There were so many options to choose from. Even the kids menu had more than just chicken tenders and burgers. I love that they had a good sized vegetarian menu which impressed me a lot. I'm not a vegetarian, but I always jump at a chance to try different vegetarian meals since my family would be just as happy eating strictly meat all day. There is even a gluten free menu. I ordered the bbq tofu wrap. It was pretty awesome. The tofu was fried and crispy and I'm not usually a fan of coleslaw, but I didn't mind it in the wrap. It was delicious and the sweet potato fries were good too. I'm seriously in awe that they offer a vegetarian dish for kids, and wish I could get my son to eat more than bread and crackers. It was a great experience and I definitely want to go back and try more stuff on the menu.
(5)
Janet Y.

My boyfriend and I were spending the weekend at a resort in Williamsburg. We wanted to found a place to eat after our long ride from Maryland. So I pulled out my phone and found this place. Our waiter made us feel so special and he was very knowledgeable of the menu selection and the ingredients that was used in each dish. They provided freshly baked (not store bought!!!) sweet potato cornbread and parmesan bread to every table. Im not exaggerating when i say - they have a SPECTACULAR menu selection. They were having a grilled cheese lunch special at the time. It was the best grilled cheese I've ever had - with lightly buttered toast; burie cheese and a variety of fruits. My boyfriend was quite satisfied with the fork tender pork roast. I will definitely come here again when I'm in the Williamsburg area!!
(5)
Duane D.

During the Christmas season some things are given. You're gonna meet up with friends and family you haven't seen in quite some time. You're gonna make a few trips to stores, malls, and outlets to cross off the names on that ever growing Christmas List. You're also looking forward to getting fed well and enjoying a good holiday meal. While the latter is usually spent with family around a dinner table in a home setting I'm happy to say that I had a familiar experience in a restaurant in Williamsburg known as "Food For Thought." After finishing some Christmas shopping at Prime Outlets in Williamsburg my girlfriend and I were looking for a lunch a little more memorable than what they offered at the food court. So I whipped out the Yelp app and this restaurant came up. Since it was practically right up the road it was worth a shot. The first thing that intrigued me about the restaurant was the name itself. I'd heard it numerous times throughout my life but never as a name for a restaurant. Upon arriving we ran into a family that wanted us to take a picture of them in front of the restaurant. We happily obliged and I figured any family that wants their picture in front of a restaurant must have been satisfied with their meal. When you enter the restaurant there is a nicely painted picture on the wall by the hostess station and a small area of merchandise you can purchase from the restaurant. The dining room areas and even the bathrooms (look in the mirror!) have numerous quotes from notable authors and political figures all relative to the restaurants ideals: Eat, Drink, Think. The restaurant is divided into two sections with the larger seating area on the left side and the smaller on the right with a bar area in between. We sat in the smaller section which was well lit with the natural light coming through the windows on a nice sunny day. We sat down and were greeted by our waitress who was pleasant and welcomed us to our first visit to Food For Thought. She let us know about the lunch menu and specials and made a few recommendations, took our drink order and finished off by saying "I'll be right back with some Sweet Potato Cornbread, and Parmesan Bread for your table." That got me wide eyed in a hurry! You mean you're not going to offer me the customary yeast roll or large roll with 3/4 sliced slices? And it's complementary? Wow! Trust me when I say it, you'll easily ask for more than a basket with your meal, they're both that good. The menu itself is unique in that it is presented like a book: "Prologue" (Appetizers) "Acknowledgements to" (Soups & Salads) "Chapter One" Where it All Began (Signature Dishes) "Chapter Two" Fowl Play (Chicken) "Chapter Three" You Have to Sea it to Believe It (Seafood) "Chapter Four" The Garden of Eden (Salads) "Chapter Five" Hands-On Experience (Sandwiches) "Endnotes" (Sides) "Chapter Six" A Happy Ending (Desserts) We started with an appetizer called the Shrimp Boat (crispy shrimp tossed in a southwest remoulade sauce piled in baby potato skins, topped with bruschetta tomatoes). These were very delicious and a nice break from standard potato skin appetizers. These didn't last long on the plate at all as they were the perfect bites to start the meal. I then ordered the Fork Tender Pot Roast which lived up to it's description (slow cooked for hours and hours until it falls apart with a fork. smothered in our homemade gravy). The lunch portion was a good size and I ordered creamed spinach and creamy cheese grits as my sides. The creamed spinach was really good with a nice surprise of nutmeg flavor and the grits had good flavor too but could have been a little more creamy than stiff. My girlfriend had the Light & Heavy Crab Cake (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). It was just as described. Heavy on crab and flavor, light on filler and a good size for lunch. I must also mention the sweet tea was also very good and definitely tasted fresh brewed and not of the Lipton Brisk Raspberry Tea variety. It was just the right sweetness. My first experience here was a great one. The service was excellent, the food was well seasoned and good as advertised and the place had a good vibe going throughout. I can see why many Yelpers have given it high praise. Definitely looking forward to returning soon to write a follow up review and hopefully officially become "a fan" of this place!
(3)
Heather G.

This is a truly amazing restaurant. There were four of us for dinner - we showed up around 7 PM on Friday, 2/3 - there was a very small wait so we made our way to the bar. We decided we'd just sit at the bar and have dinner. Our bartenders were fantastic - on top of the drinks with refills, great food suggestions, and extremely helpful and cheerful. Our meals did not disappoint - my husband had the lump crab caesar salad, I had the roasted beet salad with steak (my only complaint with it is that I asked for no candied pecans and they showed up with them - they were very small, so in the end it was okay), my friend had the 8 ounce steak with merlot butter sauce, and her boyfriend had the pot roast. We all had many tasty adult beverages, to include the prosecco which is my new favorite wine (tastes just like a caramel apple). For dessert we had the dessert nachos which were amazing. This was truly one of the better dining experiences I've ever had, and when we're back in Williamsburg, we'll make sure that we eat there.
(5)
C D.

The food was ok. 7.5 out of 10
(4)
Armando K.

Bfast is awesome, dinner Is awesome, great mix of veggie options, and traditional American, with a little international flair.
(5)
Ben G.

Our family went here for an early dinner. Service was very good, and restaurant was clean. We had burgers and the "vegetable " bisque. EXCELLENT!! They will actually cook the burgers medium-rare, too. Reasonably priced and the staff is very attentive. The table "games" are entertaining as well.
(5)
Anemone T.

Service was great, and glad to have some veggie options that crossed the divide between the usual suspects (portobello mushroom) and surprise hits (jerk mock chicken). That said, this is the kind of southern home cooking place where vegetarians might be happiest just eating all sides. The "Enjoy Capitalism" a la Coca Cola logo t-shirts are icky, not funny-ironic. But the conversation starter game cards on the table were a hit with my family and all the tables around us too.
(4)
David J.

Someone already said that the sweet potato corn bread is great. It is, and I HATE sweet potatoes! I just kept eating and eating them! But they weren't even the best part of the meals I've had there. We had had TERRIBLE experiences with restaurants during our stay in Williamsburg. Even restaurants that were highly recommended in our hotel publications were over-priced and unremarkable at best (ZPizza), and almost inedible at worst (Pierce's Pit Bar-b-que). We were MORE than discouraged. Then we found Food for Thought and the rest were washed from memory. The service was great. Servers took plenty of time to make sure that our table was well-served in a BUSY restaurant. The owner was serving tables himself, and only admitted he was the owner when asked. Very hospitable and attentive. This guy CARES about what he serves you! Both vegan and standard menu choices are available and, while I'm no vegetarian, I had the Portobella Basket for breakfast and it was honestly one of the best meals I've ever been served anywhere. I dare you to try the vegan sausage gravy! Next time I'll order a bowl of it to have as soup! It's OMG GOOD!!!! This restaurant is a GREAT reason to visit Williamsburg! Food for Thought? Apparently! I can't stop thinking about it! THANK YOU!!!
(5)
Cristina C.

Wow. A vegetarian's paradise! My fiance and I are spending the weekend at a B&B in Williamsburg, and were online poking around for a vegetarian-friendly restaurant when we found this place. SO glad we decided to check it out. We went for dinner last night and sat at the bar for dinner (didn't need to, it wasn't crowded....but just felt comfortable there). The bartender was very sweet--recent grad from William and Mary--and she gave us lots of advice on the menu options. We ended up doing the beer flight of microbrews they have on tap--delicious! The Harpoon Winter Warmer was my favorite. We started with a shrimp boat (ok, so we are pescetarian--but this place still is a vegetarian's paradise). It was great! Then for dinner we split an entree from the specials list--an acorn squash dish....AMAZING!!! Totally vegetarian--quinoa, apples, onions, cranberries, topped with brown sugar butter. So, that was Friday night. Our friends were coming down from DC to have lunch with us today (Saturday), and we liked Food For Thought so much, we went there for lunch, too! The lunch was delicious. Our friend loved it. Two of us had the super grain salad, and it was ridiculously good. My fiance had the jerk chicken with the vegan chicken substitute...very good. And the fourth had the...shrimp po boy I think...anyway, whatever it was, he loved it. We wish we could clone this place and bring it out to St. Louis. If you are a vegetarian visiting Williamsburg GO HERE. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
Brian W.

This will be simple...very good food and good service. The entire family enjoyed the experience. You will not be disappointed! Enjoy! 06
(4)
Avocado N.

Visited this spot over the weekend (Sunday) with my family, the previous reviewer(s) was correct, CALL FIRST to be added to the list....DON'T PARK NEXT DOOR, park at Ripleys Believe it or Not. The wait time was five minutes at max., We showed up about an hour and a half before closing. I ordered the mussels and it was unique, it had more of a cream sauce instead the norm of tomato based sauce. I heard it was the rage, but this connoisseur didn't care for it....*hub liked it, blek* My favorite was the shrimp and grits....never fails to disappoint. Roger was our server and he was great....the manager also stopped by to see if all was well. Which I thought was nice as well. I will certainly return! Thanks for the experience!
(4)
Dick H.

Thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My wife and I shared our meals. She had scallops wrapped in bacon and I had the steak and crab meat combo. Service was good and we had an interesting conversation with the owner when he came by to ask how we were enjoying our meal.
(5)
Kathy R.

Charming, quirky decor. Great menu but the food was disappointing in a big way. Husband had that days special-flounder and I went directly to comfort food Ie: meatloaf. So much filler it was tasteless as was the squash casserole. Smaller portions and attention to seasoning would go far here. Too bad because what is listed on the menu and described is very attractive. I wouldn't recommend it.
(2)
Angelena A.

After reading everyone's wonderful reviews I will little nervous this place couldn't live up to all the hype...but wow does it ever! The food was amazing, the entire staff was great, and the question cards on the table are a brilliant idea. We will definitely be going back!
(5)
Vinny G.

Food for Thought is a good choice in the Williamsburg area. Food was good to very good and the prices low considering the portions and service. If ordering meals and apps, you'll have plenty to bring home for seconds. We shared the red pepper hummus for an app and it was terrific. Served with fresh veggies and toasted flatbreads, it was a deal at $8. The Inca salad had fresh greens and quinoa was tasty, and the ribs ($22) were good but not outstanding. We were too full for dessert, but looking at others we'd probably save room on our next visit. Service was friendly and efficient, and everyone working there seemed to be enjoying their work making for a pleasant atmosphere. They have a fair selection of craft brews. Overall an enjoyable dining experience.
(4)
Spike D.

Okay, it looks a little like an IHOP -- definitely a strip mall vibe - but lots of things set it apart. Motto is "Eat, Drink, Think." Framed posters of philosophers and scientists on the walls, and lots of Trivial Pursuit and Mind Trap type cards on the table. Bread basket, especially corn bread, was a great start. Extensive menu -- everything is pretty good . Rib starter was sweet, spicy and tender. Crab soup was very nice - creamy but not gloppy. Alas, cheese grits were not as good as some I have had. Flourless chocolate cake was excellent. Service was good but best part was that owner provided his name and cellphone number on website, in restrooms, etc. for any customer complaints.
(4)
T M.

Comfort food at its best. Pot-roast was perfect. Meatloaf, tender, moist and absolutely delicious. They serve two table breads, sweet potato cornbread (eh, had the sweet potato color but didn't taste much like it, still it was good) and parmesan crusted rolls (yummy). The cheesy grits (were not very cheesy, but they were good anyway), redskin mashed potatoes and the mashed sweet potatoes were great. Sweet potato fries were not cooked well enough (big like steaks fries and most of them were kind of hard in the middle). We went right at 5p.m. and were seated right away. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable when asked about the dishes.
(5)
Angela B.

This place was great ! The atmosphere was unique and the food was amazing. They bring you these hot powdered doughnuts before your breakfast that are wonderful..I could have just eaten those. They have amazing and different eggs Benedict but normal variety of breakfast food also...the management was gray came up to our table and had a conversation with us...highly recommend the cheese grits!!
(5)
Al M.

Its a good place to dine in. Very polite servers. Try the shrimp there, you won't regret it.
(4)
Randy J.

This place is 7 years old and they already have a big following. Try the shrimp and grits and the creme bulee The server was great . When we come back to williamsburg you will see us here.
(5)
Kristen H.

Gone are the days when shoppers visiting Williamsburg for the day are stuck with only one real dining option, one well beyond its prime. My friend and I happened upon this place when starving of hunger after an evening of shopping. We were determined not to settle, so we searched and searched until Yelp revealed this gem to us! After checking out the menu, we knew we were in for a treat! Food for Thought is such a wonderful place with inventive yet homey food that is sure to please any palate. There were so many delicious options on the menu, and the waitress was very helpful and knowledgeable, which I always appreciate. Having to eat gluten-free, I appreciated that they had a variety of options for me, including the only delicious gluten-free dinner roll I have ever had. I was SO incredibly thankful for that. I was very intrigued by the delicious-looking sweet potato cornbread in my friend's bread basket though. The menu here has such a great variety--everything from updated Southern classics to even a thai-inspired item. The menu leans more toward updated Southern classics, but has a fun global twist. I loved that there were so many very tempting vegetarian options as well. I love a good vegetarian meal! I ordered the shrimp and grits, which did not disappoint. Thank Heaven it was gluten-free. The grits were creamy and flavorful, the shrimp were cooked to plump perfection, and the sauce was oh-so-yummy! I cook shrimp in grits in lots of different ways at my house, and I loved the way they did theirs. I can almost taste that delicious sauce now! Prices here were reasonable for the quality and quantity. My only complaint was that, as we walked to the bathroom, we noticed a horrible stench. It was the stench of a filthy mop that had been used to "clean" the restaurant floors. It permeated that half of the restaurant so badly that I would've had to leave the restaurant without ordering, had I been seated on that side. I didn't feel to great about the cleanliness overall after that. I did peek into the kitchen, and it appeared to be clean, but that is a very unsanitary practice. It is time to either trash or bleach that nasty mop!
(4)
Will F.

I don't make it to Williamsburg often, but when I do I make it a point to hit Food for Thought. Wonderful food mixed with great service makes eating here an experience that will have you coming back. Portion sizes are great....eat for two
(4)
J W.

Went to Williamsburg with a friend to do some shopping and to have lunch. For lunch I automatically thought of Food for Thought. I had lunch here last summer and the food was great and the service was great also,so I wanted to see if it would still be the same. Yes both where still the same the service and the food. I knew what I wanted before I got their I wanted the Cobb salad again. It is huge and I love the fact that they add their spin on it by adding avocado and corn also the bread is warm and delicious. I had the soup of the day and it was gazpacho it was excellent most place make it to thick more like a cold dip but this was perfect. I didn't have dessert but I'm sure it it would have been good too. I will return.
(4)
Liz O.

Food for Thought was a great place to experience in Williamsburg. We found it originally through other yelpers (thank you!) The ambiance feels very diner-y, but like an upscale diner, not a gross dingy one. Everything on the menu sounded good, as did all the dishes we saw at neighboring tables. I got a salad off the specials menu and it was big and filling. I actually took some back home with me. I, on a whim, ordered an Irish Coffee, which was not that great. The person I was with ordered wine, which was unfortunately not very good either. They bring bread and cornbread that was amazing. That was nice to munch on. Our waitress was very nice and checked in with us the perfect amount. But we're pretty sure she was drunk. Not a problem at all, she brought us everything in a timely manner and everything was accurate. It was just the way she behaved, very loopy and just not how someone might behave. My reaction was I was glad she was having a good time! The owner (I think?) came over to check on us and see if it was our first time in WIlliamsburg. Totally unnecessary and honestly, unexpected given the relaxed vibe of the restaurant, but very sweet. Also--the bathrooms were big, fun, very well cleaned, and the soap smelled great. It's the little things, you know?
(4)
German A.

Excellent service. Excellent food. Excellent atmosphere. Fresh food, bread and great drinks. I highly recommend this place. This was our first time in Williamsburg and we are glad we stopped by here. The manager or the owner came to our table to greet us and to check that everything was okay. They made us feel important, this is how service should be done every where.
(5)
Michi P.

Awesome food, drinks, and dessert. Could easily eat here several times a week... Had the pistachio crusted chicken, and bread pudding for dessert. Yum
(5)
Jennifer N.

Went here for a late dinner on Friday after my family and I drove up to Williamsburg for the night. My sister raved about the meatloaf, so we decided to go check it out. The service was pretty good. Our server was nice and informative. The food came out extremely fast. The menu was a pretty standard American restaurant menu. Nice selection of meats, salads, and seafood. Also, a pretty good variety of beers on tap/bottle and cocktails available. The price range was pretty decent...meals ranging from $12-$25. I opted for the pot roast, which came with two sides. I went with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. The portion was way generous, which is always a plus! The flavor was there and the meat was tender, but honestly it didn't "wow" me. I had to add more black pepper and hot sauce for that little kick. It was a good traditional meal, but nothing that made me think, "this is the best pot roast everrr." My brother did say that the meatloaf he had was one of the best he's ever tasted, so maybe that's what everyone should order? If I visit Williamsburg again then I definitely wouldn't mind coming back here, but will I see myself craving this meal? Probably not.
(3)
Maryam I.

I came here when I was looking at graduate schools. I was happily surprised that they are allergy friendly. They even wear gloves and use fresh equipment! The food was yummy and I have gone back whenever I'm in the area. Very impressed that a small town makes such great accommodations for those with gluten allergies.
(4)
Jared T.

I don't know what is in the meatloaf or pot roast but it is the best I've ever had. If I ever come back to Williamsburg again I will have to come back here because this place is amazing! My wife's steak was melt in your mouth delicious. Service was appropriately speedy without leaving us feeling rushed, and the server was great about getting our toddler's order in first. Worth every star.
(5)
Katherine Y.

We drove by several breakfast places from our hotel to here because of their reviews. Boy are we glad we did! There was a huge wait. But we were able to sit at the bar because it was just the 2 of us. The bartender was crazy busy making nonstop juices while we sat there. But she was as attentive as you can be juicing like crazy. I ordered the perfect cure and my fiancÃ© ordered the B.L.T. croissant. They were both so good. And don't forget to ask for the complimentary beignets!!!! Little drops of heaven :)
(5)
Katherine H.

Have no idea why this place is so highly rated...I'm only giving it 3 stars because it's Williamsburg and pickin's are slim... 1) Their brunch stops promptly at 11. Which means if you go after a race and get there at 1130, they'll seat you but you won't get to order lunch until 1215-1230. But at least they're honest about it. Then they may forget about you... 2) They may forget things you order...like coffee... 3) The people are nice though. I ordered: ribs, cheesy grits, zucchini from the GF menu (yay, gf!). Friends all got the crabcake with sides that included: cheesy grits, zucchini, skinny fries, soup. 4) Don't get the cheesy grits. Those were terrible. Like unevenly cooked and unevenly seasoned--some bites were hard like they had been sitting there forever, others were bland, others tasted kinda like grits...?? These were mostly cold and felt reheated... 5) Zucchini was ehh--could've been roasted longer, but they had a nice crunch, and I'd prefer undercooked to over, so if you have to pick a side to fall on, glad it was the under cooked one. 6) Didn't try the crab cake but it looked like there was a lot of filling in it... I will say this: their gluten free roll was perhaps the best I've ever tasted. The mimosa had fresh squeezed orange juice. If the rest of the meal components had been like these, or if our waiter had filled our water glasses without us asking for it (but he did refill the one person who got tea instead of a mimosa without being begged), or had gotten the coffee I asked for twice and never received, I would've given this a higher rating. Like I said, it got 1 pity point for location though...
(3)
Patrick C.

Oh my! This place was amazing! Every bit of my meal was beyond delicious. To start, I had the Da Vinci Dippers - fried ravioli with sauce - along with incredible complimentary parmesan rolls. They were both fantastic! As for my entrÃ©e, I had the Family Reunion, which is a slice of meatloaf along with some pot roast and two sides. All of it was delicious. The meatloaf was excellent, maybe even some of the best I've ever eaten. By the time I finished eating all of this, I was too stuffed for dessert, but I'm sure that the dessert would be excellent too. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anybody. The service was super fast and friendly and the food was even better than I had imagined it would be. Definitely try Food for Thought when you're in Williamsburg!
(5)
Eileen L.

The best dinner ever. I went with my sister and Mom and we all enjoyed our meals. Whoever thought to put a crab cake on top of a portobello mushroom was a genius. The crab cake was made with real lump crabmeat, it was topped with cheese which sat on the mushroom on top of a bed of rice with salsa-excellent!! My mom and sister had the salmon they both loved their dishes. Mom had asparacus. They were cooked perfectly. We had the real good Margarita also well done-delicious. We are not real drinkers so the drinks seemed strong to us-not a problem. For dessert we had fried tortillas with apples and ice cream. We shared one dessert and we all rolled out of there. Don't let the reviews fool you. This place has more than comfort food. Our waitress was wonderful as well. She made us feel welcome. I will come to Williamsburg again to come here.
(5)
Kimberly K.

Got the shrimp po boy with mashed potatoes and a bowl of clam chowder. Incredible!! So reasonably priced and a ton of food. The Parmesan bread was so fluffy and still warm from the oven. We got our order to go and it came with utensils, butter and everything packaged perfectly. Very impressed!
(5)
Linzie c.

Had their breakfast. Everything everyone ordered was great. Had their breakfast two days in a row an both were great. Next year we are going to try their lunch and dinner.
(5)
Lidia P.

We had to wait 25 minutes although we had 6PM reservations so that was disappointing. The food was OK. Everyone raved about the meatloaf, which was just OK...nothing spectacular. The steak was cooked perfectly throughout so this was a plus. The ribs were OK to good, but I've had better. As for the 3 different deserts we tried, nothing was mouthwatering. There was nothing in terms of the menu that I can say was the best I've ever had or worth a try. The food, although not the best, is much better than the chain restaurant options flanking Food for Thought. What this restaurant is lacking in excellent food is made up with the quality service. The staff was very friendly. The environment is super casual and great for families.
(3)
Melanie Z.

This place is awesome! Shrimp N Grits...so yummy! Also had a fried oyster sandwich and it was delicious! Highly recommend!
(5)
Joe D.

A real great surprise. There was such a long line for dinner, that we decided to go back for a late lunch the next day and was not disappointed. Really great comfort food, friendly staff. You felt like you were home.
(4)
Dinh P.

The corn bread is one of the best. I had the Tender pot roast, AMAZING! My wife had the Jerk chicken, she thought it was ok. Def. Recommend this place. Will eat here again when I'm down here in Williamsburg.
(4)
Mariko F.

My sister took me here when I visited her in Williamsburg. I had never heard of it and thought that it was going to be a super-vegetarian health place that serves grass. They I pulled up and thought that it might possibly be a fancy IHOP. I am so incredibly glad that Food for Thought is neither of those things (though I think that, just judging from the style, the building might have once been an IHOP.) I wasn't very hungry when I arrived here and neither was my sister and so we opted for sharing two appetizers and then maybe getting dessert. We ordered the Shrimp Boat and the Skinny Dip Fries. The Shrimp Boat was very good. It was basically a couple of shrimps on top of a potato skin. The shrimp is basted in a sweet/ sour sauce (not sweet and sour sauce) which was very good. The potato skins were crispy and creamy at the same time. I would have never thought to put the two together, but it was actually a very good dish. The Skinny Dip Fries are basically just shoe-string French fries. But they come with gravy and that makes them very yummy. A bit of a guilty pleasure. I didn't have any of their entrees but they sounded great. I feel like they like to play around with their food and make interesting concoctions, which is much appreciated by me. If I had been in the mood for more food, there was a salmon bake with veggies and spices baked into it that I would have loved to try. For dessert my sister and I had the bread pudding. Promise me that you will never go into this restaurant and NOT order the bread pudding. As good as the shrimps were, this bread pudding was amazing. There were whole grapes in it that gave it a tang and there was a brandy sauce poured on top of the entire thing. It was heaven. Absolutely amazing. I really liked this place. From the IHOP exterior, to the slightly country interior, to the paper table cloths that you could doodle on with the crayons, to the incredibly friendly wait staff - it was all very good! Oh! And they have free wi-fi, which is apparently much appriciated by the student population in Williamsburg.
(4)
Theresa B.

Wonderful creative food with a lot of excellent vegetarian options. I had the acorn squash stuffed with mixed grains, mushrooms dried cranberries and pecans with a butter brown sugar sauce. Magnificent. It gets very busy, but you can call ahead for priority seating. The atmosphere is delightful, with literal "food for thought" in the form of quotes on the walls. We saw the breakfast menu and will be back. Can't recommend this restaurant enough.
(5)
Ruth A.

Service and food passable. I like the concept of the bookstore and the quiz cards at the table to simulate discussion.
(3)
Linda K.

We're locals & have been eating here since they opened. Good food & extra friendly service & casual atmosphere. My favorite is the shrimp po-boy sandwich! Haven't been able to do breakfast yet but can't wait to order the beignets.
(4)
Brad C.

Great food, service, staff and owner! I wish we had a place like this in our hometown! We've been on an east coast trip and have eaten at many places, but this is the only place where I have seen the owner come out and ask the patrons how the food and service have been. Amanda, our waitress, provided great service. Providing what we needed when we needed it without bothering us, a fine balancing act. Even though it is not a huge menu, there is something for everyone. Our steak, mashed sweet potatoes, slaw and bread were wonderful and delivered in a timely manner. The creme brÃ»lÃ©e was also delicious! One of the best all around dining experiences I have had.
(5)
Desiree W.

They had me at Ben Franklin! No, seriously they did. My mother and I were in Colonial Williamsburg for the holidays and needed a place to eat that would not cost an arm and leg but would also be great. I looked at the options on Yelp of course and found Food For Thought. Thank you fellow Yelpers, this place is excellent. I love food but also have dietary issues, I am Celiac, and thought no where in Williamsburg would be able to offer Gluten Free. Holy Canoli was I wrong. FFT has an extensive menu that includes GF and Vegetarian. Who would have thunk!?! Then when our server, also the bartender, found out that I was GF he made sure my mom got the regular bread basket and that I got a GF dinner roll. In other words, service was beyond awesome. Oh, and this was a Friday night, super busy, and we opted for seats at the bar rather than waiting because we had tickets to a night activity. Sitting at the bar gave us perfect viewing of the excellent service everyone was getting. Plus, this place is casual but the food is upscale. Perfect combo! I had a steak and mom had crab cakes, mine was excellent. I know my mom cleaned her plate so her's was great too. We shared a dessert, the creme brÃ»lÃ©e, which was so delicious. We found out after we order that the profit of our dessert and all desserts that month (December) would be donated to disaster relief in the Philippines, super cool! I wish they would open a second location in DC and clone our server...the bartender from Bulgaria. He was beyond interesting and was an awesome server to boot!
(5)
Jerry W.

My wife and I and 3 other couples were looking for a nice restaurant to end our week's vacation in Williamsburg. I saw some reviews of Food for Thought and talked the group into going. What a great decision. Every one of us throughly enjoyed our appetizers, dinner and dessert. My wife had the acorn squash entree with quinoa - it was addictive. We shared the breadpudding dessert - one of the best we have ever had anywhere. The group left to go home the next morning - but my wife and I returned for breakfast - she had a mushroom and brie omelet with the best home fries. I had the blueberry pancakes - mouth watering. Not only is the food great - the ambience is even better - not a place for political liberals - but if you are a libertarian - you must go here - just to read the quotes on the walls, the biographies hanging throughout the restaurant, and the many books and products offered in the small shop inside.
(5)
Dustin T.

amazing food. you need to experience it. the shrimp boat appetizer was ridiculously good. i had it two nights in a row. the food was great, the service was great. can't recommend it enough. i am a regular and i don't even live in VA!
(5)
Tom O.

My wife and some close friends decided to spend our September vacation in Williamsburg - the staff at the hotel recommended Food For Thought. We had dinner there our first night: my wife went crazy for the roasted red pepper soup - our friends went with the ribs (as did I - fantastic) and the crab salad- all were outstanding. We all liked the place so much we ended up there two nights later.... again - we all had great meals! This is a must stop on your trip to Williamsburg!
(5)
Richard W.

My wife and I met our niece at "Food for Thought" on May 25, 2011 for dinner. We live in Colorado and were visiting our son in Virginia. Our meal was one of the worst I have experienced, including much lower-priced restaurants. Steamed mussels, recommended by our waitress were old, tasted and smelled spoiled. They advertised their special fish dished, but when we asked them to check how long ago the fish arrived at the restaurant, we were told it had arrived at least 2 days previously. We decided to order a vegetarian dish on the menu: eggplant marinara. It consisted of medallions of under-cooked, hard slices of eggplant covered with battered bread crumbs that were like sponges soaked in oil. Yuk!
(1)
Tammy B.

Wow... I picked this place because of its rating here, and was not disappointed! I wouldnt change a thing - service, food, atmosphere was great! I wish I lived closer, so I could visit more often! How c as n you not love a place that has apple nachos?
(5)
J R.

Are you kidding me? We love food and were looking for a nice place to eat whilst visiting WB. There were some bad reviews on this restaurant but most were good. I have to say that the bad reviews were about the food whereas the good ones were about the service. We decided to give it a try and had a horrible experience. I called beforehand to make a reservation but they told me they only had priority seating. Decided to go there early enough and were told that waiting would be 30 mins. We waited for 45 mins with 3 hungry kids and nothing... In the meantime, they seated people that got after us with no priority seating. We decided to ask how much longer it would take and explained the situation. The answer was wait an additional 25 minutes and perhaps we will have a table.... Really? We have been fortunate enough to travel around the world and visit all kind of restaurants--the best and the worst. This one is in the latter category with regards to service.
(1)
Kayberry S.

This place was wonderful!!! The pot roast was tender and delicious. The fish and chips, crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside. The sweet potato fries.....mmmmm!! Will be making this a regular stop on our way through the area.
(5)
Mike J.

Best restaurant we've found in Williamsburg yet. Staff was kind, attentive and prompt! The pot roast was so tender and the nut crusted chicken and gravy melts in your mouth. Yum yum
(4)
Jessica J.

Our food was very tasty. I had salmon with grilled veggies. The owner also visited us at our table. We really like the concept of the restaurant and enjoyed reading the various quotes on the wall. Very comfortable and accommodating. Great prices and friendly servers.
(4)
Mike L.

Great breakfast spot! Visiting the area and the food, service and atmosphere are awesome. We returned Sunday with friends who loved it too. Wish this restaurant were back home!
(5)
Erin D.

Four stars only b/c cleanliness wasn't spot on, I'm sure it's not very hard to wipe down bar stools nor keep up the bathroom. The hon & I ate in the bar area not wanting to wait to be seated. The service & food was excellent. He had the ciabatta burger I had the pot roast. Very delicious and well thought out food & menu. We hope to return soon to try more items on the menu such as the baked eggplant parmigiana.
(4)
Alan A.

The service was great. The food was very good. The cilantro lime chicken was excellent. The pistachio chicken was also great, but too much sauce (gravy) for my taste. The Inca quinoa salad was the best! Also, try the fresh berry crepes. Perfect for after dinner. Prices were very reasonable.
(4)
Larry M.

Good food, not great but it's nice to go to a local restaurant than a chain while on vacation. Our family had the jerk chicken, pot roast and pistachio chicken; for appetizer we had the fried ravioli. All were prepared well and were enjoyed, but nothing outstanding. There was a wait, but really no where to wait; lobby was small which made most of the guests wait outside.(not ideal in 100 degree heat). Service was efficient but somewhat rushed and harried. Be prepared to wait or go early.
(3)
Carl W.

Ordered off the lunch menu for the first time. Actually enjoyed the smaller portion, all of the sides are available at lunch and are outstanding (squash casserole and cheddar grits were new to us on this visit) Service very good. Cilantro lime chicken is a nice, light, end of summer meal. Meatloaf was exactly as expected, comfort food at its finest. Highly recommended.
(5)
K H.

Pretty decent place. It's more commercial like a chili's or Applebee's, but the food was good and the service was great.
(3)
Sara S.

We went here the Saturday before Father's Day at about 2pm. The place was empty so we were worried maybe it wasn't that good. The atmosphere was fine. The tables had sets of cards with interesting facts or questions to provoke thought. It kept us all busy. The bread they served was amazing. Everyone wanted more. Everyone enjoyed their main meals including the three kids. We will definitely go back when we return to Williamsburg,
(5)
Steve B.

Great food!!!! The service is a little slow (that is why its not 5 stars) but My shrimp and grits was some of the best I have had! I would for sure recommend this place!!! Nice to have a place like this in Williamsburg!!
(4)
Jeff W.

Now serving breakfast! Took the whole family and no one went hungry and everyone loved the food. Owner even swung by noticing my Crab Benedict needed a little more hollandaise and brought some extra out. A great alternative to the Village Inn or IHOP's disguised in numerous other names in the area.
(5)
Kevin P.

Excellent Vegan and vegetarian options. Wait staff is very helpful in regards to concerns for food allegies. Vegan chicken in the Thai One On is fantastic.
(5)
Katie R.

Excellent, awesome, amazing breakfast!! The grits are thicker than normal but so creamy and delicious! I didn't have to touch my salt, pepper, or butter! The grit cake was even better! Egg Benedict was served with crumpets, so fresh! service was very polite and made us feel welcome and cozy. Oh! And fresh squeezed OJ. we will be back!
(5)
Mark B.

Novel concept and menu. Excellent service. Thumbs up to the pot roast, black eyed pea soup and the Crab-a-Bella.
(3)
Richard P.

My gf and I were in town for the weekend for the colonial williamsburg sightings and busch gardens. We yelp this place and decided to check it out. It was about a 1 minute drive from our hotel so we had to see what the hype was about. I started off with the da vinci dipper as an appetizer which was deep fried ravioli with marinara. Sauce. It was delish! My entree was the nutty chicken which was layered in gravy and topped with pistachio and placed on top of mash potatoes. Yum!! While our entrees took a little longer to come out, the manager himself came to our table and apologized and offered us free soup. Overall the food was great. Our server was very friendly. The atmosphere is fun for both children and adults. If you're ever in the Williamsburg area in Virginia. Check out for food for thought! :)
(4)
John B.

This is a very interesting restaurant. The food was good (not great) but the atmosphere was different. I went here on two separate occasions and tried the appetizers and lunch menu. A little pricey for what you got (a glass of pinot noir was $7.50 when you could pick up the same bottle for $7 in a liquor store).
(4)
Jay K.

What a great alternative to the obvious chain restaurants. Winner indeed. Reasonably priced, very good selection and excellent service. Manager came by twice to inquire about our experience and was very personable. We have kids in diapers so its always a crapshoot with the restrooms at restaurants. Both the men's and women's restrooms were very clean and had changing tables. What a pleasant surprise. We will certainly visit again.
(4)
S H.

Great family place while in Williamsburg. Children's menu goes beyond chicken fingers or cheeseburger (but includes those). Flights of microbrewery beer for grown ups!
(4)
Janell B.

The staff was amazing, great service! This is a great spot for a casual low-key meal if you're visiting the area. They offered a Yelp discount which is awesome. I was there for dinner and they allowed me to order the lunch serving of ribs, which were very tasty. I had a great experience.
(4)
David L.

Good food, accommodating staff, and fun environment. Great for casual dining.
(5)
R M.

Awesome place. Great ambiance, terrific family friendly food, great crab cakes, crab chowder, warm cornbread. The quotes on the wall and service were outstanding too. Highly recommended.
(5)
Sofia B.

Nice little find! The ambiance was lovely, and our server was super friendly. Love the table conversation cards! Generous portions, good price - LOVE the 'warning' labels on the menu about eating under cooked food - finally, some sense of humour in the world!! Definitely come back when we come to Wiliamsburg.
(5)
Herman W.

Great salad for lunch! Edible orchids, grilled shrimp, & artichokes with an orange vinaigrette: yum. Buffalo Mac & cheese same. Great place for kids!
(5)
Barbara M.

The crab soup was so good, we bought a quart to take home! Yum. Saturday night was very crowded...while they don't take reservations, you can cal for seating ahed which cuts down the wait once you get there. The owner stopped by and chatted, which was nice. I had the scallops and steak special and he had the pad Thai. Both were very good-- my asparagus was excellent. Good wine list and he had a Williamsburg valentine IPAD that he said was wonderful. We'll go back....
(4)
Cory S.

Owner went out of his way to take care of us. Pasta special with vegan protein was outstanding. Great service, great vege food!
(5)
Matthew L.

I like it. The food would get 4 stars, but it's boring decor and sometimes poor service (sometimes they are short handed) make it a three. They have great comfort food. The sides are amazing. I really like the meatloaf and all of the fishes are cooked to perfection. They have some great vegetarian dishes as well. A bit pricey for homecooking, but tasty tasty.
(3)
Eric G.

We really enjoyed Food for Thought. Went on a busy Spring Break night but food was still pretty good. Ribs and Veggie Soup were great. The Pad Thai and Shrimp & Grits were good, but not as good as the soup. Reasonably priced, too.
(3)
Nicole K.

I came here for breakfast once and had the best breakfast experience ever! First, the decor has a very artsy look. Second, the customer service was pretty decent. Third, the food was a perfect 10! I had the pancakes with strawberries and it was the best pancakes in the world! They were sweet, fluffy, with a light crunch. They were to die for! I wish they would open a new location in Tyson's!
(5)
Amy S.

Very fresh. Large variety on the menu: from fish to turkey dinners to pasta. Reasonable prices with large portions. Perky, efficient service. Fun decorations. Very modern and clean.
(3)
Alec R.

Great traditional American cuisine in a literary themed bistro. The pot roast, Jamaican jerked chicken and mussels were excellent.
(5)
Stephen A.

Our family of three stopped in for dinner. We used the 5% Yelp discount. The bread basket was very good. My daughter Mac & Cheese was cheap ($4.50) and good. I had the pot roast. It was good, but very rich. My wife had the breaded flounder. The fish was very good, but the breading was a little to thick and the sauce a little two rich.
(3)
Christine A.

Our new favorite restaurant in Williamsburg! Highly recomend it to all. Amazing dishes, great atmosphere, and super friendly staff. We had our first dinner there and had to go back the next day for lunch!!
(5)
Ana R.

Wow, talk about great food! Outstanding!
(5)
Carrie A.

I'm glad that Williamsburg has at least 1 non-chain restaurant, but the service is on the slow side. However, the soup I had was so incredible (spicy black bean) that it didnt' matter to me. We went for the sweet potato fries and the friend I was with only got 6 in his serving- dissapointed to say the least. It's hit or miss with the food. Some things are great and really inventive, some aren't noteworthy. If you have some time to lollygag and read the Trivial Pursuit cards at every table, I say do it.
(3)
Julio J.

Nice place to eat! I love their menu selections and the prices are not too bad. I ordered the salmon and it was good and service was awesome. Plus the decor of the place is very influential since there are a lot of quotes and phrases from a lot of historical figures. I would definitely eat here again if im in the area.
(4)
Scott B.

Pretty good food. The kids got a kick out of the trivia / brain twister cards on the table. A/C seemed... tired. Really good bread, meatloaf was almost as good as mine.
(3)
Spencer H.

Stopped in here my last night in town because I'd heard from a local that it was vegetarian-friendly. I was pleasantly surprised by how many vegetarian options they were and decided on the Baked Eggplant with Parmesan. It was phenomenal! Probably one of the best meals I've ever had. They also offer vegan desserts, which are hard to find in restaurants. The vegan brownie was delicious. I ate at the bar and both of the bartenders were excellent. Will definitely be going back when I'm in the area.
(5)
Anita M.

Tried this place based on Yelp recommendations and we have to say it lived up to the reviews. Friendly people, good service. Tried the local beers on tap, "the love" and "red nun", at our server's suggestion, they were delicious! Had roast turkey will all the fixings, and also the ribs. HUGE portions and great selection of sides. No room for desert though :( Choose this place instead of all the chains and waffle houses and you won't be disappointed.
(4)
emmy f.

For my 21st birthday I made a pilgrimage to my college town of Williamsburg to spend time with my friends who were spending their summers in our beloved town. Three of my very close friends work at food for thought, and were working that night, so four of us decided to go there so we could inadvertently spend time with them. I ordered the stacked portobello (mmm MMMMM!!! creamy deliciousness) emily ordered the chicken pad thai (mmmmm... i'm a vegetarian but i still give it 5 stars), steven ordered the stuffed zuchini (fresh taste and a unique look) and alex got the shrimp po'boy, which is always my favorite. For dessert we got the breadpie... bread... i can't remember what it's called... breadhead.. bread... something delicious that melted in my mouth and made emily quiver and make a little sexy noise... and we also got some mango-rasberry cheesecake which i think is seasonal, but was equally delicious. You already know the food is good. I've reviewed the place before, and I have said that it's all delicious. You can't go wrong here. But I got to try a drink!! I got the rasberry cheesecake martini (I was told by my waiter Sean to get something "cute.") and it was definitely cute. and delicious. It contained some Smirnoff Vanilla and other ingredients, but it tasted like a jolly rancher cheesecake. And i felt very cute. Martini cups are severely awkward, though, aren't they? They're so fragile to hold and I felt like ti was going to spill whenever i picked it up to sip it. I guess I'll have to just get used to that. Oh yes, and (they don't usually do this, but Andrella prompted this) they came out singing when they brought the desserts. I had seen this happen in other restaurants, but never to me. It was excruciatingly embarrassing but I loved it, and the entire restaurant sang along. I felt my face burn and my stomach turn and I felt like a first grader who just tripped up and called their teacher Papa. So embarrassing.
(5)
Amanda T.

Great food, good prices and one of the best service I experienced lately! I was not a big fan of the ambience but if I lived in the area this would be definitely a "go-back." Vegetarian pasta, fried raviolis and bread pudding are a must try. Great drinks as well.
(4)
Hedy B.

The service couldn't be beat, the ambiance was fun, with cards with brain teaser discussion questions on the table, and quotations on the wall, but the big attraction was the food. The salmon was perfectly cooked, exactly as we'd ordered, but one of us has traveled the world in search of the best bread pudding and found it here. The other is a creme brulee devotee and found theirs one of the two or three best ever. They also have a gluten free menu and offered a delicious gluten free roll. We will go back for the gluten free brownie, but it will be hard to decide between that and the creme brulee. The gluten eater thought the house rolls were excellent. We wish we weren't tourists and could make this a regular stop, but plan on going back at least a couple more times during our visit here.
(5)
Bryan P.

this is definitely the place to go in Williamsburg if you're a vegetarian/vegan. if you have to choose, go for breakfast/brunch, and make sure you get the cheddar grit cake with vegetarian gravy. absolutely amazing!
(5)
Julie C.

Food was outstanding and the service was fantastic. Prices were very reasonable. Our waiter made us feel like we were his only guest. He even did some magic tricks for the kids. A GREAT family restaurant. I wish this restaurant was in my home town! It really is that good!
(4)
James A.

Took the whole family there for my wife's 50th birthday dinner. We called ahead, they told us that they didn't take reservations but had call ahead seating and would be ready for us at 7:30. We didn't get seated until 8:15. A little hard with a 3 yr old. I'm not sure if the teenage hostess knew exactly what to do!!! lol The Owner was very apologetic and brought my wife a top shelf birthday drink and came to the table several times making sure we were being taken care of well. The server was excellent for this "high maintenance" crew. (all have been server before) Food was outstanding, we had everything from steak, soups, crab cake and salmon. All were excellent and at reasonable prices. I would recommend to anyone in small groups. just kidding
(4)
Wayne W.

LOML and I got caught in a rain storm during our Historic Williamsburg visit and said lunch is a good idea right now. YELP lead us to this very clean and modern eatery with terrific wait and service staff. She enjoyed the mashed sweet potato, grilled zucchini and lump crab cake...all delicious. I had the the red pepper smoked Gouda soup and side salad...also fresh and delicious. The rolls and sweet breads prior to lunch were fabulous and the constant refill on ice tea much appreciated. The owner swung by to make sure very thing was OK and the restrooms were as clean as can be. Quiz card at the table were fun......highly recommended over all experience.
(4)
Keith H.

We had a great experience. Started with local ales and delicious breads. Entrees were all very good. Loved my jerk chicken breasts--spicy and earthy with a fresh, tropical salsa topping. The pad thai was tasty and the meatloaf delicious. Save room for some bread pudding for desert--it is outstanding! Great staff, very friendly and overall just what we were looking for!
(4)
Kenneth D.

Wow, what a great place from start to finish. The food was great. I had the Thai chicken and my wife had the lightly breaded flounder. We both loved it. Even the kids who had a pasta and a salad loved it, and the kids don't love anything. We were visiting from Brooklyn Ny and know a thing or two about good food. This is a great place that I highly recommend.
(5)
Port D.

It was a relief to come here having been on vacation for a few weeks, to get essentially a home cooked dinner. Good beer, reasonably healthy options for the kids. It's on road with lots of commercial spots and franchise restaurants. This even looks like it is gearing up as a franchise concept and fits right in, except for the decor is really smart, they supply cool books to read at the bar, and it is definitely not a least-common-denominator thing. If you want to get a sense, check out their web site which is accurate.
(5)
Liz W.

We went here based on Yelp reviews. We tried to take a peek at their menu online, but since our laptop doesn't have Adobe acrobat, we weren't able to view it. So taking the cartoon rendering of Ben Franklin on the site as a sign of being veg-friendly (he was a vegetarian himself), we decided to give it a shot. My date didn't like the way it looked on the inside, and seeing a bunch of kids there didn't endear the place to him any more. "Should we go?" he whispered to me right before the hostess addressed us. Being that there were several vegetarian options on the menu, and that most of the other restaurants boast seafood buffets and thick cuts of meaty meat, I said that we should give it a shot. We sat at the bar as we waited, and noticed several other of the bar patrons rolling their eyes and giving each other looks as to the bartender's lack of competence. A few seconds later, I understood where they were coming from. A girl who looked like she was maybe all of 14 asked to see our IDs. Ookay... We're both almost 30, and I think that WE should be seeing YOUR ID. Anyway, she seemed really nervous, as she dropped off our carafe of wine without pouring either of us. Then she asked if we could close out through her. Fine. Swell. We were then taken to our table, and luckily our server turned out to be a fellow vegan, so she was very helpful in navigating the menu. BUT, then she forgot my husband's drink that he ordered. We were willing to cut her a little slack due to veg knowledge. We were going to have a big dinner, the works: soup, a hummus appetizer, and entrees. The squash soup came and it was AMAZING. About ten minutes after we downed it, our server came by and informed us that the hummus was on the way. Ten minutes later, she came by and announced that the hummus was REALLY on its way this time. It arrived about five minutes after that, followed two minutes later by our entrees. So there we were reaching over our entrees to keep eating our hummus. I HATE when the pace is effed up (which it clearly was). While all of this was happening, I heard her apologize to a neighboring table for THEIR food "taking so long." (Just to let you know, we got there around 8pm, so it wasn't during a major rush.) I didn't like my spaghetti squash, but loved my husband's tofu thai dish (so American, huh?), so he was nice enough to trade with me. That and he probably didn't want to watch me poke at my food and pout. Then, when the bill came, we presented the 10% off coupon I'd torn out of one of those tourist coupon books. I didn't notice until today because I let my hubby be the man and take care of the bill, but we weren't credited the 10% (which doesn't include drinks). So it would've knocked off like $5. I just don't feel really good about mediocre food and service when it costs $100. I'd like to give them 2.5 stars, but alas. I'm knocking their rating more than 10% off. Oh yeah. And by the time we got in the car it was almost 10 pm. It would be one thing if we had course after course (like we'd ordered) but with the app and entree coming at basically the same time? No.
(2)
Maria W.

Best food in Williamsburg. Staff is amazing. Loved all the quotations around the restaurant. The food was fresh, healthy, delicious. Many good options. Sorry we found it later in our vacation or we would have eaten there every day! The sweet potato cornbread is yummy!
(5)
C J.

Not impressed! We came because we were given a $50 gift certificate, and even with that big of a discount, it wasn't really worth it! First of all the prices (meals 18-25) certainly don't match the decor, in fact... the decor fits right in with the rest of the pancake houses on this street. But I can forgive that. But the expensive food doesn't match the prices... I can't forgive that! To be fair the bread was very good, I loved the sweet potato corn bread. We had the seared tuna for an appetizer, which was decent (not worth $9). I had the crowned salmon (salmon covered with crab and shrimp, sounds great right?)... but the salmon was overcooked (definitely not worth $22), the sides I had were the squash casserole (decent) and "seasoned green beans" for it to be a southern fusion place I never expected to receive bland French string beans and when i say bland I mean BLAND, to call them "seasoned" on the menu is a terrible overstatement. The rest of my family... my brother had the spaghetti squash, which was decent, but also under seasoned. My mom had the shrimp po boy and she didn't really like it, I didn't taste it. The only redeemer was my Dad's shrimp and grits, but for $16 and with no sides... come on! I don't know who votes in this "best new restaurant" competition, but their food must have been free!
(2)
Jeff H.

We found this restaurant via Yelp and it was wonderful! Travelling with 2 vegetarians can be problematic but it wasn't at FFT. Meanwhile, I had the pot roast and it was incredible. The service was great and we look forward to eating here again.
(5)
Nancy B.

Good food - good service - pleasant staff - would recommend to anyone visiting Williamsburg - loved the trivia on the table
(4)
Mike M.

This place is great. I find it hard to believe there is a better place in town for the price. Eclectic menu so not your standard fair. Seem to be pretty family friendly. I was by myself so I ate at the bar and the bartender was fantastic. Young guy that just started bartending a couple months ago but he was very knowledgeable about the menu. Suggested the ribs and crab cakes so I had the rib apetizer and the crab cake entree. Both were fantastic. The homemade remoulade for the crab cakes was really good. Tried the sweet potato fries with some sort of cinnamon butter sauce (?) and they were pretty good as well. Also have Dogfish on tap!!
(5)
Donna A.

I absolutely love their pot roast. It's tender, seasoned well, and served with two sides. The last time, I tried mashed sweet potatoes and grits. I'm not a grits fan. Nuff said. The mashed sweet potatoes were to die for. They were not heavily seasoned and the taste of the potato came through. They were seasoned enough! Their rolls are soft, warm, and have just the right amount of cheese sprinkled on top. I have also had their fresh asparagus and they were a delight. Not too crunchy, not too soft. Their to go service is fine. Their in restaurant staff is friendly, not overly pushy, and attentive just the right amount.
(4)
Chris S.

Wow, this place is fantastic! Just ate there. Over-ordered. Stuffed, but in a very good way. Started with a delicious roasted red pepper soup. Our table shared the fried ravioli, seared ahi tuna, and caprese salad appetizers (I know - alot of food!). The appetizers were awesome. The hottest wasabi was served with the tuna, over a bed of seaweed, black and white sesame seeds. Was great. Balsamic on the caprese salad must have been the 18 year aged sort - amazing sweet, delicious tomato and mozzarella on arugula and greens, basil in between. Great. Fried ravioli were great, crispy, not greasy, a nice marinara on the side. Ordered the lump crab cake on top of a portabello mushroom, with a slice of provolone melted on top, served over a bed of delicious rice tossed with veggies and tomatoes. The crab meat was lump, tender, delicious. Spinach puree was in the stack. Was out of this world. Didn't have room, but still forced down their vegan chocolate brownies, which had dried cranberries, pecans and chocolate chunks, with vanilla bean ice cream. Was outrageously good. Oh....the cheese rolls and sweet potato bread was awesome. Service was great. Fantastic place. So happy I found it.
(5)
Applebee A.

Inconsistent food quality. I really loved the soups and breads. Pot roast was OK, but not great. Tuna Au poivre had too much pepper and the outside of it was inedible. The apple nachos were stale and not enough apples. Wait for food was really long and service was slow. Took 2 hours to finish dinner. Due to slow service, I would not take kids there.
(3)
E C.

Excellent!! Service, food, atmosphere were all fantastic. Very friendly greeting upon entering. The menu is large with a lot of great choices. My mom, sister, little nephew and I came here and we all ordered something different so we could try several options. The butternut squash soup, beet salad, Bastille grilled cheese (carmelized onions, gruyere cheese and thyme), Mozz, basil and tomato grilled cheese, and cilantro lime chicken were all excellent! Highly recommend!
(5)
Anne D.

Filling, perfectly fine, reasonably priced food. I wouldn't laud them for subtlety or finesse, but after 5 solid hours of walking around Colonial Williamsburg, this non-pretentious place hit the spot. The kids menu was adequate (no hot dogs for those of us suffering through a limited palate phase) but our kids ended up happy. The bread is addictive but resist the second basket since the portions are ample. The pot roast was very good, squash casserole struck me as a bit salty, cheese grits were just fine (no, they werent stone ground), and the panko crusted flounder was very good. Nothing outrageously new but like I said, it hit the spot! And my dad, a Westinghouse retiree truly appreciated the poster devoted to George's smarts. The owner's note on the menu talked about his passion for learning and books and bookstores--and those loves are evident everywhere in the restaurant, much to our delight.
(3)
Kirby H.

SOOOOO delicious!!!! BEST Gluten-free menu EVER!!!! 5 stars IF the kitchen had seen our waiter's special instructions for my finicky son's dish. Other than that wonderful food, wonderful service, wonderful bar and A+++ for the gluten-free selections!!!! Going back before we leave the area to head home. =)
(4)
Chris J.

Food For Thought is overall a pretty good restaurant for the average night out. I always make reservations, but have not seen any long wait times when I go (reservations are always a good idea during tourist season though). I suggest the meatloaf, it's available with either a gravy or tomato sauce and is really good. They have a full bar with a good selection of beers (including local brews). This is a good spot to check out if you're in WBurg, it's good and very affordable.
(4)
D K.

Absolutely great food. Went back two nights in a row. Looking forward to our next trip to Williamsburg.
(5)
Andrea N.

Great selection, variety in the menu - what we ordered was delicious! i also can't speak more highly of the customer service, one of the best of any restaurant that I have ever been to. Our waitress was very friendly, attentive, and made sure we were enjoying our meal. I highly recommend this place and am glad we tried it out when visiting Williamsburg.
(5)
John M.

Very good food and service. Quick with unique options for us and the kids. Do not give out too many 5 stars but this is one.
(5)
Christian L.

My buddy and I were passing through Williamsburg recently, and were recommended this place by the good folks at Williamsburg Ale Werks. We merely stopped in for a drink and some appetizers, and based on what we had, I'd probably go back if I was in town. I don't remember what it was called, but there was an amazing shrimp appetizer that I'd highly recommend. DEFINITELY ask for the bread basket, too. The bar staff was friendly and attentive, and we chatted quite a bit with them. The rest of the place looked to be bustling (even for a Monday night), so I took that as a good sign. Overall, I think it'd be a great place to try again.
(3)
Stephen C.

Very good food, and very nice wait staff and everyone in general. The cilantro lime chicken was great. My son had the pot roast and finished all of his dinner, something he rarely does.
(4)
Ryan A.

Great food, great atmosphere and thought provoking quotations!
(4)
Julie D.

In a sea of pancake houses and chain restaurants, this was a welcome treat. A casual place with great food and good prices. Would definitely go back next time we pass through. It passes this foodies test :-)
(5)
Ennie H.

Pretty darn good meal. We got it to go, and it was still delicious when we got it back home. I had the crab cakes, which were the perfect flavoring, not too salty. The skinny fries were awesome. But my favorite part of the meal was the creamed spinach. So good! First time I have ever had that anywhere, so I'll be looking for it more often now.
(4)
Ashley K.

I came here for dinner with my mom and we both enjoyed our meals. For a starter, we got the hummus. The hummus is enough to 3-4 people. It was very good and was a nice and different start to our meal. There was also corn bread on the table. And it's not that corn bread that falls apart the minute you touch it and clumps to the roof of your mouth, but the good corn bread, that is tasty and slightly moist. For dinner, I got the jerk chicken with broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes and my mom got the ribs. I enjoyed my chicken. It wasn't the type of jerk chicken I was expecting (I didn't have a lot of sauce) and wasn't very spicy, but it was still well made and good. I wish I got the ribs though, because they were out of this world fantastic. The meat slid of the bone with barely touching it and it was perfectly sauced and seasoned. There's a lot of ribs there for one person, so expect leftovers. The service here could have been a little more attentive, but it was a busy Sunday night. I would recommend checking this place out for dinner. It is a little more family oriented, but not overwhelmingly so, it's good for people with older children too.
(4)
Andy G.

I've been here twice, both times the food was great. Make reservations or show up early because there is usually a wait. Their creamed spinach is amazing.
(4)
Queen R.

Five starts are seriously not enough! We loved it here. Even though they were really crowded our food came out in a timely manner. The decor is fun and the place is clean. I went once with my mother and 4 kids. My mom has food allergies (gluten and soy) and they were more than happy to talk to her about which foods were safe for her to eat and accommodate us. Her gluten free roll was wonderful as was mu sweet potato corn bread. We had at our table the meatloaf, the pot roast, the beet salad,and the jerk chicken. The jerk chicken only gets 4 stars but the rest gets all 5. The little shop in the front also has a lot of fun shirts and trinkets.
(5)
Eric D.

Great place to eat!!! Food was awesome and the service was one of the best!!! The atmosphere is a great place to wind down after a day of exploring!!
(5)
Mitch Kim D.

Came into Williamsburg today and had seen about Food for Thought on williamsburg.com . Decided to try it out for dinner. What a quaint little place. Had that nutty chicken and pot roast. Food was very good, service was excellent. Really enjoyed dinner. Would most definately go back.
(4)
Brittany M.

Really enjoyed this place! The food was delicious, couldn't have asked for better. The bread they serve is quite tasty and unconventional, definitely sets them apart. I tried the sweet potato corn bread even though I was skeptical and was pleasantly surprised! Their brain teasers can keep your entire party entertained if you so choose. Just browsing their menu will keep you amused as well! Set up like a book, love it. Our food took a little longer to come out than I would have liked, we went around 3 and there were only two other tables with people at the time; regardless, friendly wait staff and the food made up for it! It was a little pricey for my college-student-budget, but for the quality of the dining it was worth it, and honestly about the normal price range for restaurants in this area, paid about the same price I would have at Red Lobster or Olive Garden to put it in perspective. Overall, good experience!
(4)
Laurie T.

While visiting Williamsburg we chose Food for Thought because of its gluten free menu. My teenage daughter has Celiac Disease. We both ordered from the gluten free menu so we could share. Both meals -- ribs and a pasta dish with artichoke hearts and wild mushrooms -- were fabulous. I'd order both again and I don't have to eat gluten free. My daughter didn't get sick either so the restaurant knows what they are doing in terms of cross contamination. Wish we lived closer.
(5)
Joe P.

We waited more than an hour for a table at this unassuming restaurant a short drive from Colonial Williamsburg, but it was definitely worth it. The menu ran six pages, from comfort foods like meatloaf and chicken to local seafood like shrimp and crabcake. My bacon-wrapped scallops were terrific, and my wife's pot roast was fantastic. We topped it off with a chocolate raspberry torte that was out of this world. The atmosphere is fun and kid-friendly, and the service was great. An outstanding alternative to the chain restaurants in the Williamsburg area.
(4)
Stephanie M.

This is a review for their breakfast. WHY DO I LIVE SO FAR AWAY?!!! Our whole party had trouble deciding between the offerings because everything looked so good! Everyone was totally satisfied with what they ordered. The menu is fresh, not your usual tourist whole of buttery pancakes over flowing with syrup and piles of bacon with loads of cheese and lard. I ordered the Sir Isaac Newton omelette. It looked like it was a mix of whole egg with maybe an extra egg white or two added in. Apples with bacon and brie. I love the unusual flavor combo. I selected grits over breakfast potatoes and a crumpet as my bread choice. These grits were AWESOME! I had to hide my bowl from my husband so he wouldn't steal them. The crumpet was a nice break from a regular English muffin. Their freshly squeezed OJ is money. They give you a bag of beignets for the table free. If you'd like more you can pay for 6 or 12 more. Our server was super nice. We got in about 9:30am on a Sunday in the off season and seemed to miss the start of the breakfast rush. If you get a chance to try this place out, please do so! My husband and I can't wait for a reason to go back to Williamsburg so we can go here for breakfast again.
(5)
Timorah B.

I love this place for lunch. Went to dinner there for the first time and was a little disappointed that some of my favorite items aren't available for dinner. The creativity just wasn't there on the dinner menu. I had the shrimp and grits, which was great, but ironically very similar to the version I make myself, so I wasn't overly impressed by it. I'll definitely be back for lunch (and the occasional breakfast) but I'll likely skip dinner in the future.
(4)
Stephen H.

We have been coming to Colonial Williamsburg for over 20 years. Today we discovered Food for Thought! Well think about this! Your culinary education is not complete unless you come experience Chef Alfred's exquisite dishes. If you truly "eat with your eyes" you would be satisfied before you started. However that's only the teaser. Every bite of my shrimp and grits had distinct flavors dancing around my mouth competing for my attention. The bread pudding topped everything off perfectly with its sweet yummimess! We couldn't have any better waitress then Veronica. She was attentive, prompt, and delightful.
(5)
Zaimah H.

Delicious food. Great atmosphere. Excellent service. Will definitely return next time in town.
(5)
Laura B.

We loved the desserts! Ice cream, caramelized apples, key lime pie, or Nutella strawberry crepe! The apple chutney was awesome on the salmon. The salmom was overdone. The kids meatloaf was not typical but pretty good.
(4)
Tiffany D.

Nick, the good runner was absolutely amazing! He drew pictures for our son on the table and talked to him about drawing. Our waitress was wonderful with great insight, and to top it off the food was incredible!!! From appetizers all the way to the dessert! We are even considering staying in Williamsburg an extra day JUST to try out their breakfast menu (only on Saturdays and Sundays). Kudos for hiring wonderful staff who make a wonderful impression (I know my son will continue to talk about this experience- he's 9) and my husband and I will never forget the food!!!
(5)
Jennell S.

Went to Food for thought based off of Yelp reviews. I read that they boasted about having pot roast that was to die for and you know what... They're right! I had the pot roast w/ creamed spinach and grilled zucchini as well as a Bells beer based out of Williamsburg. It was so good....I ate it before I realized I forgot to take a picture of the meal...forgive me fellow Yelpers!
(4)
Clark G.

Is the food the best I've had in Williamsburg? Sure it is. But you know what? This is the first restaurant I've ever been to that i want to keep coming back to based largely on the service. You just don't realize how good GOOD service can be. And every time I've been to Food for Thought (a dozen or so times now), I'm just so darn impressed with the wait staff. I went in today and had Brian wait on me. I can't remember the last time I was so impressed by a waiter, and I've been in some pretty fancy-pants eating establishments. Nice guy, courteous, and knows his stuff.
(5)
Nick P.

Great spot! Great food! Fun place. Family reunion (pot roast and meatloaf) is great! If you just want one, would recommend the pot roast. Sweet potato fries and mashed potatoes are delicious. Had bites of other peoples food at my table when we go and it's all been good!!
(5)
Eric W.

My family and i are in town visiting for the first time. The wait was about an hour. The service was awful except for a blonde haired manager who was doing the job of our waitress. I have no idea what the waitresses name was since she never introduced herself...moving onto the food... Ice tea: watered down...basically brown water Meatloaf & potroast combo: wife got this. terrible terrible terrible. potroast meat was chewy and took awhile to swallow. meatloaf was bland, dry and basically tasteless except for the tomato sauce. ribs: it was pretty evident the ribs were a day or two old and some brown sauce was slathered on. the sauce is not very tasty. i would not recommend this dish. Do not recommend and will never repeat. Definitely could have done better at a chain restaurant.
(1)
Renee T.

Awesome....just awesome! Do yours stomach a favor and feed it some Food For Thought.
(5)
Anna L.

AMAZING. That's all I have to say. My friends and I stopped by on our last night in Williamsburg. It took roughly 20 - 30 minutes before we were seated. You know you made a good choice when locals and tourists are waiting to eat there. I had ribs and it was perfectly cooked. I loved everything about the dish. My friends also enjoyed their food, but we all agreed that the ribs were number 1. The service was great. Towards the end of the meal, the manager even came out to check up on everyone. Needless to say, next time I am in town, you will find me stopping by Food for Thought.
(5)
Lisa M.

If you only have time for one meal in Williamsburg, make it here. I had the mussels and they were incredible! Paired with a side salad and a glass of wine, this meal was tops! The service was and friendly, and the bread basket was delish. The meal was worth every penny and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
(5)
Julio P.

Some of the best sweet tea in the burg. The menu is amazing and has great variety the food has always been great. We have been three times and am going back.
(4)
Robert L.

Great service and great food! We sat at the bar and chatted with the bartender Pavlin. He was very friendly and took special care of us. I had the "Crab-A-Bella"and she had the "the Best of Both Worlds". Loved it! We will be back!
(5)
Ro D.

Came back here 3 yrs later just to see if this place would still hold up to my expectations. Well it absolutely does. I Had breakfast AND came back for dinner, it's that good! Bonus - Vegan / vegetarian friendly!
(5)
Beneeta D.

An independent restaurant located in-between the usual big name chains that is packed on a Monday night must be good right? Yup! Food for Thought has a well thought (ha ha) out menu with something for everyone. I had the shrimp and grits and it was a HUGE serving. I barely ate half of it and was stuffed, definitely worth the money. For dessert (because I had a coupon) was bread pudding...so good. Note: They have a small parking lot and apparently jealous neighbors who will tow anyone who parks in the empty lots next door, but there are lots of sign to make sure you're aware of that.
(5)
Jeff S.

From the outside, this looks like yet another tourist restaurant, filled with mediocre food and indifferent wait staff, with a business plan based on "Haha, you have nowhere else to go..." The food is fairly standard American (meat loaf, pot roast, ribs), but done very well with generous proportions. To "save room for dessert", we ordered (for 3 adults/2 tweenagers) the "family reunion" (pot roast and meatloaf), an appetizer salad, the rib appetizer; the kids also got kids meals (which included some of the better options, including ribs). For dessert: strawberry and nutella crepes (the special) and creme brulee, both of which fell into the "good, though not exceptional" category; bread pudding (very good, and even my wife---who doesn't generally like bread pudding---enjoyed it); and "apple nachos" (highly recommended). (Our plan to "save room for dessert" almost worked...we had just a little too much food...) Definitely a place we'll get back to, next time we're in town.
(4)
Julie S.

Wonderful wonderful wish we had found this restaurant years ago. Everything we had from appetizers to main course was fantastic. Portions are very large. If you get a chance pop in here for a meal you won't regret it.
(5)
Roger S.

Come to Williamsburg often, unfortunately this evening was the first time that we dined here. The waitress was good and knew the menu. The appetizers were good and came out quickly. The oysters were very fresh. The entrees came out right on time and were very good. The portions are generous as well. Been coming to Williamsburg for at least 10 years and this is the best dinner we have had on the strip. Will probably be there in the morning for breakfast.
(5)
K T.

Boyfriend and I went here for dinner on a Saturday night, Memorial Day weekend. We went largely due to the excellent reviews, and our desire to avoid chain restaurants while traveling. We weren't disappointed. We were able to park pretty easily, though we lucked out with someone just leaving. When we checked in, they said it would be a 40 minute wait for two, but they happened to have two seats at the bar. Of course, we jumped all over that. Best decision ever. The bar staff was super friendly and attentive. Right away we had menus, drinks and delicious rolls and sweet potato cornbread. Both just melted in your mouth. I'm not a huge drinker, so my go to drink tends to be a fuzzy navel (always served with the "seriously?!?" Look from bartenders). I'm weird, I like my alcohol to taste like juice. Anyways, I ordered one and no bar ever serves or makes it the same, this time it was a pleasant surprise. She fresh squeezed the orange juice and it absolutely completely changed the drink for the better. Better flavor, better texture, better everything. I admit, I felt a smidge bad for ordering more than one, since she had to juice the oranges every time, but they were so good, I couldn't resist. We ordered the fried ravioli bites for appetizer. So delicious. We both ordered Grandma's meatloaf, him with the steamed broccoli and sweet potato fries, mine with the mashed potatoes and the peas and corn mix. He absolutely loved his, and scarfed it down. I loved the mashed potatoes, but the meatloaf wasn't for me. It was good, but in my mind, not how meatloaf should be. I don't know if they had it at the tables, but at the bar they had little boxes with all kinds of trivia cards in it. We really enjoyed reading the cards and playing against each other while we waited for our food to arrive. On the front door of the restaurant, there is a sign warning about how the neighboring restaurants will tow if you park in their lots. It gave us a good giggle, but you could definitely understand it. Food for Thought was jam packed while the place next door was a ghost town. Jealously definitely can't be helping their business. This is a fantastic place, and if you're in Williamsburg, definitely check it out. If you have a big party, try calling ahead though as it seemed to stay pretty full late into the evening.
(5)
Sherwin L.

Wonderful! I ordered the crab cakes and my wife ordered the flounder sandwich. The crab cakes were full of lump crab meat, and were lightly seasoned. The best that I have had in a long while. The fish in my wife's sandwich was moist and flavorful. The crab bisque was exceptional. What a wonderful lunch!!!!!!
(5)
Jane S.

Overrated and overpriced. We waited 30 minutes for a table and another 5 for our waiter to take our drinks. He was unfriendly and awkward - didn't say hello, just asked what we want to drink while he fiddled with his iPad. We ordered DaVinci dippers for our appetizer and they were generic as it gets. I've had better frozen mozzarella sticks. I ordered the meatloaf, red skinned mashed potatoes, and asparagus. Potatoes were to die for and the highlight of my experience. Meatloaf was decent. Asparagus was not cooked properly and underseasoned, and the lemon sauce was odd. Overall we were not too impressed but will probably try once more before writing them off for good.
(2)
Marlon T.

I got a quick bite here after visiting out the Jamestown Settlement. I was sort of the only person in the bar area so I had a lot of attention. I went with the fork tender pot roast and a local brew. They were both good and my stomach was happy--ready for the rest of the day which would include Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. The 2 sides I got were also good. I like the name of the restaurant and I would recommend coming here for homely food before/after/in between sightseeing this historical area.
(4)
Jose D.

Not bad place...service was good. Prices were good. I would go back and try something else. Crab cake was great, po boy sand was good. Muscles were good with bread enough to soak up the sauce. But good not great....if u are in williamsburg go here not to a chain.
(3)
Jenny H.

Just came here tonight, and thought the service was excellent and food was great! The owner is really nice and makes you feel right at home. And they have thought-provoking game cards on the tables. Their hot bread (warm cheese bun and sweet potato corn bread) in the beginning were really fresh and good. I also got their veggie bisque served hot with a nice spice to it, very tasty! I got their "the nutty chicken" which is a chicken cutlet entrusted with pistachio, pan fried, with mashed potatoes and green beans. It was a bit dry for my taste but the pistachio flavor was a nice touch. My husband got their meatloaf and pot roast combo with sides of sweet potato fries and cheesy grits. The meatloaf with the tomato sauce was good, and so were the thick-cut crinkle sweet potato fries (served with a sweet brown sugar dipping sauce). The pot roast was OK. Great ambience, good food!
(4)
Vlad H.

Stopped here with the family while visiting colonial Williamsburg and the Yelp recommendations did not steer us wrong. Service: Attentive, nice and helpful servers = 5 stars Atmosphere: Great casual dining, kids friendly = 4 stars Food: Everything we ordered was great. The mussels were awesome. One off the best I have had. = 5 stars 4 stars overall
(4)
Mrs H.

Pretty good the corn bread was awesome
(4)
Whitney P.

My friend and I came here on a Friday night of Easter weekend. We arrived at 9:00 pm and were told it would be a 45 minute wait for two. We decided to stay and sit at the bar to have a drink. We only waited about 15 or 20 minutes before we were seated. The bread basket was good but not the most amazing bread I have ever had. The menu is huge and it took us forever to decide on our food. I had a salad special and their house vegetable bisque. Both were very tasty and the dressing was amazing. There was a ton of fruit on it and it was all fresh...no canned junk. The vegetable bisque had a spicy kick and I could pretend it was healthy since it was vegetables. I would say the prices reflected the quality of food and service. My only complaint is there was no atmosphere. The have cheesy quotes written on the walls but I would for sure eat here again!
(4)
Denise G.

Margarita and comfort food! What better!
(4)
Jeffrey H.

Went with a group of 4 and the whole experience was amazing. They were very welcoming and the food was amazing. Al the staff was nice and helpful. I loved it.
(5)
Insatiableone B.

Awesomeness!! Thats all you need to know, great service, GREAT food, GREAT drinks...dont think about it...just pull your car into the parking lot!
(5)
Tricia M.

Family spent a week in Williamsburg and we tried this place for lunch - was such a great experience (both food and service) we returned for dinner a few days later. Pot roast and pistachio chicken were our faves.
(5)
Crystal L.

The best gluten free breakfast we've ever had!! The managers were very courteous and the staff was incredible!
(5)
Connie P.

Great place!! Went here for Valentine's Day. We had preferred seating, but still had about a half hour wait. While we were waiting, one of the servers came through and passed out stuffed mushrooms. Such a great gesture! At the waitress's suggestion, we ordered the shrimp boat appetizer. Delicious! For dinner, I had the NY strip and my husband had the eggplant parm. Both were great. I would definitely come back!
(4)
Chris G.

Went here on a recommendation from hotel we're staying at in around here. We didn't make a reservation and we were let right in although they were busy. We ordered 3 entrees, kid's mac/cheese and mussels as an appetizer. The mussels were supposed to be for me but my 3 1/2 year old decided she wanted them instead. My entrÃ©e (Thai One On) was ok but my wife and her Mom enjoyed their entrees a lot (Pistaccio Chicken and Shrimp Po Boy). I made fun of my wife for ordering a Po Boy outside of New Orleans but she liked it so I guess that's all that matters. We'd go back when back in the area next time.
(4)
Gluten F.

Don't be fooled by their menu. This is NOT A GLUTEN FREE RESTAURANT. I went here because their web site says they have gluten free items and they "take food allergies seriously". I told the waitress about My allergy to gluten, confirmed their chicken Was cooked on clean grill,.... The manager even came to our table to confirm everything would be prepared gluten free. I had the gluten free jerk chicken, grilled zucchini, and gluten free brownie. It ruined my trip to Williamsburg. The stomach pain started 1 hour after I left the restaurant. I was sick for 3 days. There is a difference between people who get sick from gluten and people who just want to avoid gluten. Restaraunts that cannot prepare truly gluten free items, should not advertise that they can.
(1)
Carol H.

I love this place! My boyfriend and I stayed in the Williamsburg area for the weekend, and decided to give this place a try. Upon arriving, we were told that the wait was going to be about 45 minutes, but it was far less than that. We were seated and greeted by a very attentive waiter. We ordered some drinks and an appetizer. My boyfriend ordered the beer flight and he enjoyed it very much (see pic); I ordered the Key Lime Martini and enjoyed it as well. For an appetizer, we got the Da Vinci Dippers; they were okay. My bf ordered the Portabella Stack, he is not a vegetarian but he loves mushrooms. He really enjoyed his food and specifically told me to tell fellow yelpers that he rated it 5 stars (See, dear, I told you I would do it!) I ordered the steak with merlot butter, a side of cheese grits and asparagus with lemon butter. It was YUMMY! Everything! And, as everyone else already stated the bread (both the corn bread and rolls) were AWESOME! The next morning we decided to give this a place a try for breakfast. Again, they did NOT disappoint! The ambience was awesome, the food was great and the service was exceptional! You will not be disappointed. :)
(5)
Jennifer G.

Looking for a place for dinner and the hotel recommended this place. There was a 15 minute wait for 2 people at 4 on a Saturday in Spring. Tshirts and books for sale in waiting area. We were seated in less than 15 minutes. Menu is not complicated. For an appetizer we had the hummus platter. Carrots, cucumbers, etc., all brought out different favors of the hummus. Delish!!! For dinner, I chose pot roast with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach and my husband ordered California BLT with a side of Jasmine rice. My first bite of pot roast was amazing! It wasn't salty as I had anticipated, not even the gravy. Potatoes and spinach were just as great! My husband's sandwhich was awesome too! Some restaurants have flat soda, not here! :) Creme brÃ»lÃ©e for dessert was yummy! There are thinking cards on the table meant to start conversations and definitely make you think. I like the cards about justice. Staff was attentive and friendly. I am sad we live far away and can't come here more often. Food is THE best!
(5)
Kathy B.

Great breakfast. Fried grit cake with sausage gravy was delicious. The crepes with Nutella and banana was light but filling. Service was excellent. The only downside were the beignet bites. They were tough and not at all airy. Will definitely come back next time we're in Williamsburg.
(4)
Shane C.

This is a must in Williamsburg! A very nice and relaxing dining area and bar setting. Plenty of healthy options and variety. Highly recommended and a dollar well spent!
(5)
Jim R.

Interesting menu, very hard to make a choice. Colonial sandwich was excellent, as was the apple desert. Enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant. Service was very good.
(4)
Nicole F.

Found it here on Yelp! I wanted to eat at a non-chain restaurant and this place got great reviews...and I know why. Great menu selections. The hardest part was deciding what to order. I started out with a cup of their home made spicy black eyed pea soup. I had the grilled Portobello mushroom sandwich which was served on a Ciabatta bread roll. I had them add a grilled chicken breast to that so I can get some protein in there. Along with my sandwich came sweet potato fries with a brown sugar butter for dipping. Ummm....wow! Those two combinations were SO yummy! Not the healthiest for sure, but what the heck...you only live once! The boys had meatloaf with fries and brown gravy and of course a cheeseburger. When they eat everything on their plates, that's a good sign. I highly recommend stopping here for a bite if your in the area!!
(5)
LaVette M.

Very Good Food My family went for dinner on a Friday and thought the service was good and the food very tasty. I was under the weather, so they brought me back takeout to our hotel. The food was very nicely packaged with all the required condiments and utensils. The rolls and cornbread were fresh and tasty. The cobb salad was prepared well and the honey mustard dressing that came on the side was very good. I also had the flourless chocolate cake. It was really tasty. My family thought the cost of the meal was quite fair for what was served. We would definitely go again if we are in the Williamsburg area.
(4)
Jennifer V.

It's actually a 3.5, but I rounded up. My family and I got the Crab-a-Bella, meatloaf, the Nutty Chicken, the Cilantro Lime Chicken, and the pasta special. The Crab-a-Bella was drenched in cheese, which ruined the crab cake for me. The portabello mushroom was actually much better than the crab cake. The jasmine mushroom rice was a bit dry. The Nutty Chicken's sauce was very good but the chicken itself was just alright. The rest of the meals were well-made, but nothing spectacular. The high point was the service which was very good and fast. Overall: Clean, fast, friendly, OK food, and the quirkiness was cute.
(4)
Bianca B.

It was just okay. We drove 45 minutes and I don't think we will do that again. Our young male waiter was so overwhelmed we had to keep asking him for the bread/cornbread we heard about... he then says oh yea I can get you some I've been so busy. Really? The Hickory Salmon was fresh, but lacked any flavor, I must say the sear on it was impressive but surprisingly had no taste. The cheese grits were like a scoop of school mashed potatoes... not creamy at all! Squash casserole was too eggy and had a weird aftertaste---NOT GOOD! The mimosa had cheap champagne. All in all NOT GOOD just okay. Didnt even take the leftover food home.
(3)
Mitsothea T.

Out of this world food, awesome atmosphere and friendly service. The shrimp and grits is a must try, the crab-a-Bella is delicious, the mussels is necessary and the shrimp boat is just as awesome.
(5)
Mari S.

This place is fantastic. Reasonably priced. Food is great service is wonderful. A truly enjoyable experience for the senses
(5)
Lance D.

Absolutely outstanding service and food. Wow, first night in town and this was an excellent diner. We will definitely return.
(5)
Distinguished T.

Had dinner on April 2. Ordered the special - Grilled Flounder. The sides were sweet potato fries and grits which were great. The server - Pavlin was very knowledgeable. I thought the flounder was a little bland and I could taste the salt water. The manager came around (didn't catch her name) and I told her what I thought. She immediately offered the baked version of the flounder at no cost. I took her up on the offer and was worth the additional wait. Excellent customer service. I would give the food 4 stars, however the customer service gives this a 5 star experience.
(5)
Tracie C.

Loved this place! I just wish I wasn't so tired from being on the road to truly enjoy it. Our server DJ, was very through and informative about the menu and the restaurant. The sweet potato cornbread was a hit. I ordered off the specials menu, the acorn squash stuffed with the rice, grains, dried cranberries (and other stuff I forgot) drizzled with a brown sugar cream. Wow... it was really good. I mean.. really really good. They have a veggie kids dish that made me very happy to see. My kid is a veggie nerd and unfortunately you don't see dishes like to catered to kids. Hubby went for the meatloaf and was very happy. It tasted homemade with chunks of peppers and onions. Although we were full, hubby insisted on the apple nachos.... it was a hit. Such a creative dish that tasted just as wonderful as it looked. We will be heading back to Williamsburg in the near future and this place will be on our 'to-do' list. NOTE: I don't think it's advertised, but if you check in on Yelp, you get a 5% discount.
(5)
Lindsay B.

We fed 5 people for a late lunch on under $100 (including tip). everyone was satisfied with their heaping plates of food and the atmosphere was great. This place is great! The sweet potato corn bread and Parmesan cheese bread was heavenly. I can't wait to go back again.
(5)
Andie C.

Great gluten-free options & very accomodating. Crab chowder is delicous as well pot roast. Wide arrange of comfort food, salads, veges, and pasta dishes.
(4)
Kelly T.

Our travel softball team came to Williamsburg for the World Series July 2013. We wanted to find a restaurant that would accomodate 15 girls and their families. It needed to offer an variety of food for everyone. Food for Thought did just this. I called that afternoon and reserved enough space for 36 people. The staff was awesome, the food outstanding, and the price was just right. We all felt welcomed and had an enjoyable meal!
(5)
Alex C.

Great food and great atmosphere! Love the sweet potato corn bread.
(5)
Discerning T.

The bread beforehand is good, but not all that. The food is excellent, with a wide and imaginative selection, as well as classic choices for kids. Everyone in my group was very pleased with their meals, from the good but somewhat over-rated bread, to the soup, salad, excellent choice of sides, entrees, and desert. Additionally, the service was exceptional - fast, attentive, and very friendly. Will definitely return here next time I'm in the area.
(4)
Misty Y.

Amazing. We are on vacation and we wanted to go here for dinner during our first night in town but there was a long wait so we went somewhere else that night. Tried again the next night but called ahead prior to our arriving so our wait time was cut in half. Family went to the bar (the bartender told us it was ok for our little guy to sit at the bar which is nice because waiting space was limited). I had a draft and husband ordered a mixed drink. We got the kiddos water but the missed drink was forgotten. Bartender came back over a few minutes later and remembered so husband got the drink on the house (he explained he just had a long day and his brain was fried!) I appreciated his honesty. When we were seated, our waiter arrived quickly and was prepared to take our entire order (I guess most know what they want when they sit down due to the wait) but was perfectly fine with giving us a bit to browse - I can be very indecisive. Husband had the pad thai dish, he liked it. I had the shrimp and grits, 86 shrimp sub chicken. Delicious. Unfortunately our little guy got sick - he wasn't feeling himself prior to us going - and our waiter was very helpful in getting our check and getting us out quickly. We are on vacation and I typically don't like to visit a restaurant twice when we are visiting but I am VERY tempted to come again!!
(5)
Brian T.

Delicious food! Best restaurant in town for vegetarians and gluten free people. Try the ultimate vegetarian with the creamy sun dried tomato sauce!
(5)
K L.

Wow!!! This place is amazing. I was in town 15 min before checking yelp to see where I should eat. When I asked the hotel desk attendant how to get here, he said I made a fabulous choice. I would have given the customer service 6 stars if I could have. Their servers are top notch, very patient and explain the menu well. They start you with parmesan rolls and sweet potato corn bread. Yum. We had 5 different meals, all were great. A little pricier than I expected, but the food was great, so I won't dwell on that. A must eat at place if you are in town.
(5)
Erin C.

This is kind of annoying, I'm certain I've already written a review but I guess I haven't. Went here with the family ladies on Black Friday. Our server was really nice and the food was good. I liked all the inspiring quotes on the walls. Did I mention the food was good? It was. Really good. I don't even remember what I had and it was good. Nice selection of vegetarian food too!
(4)
Beth O.

Been coming here for a few years when I am in town for work. I have never, ever had a bad meal. Staff is friendly, prices reasonable, delicious food!
(4)
Sarelyn R.

Food For Thought is a charming restaurant that my family and I went to after a day of touring colonial Williamsburg and riding on roller coasters all day. I would expect a restaurant with a provocative name like Food For Thought to come with some sort of intellectual catch - quirky menus, good conversations with waiters and waitresses, maybe even some interactive puzzles or trivia. It's to my delight to say that this restaurant went beyond all these expectations. The language arts fan in me went crazy upon stepping into these doors. What specifically stood out to me? First off, the menu. The menu is meant to read as a storybook, and it's pretty self-explanatory what the different chapters are, but it's still very self-gratifying to guess and then see you're right. The "prologue" lists a variety of several different appetizers, and from there the chapters graze through vegetarian selections, seafood selections, et cetera. Desserts can be appropriately found under the label "Endnotes." Second, the intellectual stimulation. Each table can be found with a stack of "brainteaser" cards that serve as a great way to pass the time while waiting for your food. Not that you really need them - you can easily be preoccupied looking at all the quotes on the wall, checking out the book titles lining the walls of the restaurant (Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand caught my eye) or scanning the menu over and over again. Third, the staff. My order originally came with a side salad, not broccoli. I can't eat very many salad dressings, so when I opted to switch to the broccoli - my server not only let me at no additional cost, she tipped me off to the lunch price at dinnertime...so I ended up paying a lesser amount for about twice as much food. My dad ordered a mojito and didn't like the type of mint that was put in, so the staff not only switched it out for him, but the owner came out twice personally to apologize and made sure the rest of the meal was satisfactory for us. Fourth, the food. I personally ordered the cilantro-lime chicken complete with mushroom jasmine rice and freshly steamed broccoli. As someone with a sulfite intolerance, I was pleased to find out that not only does this restaurant use only natural ingredients, they take food allergies very seriously. When I asked if there was red wine vinaigrette in my cilantro-lime sauce and my dad asked if his tuna was sushi-grade, the servers responded quickly and swiftly and the answers turned out in our favor. The meal was great - actually fresh, a perfect portion that left my stomach brimming slightly and very, very flavorful. No grease. Overall, highly recommended. When my dad was asking for recommendations from locals about where to eat, this was the highest contender with a caveat that it was slightly touristy. I've seen my fair share of tourist places, and this restaurant didn't garner that impression - the atmosphere was bustling and vibrant but in a serene way. Will look for this type of restaurant where I live. The closest thing that I have been to near me like this is Henry's Hat in Los Angeles.
(5)
Robin L.

Really great menu and diverse options. I appreciated all of the vegetarian options. I ordered the fish and chips and the fish was a bit on the greasy side, but the cup of veggie soup was fantastic! I would definitely recommend this to others visiting Williamsburg.
(4)
Chas C.

We just had a fantastic experience at Food for Thought this evening. Arrived a little before 6 pm, so only a 10-minute wait. Great Pumpkin Ales to start, then the great cornbread while waiting, also enjoying the fun game cards on the table. My wife's padthai "Thai One On" was proclaimed the best ever, very balanced flavors, heightened by the fresh lime juice -- she allowed me one taste to confirm. I had the Pot Roast with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli. The meat was wonderfully flavorful, very home style goodness. Mashed sweet potatoes also great, I noticed being enjoyed also by other diners around me. Finished off by sharing a pumpkin cheesecake which we tried to analyze how it could be so light--highlighted by cinnamon and sweetness--maybe one of the best desserts I've ever had. Very attentive service throughout. A perfect dining experience.
(5)
Amanda L.

I went to this place in 2008 on a vacation with my family. I heard good things about it so I wanted to try it out. I enjoyed the little trivia cards they had on the table, I like when restaurants have little things like that to do to break the ice. It was a while ago, but I remember their cheesy shrimp and grits to be the bees knees, so much so that it got my mom crazy about duplicating the recipe, so I can thank Food For Thought for having some more tasty cheesy shrimp grits homemade over the past couple years. I'm very surprised at some of the low star reviews, but I am going again to Williamsburg next week, so I guess we can try it out and see if they have really gone downhill. At least a couple years ago, they were fantastic!
(4)
John C.

Nice atmosphere, interesting menu, interesting food. The quality is pretty high, food is not overcooked. They do simple food, but done very interestingly. It has a bit of that brooklyn hipster vibe. If you like that then this place is for you.
(4)
Beach B.

Pot roast and flounder were excellent. Great selection of sides, the sautÃ©ed spinach was fresh and tasty. Bread pudding dessert was very good, it is generous portion great for sharing. Service was prompt and friendly. We arrived about 5:45 and were seated immediately. When we left there was a line out the door.
(4)
Paul N.

Great spot tasty food and great service. Ribs are amazing. Love the quotes and friendly staff.
(5)
Olivia R.

I came here for an early dinner with my hubbie and brother. There was only one other table with customers, so I can't speak to the atmosphere during regular meal hours, but the decor was clean and inviting. Our server was friendly, polite, and attentive. The food was fantastic! We ordered the seared ahi and the shrimp boats (potato skins topped with crispy shrimp that were tossed in remoulade) to start. The ahi was good, and the shrimp boats were super delicious! For our entrees, we had chicken pad thai, meatloaf with choice of two sides, and spaghetti squash (tossed in a pesto and served in the squash hull over a bed of mushroom jasmine rice). We loved the entrees we ordered, and the portions were extremely generous. Also, the complimentary bread basket had sweet cheesy rolls and a pumpkin (maybe sweet potato?) corn bread that I couldn't stop nibbling. We enjoyed a great meal with good service. We'll definitely return to sample more items off their diverse (but not overwhelming) menu.
(4)
Amy Y.

We thoroughly enjoyed this place. Geeat kids menu too. Excellent service and atmosphere at reasonable price. Shrimp and grits- YUM. Sweet potato fries also delish. Definitely eating here next time we are in town.
(5)
tegen d.

Very nice lunch here. Bit expensive, but fresh and tasty. Good service. Will visit again.
(4)
Traci C.

While on a recent trip with the inlaws to Williamsburg, we decided to stop at Food for Thought based on Yelp reviews and a friend's recommendation. It's located on a strip with a ton of restaurants and I wouldn't neccessarily have chosen it had I not know the yummy things that awaited within their doors! Our family of four ordered from the weekday lunch menu. Our choices included the meatloaf with gravy (for three of us) and the cilantro lime chicken. The sides that we chose were creamed spinach, mashed sweet potato, cole slaw, redskin mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli. All of the dishes were flavorful, the meatloaf and the chicken were moist, and the portions were perfect. We were surprised to find out (at least in the case of the meatloaf) that the dinner portion was only 2 oz. more for close to $5. So we just went for the lunch portion instead and it was a perfect amount. As other reviewers have mentioned, the bread brought to the table at the beginning was delicious although our family was partial to the parmasan cheese rolls over the sweet potato cornbread. Service was kind and efficient, the ambience was comfortable and the prices were very reasonable. We definitely plan on stopping in on our next trip to Williamsburg!.
(4)
Marcia T.

This restaurant has an excellent gluten free menu with lots of excellent choices! This is the first restaurant that actually served me gluten free dinner rolls. They also have several great gluten free desserts. Even the non-gluten free selections are great. We will be stopping here again on our next trip to Williamsburg.
(4)
Paul S.

Great place just outside of Colonial WB
(4)
Traci W.

This review is long, but worth it. It includes reviews for 3 different meal times. Please see additional reviews near bottom of page: First time @ the location, for dinner: Dish 1: Baked Eggplant Marinara Dish 2: Portabella Stack Both these dishes were full & so delicious it's difficult to describe. Beautiful and full of flavor. Dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake w/Creme Fraische. So smooth, so creamy, so real and homemade. The atmosphere is loud but it really seems to stem from the fact that they're always packed. (We were sitting next to a loud party too so idk just how much that affected thenoise factor). Our staff member was a young man named Pavlin and he was super; Helpful w/specials and the menu questions, very attentive. Anya (though I'm unsure of her role) was also attentive, generous and kind. We had questions regarding the how and why of the varied menu, the % of patrons that were tourists or locals and how they make it work. For a slamming Friday night (Chesapeake Bay Oysters are the Friday night special, brought in fresh around 3-4pm ever week) I can't believe she took so much time to answer our questions. When we walked in, our wait was 25-30min. We almost didn't stay but decided to anyway. We were thinking it must be great considering there were so may people waiting before us and not complaining. When does that happen? We're so glad we waited because it turns out, since it was just the two of us, and another 2persons left, we were seated in 8min. We really enjoyed the food and the atmospheres so much, we sure wish we hadn't waited to eat here until 2 nights before we leave back to FL. because this place could easily have become "our place." Varied menu to include Vegetarian and Gluten-free menus. We will be hitting them up for breakfast tomorrow! In the area? Check'em out! ****We did return the next day for lunch and Jen was our waitress and enjoyed Dish (1) Roasted Veggie Bisque w/ a Tuscany Grilled Cheese Sandwich & Dish (2) Roasted Veggie Bisque w/ (I can't remember the name of the grilled cheese sandwich I had, but it was a caramelized onions, mushrooms and gruyere cheese). The bisque was, of course, delicious even though I was afraid to try it at first and my husband and I shared half of each sandwich. Both were very delicious as well. There was so much flavor in each item and again I point out that today, it's difficult to find that. ****The last morning in town, we stopped in for a hearty breakfast, Daniel was our waiter. We started w/ their All Natural Juices of Red Bison Power Start-it was so tasty & since we juice at home, it was a nice "Ahhhhh" moment. We also received a complimentary bag of Beignets. OH!, the Beignets!! I've had these @ a local place in FL & just have never been a fan (they seemed large and too sloppy). However, the ones @ Food for Thought were perfect because they were almost bite size so powdered sugar didn't go "all over the place," namely your clothes-I know you all know what I'm talking about. Dish (1) Sir Isaac Newton's Omelet w/a side of Crumpet & Fried Grit Cake. Dish (2) Tofu Scramble w/a side of House Potatoes covered in their wonderful Vegetarian Sausage & Gravy. I really cannot, once again, describe how delicious these dishes were. There really are no proper words. Just trust me, go taste it for yourself. The staff, from the front door, waiter/waitress through to the kitchen were all very kind, smiling and wonderful. Even though it seemed some never left, ever LOL! **The owner stopped by our table after breakfast; as we got to speaking, we shared with him that we would not be disappointed if they opened one in FL! He was very gracious and a soft spoken man who thoroughly enjoys seeing his patrons happy. He did ask me, after learning we'd been for each mealtime, what our favorite dish was and I told him what I tell you "it's impossible to say. It's the first time that I, myself, have ever returned to a restaurant because I was driven to taste more of the menu. Each meal was so different from the one before and yet so equally tasteful and well crafted, that it truly was unfair & impossible for me to pick one favorite." I hope you stop in, tell them we said hello, and ENJOY!
(5)
J S.

Great restaurant!! Food was delicious and serve was fast and great!
(4)
Kevin L.

One of the best meals we had (family) during our trip to the historic triangle. Lots of choices, beer samplers, excellent wait staff and thought provoking decor. I'll be back my next trip down this way.
(4)
Sarah G.

We recently had our rehearsal dinner at Food for Thought. Our waiter was amazing, the food was perfect, and my grandfather is still raving about the short ribs! We were honestly worried that Food for Thought was going to outdo our wedding food! This is a place that we visit anytime we go to Williamsburg. The food is great and the atmosphere is fantastic! Thank you for helping to make our day special!
(5)
melissa e.

Great place. Many gluten free options as well as vegetarian choices. I've had the salad with blueberries and butternut squash soup before.
(4)
Crystal B.

I adore this restaurant, the food is delicious and the staff is amazing. This place is always on my list when we visit Williamsburg.
(5)
Laura L.

Went in wit ha party of 10 (4 adults and 6 kids ) for dinner on a Saturday night. Our server was AMAZING. She couldn't have been more attentive and accomodating to us and the kids in our party. 3 out of the 4 adults had pot roast- AWESOME!! Two of my kids got the ribs and so I had a little taste and they were fall off the bone tender and so flavorful. We also had appitizers- shrimp on a potato (don't remember what it was called) YUM. Didn't have dessert, but it looked really good.
(5)
Amber R.

Loved it! Although I am pregnant and my diet is limited and they offer a lot of seafood dishes we decided to plow through the menu until we found something. The menu isn't huge, what they do have I can only assume is all delicious. I started my meal with the roasted red pepper and smoked gouda soup, it was the best roasted red pepper soup I ever had. For my meal I had the lime chicken, and form someone who can hardly make it through 1 chicken nugget eating the whole chicken breast is saying something. My husband had the family reunion and said it was all wonderful. And of course like everyone says, TRY THE SWEET POTATO BREAD!!
(5)
Real M.

Went to this unsuspecting restaurant for breakfast and dinner both times was really pleased. First off the service is fantastic, really made you feel welcomed and wanted. The concept and atmosphere is also great with quotes on the walls and trivia cards on the table. Breakfast had a ton of great options. The banquettes they bring out are delicious and they even have a real beet, carrot, and apple juice mix. The breakfast really hit the spot for us. Dinner was equally as good. I had the chicken duo which was a cilantro lime and Jamaican jerk chicken breast mix. Quality food, excellent service, unique atmosphere and style, reasonable prices equals a great find!
(5)
Korita S.

Good solid food, GREAT service.
(4)
Phillip J.

I went in today thinking I would have one of my usual meals since I don't come here often. To my surprise they had some new offerings in the way of 4 different grilled cheese sandwiches with soup or salad. I had the grilled brie with sliced apples, strawberries, and red onion. It was fantastic. The others looked good also; it was hard to pick just one. As always, I was completely satisfied with the food and service at Food For Thought.
(5)
Nicolle N.

My husband and I just got back from our vacation to Williamsburg, VA and we ended up eating at Food for Thought twice - once for lunch, once for breakfast (which they only do on Saturday & Sunday). There are two things I really like about this place: 1. The amount of vegetarian options and 2. The staff - they sincerely care about your experience and are well versed in the menu. I'll break the review into two parts: 1. Lunch - I ordered the BBQ Tofu Wrap and my husband ordered the Wine Country Grilled Cheese. The bread that comes out first - sweet potato corn bread and parmesian muffins are just INCREDIBLE! They accidently gave my husband the wrong grilled cheese and once we brought it the server's attention, she apologized profusely. Even the manager came over to apologize and struck up a conversation with us putting us at ease and letting us know she sincerely cared about our experience. 2. Breakfast - I don't say this a lot but O.M.G. was this SO good. I had a B.E.L.A.T which is Bacon, Egg, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado on a croissant. It was to die for. The croissant was flaky, the avocado was fresh, even the scrambled egg was fluffy. My husband got the grit cakes and gravy - vegetarian style. Their vegetarian sausage so closely resembles the real thing in texture and taste. The grit cakes were AMAZING. The breading so so flavorful. Our server, Corey, was extremely helpful on deciding what to order and managed to be very attentive without being too much of a helicopter. If I was grading Food for Thought on food alone, I'd give it four stars. It's the service that pushes it to five stars! GO THERE!
(5)
Christina H.

Fantastic food for a casual restaurant that caters to families and groups of all ages and sizes. Good cocktails, berry salad w cilantro lime chicken yum, bread basket had Parmesan honey rolls to die for. Kids, who are never happy, were very happy. Server was great too. 20m wait went very fast. There are cards for convo starters on every table; good for a first date! Parking is insufficient, but we were OK to park at Ripley's 2 doors down. That is the only flaw!
(4)
Jessica S.

When I pulled into the parking lot, I was worried that it was going to be chain-restaurant food under a different awning. Boy was I surprised and pleased! For starters, the atmosphere is open, inviting, colorful, and well lit. They have a nice bar selection. The crowd was varied. Dress is casual. the staff was lovely. We went for lunch on a Sunday, and were seated immediately. Our server was Ania. She was very friendly, eagerly made recommendations on items when we asked her opinion, and overall, just delivered impeccable service; we couldn't have been more pleased with her. They have an extensive menu, so we took a while making our selections, and weren't made to feel rushed. I had the vegetarian experience, half basil pesto and half tomato pesto, on the server's recommendation. The dish is a large spaghetti squash, roasted and cut in half, served on a bed of jasmine rice. I didn't want the rice, so they offered me another side in it's place (I chose sweet potato fries-- they were amazing). The dish arrived on rice, and they offered to make it again, but given the nature of the recipe, it didn't impact my meal, and didn't touch the portion of squash that you actually eat. The dish was incredible, not to mention beautiful. I've never had anything like it, and I was very impressed. My friends had meatloaf (she said that the marinara sauce that topped it was the best she'd ever had) and a giant portobello mushroom burger (she owns 2 of her own restaurants, and was delighted with this dish). Servings are more than adequate, and prices are equal to a chain establishment, but with much better quality meals. The value of the food and service you'll receive in this restaurant can't be easily matched, let alone beat. The owner was present and assisting the staff in everything from serving to bussing tables. He stopped by our table and chatted casually with us, not appearing to be at all rushed or forced in our conversation. We will definitely be visiting again during our next visit to Williamsburg.
(5)
Swulski ..

This place has a comfortable atmosphere and I, along with my daughter, loved the butcher paper on the table. Lots of pictures to draw on that surface! I visited here for lunch and was not dissapointed. I ordered the cilantro lime chicken and it was very good. There fries are shoestring and come out light and crispy. I ordered the cheese grits as a side for my chicken and I was dissapointed. First off, first apperance, they were scooped with a scooper. I really hate food being scooped. It just reminds me of cafeteria food and is a big turn off. These grits were not my favorite and were lacking. I had two bites and tried to like them but just couldn't. It was the only thing left on my plate! The bread rolls they bring out were very delicious and fresh! My daughter ordered the shells and cheese kids meal which the waiter said was really good and homemade. I believe it was homemade...made with proccessed cheese. My daughter didn't really like it that much and I was not impressed. When he said homemade I thought it would be a really good, cheesy gooey pasta. Oh, well! Overall, this restaurant is a winner and I will back. I
(4)
Mike A.

Amazing home-style food at great prices! Came down from Philadelphia and looked up this place on yelp and it did not disappoint. Highly recommend.
(5)
Rachel D.

This place is about as amazing as it gets. We were promptly seated and given a bread basket consisting of freshly baked corn bread and a cheesy bread for starters that are to absolutely die for. I ordered the crab, artichoke, bacon, tomato, and old bay grilled cheese (a mouthful and it was) and my mom ordered a regular cheeseburger. I am a huge fan of any place that offers a good grilled cheese and oh my gosh this was by far the best one I've ever had. It came with cup of warm tomato soup that was bursting with flavor. There was maybe a crumb or two left on my plate. My mom enjoyed her burger and said it was cooked to perfection. Her shoe string fries were great too (I tried a couple). Excellent service - our drinks were never empty and our waitress was very attentive. Also- each table has a little set of cards that are little brain teasers you can read to yourself or read with your party. Kind of a cute idea. I loved this place I can see why there are all of the positive reviews. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Tracey H.

Typically restaurants like this don't rock my world, but Food for Thought is pretty amaze-balls. 5pm Saturday evening, so they had a pretty full house. Despite that, we were seated immediately. The staff is so very friendly. You know how sometimes restaurant staff can be rude, especially when they're super busy? Well they aren't here. I ordered a couple mixed drinks (no, not at the same time....over the course of the meal, silly). Again, despite the full house, my drinks came out quickly. The menu covers a wide range of food: burgers, seafood, meatloaf....and pad Thai? And I can't forget to mention that they also have gluten free, vegetarian and vegan choices. Obviously, I can't speak for the entire menu (my only doubt lies with the pad Thai) but what I did order was fantastic. I had panko crusted baked fish with squash casserole and asparagus. I'm usually hesitant when ordering seafood at a non seafood restaurant, but the fish was pretty spot on. Cooked perfectly. The sides were fantastic also. The squash surprised me with its delicious-ness and the asparagus was fresh and cooked al-dente, the way it should be. My only complaint is that this place is in the Burg and not in Suffolk :(
(5)
LJ J.

Stopped in today for lunch on our way home from VA Beach. ( thanks Yelp!) The food and the server were both excellent. When we sat down we All immediately devoured the warm fresh bread and sweet potato corn bread. For our meals,.my daughter and I had the ribs and sweet potato fries. Fall off the bone delicious!! My wife had the pot roast and loved as well. We split the sugary sweet dessert apple nachos...again great. The server was extremely attentive, and well versed in the menu. We will definitely stop in again on our next trip! Great way to end our vacation!!
(5)
Claire W.

Went here with my husband our first night in Williamsburg. The menu for was laid out like a book with so many options. The atmosphere was pleasant, food was delicious and our waitress Megan offered to let us know some places to go while we were in town. Highly recommend! We will definitely be going back next time we're in town!
(5)
Yajaida P.

Having been here twice after rounds of outlet shopping I'm solidifying this as my go to place to nosh in Williamsburg. The food is 4 star, the service is 5 star, the ambiance is 5 star. And they are consistently good, not just one or two items on the menu, we've tried five menu items so far and would order any of them again. Fresh food, real food, and on a street littered with every conceivable chain restaurant in all of the US a welcome surprise.
(5)
Vincent L.

Mixed experience. Tasty homemade hummus appetizer, bread, corn bread, and roasted red pepper soup. Great kids menu with more choices than chicken strips and burger. Kids enjoyed grilled shrimp. Crab a Bella (crab cake in a grilled portobello over rice) was under seasoned and mushroom was almost raw. Happy we tried, but not a 4.5 star restaurant.
(3)
Lily B.

Summary: awesome salads. We had spent the day in Colonial Williamsburg, and late in the afternoon there, had a decent sized cheese platter at The Cheese Shop there. So, when finally decided to eat supper at 21:00, we were peckish but not famished. Since the cheese earlier had more than met our saturated fat quota for the day, we were really in the mood for something light and healthy. The normal menu here looked interesting, but we soon focused on the salads. I ordered a classic Cobb salad (with cheddar replacing bleu "cheese"), while my better half had their Qinoa salad with an extra of their lime chicken. Both salads were HUGE, excellent, and exactly what we wanted. Of special note, the greens were a nice spring mix, with not a hint of that culinary wasteland, iceburg lettuce. If I was to nit pick, I would note that the bacon that came with my Cobb salad was crispy, which I do NOT like (I love tender moderately cooked bacon instead). Also, the lime chicken, which others are raving about here, did not blow me away. It was professionally cooked (not dry or tough at all), but I would have liked stronger flavor. In the middle of our meal, the owner came by our table and we had a pleasant chat. It is great to see owners who really care. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
K V.

Best meal we had in our 3 days in Williamsburg. First two nights we went by there was a 30 minute wait (with 2 kids, we don't do "waits" for meals). The trick was to get there by 5:40 - no wait at all.
(4)
Kim W.

I have no idea, nor did the 3 other adults and 3 kids I dined with why this place has such high ratings. The food was mediocre at best. I had the shrimp and grits, hubby had the jerk chicken, daughter had the kids meatloaf. We were all underwhelmed.
(3)
The Y.

Every.Single.Time. I refuse to go to or through Williamsburg without eating here. Everything I've eaten there has been delicious, (the Mojitos of various flavors included), staff is pleasant and ambience is casual and fun. I must again mention the food is ridiculous...Really. Parking lot is small, and people flock for dinner so get there early or plan to wait.
(5)
Toby M.

I spent a little over a week in Williamsburg and ate here 3 times because it was so good. First off, the service is excellent. The interior is nice, but fairly simple. It's the food that really makes this place 5 star! I had the family reunion, a combination of pot roast and meatloaf, both of which are excellent. The pot roast is tender and juicy and the meatloaf is flavorful and has great texture - both taste great. On another visit I had the ribs - the meat pulls right off the bone and the BBQ sauce is delicious. The sides are great as well! Before the food comes out they bring out rolls and sweet potato cornbread, both great. Had dessert once too, creme brulÃ©, my favorite and this did not disappoint. Nice crisp top and creamy underneath! I highly recommend Food For Thought if you're in the Williamsburg area!
(5)
Tally B.

We come here each year when we meet for a "girls weekend". The wait list can be long on the weekends, but we have always been able to sit at the bar immediately. Their Mojitos are very good and served with a sugar cane stirrer. Dinner is always very good. Someone always chooses the shrimp n'grits and I always pick a special. Consistently well prepared! This year we also went for breakfast and loved it! The Beignets are addictive. The crumpets and grit cakes are a unique twist on the usual breakfast offerings. Will return next year!
(4)
Amber C.

Came here with a group of students for a field trip. It was a little loud but that was perfect for my group of kids. There were trivia cards on the table to entertain and service was friendly and fast. Everyone ordered something different and it was all delicious.
(5)
Courtney P.

I searched on yelp for an hour or so to find the best restaurant for us to have dinner in Williamsburg. Food for thought was the best choice we have made our whole trip. The staff was so friendly, and our waiter really knew the menu, was full of suggestions, and even small talked when he could. The sweet potato cornbread was so delicious, didn't even need butter. We had a beer flight, 5 different brews from some smaller breweries along the east coast, they were all great. I had the "family reunion" which was pot roast and meat loaf with red skin mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. It was to die for. My counterpart ordered a rack of ribs with the mashed potatoes and skinny fries. His was perfect as well, ribs were moist, flavorful and fell right off the bone. We live an hour away from Williamsburg, but we honestly wouldn't mind driving for such quality food and service.
(5)
Jen N.

Impressive presentation of drinks and bread and the order! Timing was impeccable. Amount of salad was more than it's worth and I was so impressed with the flavors of the salad :) definitely a huge YES to the place! :)!
(5)
Vincent V.

The food is outstanding, especially the nutty chicken. The children's options are great, as are ALL the sides we tried. Creamed spinach is AMAZING.
(5)
Amy B.

Absolutely delicious and the staff is so nice. My children have some food allergies and Howard (the manager?) was very helpful in finding what they could eat and making sure it was prepared safely and tastily for them. I had the delicious nutty chicken and my husband had the caesar salad with Jamaican chicken mon. They were both wonderful. However, the appetizer we ordered - shrimp boats - were To Die For! The best appetizer I have ordered anywhere in a couple of years at least.
(5)
Mike A.

Amazing!!! Wanted to try some local restaurant while visiting, was not disappointed. Crab cakes as good if not better than anywhere I've ever been. Go early.. parking is limited, but worth the wait!!
(5)
Alberto D.

Excellent blend of classic American comfort food and locally sourced specials. Thoroughly enjoyed the "family reunion" pot roast and meatloaf combination. The hickory & maple salmon was good, but a little bit bland. The bread pudding was fantastic.
(4)
Sapna B.

I came here this past weekend over Memorial Day weekend with some friends and we really loved this place! Our breakfast experience was 5 stars and the dinner experience was 4 stars. Can't give 1/2 stars on Yelp so I'm giving 4 stars. Breakfast: FIRST they give you a complimentary bag of freshly fried beignets. They are SO GOOD. I could've made an entire breakfast out of just those! Banana & Nutella Crepes with Chantilly Cream - OMG SO GOOD. PERFECT balance between Nutella and Bananas so that it didn't have an overwhelming amount of either one. The crepes were also perfect -- not too thin and not too thick. Eggs Benedict - DELICIOUS. The Hollandaise sauce was wonderful and the egg was perfectly poached so that the yolk just ran out when slicing into it. Get grit cakes as the side -- you will not be disappointed! Tofu Scramble - I didn't get to try this but my friend said it was delicious! Caprese Omelette - Also delicious! I didn't try this but my friend said it was great. He did say that it had a good amount of cheese so just beware. Dinner: Fried Ravioli Appetizer - I love ravioli. This ravioli was delicious and also had an amazing accompanying marinara sauce. I find that a great marinara sauce is very hard to come by, but Food for Thought did it justice. Fire Chicken Tenders - Delicious. Loved the hot sauce that the chicken tenders were thrown in and the ranch dressing is a great offset to that. Cobb Salad - This is no ordinary salad. I love how they have arranged everything in the salad so that you can really pick and choose how much of each topping you want to eat. I opted for the House Balsamic Dressing instead of the Honey Mustard and was so glad I did -- it was fantastic. Ribs - My husband ordered these and they were the most tender ribs I have eaten. They literally fell off the bone and the bone was as clean as a whistle when you were done with it. The accompanying coleslaw was also delicious -- it didn't have too much mayonnaise which is always a turn off for me. Great flavor. Eggplant Parmesan - I didn't try this but my friend who had it said that while the flavor was great, unfortunately it wasn't cooked all the way through. We sent it back and when it came back, it still was a little raw in the center. She was pretty full anyway so we didn't send it back again. Chicken Pad Thai - While this was good, it definitely had more of a stir fry flavor to it rather than actual Chicken Pad Thai. Given the items that are on their menu, I didn't really see them specializing in something like Chicken Pad Thai but we gave it a chance. Dessert: Creme Brulee -- YUM. The sugar coating on top was JUST perfectly torched and the custard was creamy and had a great flavor to it. It was a small portion and perfect for us four to share after gorging ourselves on our meal! Next time we are in Williamsburg we will definitely be back here!
(4)
Hungry I.

I read previous reviews and they seem to be all over the place. Our party of 3 enjoyed everything including the service. Pavlin (sp) was awesome! I recommend the family reunion which comes with pot roast and meatloaf...Yum!
(4)
Sharon S.

Worth the trip! Great service and food was awesome. I am a seafood snob because I am from FL's Gulfcoast, so I did think shrimp was a tad overcooked but the sauce they put on shrimp po'boy was amazing! Sweet potato cornbread, ribs and pot roast were all yummy! Server Kent and manager Pablo were excellent!
(5)
Irene T.

Delicious! Came here after reading a few reviews and I am completely and totally glad I did. Service was excellent and the food was awesomely delicious. This is the best meal we've had in Williamsburg. I wanted comfort food I ordered the Family Reunion which is pot roast and meat loaf with side of mashed sweet potatoes and grilled zucchini. Well seasoned, great tasting hearty meal. Would love to go back again before heading back home.
(5)
Jennifer D.

Thank you so much Yelp for helping us find this gem! We went Saturday night and had a FABULOUS experience. Makes me a little sad to think that Williamsburg is so far. Drinks: My husband ordered a beer flight and he really enjoyed the selection. I had a caramel apple martini and I loved it. Bread: You can't talk about FFT without talking about the sweet potato cornbread. This part of Yelpers' reviews helped me convinced my husband to try it. We really enjoyed the parmesan bread and the cornbread. I also liked that they offered Smart Balance in addition to the butter. Knowing that we HAD to do the apple nachos for dessert, I skipped the appetizers but my husband had the "I don't eat raw fish." He said it was great. My husband ordered the vegan jerk chicken. Loved it. I had the single filet with merlot butter on the side. The merlot butter was amazing. I heard from someone at another table they make their own steak sauce so I tried that too but the merlot butter was so much better. But oh my, the hot apple nachos with vanilla bean ice cream. Amazing. If you are thinking about going - go. Our server, Jason, was fabulous. It's busy and you can't park right next store if the parking is full because they tow but you can park over at the Ripley's.
(5)
Angelica R.

I loved my experience at Food For Thought. The food, of course, is fantastic but the service at the atmosphere is just as good. We started our meal with the bread basket with sweet potato corn bread and the hummus plate. It was creamy and spicy and served with lots of fresh veggies and warm pita. For our meal, I got a BLT with Avocado on a Croissant, another person got the Thai One One pad thai, and the third ordered Cheese and Trees (creamy mac and cheese with broccoli) and a side salad (which she had to take home because it was THAT big). Everything was fresh, cooked perfectly, and healthy to boot. The quality for what you pay is beyond amazing. We didn't get anything from the bar, but their liquor menu is extensive and their beers look good, too. They even tap local breweries, which is always great to see. The server we had (sadly I can't remember her name) was so sweet. One member of our group wasn't sure if she would like the soup of the day, so our server offered to bring her a small cup to test. I have NEVER experienced anyone doing that. Around the end of our meal, one of the owners walked around and spoke with all the tables. It wasn't that cheesy, "I really don't care, I'm just walking around because I have to" kind of manager; he was attentive and polite and very gracious. All and all, we had a great meal in a fantastic restaurant. Next time I'm visiting there, I'm definitely going back. The people I know in Williamsburg go here all the time, so you know it's a good, local restaurant gem.
(5)
Mike R.

Visiting the Williamsburg, VA area for a few days in late March, with the family in tow (ok, I was the one in tow), and, as always, looking for local fare over chains. As usual, I turned to Yelp for help, and wasn't disappointed. CALL AHEAD Our first attempt was a Tuesday evening around 6:30pm and the lot was packed. I trotted inside to get our name on the waiting list, and could barely get in the door. An exiting patron informed me it was "well over an hour's wait." With a hungry, tired family, that wasn't gonna work, so we wound up elsewhere. *NOTE that this was during the week preceding Easter, so lots of tourists in town; I'm not sure how "normal" this wait is for this establishment.* We returned the following day, though, at around 4pm, along with an adult friend who joined us, and there was no wait at all. Now I know why so many older folks dine out early! :^) FOOD I'd classify the menu as mildly eclectic: different enough to be unique and interesting, but not so much as to frighten away the timid. Even my finicky 11-year-old found something to please him. Portions were decently sized and presentation complemented the food served, without being remotely ostentatious. I dare say the BBQ Tofu Wrap I had was one of the best meals of the five-day trip. The others in my party rated their meals as very good or excellent as well. Prices range from sub-$10 for sandwiches to north of $20 for the fancy stuff. I'd say the price:quality ratio represents a decent value. Beer and wine flights (several samples lined up) are available for those who like variety or like to try something new. SERVICE Service was impressive: the right balance of attentive, sincere, and knowledgeable, without being overbearing. The manager stopped by to ask how things were. I overheard the server at an adjacent table taking time to explain dietary options - vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc. - to a large family. Their online menu makes many references to dietary accommodations. AMBIANCE The walls are adorned with quotes and biographies of the likes of Nicola Tesla (one of my personal favorites; he's soooo under-rated) and Albert Einstein; think of it as eye candy for the brain. A few shirts (e.g., "Enjoy Capitalism") and other items are available for purchase at the entrance; their robust web site features more information and online ordering. Tables are topped with paper, so draw away if that's your thing. In my home state of NJ, non-smoking is the norm; FfT makes a point of stating it, so perhaps in VA it's still new? The web site says Free WiFi but I would have been beaten by my family if I tried it. SUMMARY My two chief subjective metrics for a restaurant are: (1) would I want one of these near me, and (2) would I go out of my way to return in the future. The answer to both is a solid YES.
(5)
Ken I.

Debbie and I really enjoyed this place great tasting food and great service. We will eat here again when we return to Williamsburg. I had the crab grilled cheese and it was amazing.
(5)
Susan E.

Spaghetti squash was the best vegetarian meal I have every had. Really good and I am hoping simple to make at home. Decor outside and in is lacking charm, but comfortable. Staff was nice and accommodating.
(4)
Lea Y.

Awesome restaurant! High end comfort food and great atmosphere. I especially love all the quotes on the walls. I'm a Williamsburg local and this is where I take my visiting guests.
(5)
Drew P.

Very popular and a very long wait for dinner. That being said it is one of the top restaurants in Williamsburg. I had the cilantro lime and Jamaican jerk chicken combo...tons of meat and both were cooked perfectly. Cilantro line was mild in seasoning, while Jamaican jerk had a great Kick to it. Sides- sweet potato fried are their staple. Spinach soufflÃ© was very good too. My wife got meatloaf ad loved it. Mashed potatoes and mashed sweet potatoes are also good sides. Try not to fill up on bread but their sweet potato corn bread is top notch!
(4)
Jocelyn F.

My significant other and I spent a weekend in Williamsburg and tried Food for Thought for the first time. We enjoyed it so much that we went for breakfast twice in a row. Immediately when we walked in, we had great service and was seated right away. The menu options were fantastic and since I am a Pescatarian I loved the Vegetarian options. The coffee was wonderful and they served 4 delicious beignets. Although the food was absolutely amazing, we loved that there are cards on the table to spark questions. My significant other really took the time to ask each other questions and even though we have been together for 8 years, we learned new things about each other. It is more than safe to say that when we are back in Williamsburg, we will definitely go to Food for Thought. And, hopefully this time for lunch and dinner.
(5)
Lizette C.

Three times the charm - we tried to get a table but the wait was too long. On our last day, St. Patty's day - we finally got a table. The corned beef and cabbage special was really good. My hubby got the combo pot roast and meatloaf. We will be back this summer on our next trip to Williamsburg! The place is amazing and so homey! Love it!!!
(5)
Gee B.

Tried to make a reservation tonight and after being put on hold for10 minutes was told with a lot of attitude that they only do "priority seating (what the...?) and it would be in 90 minutes at best because "ya know, we are really busy". News flash...there are many other choices in Williamsburg and we won't be giving this place a shot again. Do owners train their folks at reception?
(1)
Dawn R.

The food was great and so was the service. Sundays special lunch is Turkey and stuffing with 2 sides for $11 is a great deal!!! We stopped in after seeing the ad in a few publications, reviews on yelp, and a wrong turn.
(5)
Jesse C.

We went here for our anniversary dinner. There was a 20 minute wait on top of calling for priority seating but it was well worth it. The staff was extremely kind and kid friendly. They have an extensive vegetarian menu, you can also order vegan if you please. I ordered a steak and it was extremely tender and the garlic sauce was very good. If you're in search of cream brulee come here!
(4)
Dan H.

The best! Wonderful food at a fair price and great, professional service. We dined at lunch and our crab cakes, ceasar salad, tuscon grilled cheese sandwhich, shrimp and even the kids chicken strips were perfect. Same for the three different soups with our meals and the bread pudding for desssert.
(5)
Juan M.

Great service. My sweet tea was kept filed at all times. The grilled cheese crab cake was delicous. As well as the meat loaf and slow cooked pork stew. Gray comfort food.
(5)
Randy M.

For some time now I've wanted to try Food for Thought , but for one reason or another it's never worked out. Usually because the wait is so long. This past weekend we went for a really early dinner before heading out of town. After a short wait at the bar we were seated at a 6 top, next to the bar. I drank the breakfast stout and for dinner I had a burger with grits, and a cup of the veggie bisque. The grits are prepared stiff and have the appearance of mashed potatoes, I prefer them less dense, but they tasted great. The burger was pretty uninspired, the beef didn't have a lot of flavor and the brioche was not good. The soup was really good but could have used more seasoning. The complimentary bread is fantastic, cornbread and Parmesan rolls. Others in my group got the nutty chicken, pad thai, shrimp po boy, and the acorn squash special. They all said they enjoyed their dishes. A couple of things of note: the po' boy comes on a sandwich bun and the pad thai was massive. My 3 year old wanted the crabcake, but I was convinced she thought she was getting crab and cake. She loved it and nearly finished it, which is uncommon. I look forward to coming back and trying something else off the menu, I fault myself for being drawn in by the brioche.
(3)
Pretzel C.

It was easy to find some Paleo- friendly choices on their menu. We are at the bar to avoid a long dinner wait on a Monday evening. Great service. Food was tasty.
(4)
Jackson E.

If I could give it negative infinity stars, I would!!! Went with a group twice. I got different things each time. However, some others in my group and myself did not feel well after eating here. I did not feel well after eating here both times. We also had horrible service it took way too long for the food to come out. The food is also disgustingly overpriced. Vile and Disgusting!!!! Avoid at all costs!!!!
(1)
Jeremy V.

This was the best dining experience my wife and I have had in a long time.. The food was excellent and the staff/owner were very pleasant and friendly. My only regret is that I don't know when the next time we'll be able to come back since we live 3+ hrs away.. This is a must for anyone visiting Williamsburg.
(5)
Q O.

Service was amazing!!!!! Food was excellent! Meatloaf with pot roast was great! Sweat potato fries with their sweet sauce was the best side. Don't stuff yourself with their bread. It's addictive. Kids friendly as well. A great spot for a family. Will definitely return.
(5)
Pearly K.

My family and I had lunch here and it was fantastic! The service was wonderful and the food was so delicious. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Zachary G.

Favorite restaurant in Williamsburg!! Food was delicious and our server was the bomb!!
(5)
super d.

This restaurant is great and the service is awesome. We come eat here every week because the food is great, lots of selection, and the service is superb. Every time we have dinner here, the manager makes sure to check up on our table. There was once where my colleague had his steak incorrectly cooked and right away the server insisted on correcting the problem. Definitely recommend Food for Thought to everyone!
(5)
Carla C.

The food was OK, nothing to write home about. We really enjoyed the bread that came out before our meal. We liked it so much we asked for seconds! :-) We were pleased by the amount of food that we were given for the price but it was not as savory as I has hoped. I got the pot roast and my husband ordered the meatloaf sandwich. I was expecting a homemade taste but it missed the mark.
(3)
Kathryn S.

Food was heavenly and served quickly. Staff worked as a team and they were all great. The atmosphere was fun and quirky, such a great gimmick. We even stayed for dessert: creme brulee and bread pudding. Both excellent!
(5)
Todd C.

Excellent and delicious food. Great place for kids. Unique atmosphere. Inventive and comprehensive menu. Everything we ordered was delicious. Friendly staff. Scrumptious rolls and many healthy options!
(5)
Kilgore H.

First, the important stuff for couples with kids. With some inevitable trepidation, my wife and I brought our three young children for dinner at Food for Thought on the evening of 21 February 2014. We need not have feared...the staff was very welcoming of children and an active, merry little toddler, and other patrons were either contentedly indifferent or apparently pleased that we had kids. The staff's attitude extended into the remainder of the experience....attentive, alert, and unfailingly pleasant. The owner came by, to ensure discretely that we'd been well taken care of. I appreciated it....as a customer, I like to be well-taken care of. The food is very good. We enjoyed deep-fried local oysters in a delicious soy-ginger-sesame sauce, wild-caught grilled salmon with apple salsa, creamy shrimp and grits, ribs, and a burger. Our sides included the terrific, savory creamed spinach, squash casserole, and cheesy grits, all obviously homemade. The salmon fillet was excellent - sizable and perfectly grilled. While the apple salsa proved a nice accompaniment, it was too heavy with fresh onion. The shrimp and grits were splendid. My wife had the crepes stuffed with fresh Cointreau creme and fresh berries. The berries weren't exactly the plumpest and juiciest I've ever had, but hey....it's February, for the love of Pete, and the dessert was large and attractively presented. And delicious. Portions were sized very well, with plenty enough to be satisfied, but not so colossal as to be gratuitous, as one gets at some of the better national chains, like Cheesecake Factory. Prices were reasonable, likely to elicit neither apprehension nor exultation at a peerless bargain. We fed and watered the lot for eighty bucks, and lacked for nothing. An elderly local fellow in the parking lot told us that Food for Thought is the best place on the strip. I'm not sure whether that's true, and I don't even know exactly what the "strip" is. But we had a delicious and very enjoyable meal here, were made to feel comfortable and welcome - even with our brood in tow - and will come back. Highly recommended.
(5)
Joseph T.

Food was excellent. 30min wait to get seated, that's not so bad. Good food takes time. Menu and Specials have something for everyone. Deco casual. Place was packed with people. Parking is OK at 6pm. Better at 9pm. If no parking, you can park at Ripley's Believe It or Not's parking lot All other businesses/parking lots will tow you.
(5)
Jayna M.

I love this restaurant because of all the delicious vegetarian options. I actually have more than one or two options which is awesome! I tried the vegan cilantro chicken and thought it was delicious. Service was wonderful. The waitress recommended some things she liked and suggested getting my sandwich on a croissant instead of a plain bun. Made a huge difference! The Pad Thai isn't anything to write home about though.. especially if you are used to authentic Thai.
(4)
Tessa B.

Food was great & service was fantastic. Very attentive to vegan/vegetarian needs. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Wendi C.

Loved the parmesan rolls, soup, ribs, and sweet potato fries. Yum. And the deco and ambiance is awesome. Highly recommended.
(5)
Sam B.

Fantastic dinner. Great service. I had the Hummus Platter, Beet Salad and Bread Pudding. All... amazing!!!!
(5)
Flor W.

Outstanding service, outstanding food, great people, enough food served and the bread...well to die for! I will return upon my next vacation.
(5)
Blondie P.

Friendly atmosphere, prompt service, good food - definitely the recipe for restaurant success. Hubby had the pot roast which was delicious, and I had fried shrimp which were perfectly done. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was because my asparagus had cooled off and the fries were cold. But I was too hungry to really care -cold asparagus is fine and a few less fries is good for the thighs:-) The manager stopped by to check on us -no I didn't mention the cold fries as I didn't want the hassle. The sweet potato corn bread was awesome - I want that recipe.
(4)
Lucinda L.

Last Saturday 3/7/15 my family and I went to the restaurant. We were prepared after reading reviews. Made sure we parked in the right parking lot because it was busy. But the tables were steady being called so we didn't wait long. I was a little disappointed because I called ahead and they didn't write us down but again at 6 on a Saturday night we only waited maybe 20 minutes. I ordered the crab cakes. I am very picky when it comes to crab cakes. These were really good. They were a lot of crab a little breading. Just the way I like them. The staff was very nice even the owner came and talked to us. One good thing about this restaurant is that they cater to allergies. We had some Gluten Free family members and they even had bread for them. Needless to say we were stuffed....and will eat their again.
(5)
JF N.

Good food and customer service. The crab and corn bisque was excellent and so are their bread rolls. The creme brulle could have been a tad warmer. Although they aim to put their own signature twist to their main dishes, ours tasted "typical"...we were not "wowed" by them, but they were not bad at all.
(4)
Cleo E.

Stopped here for lunch today (quick day trip to Williamsburg with my hubby). I got the crab cake with coleslaw and creamed spinach. He got the lime jerk chicken with coleslaw and sweet potato fries. Both were really good - very fresh and full of flavor, especially the crab cake (very generous with the crab). Creamed spinach was DELICIOUS. Came to just over $30 including drinks. Would definitely visit again.
(5)
Steve W.

To start I'd like the recipe for the sweet potato corn bread - it was very good. I had the pot roast, creamed spinach and mushroom rice all were excellent. Unfortunately I was too full for dessert.
(5)
Amy H.

The interior is very cute. I love the little conversation cards with historic events. The wait staff was very friendly. They have a large menu including gluten free. GF french toast and eggs and toast. GF is limited...can't have pancakes....but we are used to a limited menu for GF. My father in law was wanting biscuits and gravy....they don't have biscuits! He did try the grits cakes and said he liked them ok.
(4)
Dana B.

I had originally loved this restaurant! Here's one thing I've come to find out.... If it's slow, it's amazing. However, if there is any type of crowd, you may want to find somewhere else to go. We went for brunch {around 10:30am} and waited literally over an hour for our breakfast. We eventually just left because we were told our food was still three tickets from being made. So disappointing!
(2)
Grant T.

Fantastic vegetarian food! Awesome flavor. It is a foodie beacon in a sea of chain restaurants. $8 beer flight was good--local seasonal pumpkin ale was really good.
(5)
Laura H.

This place is amazing. My husband and I were in the Williamsburg area and after looking at several Colonial Williamsburg restaurants and being not super impressed (both with the pricing and the atmosphere) we decided to try Food for Thought instead. I am a vegan and I was thrilled to find that they had items made specially for vegans and that you could always ask to make something vegan or vegetarian if you chose. Most places look at you weird when you say vegan! I ordered the Ultimate Vegetarian and got it with just the regular pesto which was vegan opposed to the sundried tomato pesto which had milk. It was AMAZING! My husband got a chicken dish and he said it was so good. He had it with i think green beans and mashed potato. He said the potato didn't make you feel heavy like a lot of places. We liked it so much that we went back the next morning for breakfast. Again, AMAZING! We're going to be back in the area towards the end of March, I can't wait to go again.
(5)
Kathy S.

We ate here twice, breakfast and lunch, on a recent weekend getaway. It isn't always easy finding vegan offerings in an unfamiliar city but Food For Thought really delivered. We were a party of six, one vegan and one gluten free eater, and everyone was happy with the menu. In addition, the wait staff was friendly, the food was delicious, and the service was spot on. Would definitely recommend!
(5)
Marie K.

Wow!! Just incredible! Normally it is so hard for me to be able to find vegan options at most restaurants. Not only did Food For Thought have vegan options, but they had amazing ones. One of their specials was Grilled Miso Tofu with an Edamame Slaw, and Steamed Broccoli. It was delicious to say the least. My parents found their non-vegan dinners as tasty as mine. Our waiter Andriy was wonderful as well! We will definitely be coming back soon!
(5)
Jim C.

We've ate there many times. Great food, great atmosphere, always greeted by the owner to check on us. Best kept secret in Williamsburg.
(5)
E M.

Stopped in here on a vacation weekend based on Yelp reviews. A fun atmosphere that encourages thought, knowledge, and a little geeky historically-themed. Our service was great, and food was DELICIOUS!! Shrimp boat app? So tasty! Best of both worlds (sirloin and 4 oz crabcake)? Mmmmmmm! Jerk and cilantro chicken combo? Yesss. Cinnamon nachos with fried apples and vanilla bean ice cream? Yaaaaasssss! We would definitely go back!
(5)
Jacqueline P.

I love this place! Always great service... Everyone who works there is friendly and helpful with my family and our food allergies . I love the creamed spinach and the mashed sweet potatoes. One of my favorite places in the Burg.
(5)
Jonathan F.

Our server Misty was friendly and professional. Ordered steak, rice, and broccoli and it was all delicious. Defenintely recommend this place
(5)
Elaine B.

Excellent unique food and the service was outstanding.
(5)
Blogger B.

WOW! This place was amazing! We were able to get a table right away, servers came to our table promptly!! Manager came by at some point to ask us if everything was ok, etc! GREAT GREAT service and food was pretty good! Will DEFINITELY recommend this place!
(5)
J B.

The food was absolutely delicious and served in appropriate portion sizes. The customer service was great and the wait for a table was definitely worth it! The tables and walls are filled with thought provoking conversation starters which made the dining experience so much more enjoyable for me than if all the diners had had their phones out!
(5)
Alana B.

Hands down the best restaurant in Williamsburg. There is something on the menu for absolutely everyone. The vegetarian food is INCREDIBLE. The Ultimate Vegetarian entrÃ©e is superb; the Portabella stack is my all time favorite. Be prepared for a long wait if it is dinner time.
(5)
Tracy B.

Ate here last night for the first time and hubby and I both were happy with our dinner. I had steak and crab cake with squash casserole and mashed potatoes. Hubby had steak with sweet potato fries and peas and corn medley. The steak was good, not spectacular, but good. The crab cake could have used more seasoning. It was full of crab meat instead of breading like a lot of other places. The sides were pretty good too. Hubby got chocolate cake with raspberry sauce and vanilla ice cream for dessert and it was rich and flavorful, really delicious. Hubby says the peas and corn were just ok. I tasted the sweet potato fries and they were very good. Mashed potatoes were good and the squash casserole was tasty. Sweet potato cornbread was a big hit! The service was wonderful. Our waitress got busy, even got double seated at one point, but she made sure her other tables were taken care of. She was super nice and efficient. The ambiance was ok. I felt a little like I was eating with the people at the table beside us though. We were seated where on one side of the table was a wall length long bench and a chair on the other side. There were lots of quotes and biographies of world changing people on the wall and game cards on the tables to prompt conversation and give you things to think about. I would definitely eat here again.
(4)
Michael K.

Great meal. Exactly what I expected. We had to wait a little to be seated but a waiter came around to take drink orders while we waited which was appreciated. Shrimp and grits. Mmmmm.
(5)
Stacie S.

Outstanding, especially for vegetarians! The squash casserole and special roasted red pepper soup were especially delicious. The Apple nachos for dessert was also great. The roles and cornbread were sooo yummy. On top of that, the prices were very reasonable.
(5)
John K.

Food for Thought Restaurant: "The mind, once expanded to the dimensions of larger ideas, never returns to its original size." A most unusual restaurant. This one is worth a stop even if its out of the way! If it were closer to home I can promise you I'd be a regular. foodforthoughtrestaurantâ€¦ Check out the unusual menu
(5)
The G.

We really liked this place. Great food and great service. I especially like the jerk chicken and the sweet potatoes.
(4)
Ed I.

Terrific dining experience. Service is excellent and the good is fantastic. The shrimp and grits or the pot roast are exceptional. The former is a personal favorite and this may be the best I've had.
(5)
Bev G.

Wow! Love love love a local restaurant that knows how to do lunch right while keeping the price reasonable and the service outstanding! Stopped on our way from OBX to Fredericksburg and are so glad we did. My grown up grilled cheese with bacon, avocado and tomatoe was divine alongside a cup of crab chowder. Hubby had the meatloaf - tender, juicy and very tasty! Each for around $10! We will be back :)
(5)
Venn R.

The theme of the place is a lot of fun. Inspiring and memorable quotations are all over the restaurant. That was enjoyable. Our server, natalie, was great! Very attentive, knowledgeable, and made sure we were well taken care of. Made dinner a pleasure! Had the pot roast. Ok, satisfying. The meatloaf was a better, tasty and tightly packed. The shrimp and grits are good too, very cheesy. Sides, sweet potato fried were very good, sweet and crunchy, soft inside. The cream of spinach was overly cheesy, not my cup of tea, but some people like it that way. Dessert we had the vanilla and chocolate creme brÃ»lÃ©e ( chocolate variant was the special of the day ), and the strawberry crepes with. This is where the resto shines! The creme brÃ»lÃ©e, both of them, we're outstanding. Creamy, correct level of sweetness, and with the light crunchy top. Delicious! The crepe was ok. Overall, great experience!
(4)
Wayne H.

They have a really good gluten free menu here. My son insists that we come here when in Williamsburg. I had the fish and chips (not gluten free). They were really great and the sweet potato fries were awesome!
(4)
Justin C.

Overall the service was decent. If you're a steak purist though, than look elsewhere. My father, girlfriend, and myself all ordered NY strips rare expecting it to be over cooked to medium rare (our preference). All three steaks came out medium. Flavor was good but the doneness was unfortunately sub par..
(3)
Sarah M.

This restaurant was excellent. We had the pot roast and meatloaf. They were both great, but the pot roast was awesome! I will be going back before I leave Williamsburg.
(5)
Alex R.

I liked this place. I'll admit I was nervous to eat here when they had one of those sign flippers outside stating that they were, "The best place to eat in Williamsburg." Most places that boast like that aren't even close. We had a party of 6 and we were seated promptly. The decor was actually very modern. A patriot theme almost with the red, white, and blue walls and accents. There were famous, notorious, or clever quotes on each wall; some more than others. I loved the solid red wall in between the blue walls. Very cool. The waitress was very pleasant, she knew the menu, gave the specials, gave suggestions, and was more than helpful and prompt. I was that this place served Mac & Cheese with broccoli as an entree. That, in my opinion is ballsy. To have a Mac & Chess that you think is worthy to be an entree by itself is saying that you have badass Mac & Cheese. I tried it. It came with a side of their own Buffalo sauce. It wasn't the best Mac & Cheese I've had but it was worth $7. I also had a Crab Chowder soup. That was amazing. The menu selections were very good. Everything from Mac & Cheese and Meatloaf Sandwich to Beet Salad and Cedar Plank Salmon. The value was pretty spot on as well. I liked it was would go back.
(4)
Katie S.

Excellent food. Sweet potato corn bread was a winner. Hot out of the oven. Crab cake sandwich was yum. Husband had the roast beef sandwich... Yum. Kids mac and cheese was the real thing and both kids scarfed it down. Grandma had fish fry and ate the whole thing! Would go back in a minute. Great service and cute place. Read the walls of wisdom. Perfect family place while on vacation.
(5)
Michael H.

it was ok. got the ribs. tasty enough but the sides were pretty weak. had to wait quite a while to get in and had to park at an adjacent lot. not really worth the effort. maybe the good choices in Williamsburg are pretty limited.
(3)
Norma C.

Enjoyed a really wonderful dinner here! Service was great, from the hostess to the waiter to the manager. There is something for everyone. Their sweet potato cornbread was delicious! Cilantro lime chicken, grilled zucchini, skinny fries, we enjoyed everything we ate. Salmon was a little dry but still very tasty. We were seated immediately and our food came quickly! Definitely worth the trip there!
(5)
Cory H.

We found this place on line and picked it because of the reviews. Great food! I really appreciated how the owner went around talking to the dinners. Our server gave great recommendations and took great care of my large family and I. The cheesy grits were awesome and the order of ribs were huge. Also, the cards at the table sparked good conversation, just like at home. I would definitely bring my family back.
(5)
Joey J.

Food was great! No major complaints at all. Food had plenty of flavor and service was great. We have actually visited this place several times since. Keep up the good work.
(4)
Joe K.

This place is outstanding! Especially if you are vegetarian or vegan. Which I'm not. My daughter ordered acorn squash with grains apples cranberry and nuts with a brown sugar drizzle sauce served in a actual acorn squash. Absolutely delicious. I ordered the mussels as appetizer in a cream sauce. Yum. For dinner I ordered pot roast with cream spinach and jasmine rice. The flavor was authentic and that might be the signature dish. Server was knowledgable friendly. We sat immediately on a Friday night. A must stop if you are visiting Williamsburg.
(4)
Michael B.

What a great creative concept!! First time here, and we absolutely loved it. Everything on the menu looked great, so it was hard to decide what to order. The roasted veggie soup was awesome, as were the ribs and the Tuscan Grilled cheese. Peter, our server, was outstanding. Really friendly and made some great recommendations. The "thought" theme runs throughout the decor, the quotes on the wall, and the menu right down to the game cards on each table. It really gives the restaurant a positive atmosphere. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Scott O.

The previous reviews and the one from Christina F about veggie options are spot on. Usually wary of mock meats, their veggie chicken substitute was really good..almost too good. I had to ask the waiter if it was really chicken (it wasn't). Apparently that's a frequent comment from patrons. The menu is eclectic enough where non-veggies have tons to choose from also. Friendly and knowledgable staff, great ambience along w/ a dynamite menu (including drinks & draft beer) made for an excellent dining experience. Heading back to da 'burg in the next several weeks and FFT is on my list to go back to!!
(5)
Regina M.

Fast attentive service. Refills on drinks continuous. Amazing variety of fresh tasty food. Paper on tables with entertaining game cards for adults and kids. Highly recommended for first time there. Manager even comes to table to see how your dining experience is!!!!
(5)
Stacy K.

The tea tasted really foul, the chicken sandwich was swimming in the sauce. Soggy bread is just not my thing.
(2)
Faith K.

I love this place. Being a tourist area, Williamsburg has a ton of restaurants, but most are quite overrated and fail to meet expectations. Food For Thought delivers every time with friendly service and good food. My husband and I frequent it about once a week, sometimes more:) I am a vegetarian, but there are food options for both of us. Everything is fresh and creative and the portions are perfect.The Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday is also delicious.
(5)
Jennifer S.

Visited here on 7/3/13. The food was yummy and the service was great. My husband sampled the beer flight, and I split a pitcher of Sangria with my mother-in-law. Everyone left happy with their meals which included kids pasta, pot roast, chicken combo, jerk chicken, and a harvest salad. For an appetizer we had the fried raviolis. The prices were reasonable, the place was clean. If we come back to the area, we would definitely visit again.
(5)
Sheryl P.

Have eaten at MANY places in the surrounding area and nothing beats this place! The food was the best I have had in a very long time! It is a MUST to order the sweet potato fries! I had the sirloin with garlic mushroom sauce with the crab cake... Words cannot describe how amazing it was! The sirloin was cooked to perfection and the crab cake was filled with large lumps of crab rather than filler! The service was quick and the servers were delightful!
(5)
P G.

I am a life long vegetarian and have to say the "Ultimate Vegetarian " was the BEST vegetarian meal i have had in a restaurant. IT was SOOO Good and so unique . i have never eaten squash in such a way and found it soo delicious. All our meals were awesome. we liked it so much that we went there twice on a 3 day trip.
(5)
Mike L.

WOW is all I can say. Was in town for a weekend with my girlfriend and her family, I started doing some research online and this place had good reviews and seemed kinda quirky so we gave it a shot. I had the shrimp and grits and it was honestly one of the best meals I have ever had. But it didn't stop there, the bread served was top notch and the service was excellent. The manager coming by to check on things really says a lot. Highly highly recommend this place.
(5)
Grayson T.

This is the perfect spot for lunch or dinner when you need a place that has quality food that will fit any budget. Okay maybe not the dollar menu budget, but they do have many entrees around the $10 area. On my most recent visit I had the Crab Cake with cheese grits and squash casserole. THe crab cake was real crab, just enough filler to bind together the meat. The cheese grits were in true southern form. Very rich and tasty and the squash casserole melts in your mouth. The sweet potato fries are also very tasty. Top it all off with a true glass of sweet iced tea, not that fountain dispensed tea impersonator and its money well spent. The food for thought menu offers am eclectic variety of appetizers, beverages and entrees from fried reavioli to a shrimp boat and from ribs to seafood to burgers Food for Thought has something for everyone. To round out the experience the staff is always polite and responsive making for a pleasant and tasty experience.
(4)
Sharon O.

So the decor is cheesy, and it can be a long wait during tourist season, but the food is consistently fantastic! I love the cornbread, shoestring fries, spaghetti squash, and the pot roast, haven't had a bad dish there yet. I'm confused by all the 2 and 3 star reviews calling it pricey, it may be $3-5 a person more than Applebees/TGIF/Chilis, but Food For Thought's food is real and fresh unlike all the other crappy chains up and down Richmond Road. And it's FAR cheaper than the restaurants on Merchant's Square!
(5)
Jackie W.

Amazing! Wonderful staff, food and oh my the desserts! Best food in Williamsburg and you can go home feeling great because you supported a "local."
(5)
Brian S.

We stopped here to eat and there was a 25 minute wait. We thought of leaving, but a customer outside told us it has great food and is worth the wait. Well we waited and were seated in about 15 minutes. They were right it was worth the wait. The pot roast, meatloaf, salads and desserts were all great. The waitress was very friendly and checked on us several times to make sure things were okay and drinks were filled. Next time I'm in the area I will eat here.
(4)
Kim B.

I am very torn on this review. I've been a few times now, and while I have had a couple minor complaints in the past (mainly wait time for my meal/bread, which they apologized for/kept us updated on the time frame), my last experience was terrible. Alas, I cannot knock down their star rating for a one-time bad experience, but don't think I won't be watching closely the next time I come in. The inside of the building is nice. Themed with quotes and dinner table topics, it adds a little eclectic charm. The windows allow you to enjoy the summer sunshine without the humidity. A small parking lot always worries you about getting a seat, and I have never had to wait. I continually come back for sweet potato corn bread. If they could make that into french toast for breakfast, I may never leave. I'm a full on lover of comfort food, as well as the option of 2 sides with my entree. Sometimes you just need some options. The cheese and trees (Mac and cheese with broccoli) is best served buffalo style. Mmmmm.... With that being said, my family (2 aunts, 1 uncle and mom) were up in the area doing some shopping and planning to have lunch with me. Just down the street from where I work, it seemed like the perfect spot. A little bit of something for everyone, and I could get fat on sweet potato corn bread. We take our seat, and there's a couple minute wait for our drink orders. No big deal. Once our drinks return to the table, we're all ready to place our orders. I opt for the soup before my cheese and trees (with chicken) in lieu of the salad, and the waitress asks if I want it before my meal. "Yes," I respond, and she continues with the order. About 5 minutes later she comes back to the table and asks the 2 people at the table who ordered hamburgers how they wanted them cooked. Okay, she double checked, better than getting it wrong. No hard feelings. The wait is probably 20 minutes. Fortunately my job is lax on the length of lunch, so I wasn't worried too much about the time frame. Then the food comes out. I still do not have my COLD soup yet. Come on. You know you have it prepared and all you have to do is laddle it into a bowl. How do you mess that up? Also, along with our meal finally comes the delicious bread. When is bread NOT served as a precursor to a meal? This is when things go really wrong. My cheese and trees are served. I request the soup I never receive. Once the soup comes out, I'm told that my chicken is "still cooking" and the waitress takes my meal away from me to "keep it warm" while the chicken cooks. I do not get my actual meal until everyone else at the table has FINISHED their meal. My family members are empathetically passing me bites of their meal while I wait. Now I don't try to get things for free, but you didn't even leave my iced tea off my check? You're going to still charge me for that side of chicken that didn't get served until my party was done eating? Can I have a love affair with your chef so I don't have to deal with your service again???
(4)
Crissie R.

I went alone on a Sunday afternoon for lunch. My server was very inattentive - I had to flag her down just to take my order. The quinoa salad didn't have much flavor beyond the asparagus (which was yummy). I would have had another glass of wine if someone would have come by my table. So - poor service is my main complaint. While my dish wasn't wonderful, I can't say that the rest of the menu isn't.
(2)
E T.

Nice casual place-love the quotes on the walls and the word games at the tables. Food is nice- fresh and tasty. Something for everyone. Wait people are very good, friendly and attentive. We had a good time!
(4)
Marta D.

While on a weekend trip to Williamsburg last week, my husband and eight y/o twins stopped into FFT for dinner. We left feeling content and a little more patriotic. The waitress who took care of us was a little rough around the edges, you know, kinda like the woman who doesn't really like you, but can fake it til she makes it? We were able to ignore the brusque manner in which she responded to our questions without it being too big a deal. I ordered the crab bisque that was on special for my app and it was really very satisfying. My husband and I ended up getting the steak and crab cake combo meal, my son the chicken tender meal and my daughter the cheeseburger meals (theirs were kids meals). I have to say when I saw the cheeseburger, I instantly knew it couldn't have been an all-beef fresh patty. It looked an odd beige color. She liked it though so I just prayed it wasn't dicey. My son had no compliments or complaints about his meal. My husband and I were happy with our meals, for the most part. Our steaks arrived warm, not hot and my creamed spinach was a little on the bland side, but we were satisfied. What I really appreciated was the fact that after being unhappy with my piÃ±a colada (too much colada, not enough piÃ±a), the man who took my complaint rectified the situation by personally making me a better drink (a mango mojito). When he served it to me he made sure I was happy before asking us about ourselves. Turns out he was the owner. He has a great handle on great customer service as I watched how he interacted with the other customers in the restaurant. Overall, I think if they can get a handle on the quality and consistency of what's coming out of their kitchen, this place would definitely be five stars worthy. As it is, I'm looking forward to visiting them again on our next trip down south.
(4)
Yvonne K.

We came here for dinner on a monday early evening, there was a short wait but we decided to sit at the bar for dinner anyway.Not very hungry so we split the shrimp and grits...it was amazing and portions are huge! I also had a fabulous margarita with lime salt...one of the best I have had. Love to go back here and have dessert next time!
(5)
Bob W.

We've eaten at FFT now twice, two years apart. Very good choice for family vacations. Menu is huge, portions are good, food is interesting. Excellent bread basket! Also, the prices are reasonable. I got one of the specials -- grilled tuna, with two sides, for $18. That is very fair. We had planned on dessert (key lime pie) but were beyond stuffed so that was out. They have a large bar if you want to have a more grown-up experience, but the dining rooms were filled mostly with families. Dress is very casual, as in straight from Busch Gardens casual.
(4)
Veronica m.

I took my mom here for Mother's Day dinner and my family loved it! The service is excellent and the owner is the friendliest- he personally stopped by our table to make sure we were enjoying everything. I highly recommend the reunion which is meatloaf and pot roast, it is mouthwatering! So lucky to have such a great restaurant in our town!
(5)
Laura M.

A very busy, family-friendly restaurant with various thought-provoking cards on the tables to entertain you as you wait for your meal (hence the name). The food is good with a fairly extensive beer menu. It was worth the wait.
(4)
Todd C.

Great food, fantastic service, and we enjoyed the atmosphere. There are other places nearby that we were considering, but the reviews from others made this place a no brainer. Glad we listened to everyone...and so should you... Apps were tasty, the sweet potato corn bread was hot and arrived fast, along with sweet rolls, and dinner was enjoyed by all. Thanks again!
(5)
Michael V.

Really enjoyed our meal
(4)
Frank M.

Good food. Great price. I had the steak salad. Excellent cut of beef and cooked perfectly. Great concept restaurant. Layout is kind of funky, but won't hold it against them. Food was extremely fresh. Everyone in our party enjoyed their freshly cooked meal. We had lunch and it was well priced. Not too many good food choices in Williamsburg, however, Food for thought is a great choice amongst the chain food restaurants in the area. Yes, I would come back and taste more off the menu.
(3)
Mark W.

Appetizers: Mussels and shrimp boat. Both are Great! Steak salad is very good. Service ok, but they were very busy. Overall, very good food for a good price. Worth a visit.
(4)
Dan J.

Went to Food For Thought on a long weekend simply based on the recommendations of other Yelpers. We're still trying to get used to the fact that most restaurants in Williamsburg close at 9PM or sooner. We got the Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa and Ciabatta Burger with Fries. Both dishes were very good. No qualms about the service, and the restaurant was very easy to find.
(4)
Barbara M.

The food is excellent, and for those who are gluten-free, this place rocks! The staff is especially well-trained about the seriousness of a gluten-free diet and always check with the chef before taking an order that may be questionable. The best pRt is that the gluten-free meals are delicious...especially the desserts. The owner is always around making sure that every customer is satisfied. The best place by far to eat gluten-free in Williamsburg VA!!
(5)
Dan S.

One of the best meals, I've ever eaten... period. Unfortunately, I've only had the privilege of eating here once. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Kiesha J.

My husband and I visited Food for Thought while staying in Williamsburg over the July 4 week. It's nestled between chain restaurants and a million pancake houses, like a beacon of creativity in the night. My husband got the meatloaf and I got the lime chicken. Both were very good. I had to have the Apple Nachos for dessert, and they were fantastic. We even bought a pint glass with Ben Franklin on it for only $3. Such a steal! Service was great, atmosphere was great. Definitely recommend.
(4)
Nancy D.

Been going to Wmsburg for 17 years...this place opened about 2 years ago and thought it was great to experience something outside the typical chains (Olive Garden, Outback, Fridays', Applebees and the like which are ALL within a 5-10 minute drive of each other). I am reading lots of good reviews for the breakfast and lunch and even a few dinners so maybe we went on a "sour" night but not busy (8pm Wed) and it took FOREVER to get service, our waitress was snippy, the manager didn't seem to care when we mentioned our concerns before leaving (which usually is the hallmark of a good restaurant). The worse impression was the tables. The cloth tablecloths are covered with a cheap white paper. The paper resembles the very same paper in your doctors office...you know...the paper you sit on while being examined. You'll lose your appetite just thinking about it! (lol) But seriously, what is THAT all about? The menu is not for the unadventurous....so if you like places that mix and match things that normally DON'T go together this may be your spot. Our palates found our meals just "odd". The corn bread was good though but the prices kind of high for good bread and "just an odd" meal. Also, the acoustics in the place is terrible if you're trying to have a decent conversation!!! And the bright white lights mixed with the white paper tablecloths makes the atmosphere feel like a cafeteria rather than a nice dining spot! Next year we'll stick with the chains. Why not! We know we'll get a great capellini alfredo at Olive Garden. I've never had an "odd" blooming or crock of onion at Outback and we know that TGI Friday's makes one heck of a Broccoli Cheddar soup. Sad to say, I suspect this place will be gone within a years like SO many of the others that come and go along Richmond Road.
(2)
Mark G.

Excellent service and great food!! My wife frequents this place with friends when hitting the outlets. I've never been and this was my first time. EVERYONE was friendly. Our waitress was none like I've ever seen. Very polite, smiles the entire time, never had an empty glass. The food was very good. Even my daughter's chicken tenders were kid sized, and the skinny french fries were fantastic. Very kid friendly. FYI...I had Grandma's meatloaf, redskin potatoes, and squash casserole. Fantastic. All of it. Definitely try out if you're in Williamsburg. Not far at all from the Prime Outlets. Now I have even more of a reason to visit W'mburg.
(5)
Megan T.

Diverse menu with lots of vegetarian options and a friendly staff. The games on the tables were a nice touch. We went for an early Saturday dinner and were seated right away but the lobby was packed with people waiting when we left.
(5)
Jen H.

Best restraunt I've ever been to. It's got a relaxing atmosphere, amazing food that's also original and friendly staff.
(5)
Brian B.

Ate there on 8/14/12. Took almost an hour from ordering to be served Med. Rare steak was cooked well done. Med. Rare Tune was Medium Well and Medium Salmon was well done. $108 for one adult, 3 kids (eating an adult meal) one app, no alcohol, 2 teas, 2 waters and a VERY small desert. Am unsure how the only $$ got on here.. More like $$$.. Rather pricy. Could have eaten at Outback (on adult menu) for less. Manager was VERY professional and demanded I accept a new steak even though I told her mine would suffice. Had to ask for cornbread five times before getting it. Several of these reviews have the exact same wording in them when you read so I do wonder how many are owner/operator generated. Was not a bad dining experience at all (we didn't see all the games and fun all the posts refer to) and we come to Williamsburg yearly. Was worth the shot, and it's not that I would not NOT recommend it, but it will sit on the low side of the radar... Just like a good chef will tell you.. You can do a few things great but you can't do great things with MANY items, and this menu has a LARGE amount of different items.. Average Entre cost is $18-$20 ... Pot roast is $14.99 and there is a very small chicken dish for $10.99 nut everything decent is $18 and up... The kicker was when we turned in the parking lot (there may be about 20 spots only in that parking lot so we had to park next door at Ripley's) and three was a person waving a huge board sign that said Voted best restaurant in Williamsburg, etc..etc.. A great restaurant advertises itself, a restaurant desperate for customers has a sign spinner.... Overall pleasant experience, but will (Especially with their dinner prices) be exercising my pallet at different choices over the next few years... Not bad, not great.. But good, even with overcooked food.. SO that's saying something I guess....(DO not know about the wait... there was never a wait while we were there, as I said, they were on the road begging for business...) There was an SSID broadcasting, but there was no internet. I tried on opad, windows phone and laptop.. nada..
(3)
Eva and Zach A.

Not a bad place to eat. The food is good. It is hard in Williamsburg because everything wants to have a very american theme red white and blue. However I find blue to be the worst color for eating because it is a proven fact that people eat less when everything is blue. Hardly any food is blue, therefore, you you don't eat as much when you eat off a blue plate in a blue room with blue silverware. There are tons of white foods and red foods so they aren't bad colors, but when I go to eat I want to eat. I found it funny that they prided themselves on there large portions, but they weren't large you just aren't as hungry anymore due to all the psycological suggestions around you. And they food was par, but the descriptions were inaccurate. I had a chicken cutlet with a mushroom garlic sauce with squash and grits. The chicken was a fried chicken stake which is a pretty big difference from the grilled breast that was insinuated from the discription. guess I should have asked. Oh, wait it's there job to descibe their food accurately. The staff is what made this place for me. Nathan was fantastic. He was friendly, prompt and kept the drinks full. All in all a good place to eat, but nothing over the top outstanding that would cause me to remember this or the review in a month. My only suggestion is really if you want people to spend more and actually get to the deserts and drinks change your color emphasis. I was sad my entree filled me up instead of dessert.
(3)
Eileen W.

We arrived in Williamsburg on Mother's day evening, and apparently graduation weekend as well, and we went in search of a place for dinner, Food For Thought was well-rated on Yelp, so we opted for that. At least in part due to the aforementioned events, there was about a half-hour wait but it was well worth it. We had the Pot Roast and the Jerk Chicken with Mango Salsa and both were excellent. I got the sweet potato fries which I usually prefer plain but the brown sugar butter dipping sauce was a nice touch. The Jasmine Mushroom Rice was a nice addition to the Jerk Chicken, as was the Real Good Frozen Mango Margarita. We saved room for the Strawberry Crepe (daily special, I think) and it was the perfect end to a great meal. Our waiter, Nathan, did a wonderful job despite also serving a table of 12 who arrived at the same time we did. For that matter, everyone we dealt with was very nice and helpful. We will no doubt be eating at Food For Thought before we leave town, perhaps also for breakfast which we hear is very good and not as crowded. We highly recommend this place!
(5)
Nikki C.

Anything with grits is amazing! You have to try the vegetarian sausage gravy and grits cakes. The service was great, a little pricy but still AMAZING!
(5)
Mark H.

Great service, friendly staff and great food! This is a place that my wife and I will be enjoying many more meals.
(5)
Eric T.

Me, my wife, and a couple of assorted in-laws were in Williamsburg for a week and we all decided to do dinner together out one night. I fired up Yelp and browsed nearby choices and we picked Food For Thought. Wow, we sure made the right decision. 3 of us had the pot roast and my wife had the Nutty Chicken. Admittedly my dish was not as warm as it could've been but, it was wasn't terrible. I can only assume mine was done before my wive's chicken because it was a perfect temp. The pot roast, cheese grits, and creamed spinach were great. My wife's chicken was fantastic . Now... You may wonder why I gave it 5 stars if I was not completely satisfied with my entree's temp. Well, me and my wife were out shopping the next evening and on the way back decide to dine at Food For Thought again. We were in the mood for lighter fare this time around and went for salads at the bar. I had the "Ceasar and the Rasta Mon". Which is a ceasar salad topped with Jamaican jerk chicken and mango salsa. Holy s@#t! This is one of the best entrÃ©e salads I've ever eaten. What a combination! My wife had "Farmer's Harvest Salad" and while not as fancy as mine it was very tasty with an excellent raspberry vinaigrette. This place has a great staff and a welcoming atmosphere. It achieves all this without asking you to spend a whole lot. I'd recommend it to anyone in the area.
(5)
Barbara G.

My daughter and I had lunch at Food For Thought today based on the reviews here on Yelp. We were not disappointed. I had the Jerk Chicken which was seasoned perfectly. For sides I had the Squash Casserole and the Jasmine Mushroom Rice, both of which were wonderful. We have found a go to restaurant in Williamsburg. The service was outstanding also.
(5)
Cat W.

While they obviously have plenty of solid reviews, I'm writing this one because of the management. In a bone head move, I didn't read the tips urging call ahead and I had no idea what I was in for on a Saturday night. The hostess said the wait was going to be 30 min, which was a gross underestimate of actual wait time (about an hour). Patrons were literally arguing amongst each other over wait time, it was that crazy. Long story short, the hosts have no grasp of wait time, it caused a medical emergency for a member of our party, and the manager stepped in and seated us. The food is absolutely amazing but you def need to CALL AHEAD!!
(5)
Bernadette H.

Absolutely delicious. The crab cakes were full of meat and not overly salted. The sweet potato cornbread, grilled zucchini, and cole slaw satisfied our hungry appetites. My 5 year old great-nephew asked if we could come again. We decided to make it 'our' special place. The service was quick, and, the staff seriously cared that we enjoyed our experience.
(5)
Wendy D.

Despite a hiccup in serving (long wait for food), our server more than made up for it and the food was good. The cheesy grits were really, really good. I would definitely order them again. Because of the long wait, the fries were cold. Our server cut the bill in half and gave us a free dessert, along with a gracious apology. Lovely Southern hospitality.
(4)
Jen B.

Visiting williamsburg for a couple of nights, tried this place out after reading yelp reviews. Food was great, everything well cooked, great ribs, great bread, good specials and even great drinks. Obviously a place this good was busy, so we called ahead to see what current wait times were, said ten to fifteen, by the time we got there 15-20, waited 20 to be seated, but it was worth it! but this was the wait time at about 5:30, so if you like to eat later, I am sure you can expect longer wait times. The only downside was they rushed service a little bit, trying to get everyone in the resteraunt, wasn't bad, but wasn't a casual dining experience. Also they don't take formal reservations, just a priority list where you are first in line when you show up. Overal great food. worth the wait.
(5)
E R.

My husband and I took a mini-vaca to Williamsburg and wanted to try something local. This restaurant definitely did not disappoint. The service was perfect. The manager even came by to visit each table to see how everyones food was. A dish you MUST try...their ribs. It just falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. We will definitely come back on our next visit.
(5)
Brent A.

Wife and I (plus two kids) tried to eat here on 3/31. Saw online that they offered a gluten-free menu. Son is allergic to wheat, diary, eggs, tree nuts & peanuts, so we hoped the availability of a gluten-free menu implied that his allergies could be acommodated. I called at 5:30 to get a table. We arrived at 5:38 and were seated at 5:40. At 6:00pm we got up to leave because no one had come by our table to offer water, take order, answer questions or anything. Two different waiters/waitresses interacted with the table on either side of us and kept their backs to us the entire time. If the kids weren't with us, my wife and I would have sat there to see how long it would take to get service. Clearly someone goofed and didn't tell the waiter/waitress for that section that we were seated. But what got us was that neither of the other two waitstaff even looked at our table when coming or going to the tables right next to us. We brought this the manager's attention on the way out, and he simply gaped at us and didn't say a word. Very disappointed in the experience. Menu looked very interesting. I don't know if we'll both trying again.
(1)
Karen N.

Absolutely amazing. We ate here while visiting the area. We waited 45 mins but it was so worth it. Pot roast, red skin mashed potatoes and grilled zucchini were all amazing. Service was excellent.
(5)
Joan N.

Lunch and dinners are good. Stay away from the place for breakfast. Cold pancakes and potatoes that look like mush mash crap. Coffee way to strong. Almost taste like it was from the night before. They need to stick to just lunch and dinners where you get a reasonably priced meal that is good.
(1)
Randy O.

I was in W'burg w/ the family to visit Busch Gardens and various other tourist attractions. The prior reviews for FFT seemed good enough, so I thought we would give it a try. Unfortunately, i think I picked the smallest entree on the menu - at least it seems that way. I wish I had taken a picture, but I didn't think about it until the food was mostly gone, which was pretty quickly given the meager portion put forth. I had the Baked Eggplant Marinara. If you check out the menu page on the restaurant's web site, you can see a very faithful picture of how the dish was served (I had the asparagus side dish instead of broccoli) EXCEPT for the fact that what I was served was about 1/2 the size of what is shown in the picture! I mean really??? The slices of eggplant were definitely less than 1" thick, even with the breading and sauce on them. It was like an APPETIZER! It would have been a GREAT appetizer, of course the price would have needed to be cut by about 40%! To top it all off - the asparagus - 5 SPEARS. 5 SMALL spears!! Seriously??? In May??? I mean, is it not asparagus season? Come on guys! What are you thinking about here? I just bought asparagus for $0.99/lb last week. So, in the end, I paid $13 for 5 spears of asparagus (small spears!!), and about 3" of eggplant, with some tomato sauce and breadcrumbs on it. Asparagus, Eggplant, Tomato!! Are these not the most plentiful veggies in the garden every year in the right season? I feel like I got ripped of. My wife had the Ultimate Vegetarian and that was a very tasty dish, and a large portion. She even shared a bit with me. And about every other plate I saw being delivered in the restaurant had decent portions. For some reason, they just skimped on the Eggplant dish. Oh well. Live and learn. One last complaint - Here on Yelp.com , there is a logo for this restaurant that indicates 5% discount. So, I go there and expect to get this. I even showed it to the waitress on my Yelp app on the iPhone. Well, it turns out that you get a card from the waitress, and your NEXT VISIT is a 5% discount. I was very aggravated about this. Seems a bit like false advertising to me. I will also point this out to Yelp.com folks to see if they can change the site or at least expand on the discount posting. Again, the food was OK (nothing amazing), but in my opinion, the negatives outweighed the positives. Not sure I would try this place again.
(3)
Amy H.

I travel to Williamsburg, VA often and have been to Food for Thought 3 times. The food is delicious and the service has been excellent on every visit! I love the "Eat, Drink, Think" theme and their cute gift shop as well. I recommend the meatloaf. I also recommend Cheese & Trees, but I think that's only on the lunch menu. There is truly something for everyone on this menu, so it's great if you have members of your party with various dietary preferences or needs.
(5)
Eric B.

Another Yelp winner! I took my wife and two young daughters for dinner and we were not disappointed. The food was fantastic and the service was great. The interior of the restaurant is cool. There are quotes all over the walls and pictures of innovative Americans. I ordered blackened tuna off of a specials menu. It was fantastic and cooked to med rare perfection! For dessert we had the hot apple nachos with vanilla bean ice cream. Good god! Delicious! If you're in Williamsburg doing the touristy/shoppy thing, give this little gem of a restaurant a try!
(4)
David H.

First, good service and a friendly staff. However, we stopped by due to the high marks on Yelp, but were very disappointed. Canned, school cafeteria style food. Sunday special "turkey" was a processed loaf. Stuffing and squash casserole were tasteless. Salad out of a bag, unmelted grilled cheese sandwich and made from frozen ravioli rounded out my party's choices, all barely edible. Yuk!!
(1)
B J.

Cool place, solid food. Try the meatloaf, was very tasty.
(4)
Diane K.

The food was so flavorful. The help was attentive and helpful. The soups were outstanding. I wish this restaurant was near my home.
(5)
Cheryl B.

My family always stops here when we pass through. The warm bread basket is amazing. The kids menu is always a hit. The homemade sides really pull the meal together. Wonderful food and top notch service. The manager/owner always checks on all the tables. Also, get a coupon in the travel/area maps.
(5)
Mike F.

My family and I went here while vacationing right after Hurricane Irene. Food For Thought was one of a few restaurants that had electric so it made the choice easier. Thank you Fate! The theme is focused on historical thinkers and there are various quotes painted on the walls. Even in the washroom (check it out!). I thought it all worked really well. The tables all had an assortment of cards from board games like Trivial Persuit! I can tell you I certainly felt smarter from being there! Every plate on the menu appealed to me but ultimately I chose the meatloaf. Winning!! The rest of my family were equally thrilled with their meals. Hell! Even the kids menu selection of chicken tenders and fries was REALLY good! The wait staff were all genuine and super friendly even though they were clearly understaffed for this rush being one of the few places open that night! Bottom line- we went back again for lunch two days later because it had made such an impression. If you are in the area Food For Thought is the smart choice!
(4)
Herb T.

Seriously good restaurant in Williamsburg. Was the best of our stay and I would go back again over and over if I lived there. The first thing you will notice is the parking lot is jammed packed - dont worry just go to ripleys and park there. The food is that good why its so packed. Next is you wont know what to get because all the food really is that good! I had the crab dish it was fantastic . My soon had the filet it was amazing. All the food was remarkable. Rarely do I give such a glowing review but this place deserves it. Try it you wont go wrong. Also extremely reasonable for the food quality.
(5)
Christine C.

Went back for dinner two days later and enjoyed it just as much! The crab-a-bella was surprisingly excellent. My boyfriend, who absolutely hates mushrooms, was even tempted by it. He also loved the pot roast and complimentary parmesan rolls.
(5)
Matt B.

Ordered the pot roast. Food was very good.Waitstaff very professional. Would definitely recommend.
(5)
Angela M.

Such a great restaurant! I loved the atmosphere including the inspirational quotes on the wall as well as the trivia cards on all the tables. And the food and drinks were excellent, too. Prices were reasonable. This was a comfortable, down to earth kind of place. I've never been to a restaurant quite like this one. I would definitely recommend it to others!
(5)
Kimberly L.

After many references from friends local to the area, we decided to try an evening out and spend it at Food for Thought. Based on recommendations, I called and put us on the seating list even though it was a Thursday night and in off-peak season. Once arriving there at 6:30 pm, I was glad I put us on that list as it was packed. Our wait time was about 30 minutes or so. Once inside, the atmosphere was wonderful, the menu was plentiful and our waitress was very accommodating. I ordered salmon with rice and asparagus and my husband ordered the pot roast with fries. The salmon was okay, but not too flavorful and the asparagus was not very cooked and not far from raw...it was tough! The rice was okay. My husband's pot roast was delicious as was the cornbread. Personally, I felt the food was over rated by previous posts, but the atmosphere was completely enjoyable.
(3)
M K.

Loved this place!. Went by for lunch one day and went back two day later for more great food. The sweet potato fries are great. I had the meat loaf one day and the corn crab chowder the other time. Both were fabulous. The crab cakes were outstanding. My wife had the grilled cheese sandwich with apples and strawberries and it was good. Daughter loved the grilled salmon.
(4)
John B.

Great menu with lots if different and unique options. I've been there several times already and enjoyed it every time.
(4)
Randy G.

Really tasty. Delightful staff. Definitely worth revisiting.
(4)
Emily M.

I love this restaurant, a hidden gem among all the chain restaurants. The vegetarian options are great and would recommend trying their vegetarian chili and veggie bisque. My favorite is the salad with beets, chicken, blue cheese, and pecans! I hear great reviews about the pot roast. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who wants something different, and lots of variety to choose from.
(4)
Yolanda G.

Loved the ultimate vegetarian and the quinoa burger. Nicely paired with a glass of wine. Service was attentive and spot on. Brian was a fantastic server. Will be back again.
(5)
David B.

We had breakfast here and truly enjoyed the whole experience. Food was great. My wife shared the crepe and fruit dish with our eldest daughter and both were very, very happy with the dish. My youngest had pancakes, and she ate more than usual. I had a standard: scrambled eggs with sausage patties, toast, and grits. Mine was good as well, particularly the grits. The sausage patties were a bit overdone to my taste. The fresh squeezed orange juice was heavenly, and made the coffee seem pedestrian. While the food was good, the service was amazing--from the hostess, to our waiter, right through to the owner who visited our table to assess our experience. We are visiting for three days and will be going back for breakfast and a dinner, based on our experience. I have dined at a few absolutely awesome places, like Chez Philippe in the original Peabody, so I rarely give five stars, but Food for Thought should get 4.5.
(4)
K C.

Overall very good for the affordable price. Great: - the sweet potato corn bread - pot roast - quite tender indeed - Squash casserole - cheesy and tasty - thick cut sweet potato fries with honey butter dipping sauce Good - Portabella sandwich on ciabatta Service was very friendly. Not the quickest and forgot one of our drinks, but still overall fine and friendly. The cards on the table with the brain teasers were amusing and a nice way to pass the time. All the quotes on the wall from famous people and the puns on the menu was kind of kitschy, but did give the place a memorable atmosphere. Definitely not as annoying as all that flair and crap on the walls of other casual chain restaurants.
(4)
Jamee W.

We visited this restaurant on a family vacation and were all really, really pleased with the atmosphere, service and food. First, let me start by saying how fun the table "chat cards" are. These cards have conversation questions to get everyone talking and we were laughing right from the start. They have a ton of vegetarian/vegan options, which is always a plus. I had the vegetarian eggplant rounds, which were delicious. My uncle had the ultimate vegetarian, which is a huge spaghetti squash filled with yummy tidbits, served on rice. My mom and dad had the nutty chicken and said it was out of this world. The sweet potato corn bread is amazing! Ask for extra. :) Service was really great as well.
(5)
Sara P.

This place is one of the more touristy restaurants in Williamsburg however it's still pretty good. It is definitely family friendly and its atmosphere resembles a chain like red lobster or outback with a cute "historic" theme . It was very crowded and loud but fun and casual. Service is extremely friendly and accommodating. Food was inconsistently decent. The sweet potato cornbread that comes in the beginning is great. We got steamed mussels for appetizer in a creamy white wine garlic sauce. They were delicious. The meals were not as great though. Several people ordered panko crusted flounder and it was very dry. I had the pistachio chicken which was good but very salty. Nothing amazing. Side dishes were yummy. Everyone else seemed to like their dishes fine but no one was raving. It is what you would expect from a chain type restaurant: somewhat interesting plays on typical american dishes that are alright. Prices are very reasonable for the area.
(3)
Peter A.

Just finished take out of crab bisque soup of the day and ribs dinner. Both were excellent. Crab soup was extremely tasty had a lot of texture, a lot of flavor, and a lot of crab. Ribs were probably the best I've ever had. They were truly fall off the bone. Actually had to eat them with a fork, which was okay, because they included extra barbecue sauce! Would definitely recommend this to others. Cannot wait to try another meal here!
(4)
Gina P.

This place is rated too high. it's a glorified sizzler. We order the shrimp boats. Not what i thought it would be. A shrimp on a piece of potato. Also order the best of both world steak and crab cake. I could cook the same at home.
(2)
Kinetic G.

Unpretentious atmosphere and food, mid to upper price point. Had lunch there after searching for vegetarian options among other restaurants. This had several tasty-sounding ones. Nice portions. Interesting creative takes on food prep. Well-trained servers were polite, efficient and swift. Nice addition of thought-provoking quotations on walls, historical additions and trivia testing cards on table to keep one occupied while food prepared. Returned a day later just for dessert and coffee after their dinner rush (and they do have one--very popular dinner spot). Same great service though servers and manager were well-worn for their Saturday dinner rush. Could tell all quite tired but still accomodating. Didn't have a problem with us just visiting for dessert and coffee - received the same hospitality as full dinner patrons. Dessert was excellent despite small portion and higher price. A little more pricey than most restaurants but worth the visit.
(4)
D W.

Not good. We went here based on good reviews on Yelp and were very dissapointed. We sat at the bar because there was a wait on tables. In general we like sitting at the bar, usually a more relaxed spot but not at this place. The bartender was so busy that the bar customers were 'incidental' to her evening and zero atmosphere as well. The food was below average. We had the veggie soup, it was bland. The cornbread was so so and the entrees very below average. I had the nutty chicken. It tasted like it had been taken from the freezer and cooked too much. Way too much breading and tough. The garlic mushroom sauce was like the cook opened up a can of Cambells cream of mushroom soup and added a packet of French onion soup mix, heated it and threw it on top. I'm pretty sure the mashed potatoes were from a packet. I had the creamed spinach. Bland. Boston Market does a much better job. In fact, I said to my husband upon leaving that even Cracker Barrel (which I only went to once and will never go again) was better than this meal. Only better thing was I could have a beer with it. We live in Northern Virginia, close to DC. We must be very spoilt if people here think this is a good restaurant. We really should have gone to Panera, at least we would have not wasted so much money. Oh well...
(2)
Rosquete B.

Think yummy and healthy food Some may think that the platitudes on the wall are a bit cheesy, but they really do provide food for thought Loved the wine flights (5 for $13) and beer flights (5 for $8) Perfect ahi appetizer Fantastic pot roast Yummy corn and cheese table breads Humongous, delicious beet salad Vegetable sides are good Had quinoa pasta special Bread pudding to die for; so is the vanilla bean ice cream Super friendly and smiley service by everyone; we liked Amanda
(4)
Robert B.

Very good food, excellent service. Wasn't blown away by my meal, but considering the prices and the atmosphere, I was very satisfied with my experience and I would certainly return.
(4)
Emily H.

This place is adorable. First I must confess that my friends and I took the crayons meant for children and drew ALL over the paper they placed over the table and had a BLAST doing so. The quotes on the walls are intriguing, and slightly cheesy, in a good way. The menu was interesting, with plenty of things I plan on trying in the future. The chicken dish I ordered was delicious. There was plenty of it and it was hot and fresh. Definitely recommend it for getting together with girlfriends.
(4)
Tina F.

* Great Name! - "Food for Thought" * Great Service! - our waiter was very attentive and patient with our children * Great Food! - Loved the Cilantro Lime chicken. Hubby enjoyed the pot roast. A must-eat when visiting Williamsburg!
(5)
Mary H.

Food was fantastic, service was excellent and prices were reasonable!! The pot roast and grits were delicious and the tea was perfect!! We will definitely stop here when we visit Williamsburg again!
(5)
Sonjia W.

The food was awesome and they had a lot of great vegetarian options. The service was also great. However, the best part of our experience was the bread pudding!! OMG! It was made with croissants and had cherries instead of raisins but it was out of this world!!!
(5)
Magnus C.

This is a very nice comfort-food sort of place. Big portions and friendly, efficient service. It's very popular and has a comfortable, laid-back vibe. Great for breakfast or lunch. They don't do brunch, despite information on this or other sites. At 11:30 they change from breakfast to lunch menu, so when we went on a Sunday at 11:30, we were a little taken aback at having to order sandwiches and salads.
(3)
Josh B.

On a road with Applebees and Red Lobsters as far as the eye can see, Food for Thought is an original. Great atmosphere and fantastic service! The bread may have been my favorite part of the meal. Both the sweet potato cornbread and garlic rolls were delicious. I ordered the ribs and my girlfriend had the nutty chicken. The ribs were great, very tender with fall off the bone meat. My girlfriend enjoyed her dish as well. Overall, great food and a wonderful experience!
(5)
B L.

We really enjoyed the grilled chicken sandwich. Service was good. We'd definitely go back. We went there on a previous visit to the area, about 2009, and were not as impressed. We were pleasantly convinced that it was worth another try. Good value, as well.
(4)
Jane S.

I brought the kids to Williamsburg for part of their spring break vacation, and last night we went hunting for some good food. Yelp had decent reviews of Food for Thought, so we stopped by there. Even at 8 p.m. there was a 20 minute wait, which speaks to the place's popularity! We were seated after our brief wait, and our waiter immediately came to take our drink orders. Our waiter (DJ) was attentive the entire time - frequently refilling my water glass and making sure the kids were enjoying their food. My daughter ordered the kids shrimp platter and my son ordered a plain old cheeseburger with fries. Both kids scarfed down their food and declared it good. I ordered the meatloaf with cole slaw and sweet potato fries. I asked for tomato sauce rather than gravy, and they brought out one smothered in gravy. I pointed out the error and they quickly took it away and within five minutes I had a new plate with the tomato sauce instead. It was delicious. The sweet potato fries were good and the cole slaw was excellent - not to vinegary, but not too sweet. Nicely balanced. I ordered two drinks from the bar. The first one was a nice mix of juice and liquor, but the second one was mostly juice. That was my only disappointment of the meal. All in all, I'm happy that we listened to the recommendations from the folks on Yelp! I'm now in search of a place to go tonight and will begin surfing Yelp to see what I can find!
(4)
Giovanna H.

loved the food.
(4)
Ellen C.

My husband and I went here while visiting Williamsburg because my sister said that she goes every time she's in town. She suggested the caprese salad as an appetizer so I ordered it. It was all right, nothing amazing and I thought the balsamic vinegar was way too sweet. The parmesan rolls were by far the tastiest thing I ate. I ordered a salad for my entree and asked for no blue cheese. The salad arrived with about a cup of blue cheese on it. I sent it back and waited while my husband ate his meal. The hostess or whoever came over to offer me a cup of soup (it was about 98 degrees that day) or a salad. I pointed out that I had already ordered a salad and another one probably wouldn't help too much. I also think that if I had accepted either of those offers they would not have been on the house. I heard another table complaining about the french fries being under cooked and another table who did not get their salad before the main meal came out. When my salad arrived the "roasted potatoes" were boiled, the "grilled tomatoes" were just plain tomatoes, the "crispy fried onions" were the kind you get out of a can and put on green bean casserole, the green beans in the salad were freezing (literally like they'd been in a freezer) and entirely unseasoned, and the steak was bland and dry. I will never recommend this restaurant not only because the service was horrible but the food was not worth the price, or even half the price.
(1)
John M.

Nutty Chicken can almost replace Chicken Parm though the nutty chicken has tons more flavor. Service is wonderful. Portions are filling. I visit this restaurant everytime im in Williamsburg.
(5)
Matt V.

In town for business. Hotel desk clerk said I had to eat here. She was right. Cornbread was amazing! Veggie Bisque was unique but delicious with a spicy kick! Ribs fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. I will be back!
(5)
Karen H.

This is probably the third time that we have dined here while visiting Williamsburg. This time my parents were with us and my Mother has very specific food allergies that make it difficult for her to eat out. I was very pleased that they could accommodate her without making her feel like she was missing out on a delicious dinner. The food was excellent. Four adult dinners and each one of us was pleased with our food. In addition we were dining with my 6yr old and my 10 month old. I didn't feel like I was bothering anyone and they were accommodating to my 6yr olds peanut and tree nut allergies. I feel very comfortable dining there with all three generations. We will definitely be back again!
(4)
Sherry F.

I have to admit, I was less than wowed by this place. I had the shrimp po boy sandwich. It was okay at best. When I hear the words "po boy" I typically envision a roll overflowing with the meat/seafood of choice, so when I ordered the shrimp po boy, I thought I would be getting lots of shrimp. Instead, I got about four or five (granted reasonably big) shrimp. My husband's meal was just as unimpressive. It's not a bad place, but I don't intend on dining there again. I probably would've been happier with a sandwich from a joint like firehouse subs. At least there I expect mediocrity.
(2)
Andy W.

Hmm, expected a lot more from the reviews. Very mediocre. The steak was ok and the crab cakes were by far the worst I had while in the area. Maybe if you like Sizzler you'll think this place is the bomb.
(2)
Andrew A.

The food was great, and the service was prompt and helpful. The potato cornbread was not that great, but my steak was cooked to perfection and the fries it came with were crispy, not the usual soggy mess. The drinks were good too. Even the pricing was pretty good. I'm going back for breakfast tomorrow.
(4)
Robin Diane B.

My mother and I decided to visit Williamsburg for a few days and had heard good things about "Food for Thought" so we went for dinner on our first night in town. It was AMAZING!! Everyone was so helpful - the hostess greeted everyone with a smile, our waitress Amanda was sweet and attentive (but not at all pushy) and the manager on duty (Tuesday evening 03/06) was serving dishes and asking patrons how everything was. (I thought this was very impressive because at a lot of establishments the manager just oversees things, but never gets involved). Also, I have a nut allergy and our waitress Amanda not only checked on the menu items I asked about, but even checked to make sure it was ok for me to eat the bread! (Which was nut-free and delicious!) The restaurant was very clean and the atmosphere was great. The food was delicious - the pot roast was incredibly tender and the sides (Squash casserole and sweet mashed potatoes) were perfect - creamy and delicious, but not drowning in butter like a lot of restaurants do. We ended the meal with bread pudding which was out of this world - what pushed it over the top was the sweet brandy sauce. We will definitely be back next time we visit!
(5)
Jing G.

This restaurant was close to our hotel but we almost didn't go to it. Everything along Richmond Ave. is pretty much franchises (Olive Gardens, Outback, Red Lobster.. etc) or private held restaurants that was a little bit more than what we'd like to spend for a casual dinner. We stopped by a quite a few locations and checked out their menu and was just about to give up when we stopped by here and took a peek at the menu - very affordable and innovative dishes - and a TON of vegetarian options. The four of us didn't have much of a wait (just 10 minutes for a Saturday night) and everything we got was good. Oh, the mussels special..so tasty... I had the spaghetti squash vegetarian entree with tomato pesto over mushroom basmati rice. Yum. I haven't seen spaghetti squash at a restaurant in, well, ever.. so I was happy. They even had a gluten-free pasta dish, too. Service was spot on.. seems like that's generally the way of it when I compare it to Philadelphia.. the waitresses were timely and attentive and just so darn NICE. If I'm ever back in the area, I'd go back again for sure for a casual dinner!
(4)
John S.

Had the ultimate vegetarian. It was very good. Nice mild flavors very well blended.
(4)
Joshua P.

We are a family of four visiting in the area and we could not find parking around 1pm on a Saturday. We had to go to Ripley's about three doors over (not connected). There was a significant wait but that was not a surprise. Once we got in, someone's check was left on the table which I moved over. The waitress was friendly but somehow got two of our orders wrong. They offered complimentary salad and/or soup. My wife ordered crab-something and my youngest ordered a rib-something. My other son and I both ordered Reuben burgers that was somehow misordered and had to be re-done. We both ordered medium-well but it came back as nearly raw. I bit into something cold and it was very pink. My wife surprisingly thought it looked medium. The more I bit into it the more I was convinced it was undercooked. It was very dark. So, it was hard to actually tell by visuals. We sent mine back to be cooked more and it came back the way I had hoped to get it. My older son eventually had to concede that his was undercooked as well. He had his re-done. I can understand that they probably were trying to rush it out but I was disappointed. In the end, they wound up taking $8 off the check and that made me feel a lot better. It was one of my worst experiences in a restaurant but they recovered better than I had ever experienced with bad service. So, my kudos to them for the recovery. However, if I ever go back, I probably will skip the Reuben burger. I did not get the best of both worlds.
(4)
Jaime L.

I found this place at random on a road trip to OBX and we were pleasantly surprised. Great food -- we had two of the vegetarian offerings, which were delicious. (Portabello stack and the spaghetti squash something-or-other. Yum!) Fun decor -- quotes and other silliness on the walls. Also, check out the not-quite-tongue-in-cheek "you young green kids are nothing but upstarts with no sense of the past" on the back of the menu. Friendly people and hilarious clientele (at least when we were there). I found
(4)
D J.

Excellent Food! Love it!
(5)
Joseph C.

Here is a quick recap of our Food for Thought experience: - as we walk in, there is a girl in a tube top waving a sign for the place on the sidewalk. That's cool for a Hooters, not a supposedly upscale/brainy restaurant.. - I order a mojito. It tastes like water and lime; no sugar, very little rum. - Ahi Tuna appetizer tastes good, but who ever sliced it had zero respect for it; the fish was shredded more than sliced. Sharpen your knives for God's sake. - My wife orders a salad and asks for no bleu cheese. Of course it arrives with bleu cheese on it. The waitress gives us an awkward speech about how it's probably the kitchen's fault. - The waitress asks me if I want ketchup, I say no. She brings it anyway, then says "Oh, did you say no? I wasn't really listening." This place has potential, but it's menu is confused, and it's service is amateurish, at best. Avoid the tourist trap, and find a place that does a few things really well, not many things poorly.
(2)
Nicole P.

We went for Saturday morning breakfast. We were seated right away but there was a longish wait before our server arrived to take our drink orders. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're in a rush. Breakfast is definitely a laid back thing. The food wasn't bad. The complimentary beignets were tasty. The kids breakfast plates were huge portions.
(3)
Jarrett H.

Amazing food and awesome restaurant. Owner put so much into this place and it shows. Waiter was young and messed up a couple times but he made up for it with a good attitude. Wish i lived nearby to go there all the time. Highly recommend!
(5)
Matt H.

My work a couple of summers ago used to have this place cater lunch once a week. I have also had the pleasure of going to the restaurant proper half a dozen times. Things I loved: rolls--two types, cornbread, and a cheese topped one. buttery and delicious. very flavorful potroast--truly a tasty meal mashed potatos--buttery and delicious squash casserole--very good green pea and corn medley--very good lime chicken--very good lime faux-chicken--equally as good as the lime chicken. I think this is only on the catering menu, but it was great. Two vegetarians came up to me (I was coordinating the catered lunch that day) and said that they had accidentally been given the chicken, not the veg-chicken. We checked with the chef, and he confirmed that it really was the veg-chicken. pad thai--not quite as good as many other dishes here, but still good the ultimate vegetarian--half a spaghetti squash filled with deliciousness eggplant marinara--not quite as good as many other dishes here, but still good portabella stack--incredible. a better vegetarian option than the "ultimate". bread pudding--great hot at the time, or delicious served cold the next day The chef is also one of the nicest guys. He always personally delivered our catered lunch, and made sure everything was there. Only once did he forget something (butter packets), and he insisted on returning to deliver them, despite our protests that we would live without them. He also often brought extra things, just because we used them weekly for several summers in a row. The restaurant itself is sort of intellectual-chic, without rubbing it in your face. I enjoy the process of eating out there. As a note: most of the food at this place is very buttery and hearty. There are some healthier entrees available, but the more popular entrees are, and the more delicious ones in my eyes, are not that healthy. This isn't a con, more of just a thing to be aware of.
(5)
Robert H.

Food is tasty and fresh. The service is pretty quick and attentive. We didn't set out to but we ended up eating here twice this trip and were happy both times. Consistently a nice place to have a good meal!
(4)
Matthew P.

Great place. we've been four times over four years and the place is wonderful. Our waiter this past visit did magic tricks for my daughters (and us) and the food was terrific. We'd definitely return.
(4)
Zia B.

This place is GREAT! My family and I went there for dinner a few nights ago and the food was so good! Very down home feeling'ish. I had the pot roast it was yummy and we loved the chat cards and the interesting quotes from some of the worlds most intellectual minds. Can't wait to go back...the owner even stopped by our table and chatted for a bit! Very nice man,,,
(5)
Gwen D.

Thoroughly enjoyed my lunch here at Food for Thought. The menu is mostly traditional American dishes, with a few spins here and there. But sometimes you just NEED a good home made style meal with your family. I especially loved their sweet mashed potato side dish, yummy! Great portions, great price, and a lovely place overall. It makes Williamsburg what it is: quaint, historic, and classy.
(5)
Kyle H.

Great service, above-average food, nice decor. Food came quickly but my steak was over-cooked but still good. Their bread is great. Don't forget about the mind games on the table while you wait... Nice touch. I would definitely go back again.
(4)
Lisa V.

Best place we ate all week.... friendly and attentive servers and manager, good food, delicious Sangria... overall a great place... try it!
(5)
Ryan And Katie M.

Amazing food, and great service! After a bad week of vacation, this place became our salvation. We actually went two nights in a row. We might have gone every night we were in Williamsburg if we found it earlier in the week. For starters, the bread was wonderful, hot and fresh. They also have Sweet Potato Cornbread. It sounds weird, but was really good. The Lime Mahi was tasty as well as "It's Twins" the twin 6oz filets which were cooked just as asked. From the dishes we had, I am not sure you can find something bad on the menu. The menu is given much thought by the chef. I really love the idea that with many of the meals you get to pick your sides and design your meal rather than something preset. Also, make sure to leave room for desert! I suggest the hot apple nachos.
(5)
J G.

Excellent!! Food, service, atmosphere - all wonderful. Thanks again to yelpers for another great find. We were going to Williamsburg for a few days just before labor day weekend, so ahead of time I searched Yelp for places to eat. Food for Thought had so many good reviews, we had to try it. We had lunch there our 2nd day in town and were so impressed, we went back for dinner that night and again for breakfast Saturday morning. Yes, 3 meals in a row at the same restaurant! I have never done that in my life, but the food was just so good. Having sampled something from 3 different servings, I can say that FFT was superb and would highly recommend it to everyone. For lunch, we had the ribs for an appetizer, which were so delicious. Literally fell off the bones and the bbq sauce was just right. My husband had the salmon with asparagus, daughter had the burger and I had the farmer salad with grilled chicken and balsamic dressing. All was SO yummy. The service was very quick and our server Eric was great. He was knowledgeable of the menu, offered great suggestions and was personable without being too chatty, which was very nice. We went on our way and commented several times later on how tasty the food was. So, come dinner we thought of trying another place, but couldn't get over how good those ribs were, so we went back. It was about 7:30 on Friday night and as we pulled up could see lots of folks waiting outside. We went in and the wait was 35-40 minutes. Normally, we would opt to go elsewhere, but with how good lunch was we chose to wait. However, I quickly thought to ask if there was space at the bar and sure enough there were 3 seats, so we walked right in and sat down - no wait. The bartender was quick to give us menus and water. He suggested the fried oysters, which he said are delivered fresh every Friday at 4PM from the bay. Husband had those and raved about how good they were. Daughter had the 8 oz sirloin with merlot butter, which she said was really good. I had the 8 oz sirloin with the garlic mushroom sauce which was scrumptious. Even though we didn't have the ribs as originally planned, we left satisfied and happy once again, and did it all in less than an hour! Saturday morning, getting ready to head back home, we wanted to have breakfast before hitting the road. The night before, we noticed the reader board at FFT said they do breakfast on Saturdays. So, off we went without hesitation. Our server Krissna was great. She was on-the-ball with everything and very nice. We had the "red bison" fresh pressed juice (apple, beet and carrot) and the fresh squeezed OJ - mmm, nothing better than fresh juice. Husband had the country fried steak (sirloin), daughter had the french toast (made with challah), and I had the "oink oink" omelet which was stuffed with bacon, sausage and ham - yum. All were fantastic and oh so delicious. Food for Thought hit it out of the park with a perfect trifecta. All 3 meals were delicious and our 3 servers were great. Our only wish is that we lived closer to Williamsburg so we could go there more often.
(5)
William And Kelly F.

First time going here and didn't care for it too much. My husbands in a wheelchair and there were chairs blocking his path. The lady did move them but when we went to leave she had put them right back. Root beer was $7 and no refills. Whenever my son orders root beer it's always from the fountain and free refills. Didn't care for their crab-a-Bella. The rice it came with tasted better. My 4yr old always gets Mac n cheese and finishes it, but not here. Waitress was also paying more attention to the back tables then our table. Was not worth the price we paid. One of the managers did come to us and asked how everything was and how we enjoyed it there. So that was nice.
(2)
Lynne L.

Ate here last week while visiting Colonial Williamsburg. I have to say, we were very pleased with our meal! I had the Carribean jerk chicken salad with mango chutney and it was outstanding! Messy to eat but well worth it! I suggest substituting Sweet potato fries for the regular fries. The sweet potato fries are not from a bag, are hand cut thick, and the sweetness really compliments the chicken salad. Hubby had the pot roast and raved about it. He loved the cheesy grits too. Our kids raved about the chicken fingers (Best EVER according to my 9 yr old) and the macaroni and cheese. I was pleased that their meals were not over priced as well and that they actually ATE them. Our bill was very reasonable and less than $70 with tip, and included a half carafe of wine. Not bad for a touristy area at all, I think.
(5)
Travis B.

Very wonderful place to eat. Very busy on the weekends since its located in the heart of Richmond road. Love the atmosphere and the menu.
(4)
Alyssa W.

I came here the other day with the family when we were taking a day trip to Jamestown. We wanted to eat someplace local and saw the positive ratings for Food for Thought. Definitely a great choice! The sweet potato cornbread was heavenly and everyone enjoyed the entrees they picked. I got the meatloaf and couldn't decide whether to have the tomato sauce or gravy topping so they gave me a dish of both. Also the broccoli might be the best I've ever had and my mother agrees. Another plus was Ania?, the waitress, she was so sweet, very attentive and friendly. By the time we left we were stuffed and had received 2 coupons for later visits. Definitely worth another visit when we're in the area.
(5)
Steve F.

We came here after it was recommended by the staff at our hotel. It was a pleasant enough environment with pithy quotes from great minds sprinkled around. We were seated a little later than the time for our reservation for fourteen, which is understandable. The two young ladies tending the bar could have been a little more attentive, but the bar was clean, well stocked and comfortable. Once we were seated, the menu looked very good and the the service improved, although it was still slow. The food was fine, nothing to write home about. Not bad, not great. I might try it again, or not. Lots of other choices in the area.
(2)
James C.

I really liked the feel of this place. Relaxed but high quality. The food was very good. Would have given it 5 stars but the service was just off. It seems like they were understaffed which led to slow service and a few mix ups.
(4)
Corey P.

I've only been once but the shrimp and grits dish I had was great! I can't wait to go back and try some of their other items.
(4)
Megan E.

This place was great! I'm not sure about the other reviewers-but the place was packed and we did have to wait for a table...kinda showing me that this place is pretty popular in Williamsburg. They had a really amazing selection of food options-and tons of vegetarian too! Plus, they had some meals that the chef could make vegan. My friend had the squash spaghetti with vegan pesto sauce-which was beautifully presented. I had the cobb salad-fresh and always a classic. Our waitress was awesome too and even split the check for us 5 ways without a fuss. And the meal was really reasonable!
(5)
Kim J.

It's a gem among a slew of chain restaurants. Food is fresh and service is always good. I've been a number of times and find it great to have a nice, reasonably priced restaurant where I can meet up with friends and have good food. Try not to be swayed by the sometimes cheesy street sign flippers they employ (why!?). It's a good deal.
(4)
Kathy W.

Food was okay. Service was okay. Beer was old.
(3)
Bonnie L.

I was overall pleased with this quirky new restaurant plopped in the middle of all the Richmond Road pancake houses. The hearty menu appeals to a broad range of tastes and moods, incorporating some classics with a twist while contributing its own original entrees such as the "Classic Vegetarian," an unlikely pairing of pesto spaghetti-squash with mushroom-bruschetta rice. The cornbread muffins and cheese rolls they serve hot with each meal are phenomenal. The rest of the food is tasty, if a bit hit-or-miss. The dishes I sampled had bold flavors--maybe even a bit too bold, as I grew tired of them quickly and ended up taking 2/3 home for leftovers. I would recommend the Classic Vegetarian; the pad thai was soggy but tasted good. The creme brulee had potential, but my serving was burnt. Pleasant service, but a tad on the slow side.
(4)
Ron R.

okay but over priced
(3)
Glenn K.

Adequate restaurant that does lots of advertising on cable TV. It is not as good as many of the chains surrounding it...
(2)
Che C.

great service. free parmesan bread is awesome, mussels for appetizers are awesome, however entrees are just okay, baked fish, pot roast and portabella mushroom burger.
(3)
Susan H.

After a long day of walking around Colonial Williamsburg, we were looking for some place casual for dinner. Most of the reviews we read from fellow Yelp fans were positive. Since they were located across the street from our hotel, we decided to give it a try. If I could rate this place solely on my meal, they deserve 5 stars, however I feel it necessary to include the opinions from other family members. We began our meal with a basket of warm rolls and sweet potato cornbread. The rolls practically melted in your mouth. Members in our party said they couldn't distinguish the difference between regular cornbread and the sweet potato cornbread. Most entrees are served with your choice of 2 side dishes. There were seasoned green beans, red skinned mashed potatoes, skinny fries, sweet potato fries, broccoli, grilled zucchini just to name a few. I opted for a "single" twin tenderloin filet with roasted garlic mushroom gravy along with the red skinned mashed potatoes and green beans. The steak was tender and cooked to perfection. There are no words to describe how delicious the roasted garlic mushroom gravy was. The perfect companion to my steak. My husband had the meat loaf, I thought it was a little on the dry side, but still okay. (I think he wished he had ordered the steak too) Another family member selected the pot roast and said it was good. The meat did not appear overcooked and came with the perfect amount of gravy, except he had to request gravy for his mashed potatoes. I'm not an eggplant fan, but my mother-in-law said it was good. The one thing I found impressive was that there were several vegetarian selections. At most restaurants you get one maybe two selections and I'm not talking salads. If I were in the area, I would definitely come back. This place has a little something for everyone.
(4)
James C.

Liked it so much we went back a 2nd night and we were only in town two nights. Food for Thought features comfort food, well served in a casual, friendly environment. Our server Gwen was friendly, knowedgeable and efficient. The pot roast was as good as Mom's and Mom was a pretty good cook. I thought of calling it an upscale Cracker Barrel, but that would be sadly insufficient. Give it a go, but go early, it does get croweded.
(5)
Toni M.

We had dinner here tonight. It's an airy building w/ thought provoking quotations written on the wall. The wall itself is a rich red and the sayings alternate between a silvery script and a darker colored block lettering which is easier to read. Our server was sweet and a little awkward at first. He reminded me of my eldest nephew. Alan ordered a local dark beer and I ordered a dirty martini. Both were good. We ordered Brussels sprouts, the vegetable special of the day, but we were there after 7:30 and they'd run out. Alan ordered the shrimp and cheesy grits and it was very good, the shrimp fresh and tasty, the grits better than most polenta he's had and the vegetables a good compliment. I ordered the pot roast and as the two sides I had cheesy polenta and seasoned green beans after being reassured that the beans were cooked al dente, not the radioactive kind floating in liquid. We both ordered side salads, which were tasty and fresh. We were served a basket of rolls that were hot, light and tasty enough that butter would have been superfluous. The meal was good, and reasonably priced. Music overhead was good jazz, Ella and other folks.
(4)
Robert C.

Realistically it was 3 1/2 stars. I can't get over the fact that the interior looks similar to that of a chain restaurant. I'm expecting just average fare but am pleasantly surprised. We started off with crab cakes ( $ 24 ) that included two of them. I was impressed with the health size and freshness of the crab. What didn't impress me was the sauce that you pour over the top of it. With some thought this probably could be a knock out crab cake. I enjoyed the pork rib snacker which was cooked to perfection with a good sauce you pour over the small ribs ( $ 8.50 ). It reminds me of the size of ribs at Kinder's in Walnut Creek, CA ( and surrounding area ). I myself am a huge fan of Flint's in Oakland, CA but that's another story. I ate part of a shrimp boat my wife had ordered that was shrimp on top of a potato skin with mushroom. It was alright. My main entree was the fried catfish that was perfectly cooked. It was moist.....nice job. . Had a accompanying salsa which was just okay. Bread pudding for dessert was good. Nice and hot. If you can just refrain from prejuding the decor it is worth a visit. Normally a three star place is a establishment I could just as well skip. This is better than that.
(3)
Jeremy G.

We visited Food for Thought on our trip to Colonial Williamsburg. We chose it for its gluten free menu and left raving about the food. Our table ordered from the regular menu and the gluten free menu. The mashed potatoes were incredible. The chicken was done perfectly My wife had the eggplant parm which disappeared in about two minutes. The service was also outstanding. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Donna H.

Being Maryland natives, my husband and I always look for crab cakes on menus when we go back East. On a trip to Williamsburg last month, we both selected them at Food for Thought -- what a disapointment! The mussel appetizer we shared was very good, as was the shrimp and grits my sister ordered. We would go here again, but we would steer clear of the crab cakes. We liked the ambience and our server was very friendly and helpful.
(3)
Matt S.

Highly recommend. Food was excellent - I had steak and crab cake and my wife had the crab cakes. Had the mussels appetizers - probably the best mussels I've ever had. Staff was excellent - very helpful and suggestions they made were great. Very good bottle of wine. And even had a great kids menu with the usuals plus things like ribs and a crab cake (which made my daughter happy). And prices weren't bad (my entrÃ©e was $28th but lots in the low teens). Would definitely go again.
(5)
Pasha I.

excellent food and service
(5)
Frank R.

Prices very reasonable and a welcome respite from the long strip of chain restaurants and pancake houses. We both had the pot roast - almost as good as home-made - and the sides ( creamed spinach, mashed sweet potatoes, and jasmine rice with mushrooms) were all first-rate. Agree that the decor was a bit off-putting but that's a minor criticism.
(4)
Lance M.

My food has always been good. To be honest, I have had hit and miss service - but in this instance, the food made up for it. There are a few great servers, and then there are a couple who have not done so great (my mistake for not saying something). But the food is fresh, pretty unique, and really tasty. The side salad is always really cold and crisp, and the ranch dressing (haha culinary huh?) is really good. I usually get the "Vegetarian's Delight" which is a spaghetti squash served over mushroom risotto with sundried tomato sauce on top. I didn't even know what a spaghetti squash was till I ate it here. It was VERY good. Also, the bread they bring to the table is worth the carbs - I think it's sweet potato cornbread or something? The lunch menu has a BBQ Tofu Wrap which is sooooo good and very unique. I love it. Also have had the hummus platter which is real tasty too. A lot of vegetarian soups which rocks. Even with sometimes lame service, I continue to go here because the food is yummm.
(4)
Kang C.

It's hard for me to give a low rating to any restaurant but this one did a lot of things wrong from start to finish of our family dinner! I made reservations for 8pm on a Thursday night and we got there exactly at 8pm but of course they weren't ready for us. The restaurant was not filled up so I don't understand why they could'nt be ready for our setup, so we had to wait at least 10 minutes more for them to set up and when you have 5 children among the 13 people party that is a long time with impatient and hungry kids! The food ordering process took a long time not because of us but just the disorganize manner of the restaurant. Then the appetizers came out 1 at a time instead of close together, forget about the bread, that took us at least 2 different times asking our waitress for them. When our meals finally arrived leave it to the waitress to forget to put in one entree order so my sister in law had to sit another 15 minutes for her meal while everyone else is finishing up! Talk about screwed up! What makes this a low star rating is that it took the end of our meal for the manager to come over and ask is everything fine with our meals?! So of course I had to explain everything and how we were not happy eating here! She then comped 1 meal that was forgotten and took 20% off my wife's steak meal because it was well done when she ordered it medium. Is all the screw up because of the abundance of kitchen help that you can see through the kitchen window or their lack of professionalism?! I just know that we did not enjoy our meal there so don't believe the billboard people outside the restaurant telling you it's the best restaurant in Williamsburg, VA. They're just paid posterboard people dishing B.S.!
(1)
C. T.

My husband and I met at Food for Thought on our lunch hour on a Friday afternoon, and were absolutely enchanted! The service, the food, the atmosphere were all perfect! I usually am able to eat lunch and be back in the office within 30 minutes, but this place had me wanting to relax, order dessert and coffee, and just enjoy being out and about. We will recommend this to everyone from now on!
(4)
Jeffrey B.

Service was very slow as the waitress indicated at the kitchen was backed up. The pumpkin cornbread was delicious. My wife thoroughly enjoyed her steak salad. My salmon was overcooked, dry and generally tasteless. I would not recommend it. The asparagus was also overcooked. We went with great expectations regarding the reviews and left disappointed
(3)
Olando C.

There was a bit of a wait when we went, and they seem to tell everyone waiting they can wait in the bar area as if there's infinite space. There isn't, but the food is delicious. All in all a good experience.
(4)
Peter J.

We visited Williamsburg last week and went to this resturant on a friend's recomendation. Just awsome food and excellent service. Nuff said
(5)
Foodie G.

We're not from the Williamsburg area but this will definitely be a staple whenever we come visit. This place was such a treat for our family! The environment was clean and friendly - our waitress (Whitney) was amazing. The food was prompt and SO good! We started with the hummus which was very tasty, came with carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, pita wedges, and bruschetta tomatoes. They also brought us complimentary parmesan rolls and cornbread. We all said it was the best cornbread any of us had ever had - soft and warm. My mom ordered the ultimate vegetarian dish - loved it (the only complaint was that the rice was a little cold). My husband got the ciabatta burger and I got a dirty look when I asked for a bite. He really liked it. I ordered the Nutty chicken, which the waitress said 'you either love it or hate it', I enjoyed it - the galic smashed potatoes were delicious. The only thing i was iffy on was the garlic mushroom gravy, the mushrooms had the taste of being canned mushrooms. But it was still really good! I also ordered the mashed sweet potatoes for my toddler - and it was warm comfy sweet potato creamy goodness. We were stuffed but were greedy enough to order dessert - the gourmet bread pudding with brandy cream sauce. It was gone in 30 seconds. :D There are so many chain restaurants and pancake joints here, it was such a great experience to eat at a independent restaurant and enjoy the creative expression of the chef.
(4)
Sil E.

Went here for lunch cause they had a sign that said best restaurant in williamsburg. i like their name, i think it's clever. They had shirts and other stuff on sale by the entrance. We had to wait for a table so I had a chance to read their menu - only to find out it's their dinner menu. Prices are kinda high, I wasn't expecting that. The lunch prices are not so bad. Grandma's meatloaf with tomato sauce ($8.50) - a little salty, too sour. I probably should've ordered it with gravy instead of the tomato sauce. The server recommended the tomato sauce so I went with that. The sweet potato fries were good. I also had creamed spinach which was superb! It tasted like spinach dip! I could've easily ate a whole bowl of creamed spinach for lunch, it was that good! My hubby had the Cilantro Lime Chicken which was also yummy. The portion was soo tiny though! I felt bad, I gave him half my meatloaf. Overall, good restaurant with overpriced items.
(3)
Paul Z.

Food was reasonably priced and well prepared..good quality..worth the stop..delicious!
(4)
Amir B.

Great variety on the menu. Well prepared foods that look and taste great. Great service as well. Waitress Tara was very good
(5)
Matt S.

Service is outstanding. Friendly host, servers!! Not just one, but a fine tuned team of culinary professionals. Not to impress, but efficient in every way. Decor and theme is clever and thought provoking. Food prepared and delivered fresh, hot and with expedient precision, it's almost like they choreographed your arrival. Hands down my favorite spot. Ps- great options for the healthy palate.
(5)
Allison W.

Loved it here! Good was good, service was great and prices were reasonable! Highly recommended!
(5)
Kevin L.

Wonderful service, wonderful food. We had lunch here and it was fantastic.
(5)
Ideen S.

Interesting menu organized by Prologue (appetizers), Chapter 1 (salads and soups), Chapter 2 (entrees), etc. My "Super Inca Salad" was very tasty and healthy, the service was fine, and the place was PACKED.
(4)
Lucilla I.

Went for dinner with hubby and food was excellent. Hostess said wait was going to be 25 min but got seated within 10 min. Definitely worth the wait. The bread basket had a delicious corn bread and some soft bread. Our appetizers were excellent. I had the mussels. The broth in itself with the toastinis made it almost like a second appetizer in itself. Hubby loved the hummus. And the dinner entrees were all great. Highly recommend.
(5)
Diana E.

Passing through while on vacation, we chose this restaurant due to the yelp ratings. Overall, we were very pleased. The service was exceptional even with the busy crowd. The special of bacon wrapped scallops was wonderful. The pot roast was exceptional as well. Being from Kansas City we were eager to try their baby back ribs but we were very disappointed. Though a very large portion and the sticky sauce was yummy, the meat was flavorless as if it were boiled. The only down side to our entire meal. Despite this, if we ever pass through again, we will definitely return!
(4)
Cheryl Teope B.

Once you enter the restaurant, there are signs that warn you of where to park. Be careful or your car can be towed. Restaurant fills quickly. As you wait to be seated, your eyes wander to the thought provoking and inspirational quotes on the tshirts that are available for sale. Then the cards on the table invite you to solve cases. The name of the restaurant truly gives you Food for Thought. Favorites include their fresh assortment of bread, Hummus appetizer, tender pot roast, meatloaf and Avocado BLT on Croissant. Staff is eager to serve. Menu offers variety that is sure to please your appetite. It is one of my favorite restaurants to visit.
(5)
Emily S.

Wow - great food! Helpful service as well. We all tried each other's meals and weren't disappointed with anything. Delicious bread (makes sure to ask for the sweet potato cornbread) to start. Tried the following: grilled cheese with goodness in the middle (i.e. avocado / bacon / tomato / etc) - excellent yet kinda buttery; meatloaf was not greasy yet very tasty; quinoa salad was a healthy, filling option with awesome dressing; daily soup was good too. Go and try it out. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Michael L.

Love the quotes on the walls. I feel inspired by setting foot and reading all the quotes on the walls. Yes, you can probably read them all on the internet or from a book, but it's a different experience when you are dining. The food is, "A-Ok," though it is a tad on the pricey side, but it's expected in a touristy area. The, "Stick To Your Ribs," is an extremely saucy rendition of baby back ribs. Yes it is fall off the bone, but the sauce is initially tasty, but unless you balance it with another flavor, it can get quite annoying to your tongue. So I order, "Grandma's Meatloaf," in brown sauce to keep my palate in check. (I don't eat both on my own, I share it both with my spouse.) The Meatloaf in tomato sauce is a bit acidic, and the brown sauce is more comforting and smooth. The "Light and Heavy Crab Cakes," are not your typical Maryland styled ones, but it's not quite the Japanese breaded type found in katsu or panko flakes used in tempura. I would have to say that it's quite a unique style of breading that is on it's own category. The crab cakes also are not quite consistent every time you order them. Sometimes they have more filler than crab to the point that you cannot identify solid chucks of crab meat, and sometimes you can. It's really hit or miss. "Thai One," is one of those forgettable dishes. If you ever had good Pad Thai from the major cities, do not have any expectation of this dish even attempting to hit that mark. It's a totally different spin, which is a good attempt, but rather not try unless you have experienced this establishment for it's popular dishes. "Jamaican Jerk Chicken," is dry, dry, dry. Spicing is okay for what it is, but could use a spritz of lime, and lots of bite from the dryness more than the spice. "Grilled Portabella Sandwich," tasty, a tad bit messy to eat, and feels like it's missing something to the flavor. The Sweet Potato fries are good. "Gourmet Bread Pudding with Brandy Creme Sauce," is definitely one of the better desserts here. It's unique, and feel good food. Got a bad day and need comforting, eat this. "Time For Chocolate," is a rich moist chocolate raspberry cake. It would be better if I were not allergic to raspberries. Think of it as a cold chocolatey sponge cake as moist as a souffle. "The Best Creme Brulee," is set up for a high disappointment. It's a mediocre creme brulee with a super thick sugar shell. The custard creme is cold, when the best are served warm and right out of the oven. It would be otherwise okay if the expectation was not set so high in the name. The wait staff is okay and friendly. The food wait times can get really long if it crowded. Once waited 45 minutes, but it was a rarity. Definitely a must come experience for foodies out there to take in the unique experience at least once.
(3)
Regina R.

I don't even know where to start. The ribs were melting, the complimentary breads are awesome. Portabella crab is the way to go! Great service.
(5)
Sean C.

Breakfast was delicious and large, banana nutella crepes were rich and tasty as was the omlette with brie bacon. The server was great and polite, an intelligent William and Mary student. This place has awesome food at very reasonable prices too, we all paid $10-15 including tip. Manager checked in on us and was very polite. I want to give it a 4.5 out of 5. I would have given 5 except for that there was some imprecision in delivering my order, I asked for my milk to be served at the same time as the food so it would be cold but it was brought earlier. But I am high maintenance.
(4)
Deborah D.

I found this restaurant on Yelp when my daughter and I were headed to Williamsburg for a girls' day. We wanted to eat someplace nice with food that wasn't heated under light bulbs or just shipped and reheated. From the moment we walked in, we knew we had made the right choice. The decor was nice, with quotes from the founding fathers on the walls. We had about a 5 minute wait at about 2 on a Saturday. We had an excellent server who explained the specials and that we could order from either the lunch or full menu and brought us our drinks and a basket of warm rolls and cornbread. From that time until we were done , our glasses never got below half full. Our server was attentive without being intrusive and we took our time deciding between all the options. I finally decided on the Wine Country Grilled Cheese which featured brie, sliced strawberries, sliced apple and sliced red onion on multigrain bread. Since I ordered the combo I also got a cup of the special soup which was a crab and corn chowder. My daughter ordered a bowl of another soup option a roasted veggie soup and a salad with a grilled portabella. We also ordered two sides- the grilled zucchini and squash casserole. When our food came we were overwhelmed- the portions were great and the presentation was beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, my daughter actually wished she had ordered some of the soup to go, she liked it so much and I may give the Wine Country grilled cheese a try at home. As we were finishing a manager checked in to make sure that we were satisfied with our meal. A great dining experience from beginning to end and I would recommend Food for Thought highly!
(4)
Nicole D.

Food for Thought is a place you have to try when in the Williamsburg/Hampton Roads area. The menu is eclectic and extensive, there's something new to try every time you go. They are very friendly to customers with food allergies and I can say that I've never been "glutened" going here. The food is fresh and the service has always been good. You may even feel smarter after eating here! :)
(4)
Kathleen M.

Excellent place to eat, even for locals! A really different menu and good for any meal..especially breakfast or brunch on the weekends. Nice to get something different from all the chains on 60. Expect to wait a bit, but worth it!
(4)
Lucy D.

Yup, 5 stars! Sat at the bar and enjoyed some pumpkin spice beer with dinner. The food and service were outstanding. Plan to wait in line for a table, but worth the wait.
(5)
Kim M.

Really enjoyed our meal here. Varying choices on the menu from fried to super healthy. The kids enjoyed their meal, good service, easy location. Would definitely return.
(4)
Jen T.

Loved the unique concept and the fresh quality ingredients. We were entertained by the deck of trivia and questions to ask around the table while waiting for our lunch. Roasted veggie bisque- YUM- BF had to taste it and he ended up having most of it and leaving me with 3 spoonfuls. Gee thanks hon! It was okay since I was looking forward to my grilled cilantro chicken with mushroom jasmine rice and steamed broccoli. The aromatic cilantro sauce was bursting and dancing in my mouth. I loved there was a little extra that seeped onto my rice. Everything tasted very fresh and nothing extra to mask the quality. Even the warm rolls was buttery enough that there was no need to butter but just eat to my itself. BF enjoyed his shrimp po boy with skinny fries that he finished the whole plate. Mom had crab cakes with mashed potatoes and man, she made sure she scrapped every bit of it from her fork to her tummy. The manager visited our table to welcome and greet us which was a nice touch. The restaurant seemed to be popular amongst locals and tourists. I like restaurants that has a local character rather than just a chain establishment.
(5)
Colleen L.

The food rated just above "not-poisonous" on a scale of dead-to-delicious. The Yelp reviews were promising. Over 100 reviews and it maintained a 4 star rating. We were tired, hungry, and could've gone to Chili's, but we decided to veer off the beaten path and try out this alleged local favorite. At least with Chili's, you don't get your hopes up. You know what you're in for, and you generally leave thinking, "That turkey sandwich didn't totally suck! What a nice surprise." I wanted to leave as soon as I started reading the menu descriptions. Chicken should not need an exclamation point, no matter how "nutty" it is. Here is one key item description that should have set me running for the hills: Appetizer (or as they say, "Prologue") NAME: I Don't Eat Raw Fish DESCRIPTION: "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... and MUST be experienced! $9" Wahhhh....... Aren't we past this? The concept of sushi or tartare was maybe new in the 90s but I think we're all pretty up-to-speed on the whole "raw" thing. We were hungry when we sat down, so we got an app--SPOILER ALERT!-- turns out that "Rib Snackers" are just ribs. Five dry microwaved ribs with a little sauce evenly spaced on an otherwise completely empty plate. Talk about unappetizing. I ordered a burger, it was cooked through fine, the fries were chewy and tasted old. My fiance got the "fork tender pot roast." When the server came to ask how it was, he said fine, but she read in his face that it was not. He politely said it was a little bland but OK. She insisted that OK wasn't good enough, and then suggested some chicken instead. By the time it came out, we had both lost our appetites. The servers and the manager were really super friendly, almost creepy friendly. They wanted us to take a free dessert, apologized over and over until I didn't know what response they were looking for, and asked so many times if there was something they could do for us that i considered things like "Well, we could use a good car wash." We weren't trying to be rude, but we didn't want/need a dessert, or a dessert coupon, and for no amount of money in the world would we be returning. Well, maybe for like a million dollars or something. I would eat some bland food for a million dollars. I do feel bad being a snobby food asshole to these guys, especially because the service was so friendly (and they comped the pot roast.) It's really too bad the kitchen doesn't try as hard as the servers and managers do.
(1)
Michael R.

I had dinner here with my Fiancee's family and I while visiting in Williamsburg at the recommendation of a friend, and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were looking for something more traditional for her folks, and this was recommended as a better option than a generic chain. While they don't take reservations, they do let you call ahead to get in line, which we did; fortunately they weren't too busy when we came by. We had a great server who was good about actually knowing the menu and making recommendations without being too pushy, and generally attentive without being overbearing. The decor here is quirky and interesting, and makes for some good conversation pieces while you wait for your food. The food here is solid, and a great value for the prices compared to some other places closer in to Williamsburg proper. I had the pot roast, which was quite tender; we also quite enjoyed the bread and sweet potato corn bread, and even got seconds on those. Overall a good choice for the value if you're looking for some traditional comfort food.
(4)
A T.

Can't say enough about this place! First of all, this was my first trip to Williamsburg and I am a huge foodie so I HAD to find the right place to have dinner. This place came up on yelp and I was a little hesitant to try it because I judged it entirely by the name. That was a huge mistake and thank god I didn't go with my gut on this one! The service was incredible and that, for me is really what makes me rate this restaurant 5 stars. Everyone was so nice and polite, not used to that! You feel like you're in a huge family dining room, and you feel like you know everyone even though you really don't. It's very warm and inviting. If you get Sarah as a server, you're in luck because she is VERY good. Is very knowledgeable about the menu and extremely helpful on recommending food. Besides the service being outstanding, the food was SO good. You could really tell that they took their time preparing it and everything was so fresh. I ordered the crab chowder to start with and damn that was an excellent soup. The flavor and seasoning was perfect and the ingredients were very fresh. And for the second course I had the BBQ ribs with broccoli and sweet potato mash. The meat on the ribs fell off the bone just how you would want them to and were so tender. The sauce was out of this world and I LOVE BBQ, so this was one of the best for me in a long time. My boyfriend got the jerk chicken with mango pico de gallo and that was incredible. The chicken was cooked perfectly and juicy while the mango salsa added a perfect touch. When I write long reviews, it means I truly LOVED the restaurant and if I ever come back to the area, I will 100% come back.
(5)
Pietro P.

Excellent food; great service; wide selection of meals that blend elements from different cuisines - and if you get a chance, go there for their excellent breakfast!
(5)
Amy S.

Our party of 10 went here to celebrate my daughters first birthday last night. Five adults and five kids ages 11, 7, 7, 4 and 1. The customer service and food were disappointing and the worst part was that after waiting for over an hour they sat us exactly adjacent to the bar. The fish was bland, our tuna was dry and overcooked. Needless to say we will never come back.
(1)
Amy E.

I was meeting my mother and 12 year old brother for dinner and I chose this restaurant because my brother is a sponge for information and I thought the mind games/quiz cards would keep him occupied while we waited for food. Not only did that keep him busy, but it was fun for all of us! They have paper on the tables so we colored and had fun trying to unscramble words. The restaurant was busy but we didn't have to wait too long. We enjoyed perusing their little assortment of gifts/games/shirts you can buy. Our server was friendly and remained attentive despite how busy it was. I loved the story book themed menu and beyond that the food was incredible. We started off with Michelangelo's Caprese which was fresh and delicious. They also bring out bread which includes sweet potato corn bread that is out of this world. I especially liked the Crab-A-Bella, a crab stuffed portabella mushroom with melted provolone! It would be hard for me to order anything else after having that! For dessert we split the hot apple nachos with vanilla bean ice cream, unique and tasty! It's the kind of place where you know you are full but everything is just SO GOOD!
(5)
Lulu B.

I read the reviews and asked people before going in because they had someone with a sign said "voted best restaraunt" but in 2006. If its not #1 now it's got to be close. We ALL loved everything! First time my husband didn't ask for A1. We will come back every time. If its all as good as dinner I'll be trying breakfast and lunch too! Service was great as well. Really liked the atmospher too. They also had conversation cards for fun on the tables. Cool idea.
(5)
Monique C.

Ring the five stars alarm! Food For Thought deserves them all. We visited on the second day of our VA vacation. I was in search for some non-chain touristy type restaurants and Food For Thought didn't disappoint. We arrived at 5 prior to the dinner rush apparently because by 6 the restaurant was jumping. The service was extremely friendly and our server did his due diligence advising of the specials and welcoming us. The manager was the star though. She talked up the kids, kept our drinks refilled and was super friendly. I ordered the shrimp and grits because it's obvious lol. It was flavorful and yummy. The grits were creamy and the shrimp was cooked to perfection. My boyfriend's lime blackened chicken was yummy as well. The kids ordered chicken fingers and fries, standard kids fare. Overall we had a lovely dinner and would return to Food for Thought. If you read my reviews you know I don't trust skinny chefs; this place gets crowded for a reason.
(5)
Jason J.

Loved this place! Rolls were great, shrimp appetizer was tasty, steak was good (get the butter, mushroom sauce is overpowering), and get there early. That place was slammed on a Tuesday night. Can't even imagine the weekend.
(5)
Matthew W.

It's nice as a local living in a tourist town to find a place that caters to both tourists and locals. The pot roast is as good as my other fellow yelpers have stated, the nutty chicken was different but very good. The cheese grits were ok, but the real standout of the sides was the jasmine rice. It was extremely fresh and fragrant. Our server was very good, my drink was never empty. So all in all I may have found a great place to come back to and try more.
(4)
Michael M.

Our first night on vacation in Williamsburg and decided to try Food for Thought because of the Yelp ratings. Before we went we perused the menu's on line and was quite impressed by the descriptions which made us hungry just reading them. Restaurants should take note in today's digital age that an on-line presence is a must. My wife and I consider ourselves Flexitarians (or people who eat a mostly vegetarians diet). Because we were dining early at 5pm there weren't a lot of people in the restaurant so we couldn't see what other people were eating. Three dishes were offered in the vegetarian "Garden of Eden" selections, the fourth offering is actually three side dishes of your choice with a side salad or soup. My wife's sister ordered the steak salad. I also noticed that a vegetarian chicken (I'm guessing seitan) was offered as a substitute for the Cilantro Lime and Jamacian Jerk chicken dishes. I ordered the Baked Eggplant Marinara which was breaded eggplant slices topped with marinara, goat cheese and a basil pesto served with steamed broccoli. I was quite surprised with the flavors the pesto added and the goat cheese added more complexity that the usual mozzarella would of offered. The steamed broccoli done to perfection with the right amount of seasonings. Overall a hit. My wife ordered the Portabella Stack a tower of portabella mushrooms layered with grilled eggplant, smoked gouda cheese, topped with sun-dried tomato sauce and bruschetta tomatoes served on a bed of mushroom rice. While my Baked Eggplant Marinara was a hit this dish was the jackpot. My wifes sister ordered the steak salad which she said was good but nothing special, the steak portion was large cooked well but a little on the tough side, dressings delivered on the side and salad greens were accompanied with seasoned veggies. Our only disappointment was, as the restaurant filled, even more phenomenal dishes passed by filling us with envy and doubt. A woman at the table next to us ordered the Fork Tender Pot Roast which was a portion big enough to feed three women of her size. She started the attack with yes a fork. We like to try different restaurants while on vacation but I'll have to return this week, to the dark side and eat meat again, especially for the pot roast.
(5)
John G.

Great place to eat with nice friendly atmosphere! Food was very good and well presented. I had the swordfish special which was good but the portion of fish was a little small but I am a big guy, so it may be ok for others. My wife had the Roasted Beet salad and is still talking about it 3 days later! Brain teaser questions on the table were fun, did not get any right but there were fun. If ever in "The Burg" again will definately eat there again.
(4)
Scott K.

This is legitimately a 3 star dining experience but I'm giving it a one to balance all the over inflated reviews. 1. Food was cold 2. Food was forget about 3. Dessert was never offered 4. Most employees are foreigners with English as their 2nd language.....this provides its own set of challenges. 5. If you park in the vacant lot beside the restaurant you will get towed..... 6. I ate here based on all the high "Yelp" reviews and was disappointed that the "yelp" system had failed in this circumstance.
(1)
J R.

Love this place. Every visit we have had the food has been great and the service too. One of our favorite restaurant in Williamsburg.
(5)
Morgan H.

A UNIQUE restaurant to say the least. Being that they sell dvds' such as "Food Inc." and "Forks over Knives", I automatically assumed this was a fresh farm to table restaurant. It's not. There are posters of inventors and pioneers all over the restaurant including Harriet Tubman and Robert Goddard just to name a few. There were also trivia cards and trial/case games on the table. The menu is done in the style of a book or novel with the sides being named as the "endnotes". The restaurant is all about inspiring conversation at the dinner table. Great idea but, kind of gimmicky. The menu had a wide variety of options. I was leaning toward chicken but I couldn't decide. They can help you with that. There's a dish called "can't decide". It's a jerk chicken breast and a cilantro lime marinated chicken breast with two sides (end notes). I had the red skinned mashed potatoes and vegetable "medley". The mashed potatoes sucked. Waaaaayyyyyy to smooth, not whipped, smooth like the school caf mashed potatoes. No thanks. The veggies were good and the jerk breast was okay, better than the cilantro lime breast. My cousin had one of the specials which was stir fried shrimp with bok choy and mushrooms over jasmine rice, no complaints. My mom had one of the other specials which was flounder with some kind of sauce. Nothing memorable. We were excited to have dessert because the menu said that a baker who had competed on Food Network's "Sweet Genius" had a feature on the menu, key lime pie. Which we love!! So, we ordered. I was going to share the pie with my mom and my cousin got the carrot cake which was good. When the pie came out, we were shocked. It was neon green and gelatinous. No way we were eating that. It tasted somewhat like key lime pie but it was just too strange. Luckily we had a nice server and the manager came over and talked to us several times throughout our meal, Allen I think. He informed us that that was his first time ordering key lime pie from her bakery...and his last. Everyone that had the pie had the same reaction. If I were back in Williamsburg, not sure if I would go back to Food For Thought, might go to Red Hot and Blue across the street. But, if you're looking for a different dining experience check this place out.
(3)
Richard W.

When traveling out of town for business I like to try local restaurants instead of the typical chain type. I went here for dinner will in Williamsburg, VA. I require four things in a restaurant. Craft brewed beer, good food, good service and Wifi. This place satisfied all four.
(4)
April J.

Excellent! shrimp boat app is very tasty. hard deciding on what to order. never had shrimp and grits. felt adverterous and gave it a try. i was so glad i did...it was very good. husband said pot roast was good comfort food. service was great too.
(5)
Steve S.

Zelda loves to wave at the young greeter waving hello in front of this restaurant whether we stop or not. It is our lunch destination or early afternoon stop before driving back to DC area. Good Bloody Mary. Nice service, bar, sandwiches and vegetarian choices. Sometimes parking a problem but there is a shared space not too far away. Good for youngsters as have simple Q&A question game boxes at table. Good for and frequented by seniors to kids...nice atmosphere, kind of unique.
(4)
Makayla H.

We saw all of the good reviews and thought we should give it a try. The atmosphere was nice and the service was good. I enjoyed my food and especially liked the French fries. The rest of my family enjoyed their meals but said that the burgers and sweet potato fries weren't what they hoped for. Overall it was a nice restaurant with good food.
(4)
Deirdre A.

Wow, worst food ever!!! Tourist trap all around! I gave no idea who thinks this food is good! High priced cafeteria food, my husband even said" I've been in the army for twenty years, and this is just like chow hall food" they even screwed up the grits!! How do you do that?? They even told me the crab meat came from China!! It was so bad!! you get better food at Cracker Barrel for half the price, I think half these reviews have to be fake!
(1)
Bruce G.

Really enjoyed every aspect of my meal at Food For Thought. They do quite the business with the tourist and I am sure the people who live in the area know about it too (Yelp doesn't keep secrets very well!) The menu is unique with the play on words (you have to sea it to believe it) etc. And they have interesting wall decor with the quotes on the walls and historical events such as the Wright Bro's flight. I ordered the baked Panko baked flounder which was drizzled with lemon butter sauce. Very satisfying and delicious. For my two sides I had the creamy cheese grits and creamed spinach (I like cream). Both were quite delectable as well! I tried some of my Mother's fried oysters and they were on point also. Both my parents said they enjoyed their meals immensely here also. Our waitress was very prompt and efficient , while still managing to be friendly during a very busy time for them. Another nice touch was one of the managers stopping by to ensure everything was going well with our visit. I wouldn't hesitate to visit Food For Thought again when in Williamsburg and I give them a rare (for me) five stars!
(5)
Julie M.

The wait was nuts, but unavoidable especially coming on a busy Friday night. BUT the wait is totally worth it! The food was amazing! Everything was so flavorful! The Shrimp Boat appetizer is as good as everyone before me says it is!!! Entree-wise, I had the Crab-a-bella, which was definitely ALL crabmeat, no fillers, and the melted cheese on top & portobello mushroom on the bottom are perfect! I didn't have space for dessert, but I wish I did! There will definitely be a next time to check the desserts out though! If you're in the Williamsburg area, you have got to make this a stop! :)
(5)
Paul L.

Amazing service and food options that aren't available elsewhere. Breakfast was fresh and the asparagus was extra tasty. Coffee is great. We enjoyed the experience and will be back .
(4)
Mike L.

I was on vacation and stayed at the Williamsburg Plantation. Checked their reviews on Yelp and decided to give it a shot. The interior is very nice. They had quotes on some of the walls and had pictures about historical events. Very kid friendly place. They have a good kids menu. There's a blank piece of paper that covers the table where kids can grab crayon and start drawing on it. The service was great and everyone was friendly. We asked for recommendations and they were on point. We ordered the "What Big Mussels You Have!" and the sauce was amazing. I ordered the "That Nutty Chicken!" and the garlic mushroom sauce was good. The pistachio and parmesan cheese was a good addition. Overall, the service and food were great. I will definitely go again the next time I'm in the area.
(5)
Paul S.

By far my favorite restaurant in Williamsburg! They really know how to fuse modern eats with classic recipes. Barrie was our server and she was absolutely great, attentive, and helpful. For the appetizer, we got the sushi-grade tuna and it was absolutely delicious. The sweet potato fries are so good that I had to order two orders! I got the cilantro lime chicken as my main dish and it certainly did not disappoint. I have been here a few times before and have never been disappointed. Above all, Food for Thought is the most gluten-free friendly restaurant in Williamsburg thanks in part to there extensive gluten-free menu and the in-house made, freshly baked gluten-free rolls. Honestly, there is something for everyone at Food for Thought, and I will certainly be returning the next time I visit Williamsburg.
(5)
Ken K.

If you are in Williamsburg and don't come here, you are an idiot. If you come here and don't try the hot apple nachos for dessert, you are a flaming idiot.
(5)
Aaron B.

Pretty decent spot. Located colonial Williamsburg on a restaurant filled street. The aura of this place is nice and filled with quotes and mind games. Somewhat on the pricey side compared to traditional spots( Olive Garden, Fridays, Applebee's) your looking at 10-18$ range per plate, but the food is well executed. Very packed on weekends, obviously who isn't on weekends. Overall decent spot, American style with a touch of island flair. Plus+ they also serve breakfast
(4)
Richard S.

I am not sure what all of the hype is about. The food was average at best but you could never tell from the overflowing parking lot and long lines. My meal was not very memorable and the waitress seemed surprised that we were not impressed. On a good note, the service was excellent and the food was served promptly and to order.
(3)
Aiden B.

Excellent selection of breakfast items, but I had to go with the country fried steak sandwich, which was delicious and quite filling. The service was fast and very friendly. Very nice atmosphere, we sat near the front of the building where we had a view of their garden with all of the bird feeders, so we got to watch the finches and cardinals playing around.
(5)
Moya A.

Great food in a very nice atmosphere. The restaurant has a very pleasant decor with interesting historic fun facts hanging on the walls. On the table you will find cards with more facts and trivia questions to entertain yourself while you wait. However, we didn't wait too much for our food to arrive, it was faster than average. The service is great, with a very cordial hostess and a very helpful and amiable server. The food was delicious! Lump Crab Salad was fresh, delicate and tasteful. Meat loaf was like grandma's, savory and rich. Even the kid's Cheeseburger was good!. Portions are large, so we ended up with no room for desserts, will try them next time, definitely!
(5)
Cherry F.

I have been there many times and all but the last time was impeccable. I've tried the Roast Beef, meatloaf, crabcakes and shrimp and grits. They are all delicious. My go to dish is the shrimp and grits however last time we went it was a little watery and not as up to speed as normal. I recommend the gluten-free rolls at the beginning. They are delicious. Service has always been great. I recommend reservations if you go on a weekend night otherwise it gets crowded.
(5)
Kara T.

Went there last night with a friend and sat at the bar. Even though the placed was packed, we got excellent service. We tried the Shrimp Boat and the I don't eat raw fish apps and both of them were fantastic. Everything was very fresh and prepared perfectly. The bread pudding and drinks we had for dessert where spot on and some of the best I've had locally. I give this place two big thumbs up!
(5)
Joshua S.

Absolutely amazing! The crab cake with steak with mushroom sauce was amazing. It was called "Best of Two Worlds" or something like that. Dark Horse Big Red Blend red wine was smooth. The manager was the most friendly and attentive manager I've ever seen - engaging people in conversation, picking up dishes as people finished with them, etc. The best part though is that the whole restaurant is themed around thinking and conversation with quotes on the wall and cards on the table with conversation questions. Five stars! I'll be going back again.
(5)
Erin Y.

We stopped in for lunch today and it was great! We had received a recommendation to stop in while shopping earlier in the week and decided to try it out. My husband had the meatloaf and mashed sweet potatoes. It was so good that my 2 1/2 year old ate half of it....this being the first "beef" plate that he's eaten. I had the Jamaican Grilled Chicken with regular mashed potatoes. It was so good! I had a little bit of the mango salsa on top of the chicken, which was good...and I'm not a big fan of mango! We would recommend this to anyone....even a young foodie!
(4)
Eric C.

A fantastic, fair priced restaurant! -Shrimp Boat - 5/5 Fantastically delicious. -Jamaican Jerk Chicken - 4/5 Moist chicken paired with a great mango salsa that wasn't too sweet or spicy. -Cilantro Lime Chicken - 4.5/5 Also a solid chicken choice. Cilantro Lime glaze perfectly accented the grilled flavor. -Pork Tender Pot Roast - 4/5 Meat was moist and the gravy was perfect, not too salty. Tips: If you're hungry, tack on the Shrimp Boats as a starter. If I could go back, I would just order two as an entree. They're that good!
(4)
Chelsea L.

Celiac/Gluten-Free Review: As a Williamsburg local, I can't speak more highly of this place. It is my favorite restaurant in Hampton Roads because they set the bar high on how all food establishments should handle food allergies. Knowledgeable, quality, and consistent, I've always had a great and positive experience when it comes to gluten-free dishes. There are very few places that give a gluten-free roll pre-meal, and this one is delicious in texture and flavor! My personal favorite dish is the cilantro lime chicken with the corn and green pea medley, but Food for Thought is the one restaurant where I actually have difficulties figuring out what to eat-- there's so much good food to choose from!
(5)
Brady H.

I've been here a few times, and have always enjoyed it. The food is great, the atmosphere is good, and there are puzzles and factoids on the table for - you guessed it - Food for Thought.
(4)
Melissa J.

I just had an AWESOME dinner!! Food was great the service was OUTSTANDING.... To top it off I left my iPhone 6 at the table and the manager chased me down in the parking lot to return it.... I can't wait to come back!!!
(5)
Cynthia K.

Hubby and I went here for lunch - and the place was full; but we were promptly seated at a table for two - surprisingly the table was nice and we had enough room, normally a table for two is very small. Anywho - the waitress came to our table and explained the menu to us. As first time visitors, we really did not know what to expect. But I must say I was really pleased. I ordered the crab-a-bella and he ordered the fish and chips. The crab-a-bella was so good - came with rice and creamed spinach. Large portion so I brought half of it home. My husband said the fish was very good and seemed to melt in your mouth. I did like the table bread and tea had just the right amount of sweetness. We will be dining here again soon!!!
(5)
Scott H.

Very cleverly done local place sitting along a crowded street of typical chain restaurants and diners masquerading as pancake houses. I had the pot roast with skinny fries and broccoli. Nothing beats freedom fries and gravy. The pot roast was extremely tender and very lean. Carrots and onions were also on the plate and were cooked perfectly in with the pot roast. Speaking of diners, the brooch was served in its own dish, like a diner, and was uninspiring. Other diners had crab cakes (just ok), salads, California, BLT and spicy mac and cheese .... all reported their dishes to be excellent. Avoid the chains and make this this a stop while in Williamsburg.
(4)
Daniela P.

This place is a must when visiting Williamsburg. I make sure to eat here at least twice when I come to VA. Everything that I have tried, or people that I've dined with have tried has been phenomenal. I am a vegetarian and they have many options but my favorite is the lentil and quinoa burger. I've been told the muscles are out of this world. The service is outstanding every time as well. Last time we visited we had 4 children under the age of 7 and the waiter Dylan was so sweet, friendly and patient with all of them. Do not get scared as a by the wait time, a lot of times they say the wait is a lot longer than it is. Its definitely worth the wait!
(5)
David H.

FYI - I only give Yelp reviews that are Five Star or One Star. I am a foodie to the core and do destination dining. Food for Thought gets Five Stars. They are the best restaurant in Williamsburg. Hands down. The best restaurants in the world all have something in common. They put LOVE in their food. Then they put LOVE into their customer service. They take pride in it. Food for Thought is one of these restaurants. It is a destination restaurant and we are die hard foodies, vegan and veteran. They do all three of our interests at the highest level. Even if you are normal lovers of great food, you are certain to not be disappointed. The first thing you will see is the sign warning you not to park in certain adjacent lots. Newsflash: Great restaurants often have parking issues. This time, it's worth the slight inconvenience if you have it. I ordered the BBQ Tofu Wrap. No cheese, or cole slaw. Substituted in cooked onions and squash. Got the sweet mashed potato as a side. Wife ordered combo Jerk vegan chicken entree with mango salsa on top. She split the other vegan chicken patty which was cilantro lime seasoned. She ordered two fresh veggie sides. Food for Thought deals in total freshness and their vegetables reflect this. It's not a priority for all foodies, but for us fresh, seasoned, beautifully colored vegetables make us smile from ear to ear. The first thing that reminded me (this is our second time) hit me first, is the experience of tasting their barbecue sauce. When I was a meat eater, I've tasted the best in Texas and North Carolina. Even in places that sold theirs. First reaction I had was, I hope they sell this. The Tofu wrap is large but stays together well. I had vegan mayo on mine which played well off of the BBQ sauce. It doesn't get better than this people. Even if you are not vegan GET THIS ENTREE. I tried my wife's Jamaican Jerk and Cilantro Lime seasoned vegan chicken patties. I challenge anyone to know for sure it isn't chicken. Try it on unsuspecting fellow diners. We were brought on arrival vegan flat bread in fresh tomato salsa. We finished it before our food came it was so good. We knew we were taking food home. If we were still meat eaters, my opinion is that we would be even more impressed. We got a 5 percent discount from a card given at our previous visit. As retired military on Labor Day last year we received a free dessert. Map this restaurant out with confidence. and make it your main stop in Williamsburg. The chain restaurants choke out everything else here. Just say no. Come to Food for Thought. You will love it and return again and again.
(5)
Rich S.

I had a lovely late breakfast/brunch here on a Sunday shortly before 11. I'd call the decor pleasantly tacky, but solid food and service. We arrived shortly before the menus switched from breakfast to lunch, which was OK because the breakfast menu looked pretty good. It was very busy, but we only waited 5 minutes for a table. Once seated we were quickly greeted by our server and settled in with some coffee and their complimentary beignets. The beignets were a sweet surprise. I ordered the BLT on a croissant. It was pretty good, nothing that really blew me away. I'm being a bit nit-picky, but I thought they overdid it on the bacon and skimped a bit on the egg. The avocado and tomato spiced it up a notch. The house potatoes were typical diner-style home fries. My mom had the asparagus, mushroom and brie omelette served with grits. She enjoyed her omelette, but was most impressed with the grits. I tried them too and they were phenomenal- really smooth, buttery texture with just the right amount of cheese mixed in. Service was prompt- we actually both felt our server was a bit awkward in his frequency of checking up on us. It was a nice touch that the owner made a point to drop in to ensure that we were enjoying our experience. We both want to go back for lunch or dinner. They have a lot of interesting-sounding non-breakfast menu items.
(4)
Daniele M.

My family and I were excited to go here after a day at the park. After a quick wait, we were shown to our table and the waitress talked me in to ordering the salmon and my husband in to ordering the tuna. We also ordered a carafe of sangria. The sangria didn't have a trace of alcohol - my husband and I finished it off and we both felt it was sugar water. While he did say the tuna was good, my salmon was dry as can be and my sweet potato fries were not fully cooked. I also had asked for gluten free rolls to be served with the bread basket, but they never arrived, nor an explanation of why. Perhaps we had a fluke visit, but I was definitely disappointed with our visit.
(2)
Jim H.

Come prepared to wait for a table at this great restaurant. It would be worth the wait - but we opted to just sit at the bar and avoid the line. Got a great start with sample glasses of the draft beers which helped make my selection. We ordered the pad Thai and light as a feat entrees - both were excellent - as was the service we received! Great stop for dinner.
(5)
Natalie O.

Food for Thought was packed the night we went. I would recommend making reservations if you can that way you are sure to receive the full experience! The tables have thought provoking quotes and questions to encourage dinner conversation. We however had the bar experience because we had no reservation. Of course, it was delightful! Andrella was out bartender and she was a wealth of knowledge about the beginnings of the place and how great it is to work there. She has been there since 2007, just after it opened. Of you don't have reservations it is worth the wait! I ordered Grandma's Meatloaf with red sauce, red skinned mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. Let's work around the plate starting with the simplest to the most complex, steamed broccoli hmmm... It was steamed perfection not to so soft that it was obliterated by your fork, but just soft enough to be enjoyed by your mouth, the red skinned mashed potatoes were buttery greatness, like velvet for the pallet!; finally the meatloaf, it was loaded with the perfect combination of meat, herbs, seasonings: salt, pepper, fresh oregano; topped with a balanced red sauce that was tangy and just sweet enough to not put your pallet on tang alert! A wonderful dining experience!
(3)
Mike P.

Wow. I love this place. Had dinner last night, so awesome, decided to do breakfast this morning. Food is fresh and delish. I love the vegetarian options, too. Dinner comes with awesome bread that the girls ate without butter since they said they tasted so fantastic. Breakfast comes with these awesome little donut hole type things that are divine! And to top it all off, the staff are some of the best we've had anywhere.
(5)
Avery M.

Great service in this place. Had a decent draft list and offered a flight for good measure. Manager came over to check on our meal, and both the hostess and server (Lily) congratulated us on our 11 year anniversary weekend. Good came out within 10 minutes of ordering and was delicious. All around good experience.
(5)
Grant C.

Looking a quick place to eat after a day of shopping and we were so happy to find this place. The food was delicious and it arrived very quick. We will definitely be coming back soon!!
(5)
Lauren M.

Wow. Where to begin? My partner and I have eaten at Food for Thought about roughly 20 times. It is our go-to place. There's a reason it is constantly packed - everyone around here knows that this hidden gem is culinary perfection. Combined we've sampled about 15 different items on the menu, and each one has never let us down. The flavors on the Cilantro Lime Chicken are out of this world, the crab cakes are divine, and the meats and seafoods are always perfectly cooked and seasoned. The vegetable bisque is delectable. And the sides. Don't even get me started on the sides. Their cheese grits are ICONIC. You must must must try them. The creamed spinach and mashed potatoes are other fantastic choices. If you like spicy foods, I highly recommend the "Down South" - peppers, cheese grits, and shrimp in an amazing flavored broth. Unreal. Even the ordinary restaurant staples, like the burger and fries, are always well cooked and tasty. The atmosphere is super fun and different, with activities that make you think. The wait staff has always been incredibly friendly and on top of everything. The gift shop even has books for you to purchase. I literally can't think of anything that this restaurant hasn't done right. Highly, highly recommend. Oh, and the breakfast! My god. The crepes and omelettes are outstanding. My only qualms are that the restaurant and parking lot fill up so quickly, but it's not their fault they've become so popular so quickly. Also, they aren't open very late, which is a bit disappointing. The priority seating kind of sucks...I don't understand why they can't just take reservations, so these days we usually get take out so we aren't waiting forever to get a table. But other than that - perfection.
(5)
Sharon L.

Wow. Just wow. The menu was amazing. The food even better. I can't wait to go back and try something else! My husband had the ribs and I had tuna...it was delectable.
(5)
Rachel S.

After many times of driving by, we finally stopped at Food for Thought! I ordered the Crab-a-bella and my husband ordered the bacon wrapped scallops. The food was AMAZING! The atmosphere was great! The bartender, Carl, was AWESOME! We will definitely visit this place again!
(5)
David C.

In one word, amazing. We showed up around 7PM and the wait was a bit long so we decided to sit at the bar. Best decision ever! The bar staff were extremely friendly, funny, and had great recommendations for food and drink. If I ever move to Williamsburg this place is going to be my Friday night spot.
(5)
Sassy Z.

Loved it. The service was good (thank you, Xan) and the vegan pad thai was wonderful! I enjoyed the leftovers for lunch, too!
(5)
Katie L.

After reading other great reviews we met our in-laws here for dinner after a conference. The food was diverse and everyone was able to find something that appealed to them. Our server was fantastic...very thoughtful and came back at the end of the meal to wish my kids a successful school year. Each table is equipped with cards from a variety of games geared toward thinking and conversation. We'd definitely return. Food recommendations would be the nutty chicken, the pot roast, the cilantro lime chicken, and (most importantly) the bread pudding!
(5)
Joanne A.

We had family visit from CA and they love history stuff so naturally they went to Williamsburg. We looked up places to eat in the area and this had all good reviews. The placed was jam packed for a weekday. Its a lot of classic American food. Portions are huge enough to take home. Great place for families
(3)
Janey B.

I don't give just anyone 5 stars but let us begin.... Food!!!! will explain in a bit Ambience: Semi-loud so it's good for kids. Artsy look to the place. Large quotes all over the walls that inspire you and makes for good conversation. This place feels like a real restaurant, my friend said, not like the traditional Williamsburg restaurants. It's not country and homely looking lol. Service: Top notch service from our server. And I noticed the trend followed throughout the establishment. It was a big party and he pulled it off with ease. Food: OH MY... OH MY... Ok everything that came out the kitchen to our table was FRIGGIN DELICIOUS!!! Their variation of the Shrimp & Grits; The Down South. It's so good I know I gained 10lbs because I couldn't stop eating it!!! Then you have That Nutty Chicken with Creamed Spinach. The chicken was soooo good. I had to stop and get back to my own food. Then there's the crab cakes. I'm getting hungry now. Yum! Nice and lightly breaded. More meat than bread. This is definitely a place I'll look forward to returning too. I need a date with "The Down South" soon.
(5)
Becky L.

Yelpers did not disappoint. In fact, this may be one of the best places I have eaten in a while. Quality, quantity, and cost were great! The food here was phenomenal. I ordered the cilantro lime chicken - 2 breast filets marinated overnight and then grilled to smokey perfection. It was full of zesty flavor. $15.50 with 2 sides. I got sweet potato fries which we're ordinary until I dipped them into the brown sugar butter cream sauce. Amazing! I would love to be able to recreate this at home. Grits were a good bland side paired with the zest of the lime juice. Also ordered was the meatloaf with brown gravy, mashed potatoes, and seasonal al dente green beans. Also perfect.
(5)
Kenda V.

5-star perfect convergence of a well put together menu, friendly efficient service and an on-site Ownerr who was pleasant and on-site on a Friday Night (gasp!) We ate at the Bar, our favorite location to observe the floor. Perfectly blended dirty gin martini, required a 2nd round to make sure it wasn't a fluke! Nice eclectic selection of bottles & draft for a family style restaurant. Fresh cornbread and roll was so fresh and soft. House salad was impressive and the orange rosemary vinaigrette is a must-have. Appetizers are Meal-Sized. The MUSSELS were absolutely amazing. I would have paid more for less! The sop was so flavorful and NOT greasy, fresh tomatoes added so much! When I ran out of mussles & bread the side of Cheesy Grits we ordered were a great finisher! Ribs had a consistent sage flavor, not oily, sauce on the side just the way we like it. Spousal unit plowed into the "Nutty Chicken" and reported full-mouth flavor and the mash taters with gravy took him to his happy place! So Loved This Place!
(5)
Nicole T.

Amazing! 7 people amazing meals and service! I had the shrimp and grits ( to die for) as well as the pot roast! Can't go wrong here!
(5)
Lisa F.

I wanted to like this place more, I just don't. The food was good but, a bit overpriced for what you get. The service was impeccable though. I will go again but, it's not my first choice.
(3)
Sherry S.

Well done. Place was very busy. Sat at the bar. Service very attentive. We will be back.
(4)
Elizabeth S.

A true gem in Williamsburg! After reading other reviews and visiting the website, I decided that I would try Food For Thought on my last night in town - I am thrilled that I did! By far the best restaurant I have visited in Williamsburg. The food was fabulous, as well as the bread they serve each table, the staff friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere both lively and homey. The owner even came by to introduce himself and check on the meal. Very creative menu, the portions were large, and the ingredients fresh. Could not have asked for a better meal, will certainly be my go-to on my next trip in town.
(4)
Tanya V.

Absolutely loved the place! Great food and amazing staff! We were 13 people that were on a holiday vacation and we couldnt be more pleased! The beet salad was delicious, my kids enjoyed their steaks, and my crab cake was served perfectly!! I also must complement the staff, the waitresses were on the ball, and the owner Howard, even stopped by our table. Definitely, check it out! You wont be disappointed.
(5)
Nikki B.

This is truly my favorite place in the Williamsburg area. Food is always delicious and servers are wonderful. Outstanding food and excellent customer service! Love this place!!!
(5)
Jess H.

Soooo good I have eaten here numerous times staff is friendly and the food is awesome!! If your a out of towner go here it's a hidden gem :)
(5)
Thomas N.

dinner recently.....this is a very popular, very busy place....they really pack them in and don't have enough parking spots so that can get interesting, watch the signs for instructions....food was very good, both the salmon and i had the steak (filet) and cake (crabcake)..very good and i guess what is missing is atmosphere, it is a pretty nicely decorated place but so busy it feels a little industrial,
(4)
Derek W.

The shrimp appetizer was delicious. The tuna was not as much. Pot roast and ribs were tasty and moist. Service was quick as the restaurant seemed well staffed. Dinner prices were too expensive, imo. We had lunch and left stuffed.
(4)
Nikki D.

We were vacationing in Williamsburg and saw the crowds outside. Yelp reviews were excellent so we decided to try it. We did call ahead seating and were seated immediately there was no line at 5:30 on a Fri. Staff & service is excellent. Food- bread basket of very soft Parmesan rolls and dry cornbread. Husband ordered Filet mingon - medium, creamed spinach & mashed sweet potatoes. Server asked him to cut steak to check doneness, filet was well done no where near medium. Husband said it was OK, he would eat it anyway (we didn't want to wait). He said it was tender anyway but would have preferred it medium. I ordered Nutty chicken served on mashed with a side of sweet potato fries. The chicken was dry dry dry (like jerky dry) on the edges but the middle was fine. Sauce was overly salted. Nice flavor a overall. Mashed potatoes were great. Sweet potato fries weren't evenly cut so some were soft and others too firm. Dipping sauce tasted nice but was so thin it dripped off the fries instead of sticking. Kids had crab cakes and ribs. They both enjoyed theirs. Dessert was a flourless chocolate cake we split. It was very good. The owner came over to the table to address the overlooked steak but my husband had already finished it. We told him it was still tender but it was overcooked. He didn't offer anything. Which is fine. I'm not sure if I would go back. Place was packed by the time we left at around 6:30.
(3)
Stacey C.

This was a great establishment my boyfriend and I enjoyed the environment and the food was great. I had the scalloped wrapped bacon, the jasmine mushroom rice was amazing and the redskin mash potatoes was excellent it was creamy and seasoned well, the scallops were cooked perfectly nice and tender and my boyfriend had the family reunion he thought the pork was okay but the meatloaf was good. We had a lady who wasn't our server she might have been the management but whoever she was she was lovely, she packed out leftovers and gave us new asparagus because there was this cream sauce on the family reunion and we didn't like it very much but she offered to get us new asparagus. I had the creme brÃ»lÃ©e for dessert the sugar was a bit bitter but the creme brÃ»lÃ©e was good. Overall I would come back again. Great environment and the food is good. Definitely try the stick to your finger ribs for your appetizer because they are fall off the bone good!
(4)
Phung H.

Absolutely delicious and fresh food! There are cards that they place on the tables that help spark interesting conversation that you may not normally think of. The waitress was extremely kind, quick, and attentive! Although I think the male manager there didn't like me (I was the only ethnic one there at the time with my Caucasian fiancÃ©) because we noticed he went around to every table to see how the guests food and service was, except ours. He even greeted the table who sat next to us, but the food was great! I'd recommend this place on the food we had and my waitress ;)
(5)
Colleen H.

This place is awesome! I am 17 weeks pregnant and Hubs and I are from hampton. The first time we went there was cuz I was looking at these awesome reviews from yelp so I told my husband we should try it,and so we did and it was amazing! The parking wasn't as bad everytime we went there but I can see it can get tough I guess we were just lucky at those days (both weekends) anyways the moment we go to the restaurant we were greeted and got our table within 8 mins I think. We were greeted by Ben our server that day and he is the best server we've ever had since we got here in Va. Food was absolutely perfect! Especially their freshly squeezed OJ! That's what really made us go back the 2nd time since that was the only thing I was craving (pregnant )for imagine we drove all the was to williamsburg just to have that OJ! Haha crazy right but it's so worth it! The 2nd time we went there our server was Kemp and again we ordered the OJ and he actually told us the price and he said "it's 6.50 for a large glass,it st pretty expensive " and we really didn't appreciate about what he just did especially my husband he was pissed at him. He only asked us (we were the only Asian people) in that area and not his other customers so what does that tell you? Anyways we are still coming back though we just wouldn't go for Kemp! The price is great too! Other than that I'm still recommending this place to everyone! Just do t go for Kemp I don't think he's a very nice guy.
(4)
Fred B.

I recently visited. The wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. They took the time to explain and answered all my questions. The chicken was crisp on the outside and moist on the inside. I look forward to future visits!
(5)
Corey S.

Excellent! Definitely worth the trip off the interstate while passing through Williamsburg. Highly recommend the hummus, pot roast, and crab cake.
(5)
Kitty C.

It's ALL good. Lovely service. LOTS of gluten free options. You can flights of wine and beer, if you are so inclined. And the by-the-glass choices are good. (No plonk.) This the first place I have ever been that had a dip for sweet potato fries that makes sense. (Brown sugar butter) The pre-meal bread basket had sweet potato corn bread and the softest yeast rolls I've had in ages. And leftover yeast rolls become a delightful bread pudding. Even Thursday night was busy, but the room is big enough that we were seated without reservations. I wouldn't try that on a weekend.
(5)
Nisha N.

Absolutely loved the place! We were on our way back from OBX and wanted to stop at Williamsburg for a good lunch. This place looked the most interesting and it's worth it! We were in at around 4 and the service was quick and great. The bread basket was amazing, so was the Cilantro Lime Chicken and the Jamaican Chicken (the mango salsa was superb!). We ended out meal with their famous bread pudding and thank god we shared, it was yummy but quite heavy too. Loved the ambience (cosy and friendly) and the cool table card games :) They also sell the games out front, along with some really cool local authors comic books. Must buy next time!
(4)
Brian C.

While my family and I were on vacation for a week, we went here twice. Food For Thought is one of, if not my favorite restaurants. The price is quite fair considering the huge portions they give you, and the quality of the food is unparalleled. Note: it does get crowded around dinnertime, so either go early or be prepared to wait. Atmosphere-wise, it's nice and well-lit, with TVs for bar side entertainment and lots of antique photos and such on the walls. They even sell their own t-shirts, if you're into that. Later in the night the lights are dimmed, giving the place a romantic feeling. Perfect if you are out on a date. Finally, the food is stellar. I can truly say this restaurant deserves every last 5 star rave review that it gets, including this one. The meatloaf and pot roast by themselves are to die for. Also, you can't go wrong with any of the sandwiches either. I recommend the po' boy, because it came loaded with plenty of shrimp. Oh, did I mention the knockout sweet potato corn bread the waiter brings you? Long story short, if you are in the area, TRY THIS RESTAURANT. Your guest(s), mind and mouth will thank you.
(5)
Dan D.

Not sure what all the excitement was about. Food was very average. Food came out really fast. Actually too fast. There is no way the food is cooked to order and didn't feel very fresh to us. The grilled chicken dishes were very average and bland. Bread pudding was pretty good. Our server Tim was outstanding. I guess I expected more after reading other reviews.
(3)
SC O.

A great find! Delicious options with true, genuine service. Affordable, child friendly, and a nice atmosphere. So many chains in the area; a really big win from food to service to everything in between. Go for the options that seem like home cooking - meatloaf, roast beef, mashed potatoes. Get the burger or wrap elsewhere - that's for chains!
(4)
Nancy M.

The Escape freeze and Upside Down Pineapple martini are excellent! The sweet potato cornbread was delicious too. My husband ordered the cheese ravioli and tenders appetizers with a side of cheese grits. The appetizers were good. They are not out of this world, but they were good. The cheese grits have good flavor, but the consistency was not like southern grits. The restaurant is decorated with cool sayings and the service was also great.
(4)
Tony S.

Decent... Not a steak place but it was still pretty good. Had the filet and crab cake. We weren't a fan of the asparagus, mashed potatoes, or mashed sweet potatoes. Drinks were meh.
(4)
Amy R.

Stopped here for a late lunch and wasn't disappointed. The menu offers a wide variety of food items (comfort food) and a surprising number of vegetables are available in different variations. Everyone enjoyed what they'd ordered and I especially liked the mashed sweet potatoes. I liked the atmosphere of the place, too. Laid back, truth and justice for all.
(4)
Jay L.

Everything about this place impressed me. The taste, the service, and the hospitality were excellent. The Family Reunion is very flavorful, the seafood was well prepared, and the rolls and cornbread, well, simply amazing.
(5)
Scott T.

When my wife and I visited Williamsburg, I made sure to put this place on our list of restaurants we must try based on the reviews online. I am really glad that the reviews did not disappoint. This may have been THE BEST meal I've ever had that didn't cost me over $25 a plate. We realized quickly that this place was a favorite of locals and tourists just based on how busy it was. We were able to find two seats at the bar very quickly, so we did not have such a long wait. It was also a good choice, since we sat next to a couple that lived locally. They had mentioned they come here every couple weeks because of the excellent meals. Their menu selection is quite remarkable, inspired by many different areas around the world. My wife had the grilled portabella sandwich with the sweet potato fries. I tried some of her sandwich, and was very impressed by the depth of flavor and freshness of the veggies. I ordered their honey & maple glazed salmon with asparagus. As I previously mentioned, it was probably the best meal I've ever had under $25. Will I be back? Definitely if I'm even close to Williamsburg again. I have told so many people in person about this restaurant, it just makes sense for Yelp to have my review of Food for Thought too.
(5)
stephanie l.

6 stars? Is that a thing? Yes, it was a long wait for a table. So what, it was worth every minute. Yes, it was spendy. So, what, it was worth every penny. Great servers, amazing food, engaged and thoughtful owner and a deep menu for wheat allergy/gluten free....a home run on all levels. Just go. Seriously, go.
(5)
Alison F.

The prices at the restaurants and taverns in colonial Williamsburg are so high we ventured out just a couple miles to this restaurant. It was great! It wasn't offered but I saw online they had a "55" menu- smaller portions at a smaller price, for those over 55. I wanted to try the crab cakes- but one was plenty, especially since it came with a wonderful bread basket and two sides. $13.50! We also had the top margaritas- excellent. I would definitely come back her if I ever had a chance.
(4)
Dave P.

food and service is always outstanding. cost is on the medium scale worth every penny. you will not regret. keep up the good work.
(5)
Terri E.

Great food, service and atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone!
(5)
Bryan H.

Perhaps the thing I enjoy the most about Food For Thought is the variety of mind games you can play with he cards on the table. It makes for some fun conversations with friends and family over a tasty meal. The food is always delicious, the price is just right, and the atmosphere is loud enough you can take your kids and not feel like you are infringing on others space. The wait backs up quickly as it seems to be a popular tourist stop in the evening. I've always gone around 5 pm and never had to wait too long.
(4)
Andrew W.

Food For Thought made me think a lot about why this restaurant is so popular. With over 500 reviews and a strong rating I expected a lot more out of this place. Perhaps it is simply the best restaurant in a high-traffic tourist area. On a Sunday at 2pm, the parking lot was full and a table for two was only a five minute wait. We were seated in the center of the sunroom near the bar, which looks like the best place to sit in the entire restaurant if you enjoy light. The room needs a bit of love - one of the windows was cracked and the decor could use a refresh. Fortunately, the food was better than the decor. The bread basket was very good; it included sweet potato cornbread and parmesan rolls. But, I expected house-made butter based on the above-average quality of the bread. It seemed to take a little while for our drinks to arrive, but they came before my salad. Shortly after my salad arrived, our waiter apologized to us and said that he forgot to put our order in. I'm glad he was honest. He wrote down our orders again and promised they would be moved to the top. After that happened, a manager came to greet us and offered us free drinks. Overall, the drinks at Food For Thought were ok. My bloody mary was kind of plain - it was not rimmed and was garnished with just three olives and a lemon. The irish coffee, topped with whipped cream, was good. The beer list is better than I expected and features Dogfish Head (a popular brewery in Delaware). For lunch, I tried one of their new grilled cheese sandwiches and my girlfriend had one of their new burgers (the new items are called out on the menu). I really liked the flavors in my grilled cheese sandwich - the crab, asparagus and bacon were all delicious. Overall, Food For Thought was ok, but I expected more.
(3)
Rachel O.

BEST breakfast ever. I have a gluten allergy and they are very accommodating. I left there full and happy, with no side effects of possible cross contamination.
(5)
Michael B.

Went down to Williamsburg with my wife and her friends for the Thanksgiving weekend. Great atmosphere, staff was friendly and competent. My wife is vegetarian and they had many options. Food was very unique and extremely tasty. I had the steak which came out cooked to perfection and served with Merlot butter, which added to the already flavorfull steak. My wife had the stuffed butternut squash, which was better than anywhere else I have had it and was a huge serving. Great drink and beer menu. Would highly recommend for anyone heading down there on vacation.
(5)
Aben C.

The pot roast meatloaf combo hit the spot. Very tasty. Red sauce on the meatloaf brown on the pot roast.
(4)
Tracy S.

For a family of 6, the wait time was less than expected. Seating is ample for large parties. The service was amazing!!! Tori was super friendly and knowledgable. All food was extremely delicious from appetizer to dessert. The cost was reasonable and even the owner was helping. In total, the experience was great. I truly recommend.
(5)
Teri and Ken C.

Our absolute favorite place to eat EVERY time we are in the area. LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! Great gluten free options available.
(5)
J L.

We went here the night after going to Applebee's across street (see my Applebee's review in Williamsburg). We wanted to go here the night before but it was an hour and a half wait, so we went to a lethargic Applebee's. But I digress...this place is AMAZING! Since the night before had an hour and a half wait, I decided to call up and see if they take reservations or do call ahead seating...which they take call ahead seating! We gave the hostess our name and she said we'd be seated in about 10 mins, it turns out their 10 mins is really about 30 seconds! Great, so far. Our server, Paul, was FANTASTIC! He was very attentive, very personable and knowledgable of their food and menu. He got us drinks, bread and everything else we needed within a min or two. The menu looked so good that I couldn't decide between two dishes, the Ribs or the 'Family Reunion' (pot roast and Meatloaf) so I asked him and after he explained both, I decided to get the Ribs. It was a great choice! The ribs really fall right off the bone! Delicious! He checked up on us enough times that he wasn't annoying but enough to know when we needed something. Food came out in a timely fashion and like I said, it was delicious. He got us everything. He accidentally forgot to get a coffee for my friend, when we reminded him, he admitted that he forgot and he was extremely sorry and would get him a fresh cup of coffee right away, within about 20 seconds, my friend had his coffee. We complimented Paul on his honesty and for not blaming the kitchen like ALL other servers do. You don't find that type of genuine honesty and taking responsibility for ones own actions anymore! We showed our appreciation in our handsome tip. I absolutely recommend this restaurant to everyone in or passing through the Williamsburg, Virginia area!
(5)
Charlie F.

It seems the locals and the tourists flock to this restaurant! I went for lunch soon after it opened for the day, and the parking lot was quickly filling. The decor shows quotes on the walls, books on shelves, even hostesses that dress like librarians. Cleverly done menu is done in chapters. For example, the lunch menu is called "short stores." I order the lunch portion of meatloaf, with sides of creamy grits and sweet potato fries. Meal was delivered quickly. LOVED the grits - some of the best I've ever tasted. Sweet Potato Fries were huge strips of sweet potatoes with a nice crunch - not a typical french fry. Meatloaf was a filling portion and wonderful flavor. I was very impressed by everything - the staff, the food, and the theme.
(5)
Dusty A.

Had dinner here last night with the family while on vacation. The food was fabulous with the exception of my daughters chicken tenders kid's meal. She wouldn't eat it because it was so bland. I tasted also and there was absolutely no flavor to the breading at all. I got the pot roast and it was great! My other daughter got the fried shrimp kid's meal and ate it all with no complaints. Overall a great restaurant and will definitely go back again. I would like to note that because it is a small restaurant it is a bit loud so if you are looking for somewhere quiet this might not be the place to go.
(4)
Jeff A.

This was my second time here ... it's been quite some time and I don't even remember what I had gotten before. I was just looking to get some good ole comfort food. Lucked out and got parking right up front. It wasn't too busy ... but I did come in for a really late lunch (some may say it may have been early dinner). Anyways, I was greeted right when I walked in and just decided to sit at the bar ... which had a box of game cards like trivial pursuit. Which I'm sure is a good way to pass the time while you wait for your food to come out. Trying to decide between "Grandma's Meatloaf" or the "Fork Tender Pot Roast", my server (Brandi) suggested the "Family Reunion" which had both - score! I got the Squash Casserole and Mashed Potatoes on the side. While I was waiting for my meal they brought out some yummy bread - cornbread and parmesan & garlic rolls. I was a little disappointed in my meal. The meatloaf and mashed potatoes were pretty good but the pot roast was missing something. Yes it was fork tender but it needed some extra seasoning. The squash casserole was not what I expected. When the server noticed I hadn't really touched it she offered another side. I got some cole slaw which was okay. The server gave me a coupon for the next time ... I might have to give it one more try.
(3)
Erica J.

I've eaten at this place 5 days in a row during my Williamsburg stay! Awesome. The crab soup is amazing and the shrimp boat is drenched in the best sauce ever ( I always get those). I haven't had a meal that I did not love from this place. My dinner faves: parmesan rolls, nutty chicken, down south, family reunion, crab cakes, salmon (special)...etc! the apple nachos were ok... The service is wonderful and they have many options depending on allergies and health decisions. I'm sure that you will enjoy the food. I must try breakfast soon.
(5)
Jim B.

Waited on a Monday for 15 minutes for lunch... well worth the wait. Worth waiting for more if you must. Andrella (our server) really knew the menu, not only what's on it, but the actual ingredients of the dishes. Very helpful. Veggie bisque - unusually green color, but very delicious. Jerk chicken- just the right amount of spice without burning your tastebuds. Sweet potato fries were crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Cooked perfect. Kids both had pasta and both ate quite a bit. This is our only indicator of how well the kids' menu is. It must be good. Quinoa & lentil burger was delicious! And plenty of avocado. Skinny fries were the perfect compliment. A superstar restaurant.
(5)
Sarah R.

Excellent breakfast at Food For Thought this morning! Sarah, our waitress, was very helpful with finding something I could have with my soy allergy. The apple pancakes were delicious! So, if you have allergies, they are very accommodating!
(5)
Hannah H.

My husband and I came here for a late lunch. They offer 'Classic American dishes' in a nicely cheery-lit dining area. Our server, Sarah, was very sweet and very awesome, and she gave us information on any questions we had, offered recommendations, and checked up on us regularly. There was a bread basket that was given, with some onion rolls and cornbread - more on the dry side and just okay. I, myself, had 2 of their appetizer portions of the Fried Oysters (from Chesapeake Bay, only offered on Fridays) and the 'Stick to Your Ribs' (1/2 rack of the pork loin baby back ribs in a BBQ sauce, with an extra side of BBQ sauce). I wasn't really a fan of the bbq ribs as I am more of a dry rub person than a wet ribs person, but I absolutely LOOOVED the fried oysters! They were literally the freshest oysters I've had that was beautifully battered and fried! The batter wasn't too thick, but it was still crunchy, and the oysters themselves were very plump and juicy. I also loved the two dipping sauces it came with - one is a housemade soy/ginger/water dressing that was delicious, and the cocktail sauce for the other. My husband had the 'Family Reunion,' which was a combo of the pot roast and the Grandma's meatloaf. We weren't much of fans of the meatloaf, as it was a little mushy and bland (the marinara and the gravy sauce didn't help, either), but we really liked the pot roast, as it was very juicy, tender, and flavorful. For the sides, he had the mashed potatoes and gravy and the homemade coleslaw. The mashed potatoes were okay, and the coleslaw was tangy and finely chopped - very good. I would love to come back and try out their Signature sandwiches as well as come back and pig out on their fried oysters - yum yum yum! :D +Fried Oysters!!!
(4)
Alan F.

Our second visit there, this time with a visiting friend. As usual, we were pleasantly welcomed by the friendly staff. The ambience was warm and cosy, filled with chatters and laughter. Every table have a piles of cards with teasers, quizzes, and interesting facts that made here a great for group ouFood wise, the famous corn breads were crispy on the outer crust and soft inside.our favorite starter, shrimps boat lived up to the expectation. The main course, duo style roasted chicken breasts were a bit overdone but thankfully the Jamaica Jerk and Cilantro lemon sauces added the much needed moisture to the dish. We had the skinny fries and creamed spinach for our sides and topped it up with sautÃ©ed mushrooms and onions. The meal was wrapped up in a high note with the apple nachos vanilla ice cream. We will definitely come back for more. :)
(4)
Tawnie G.

The only reason I gave this place four stars is because the wait for food was extremely long. However, it was a holiday! We got the "Thai One On" and "The Ultimate Vegetarian" and a steak dinner. Everything was cooked perfectly and highly recommended! It's also a themed restaurant "Food For Thought"... So each table has cards full of fun questions that keep the conversations going!
(4)
Johnny P.

Came here on Valentine's Day for dinner and it was packed!!! So I figured the food must be good. Me and my girlfriend sat at the bar just to get seat quicker instead of waiting 40 min for a table. The service was great at the bar and the rolls were also delicious. We both ordered the Family Reunion , which was an entree of pot roast and meat loaf together with two sides . I liked the meatloaf better out of the two but my girlfriend likes the pot roast better than the meat loaf. I'm really particular with pot roast and this pot roast wasn't packing the flavor I thought it was going to have. Despite that everything else was good I would Deff come back again.
(4)
John B.

The meal was good, but I wasn't wowed. The waitress was nice but was very absent minded.
(3)
Arnie C.

Tried food for thought tonight and all the reviews were spot on. Great service, awesome food and good ambience this is a better choice than going to any chain restaurant. Money well spent and the server Eric was really personable. Recommend the Pot Roast, Sangria along withe mashed potatoes.
(5)
Priscilla S.

I think the place is a little over rated. The service is great, the concept of the restaurant is pretty cool, but the food is... just okay. I had the 8 oz sirloin with the garlic/mushroom sauce and it was good. Unfortunately the mushroom rice was terrible! The sweet potato fries... I've had better. My boyfriend had the crab cakes and he said they were good, but also agrees that the sides were not so great. Conclusion: the place is a 3 star for me... it's just fine, not that wow.
(3)
Todd P.

Food for Thought is a nice change of pace in WIlliamsburg in that it's not a chain nor is it overpriced without substance. We've been here several times for lunch and enjoyed our meal each time. They specialize in comfort food, sometimes with a twist, and I've enjoyed everything I've had here as have those I've dined with. They can get busy, but we've tried to hit it at off times to miss the rush and its worked out.
(4)
Maggie C.

It's a great restaurant, however it is always packed. You have to be willing to wait - to be seated, for food, etc. However it is so worth it. It is absolutely delicious and the food is original! Also, the restaurant itself is so cute.
(4)
Theo T.

Awesome breakfast experience in Williamsburg, VA! Our waitress Tara was very friendly and kept the coffee flowing. $5 mimosas were great, and the food was as good as shown in pictures I posted. My fiancÃ© and her mom had the crab Benedict and they were pretty generous with the jumbo lump crab helping. I had the fried steak and mushroom Benedict with cheese grits which I would highly recommend. Ambience is also very good - for those who have been in the DC area it reminded me a little of Ted's Bulletin
(5)
Jessica H.

The service was quick. Thankfully we beat the lunch rush. They start you off with a basket of bread (super soft rolls and sweet potato cornbread) which were both Very yummy! We ordered some sweet potato fries as an appetizer. They were wedges and came with a brown sugar butter for dipping. I really enjoyed those. Next I ordered the miso marinated tofu and my husband ordered a salad with quinoa and asparagus and mushrooms. The tofu was probably the best I've ever had! It was incredible. Both meals left you satisfied but not miserably stuffed. I can't wait to go back for breakfast and try their crepes!
(5)
Shelly C.

Food For Thought we love you!! I'm even wearing my shirt as I ride the train back to Jersey, reminiscing about those decadent perfectly cooked mussels in that buttery Garlic and tarragon wine pool, the crispy French baguette slices sopped up or the lean thick cut crispy bacon paired with that apple bacon omelette...Mmmm Why are you so good?! So in seriousness FH and I stumbled on this place a year ago and have been talking and dreaming about going back. This Memorial Day weekend we made it a reality, going not one but 3 times. Our first night we went for dinner and I had mussels and a half carafe of the red sangria. Sangria was good without being overly sweet. FH had the family reunion- a combo of meatloaf and slow cooked pot-roast. I was probably more wowed by my meal although I will say I found his roast tender and the loaf spicy. Breakfast the next day I had two eggs over hard (yolk popped requested) w/ crispy bacon and he had the oink oink omelette. My egg yolks were a touch under done but it was close enough. No complaints from FH on his omelette. We each also had a large OJ but found it thick and pulpy. It was also warm so in the future I need to remember to ask for ice in it. Our last breakfast I went with the Sir Isaac omelette with apple, bacon, brie and a side of fruit over grits or potatoes. The Brie seemed to be in a huge lump at the end of my omelette so I didn't get much of that flavor but the egg with the fine chopped apple and bacon was wild & heavenly! FH had a snafu with his fruit side having a bruised brown banana; however, that was quickly remedied with an apology from the MOD and server. The item was removed from the bill, and we were given a 10% off voucher for a return trip. We shall return!!
(5)
Allison P.

Probably one of, if not the best restaurant I have ever been to. The service was excellent but the good was even better!! I had steak with sides of asparagus and mashed potatoes and I couldn't have been even more satisfied. Cooked to perfection.
(5)
Paula M.

I could give this 4 stars but I'm going with three to balance out the others who have rated it too highly. I don't understand why this place is so popular . The food is good and the service is good but FFT does not deserve the distinction of being of of the five best restaurants in the area. I'm using my imagination here but I would bet that this place came about this way: a highly-regarded English professor from William & Mary retired and followed his dream of owning a restaurant. All of his fellow faculty members and students came out to support him . Over time it became a place to see and be seen. Hence the 30-60 yo WASPy crowd . Very fau fau fau
(3)
Mary B.

Really awesome food. I had the Pad Thai with tofu. My daughter had the fresh tuna special. Also the hummus appetizer. Everything was excellent. We intend to eat here again to try the crab.
(5)
Roy B.

Very good food , service, at very reasonable prices. Meatloaf and nutty chicken are good choices . kids mac and cheese is made with real cheese!
(5)
Shy K.

So I must say I'm quite embarrassed. I was contacted by the FFT owner, who kindly informed me that I may have reviewed the wrong restaurant because they never sold chicken & waffles. YIKES.. Sorry Howard!!! Please forgive me. I confused Food For Thought with Food Craft in Yorktown. Not afraid to admit a mistake. Ooops... I've been to Food For Thought once and I must say the shrimp and grits are AMAZING!!! Beautiful presentation and deliciousness in one bowl. The sauce gets TWO thumbs up! FFT has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The chef even came to our table to ask if we were enjoying our meal. I like that kind of service. I'll definitely return when I'm in the area. Naming it Food for Thought is great but I call it Food for Comfort. ;)
(4)
Ashlea L.

This place is just okay. I was expecting a lot more from all of the rave reviews that it receives. My boyfriend & I were going to dine here back in October when we were in the area, but it was so busy we had to skip out in order to make our ghost tour. On our way back from Charlottesville we decided to stop in for dinner this past weekend. It was still busy, but not a very long wait. Our server, who was super attentive, brought out their famous bread basket while we looked over the menu. The sweet potato cornbread & parmesan rolls were good, but it made me wonder what everyone else found so amazing about them. The menu is pretty large & has different comfort food to use from. We both decided to go with "The Nutty Chicken", which was described as a pistachio crusted chicken over mashed potatoes with a garlic mushroom sauce and your choice of 1 side. I went with the squash casserole and my bf ordered the sweet potato fries. We looked through the different conversation starters/mind games on the table while we waited. Our food came out pretty quickly & looked tasty. However, I was pretty disappointed that the gravy/sauce covered every inch of the chicken & mashed potatoes and it only had one flavor. I couldn't taste anything but whatever they used to season the gravy, which I believe was thyme. My squash casserole was pretty good, and my bf said they weren't the best sweet potato fries that he's ever had. The service is almost creepy friendly (think Terminus, Walking Dead Fans), but I would rather have that than rude of course. Like I said, this place is just okay.
(3)
Jack H.

Not sure why everyone loves this place. Don't give me wrong it was good and the service was fine and the restaurant was interesting but the food was okay especially at that price. Seems to me that they're starting to be too many of these gourmet comfort food restaurants. How hard is it to make a good chicken and waffles or meatloaf or pot roast even but to pay big $$ and wait to be seated makes this place way overrated.
(3)
Bob G.

Very tasty. Had the "crab-a-Bella" and a Yuengling beer. Ask for Eric for good service.
(5)
Amanda S.

My family and I were in Colonial Williamsburg, VA on vacation. When we go on vacation anywhere, we always plan on eating one meal out a day. While taverns are entertaining to eat in, the are freakishly expensive and we wanted to find somewhere good to eat that wasn't a "chain restaurant" (i.e. Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, etc.). Whilst driving through town, my dad happened to notice the restaurant "Food for Thought" and laughed at the name, saying that he thought it was very clever. We all agreed. When trying to decide where to eat one evening, my dad remembered this restaurant and I looked up a few reviews online. Seeing that they were all positive, we decided to check it out. This place is FABULOUS!!! I really wish we had one out here in CA. The food was fantastic and they had several vegetarian and vegan options, including desserts, which is not all that common in restaurants. A southern belle I am not and my first experience with grits was not a good one (I was 7 and, having never seen grits before let alone tasted them, I thought it was a bowl of cream of wheat. That was quite the unpleasant surprise!), but I figured that I should try grits while in the south because if anyone is going to know how to make them, it'll be a southern kitchen. (Plus they were described as "cheesy grits" and adding cheese to anything is a plus in my book!) Oh. . . my . . . goodness, I wish all grits were like this! They were light, fluffy, creamy, and DELICIOUS!!! Our family was there for dinner and apparently they have a lunch menu that includes several variations on grilled cheese sandwiches that sounded interesting, and they serve breakfast only on the weekends. Parking can be a bit tricky, and if there lot is full, you can park in the Ripley's Believe it or Not parking lot down the road. If you are ever vacationing in Williamsburg, VA, give this place a try. If you live in Williamsburg, VA and haven't tried this place . . . I really don't know what you're waiting for! :)
(5)
Carly N.

Four of us dined here together for a late lunch. It was the perfect time to go and there was just a short wait. I ordered gluten free pad thai, two people ordered Cilantro Lime Chicken, and one ordered the Crabcake. All of our sides were really really good and the entrees were great! We all loved our meals. The service where was very good and our waitress was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. We really enjoyed our meal and experience here, would definitely return.
(5)
Dirk R.

We came back! Still best breakfast place in town! That's after the free beignets ... ;) we will come back again.
(5)
Carrie B.

What a great find! We stumbled onto this place while looking for another pancake place that was really crowded. We changed course and settled on Food for Thought. We were so happy to realize they had tons of veggie options. The menu had lots of variety for adults and kids. The food and coffee were excellent and the service was fantastic. We had Tara for our server and she was superb! I was also impressed with the cleanliness. While we were there, I saw someone cleaning the front door windows and the bathroom to keep everything tidy and pleasant. We will definitely come back here when we return to Williamsburg!
(5)
Sally M.

A great cozy atmosphere that is always predictable and accommodating.
(5)
RJ M.

One of my best dining experiences ever! What an incredible, one-of-a-kind experience. My boyfriend and I chose to dine here on our one night in Williamsburg because it was #6 out of some 300 restaurants posted by TripAdvisor in Williamsburg. We tried to call ahead but the line was busy, however even though is was a Saturday night it was still pretty early (5:30) so we figured we'd take our chances and walk in. There was a line to get into the parking lot! We lucked out and pulled in just as someone was pulling out, but parking is very tight, and apparently there is a beef with the Vietnamese Place next door because they actually have a printed sign at the door warning that their "neighbors will tow", but the sign is definitely hilarious and much appreciated! We were given a wait of about 20 minutes, which turned out to be quite accurate, and we were allowed to review the menu while waiting. It was clear from the products they choose to serve, little notes about suggested modification to accommodate alternative diets, and details about the history and principles the restaurant operates by, that they put the value of what they offer their community on a very high platform. As a vegetarian and someone who has a restricted diet, the menu was easy to navigate and I had no trouble finding many options to choose from! When we sat, our waitress was very informed, friendly, and professional. She brought us the fluffiest, most delectable rolls I've ever had in my life, and sweet potato cornbread that I also enjoyed, and I never like cornbread! I had the Wild Mushroom Quinoa Penne dish, which was sensational, and my boyfriend had the Cod. We had never had Cod before, and we were equally impressed and enchanted by the brief show of the food runner offered in cutting the wrapping that the Cod was served in. Though our waitress was very busy and had some assistance from the manager in having our bill taken care of, we nonetheless appreciated all of the staff's interest in assuring that we had a great time. Everything was efficient, delicious, and unique as we enjoyed reading the quotes and biographies of influential historical figures (which they have framed on their walls) as we waited for our main course to arrive. Wish we could have had dessert, but our meals stuffed us! Everything was superb but my favorite part was the fluffy rolls because they were so easy for me to enjoy!
(5)
Caryn S.

If you are in the mood for great American comfort food this is the place to be. It has the most creative atmosphere with great quotes from world leaders on the wall along with topics of conversation at the table. The variety of food choices is diverse. I had the pot roast and it was incredibly tender. The bread pudding. Top notch. Of everythibg...the bread they bring you including the sweet potato corn bread...omg.
(5)
Eddie G.

Eat chicken combo Both cilantro lime and jerk chicken were very good. Wait staff very attentive.
(4)
S B.

The Yelp raters were spot on again. The food was great and the service was very friendly. The crab Caesar salad was great and had lots of crab.
(5)
Dustimothy W.

Really good all around. A good beer selection, great staff, delicious, fresh, healthy food served quickly. I highly recommend this place and was grateful to find during this day trip. One suggestion: I sit in the bar to be away from children, so putting one at a table in such close proximity to the bar seems like a poor choice.
(5)
Mike I.

Excellent food, great place to eat. I have been going to this restaurant several times for the past 8 years, on every trip to Williamsburg and it hasn't changed, it's been always a pleasure to eat there. It's a distinct, true American restaurant and for me, it reminds me of how great this country used to be.
(5)
Jeff K.

A must stop on your trip to Williamsburg. Prices, food and staff are very good! Meatloaf, pot roast, soups, and scallops were all very good. Very kid friendly.
(5)
Jennifer F.

Wait was about 30 minutes on a Saturday night but we were able to wait at the bar-drinks were made perfectly! And we were giving free bread and cornbread while we waited. Much needed after our 8 hour road trip. Server was in training and was super nice! Food was great! I had shrimp po boy with grits. I had to take a star away for the chicken fingers though that my daughter ordered-they were flavorless. Otherwise I definitely would rex comes this place!
(4)
Nicola M.

What a wonderful place! We had 7 people in our party (3 kids) and the 45 minute wait was so worth it! The kids menu was far better than most places (shrimp, crab cakes, ribs!) and the sides options were fantastic! Our shrimp boat and ribs starters were amazing as was the pot roast, flounder and filet mignon. The service was excellent, very friendly and were great with our 3 kids. The manager even stopped by our table to check on us. The ambience, food and drink were amazing, definitely a place to visit again. Don't be put off by the wait, relax and have a drink in the bar, it's worth it!
(5)
Alexandra H.

AMAZING FOOD! I wish I can give it more stars! Bathrooms could use some sprucing up, but I didn't go there for the bathrooms
(5)
Kevin M.

fantastic veggie fare. Good local beer. Great price. The vegan jerk chicken was nice and spicy. The roasted red pepper soup was great, the roasted vegtable bisque was only OK. Save room for dessert, the bread pudding was to die for.
(5)
S H.

My favorite Williamsburg restaurant, one of my favorite restaurants ever. This is one place where I feel I can get food that is both delicious and healthy- not an easy combination to find when you're eating out. I feel comfortable bringing my kids here, both because they are very welcoming of kids and I don't feel like I'm feeding them junk when we eat here. I love their salads, particularly the roasted beet and the steak ones. The mussels appetizer is delicious- even my husband who dislikes mussels really likes it! The pot roast dish is always very well cooked- never dry. My favorite meal here, though, is breakfast. Wish they had it every day of the week. I think the free beignets are what makes the breakfast feel extra special.
(5)
Tiffany B.

I love this place! The best of both worlds was the best meal I've ever had. Tender filet, crab cake, awesome mashed potatoes, zucchini, and chimichurri sauce on the side. Every bite was delicious! The service was outstanding. We had a 20 minute wait and the manager actually came around with a tray of stuffed mushrooms, offering them to everyone waiting. I've never seen that before!
(5)
John C.

Ate here for dinner this evening and it was quite good. It was a little weird driving in the parking lot and seeing a sign about being towed - and again on the front door when you go in (nice neighbors they apparently have) but once inside, it was very nice atmosphere - and the food was delicious. I had the pot roast, and it was tender and juicy and she had the baked eggplant which she said was some of the best she had ever had. Probably the best part of both of our meals though was the creamed spinach. It was extremely good and flavorful. While we won't be going back soon (it's about an hour from home) we will be going back for sure. Can't wait to try the meatloaf. Enjoy!
(4)
Tom m.

The food is wonderful. The food has taste. the service is fast . The place, although often seemingly full, seems to put out food fast without rushing. Wonderful place.
(5)
Jacqui B.

Went here with party of five including Nonni & a pair of 10 year olds. We had prompt service in a clean environment. The food was excellent. We started with the Stick To Your Ribs snacker, Farmer's Harvest Salad and a couple cups of the Roasted Veggie Bisque. The bisque had a hit of spice that was lovely and the meat fell off the ribs. The salad was large and very fresh. We split a Family Reunion platter, which is a combination of the Pot Roast and Meat Loaf dinners, and added another side, to round it out. It was a very good plan because thee were what I would consider full portions of both meats. Now, it's unusual for my kids to even consider the kids meals, since they scorn the typical fare available for kids (Hot dogs, chicken fingers, mac & cheese, etc.), but not this time! The kids had the kids ribs meal and the pasta shells with marinara kids meal and both were very pleased. Fow desert, we ordered three items off the regular dessert menu: the Bread Pudding, Creme Brulee & Hot Apple Nachos, and then one of the dessert specials: a crepe filled with nutella and fresh strawberries. The creme brulee & the crepe were good, but not anything we couldn't at elsewhere. The bread pudding and the apple nachos were both outstanding! We timed our dining perfectly, as well. We came in & were seated right away, but by the time we left, there was a moderate line. All in all, this was one of the best experiences we had on our visit to Williamsburg.
(5)
Mark R.

A really great surprise and pleasant change from all the chain restaurants in the area. Shrimp boat was outstanding. Rack of ribs puts everything I have had in the past to shame. The waitress suggested adding bananas to my wife's salad. Great recommendation. Sweet potato bread was just out of this world. Wish they had a place like this in the N.Y. area.
(5)
J W.

OMG! What a great find in Williamsburg. Amazing menu selection, great food and awesome service. This is the place to eat if you are vegetarian/vegan, because they have tofu selections and offer a vegan chicken option for compatible dishes (which we tried and it was really delicious). We have dined here for both dinner and breakfast and liked it so much that this restaurant will be on our return list during trips to Williamsburg.
(5)
Ciara B.

AMAZING!! The food was great, the atmosphere was great, the wait wasn't that long and our server was very nice and friendly. Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food that you get. I tried the "Onission" beer and that was fantastic. The pot roast is delicious, I could go on about it all day.
(5)
Justin P.

I can't believe I have lived her for 3 years and just now tried this place! We got our food to go so I can't speak much on their service, but the food was incredible! We will definitely coming back !
(5)
Tim N.

Lives up to its rating. Food was excellent and portions very large. I had the pot roast (house fav) and my wife had the tuna -two doggy bags to go. Prices very reasonable given the portions. Service was first class, waiters not overburdened with too many tables and the manager checked in at tables. Food was served in record time but we never felt rushed (our impatient teens appreciated this). Nice to experience such an efficient and well managed restaurant.
(5)
Joshua H.

Im offering this update a little late but the owner did reach out to apologize later that week. He wanted to give us another shot at his restaurant again by generously offering a gift card. I declined because I simply wanted to know was the deal with priority reservation and call-ahead reservations. He told me that is was simply a problem in relaying information between management and staff, that the hostess was uninformed on the their use of priority seating. Their practice consists of placing people with priority reservations with the first available table in front of walk-in guest, rather than having a table ready for that time. He chalked it up to being "the perfect storm" that night, which is fairly conceivable, yet still slightly disappointing. I have yet to return for a review of their food still
(2)
Meghan C.

As a local who had heard good things about this place, I finally decided to give it a try for dinner on a Sunday night. We were a party of two greeted with a 30 min wait time, so we decided to sit at the bar for dinner. The bar was cozy but not too overcrowded. The place was quite busy and extremely loud. We ordered an appetizer and two entrees. Our bread and the appetizer came out promptly and were both warm and tasty. Our entrees, however, were particularly disappointing. We both ordered seafood specials (salmon and tuna) and didn't find them to be particularly well-seasoned, well-cooked, or remarkable. The side dish offerings certainly don't reflect the creativity of dishes for which this restaurant wants to be known. Our service was quite good, but I would think twice about sitting at the bar for food service again as we witnessed no fewer than three customers' food orders get lost while we were there. As locals looking to try something new, we were quite disappointed. We might consider giving the place a second try, but I can't say for sure that we'll go back again, especially at prices a bit higher than the quality of our food reflected.
(2)
Leanne Z.

Yummy stuff, fresh, cooked as it should be, great atmosphere would go back! I had the Thai one on, son had kid ribs, daughter had kid pasta & hubby had the filet with merlot butter, apple nachos for dessert we all loved our dishes. Place stayed packed all night
(5)
Andy L.

The food was excellent, prepared and served quickly, and delivered professionally. The waiters were flexible and accommodating, especially with our kids (who were especially picky after a day at Great Wolf Lodge). Awesome atmosphere, great food, great service. Five stars.
(5)
Mark E.

Awesome--excellent food and great service! The pot roast, sweet potato fries, asparagus and red pepper soup were a 10!
(4)
Paul G.

Food For Thought has earned my Top Spot in Williamsburg. Plan on Waiting or Come Early because this Guy NEVER Waits, but I do for Food For Thought. This Place is Unique. It starts with The Menu. You have Never seen anything like this Before. It will Confuse you, but that is a Big Part of the Fun. The Decor is Interesting and will keep you intrigued. The Ambience itself is a conversation waiting to happen. The Tables have Colorful tidbits of Trivia and Challenging Questions. The Theme of Food For Thought is very much carried in Every Aspect of Your Experience. Every Staff Member is Active. No One is disengaged. I observed three hostesses working hurriedly together repeatedly to get tables ready for each party in a matter of moments from the time the previous party left. The Team Work was Astonishing. The Wait Staff is Intelligent and Well Trained in proper eye contact, suggestion, detail, etc. They have it down to a science. The Kitchen Staff bring the meals out and asks if everything looks ok according to your order while re hatching every detail back to you. This is followed by a Supervisor who makes certain your Experience has gone well. Oh the Food. Order Anything that your Eyes are pleased with and Most Likely you will be Happy Too. Food For Thought is not ideal for Children. The space can be tight and fast moving. This doesn't mean it's cramped just not ideal for Mom and Dad to do the normal rituals that you need to do. You will Spend a Little More. Special Occasion. Once in a While. Vacation. It's All Good. I even noticed a few single tables Treating Themselves to a Special Something, and You Should Too.
(5)
Maria G.

Very good food! And relaxed atmosphere, has jazz playing in the background and dim lighting. However, it is still family and kids friendly. There are a lot of variety of food to choose from, like seafood, chicken, salads to comfort food such as pot roast. The flavor of the food was so delish and very tasty! Like homecook cooking... As you wait to order they bring out sweet potato cornbread and rolls, unlimited so u can get full if you're not too careful eating it up bc it is just that good. Side Caesar salad that i got with my meal had a spice to it and did not taste all mayo-ish. It didn't taste store bought dressing either-homemade baby! Crab cake had NO fillers! And they use panko crust on the outside to give it that perfect crust. Jerk chicken also had a kicked of spice to it but the clumps of sweet mango on top mellowed it out. Average price for lunch is about $10 & for dinner starts about $13 This is truly a great restaurant to try out if you're in the area, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Patrick _.

When I order something I expect it to have a good balance. Sweet and salty, crunchy and soft but the food fell short of this requirement. This fun themed down south joint has a friendly atmosphere. I feel like the main clientele is older folks. The flavor of the food was good but nothing extraordinary. My scallops with bacon were actually the best part. Usually the bacon is cooked for too long and is way too crunchy. These scallops fused with the bacon to have a great taste and texture. The menu is so extensive that I think I would have to give it a few more tries before I could give an overall assessment of the restaurant. Also students get discounts.
(2)
Krystal H.

Very much enjoyed our dinner tonight. Decided to wait the 45 min wait and was pleasantly surprised when the owner came out to offer stuffed mushrooms while we waited. Yum!! Once we sat down and finally decided on what to order, our food was out before we could look at many of the interesting fun fact cards at our table. My pistachio and Parmesan crusted chicken was great, along with the rice and creamed spinach (my 9 yr old ate ALL of that!). The crab soup was a special and also very good. We decided to get dessert and while it was wonderful, we did wish it was a bit bigger. The breakfast menu looked very mouth watering as well and hope to be back for our 3rd visit sometime soon. Definitely a place to visit when nearby!!
(5)
Corinne B.

Awesome place...great food and atmosphere. The sweet potato cornbread is insanely addictive...really good. I love this restaurant because it has great food and service, but this place is special to me because I fell in love with my husband here. In short, this is a great place to bring a date or to go on date night. You won't be disappointed...and you might just fall in love!! :)
(5)
Tiffany C.

This place is SO popular! I came here with my mom and sister after sweating buckets at colonial Williamsburg one weekend and the line was ridiculous. They don't really know how to quote time at the hostess counter but at least they're friendly about it. After a 45ish minute wait, we finally got seated. I REALLY like the decor here - there's all kinds of quotes and patriotic designs on the walls, and given that it was July 4th weekend it was an extra special treat. Who doesn't love a little Ben Franklin on their drink mug?! The food here is good but it's not stellar. I think the main thing is that they give big portions for decent prices. My sister and I split the BBQ ribs (which come with 2 sides) and they were MASSIVE. They actually split the order for us on two plates, which I always appreciate! Excellent service! The sides we got - zucchini and rice - were pretty standard and honestly I probably could have made it just as well, but it wasn't bad. The ribs were tender but not the juiciest I've had. Oh, and as a huge carb lover, I have to comment on the bread basket. They give sweet potato cornbread and parmesan dinner rolls. I really liked the rolls - they were fluffy and soft but you couldn't taste the parmesan at ALL (sad....) and the cornbread was just as good. I just don't think it was the best I've had. All in all, a pretty decent overall experience despite the long wait! I don't think I'd come again unless I work up an appetite from shopping at the outlets (too far/too long to wait), but the food is perfectly fine :)
(3)
Tina C.

We had the American grilled cheese, it was good, a little greasy but good, we also had the steak and mushroom soup and it was phenomenal! It's one of the best soups I've ever had.
(5)
Stella Y.

Come with my bf after long bike ride, very nice atmosphere, light Jazz music play at background, suitable for party of 6 or more and also good for couple look for nice place with good food. We both very satisfied with our dish, we've got family reunion - beef with meatloaf comes with two sides and Going south- scrimp and grits. We will definitely come back again.
(4)
Victoria J.

I like this place. The salad I ordered was very good as well as the sandwich. The bread pudding is especially good!
(4)
Patricia Y.

I love the food here! I have never been here without a wait, but it is really worth waiting. The food is rich in flavor and makes normally bland foods taste wonderful! The owner is also a friendly guy. Every visit so far he has come to the table to personally check on the food. The staff is very friendly as well. Every time Food For Thought is brought up as an option for dinner, it trumps all over possibilities.
(5)
Rachel G.

My go-to whenever somebody comes to visit me in Williamsburg. Okay, it doesn't happen that often but whatever! The decor is really cool and fun, with Benjamin Franklin quotes and such on the walls. The menu has a wide array of food, and is great for people who are gluten-free! I haven't had anything bad there. If you come for brunch, you get a bag of beignets, which are delicious. I mean, they're not New Orleans beignets but, in Virginia, close enough! Just an overall great place. For the tiny town of Williamsburg, this place is 5-stars. May not fare as well in comparison to some restaurants in bigger cities, but for Williamsburg, it is a must-try.
(5)
Marie D.

Unique menu and atmosphere. Lots of funky stuff on the menu. Our two entrees were quite tasty. We were also entertained by the Judge Judy style trivia question cards on the table. Attentive staff and management. Loved the call ahead preferred seating. We had almost no wait. Reasonably priced.
(4)
Michele D.

I had the down south. Shrimp and grits.. Its really good. Apple Nachos were awesome. Good comfort food. Next time will try pot roast and meatloaf. Looks really good .
(5)
Garrett M.

There is a reason you have 700 great reviews. Great food quality, service. Get the mussels, beet salad, vegan options! Will be back each time I am in Williamsburg! Five Stars!
(5)
Charlotte C.

Absolutely amazing! Food was awesome, service was great. Everything was on point. Thank you so much!!!!
(5)
Bill M.

It started off with horse d' oeuvres (stuffed mushrooms) while we waited to be seated. That showed me that they thinking about the customer. We were served fresh sweet potato bread and parmasan rolls (2 ea.). I ordered nutty chicken and my wife ordered chicken combo. It turned out mediocre. What a big let down my wife and I came away with. They came have been such an awesome place. But the chef seems to lost their passion. So would we go there again ? No
(2)
Ashley G.

Hubby had meatloaf which was very flavorful and tender. I had the Coastline sandwich with Gruyere cheese, bacon, asparagus, tomato, and big pieces of crab. It was very good. Will come back next time in Williamsburg.
(5)
Richard B.

I visited Food for Thought with my family after reading the awesome reviews of this place. We were not let down! This is a great restaurant with very friendly staff, and they seem to be doing EVERYTHING RIGHT! When we arrived we were told it would be a 20 minute wait, but we were seated in less than 10 minutes. The Server greeted us quickly, and brought us fresh bread. She made our drinks quickly and returned. What was very cool for a tech person like me was the fact that this restaurant uses Tablets and enables WIRELESS ORDERING from the table. So the Order is put through to the kitchen immediately (Not 2 to 5 minutes later from a computer station like most restaurants) - AND with this system in place the servers won't ever forget to put your order in. ...The Food came out lightning fast...SEVEN MINUTES! and this was at lunch time with a full restaurant. I ordered the $17 combo with Pot Roast, and Meatloaf with two sides. It was a great value, and the Pot Roast, and Meatloaf taste GREAT! Also the Creamed Spinach side taste great! The Green Beans were "ok". My wife liked her meal, and my son liked his Chicken Tenders kids meal as well. Also, the manager stopped by our table to ask how everything was. I like it when managers are attentive, and stop by the tables in the restaurant to ask how their experience has been! So few restaurants do this today. As a Vacationer, I recommend this place, and would HAVE to eat here again if we vacation to Williamsburg in the coming years! (I am going to try to eat here one more time before we leave to go home on Saturday! If you are visiting Williamsburg, this restaurant is THE ONE you need to patronize!
(5)
J'sMama H.

Food was really a solid good, and tasty. Great service, and a place for a solid meal, very quick service and a nice selection of food. Great quotes by historical figures and information about them on the walls. We would return.
(3)
Donna R.

Happy St. Paddy's Day! Having said that I came here for one thing that I couldn't find anywhere else (at least worth visiting). I was on a seek and destroy mission for Corned Beef and Cabbage. They DID NOT DISAPPOINT. You were given plenty and I destroyed all of it. I wanted to take a pic but by the time I remembered, it was all gone. Nonetheless, based on their reviews of other food, I am pretty sure you will be pleased. It's too bad it was only the special of the day. Oh yeah, the sweet potato corn bread was bangin' too.
(5)
Paul T.

Went on a recommendation. Food is meh. Purchased pot roast and had better from a crock pot. Eggplant parmesan was bland. Nothing special. Expected a gem. What I got, was an overhyped tourist trap.
(2)
Tcherari K.

Really good cuisine! Definitely be back. And enjoyed the question game at the table really good interaction with family and friends while waiting for your food!
(5)
Tim S.

If you are anywhere in or around the Williamsburg area then you need to come to this restaurant. Pick any entree. It doesn't matter which one. You will love it. Get the bread pudding for dessert. It will change your life. It's super packed every night and there will be at least an hour wait. They don't take reservations but you can and should call ahead so you won't need to wait as long or at all when you arrive.
(5)
Aneesh S.

got the crab grilled cheese; pretty solid, really big pieces of bread though; crab was really, really tasty ravioli appetizer was good; cream of crab soup was okay really cool vibe; trivia cards @ the table, quotes on the wall from famous people, brainteasers, etc. really unique. would definitely go back
(4)
Jeffrey M.

Walking in, i must say it was little disheartening to have to wait, which was long (45min), however after the wait, I must say. The service and quality of food was exceptional! We started with the Shrimp Boat (5/5) which was honestly in itself the best part of the experience. I ordered the Cut of your choice, I went with the medium rare steak with the cream spinach and sweet potato fries as sides. The steak was cooked to perfection covered with sauce that complimented each bite. The server was there EVERY single time we needed a refill, while still attending to other tables around us, which was amazing. The manager inquired us as we finished our meal, something that every restaurant should do. Overall the experience was extremely satisfying, would definitely come back to try another entrÃ©e!
(5)
Lindsay R.

Came in with family to this restaurant while visiting Williamsburg. We debated whether to try Food For Thought or another restaurant in the area as we didn't know what to expect..... We were definitely glad we chose this place. The food was amazing!!! And the same goes for the service! We had Ben as our server. He knew the menu well and was very attentive! The food came fast and anything else that we needed was right there when we asked! We definitely enjoyed Food for thought! The ribs were amazing too and also the bbq sauce. Thought the wine and beer flights were interesting and great as its something different not every restaurant offers !
(5)
B R.

We went for dinner on a Wednesday night. There was no wait which was nice. As others have said the pot roast is delicious! My husband also really loved his steak salad.
(5)
Don C.

My family and I stopped here for lunch. The restaurant was clean, nicely decorated and service was prompt and pleasant. The menu was good and had a number of traditional items with a twist to make them unique and current. My crab cake sandwich was excellent and my son raved about his plate of ribs. In sum - I would recommend Food for Thought and would certainly not hesitate to come back here for another visit.
(4)
Kevin S.

Before embarking on our first trip to Williamsburg, we asked some friends who come here regularly what their favorite restaurant was. Their first recommendation was Food for Thought, and we weren't disappointed. Food was excellent. Prices were reasonable. Service was prompt and professional. I love the boxes of cards with thought-provoking questions and answers on the tables to help pass the time and generate conversation at the table. I also loved the thought-provoking quotes on the walls. My only complaint was how long the wait was, but I suppose it is to be expected when you have a place as unique as this with great food. However, they do offer call-ahead seating.
(4)
Robert L.

Had lunch here today. The service was excellent, the food was served promptly and the quality was very good. My wife and I had the grilled cheese and soup combo. They have taken grilled cheese up a notch or three. I had their American with cheese, bacon and avocado on Texas toast accompanied with a cup of cream of crab soup. She had their Coastal grilled cheese with huge lumps of crab, asparagus, bacon and Old Bay mayonnaise accompanied by a cup of roasted pepper soup. She loved it. We also loved the reasonable pricing.
(5)
Mike K.

Very food food. Service was fast and friendly. I had the meatloaf with cheesy grits. My wife had the baked eggplant. Excellent on both fronts. Will definitely be back
(4)
Wendy W.

This is my hometown and whenever I return for a visit, I am never too excited about what I will be eating. Thankfully on this trip, my brother suggested we try this place since I am gluten free. What a wonderful idea and I don't know why he didn't suggest it sooner but ah well. It was super hard to decide what to get! Which is a very good thing as I normally have to just pick from some salads. I did get started with a very nice Riesling. They have a great GF menu, so check that out. I finally ordered the Portabello stack. My brother got a steak. They brought out a wheat roll for him while we were waiting, and as always I looked on, longingly. And then, do you know what happened next!??! A GF roll appeared right before my very eyes!!! Like a gift from the restaurant gods. And that is the moment, when FFT stole my heart. From there, the meals were both excellent and the service exemplary. Don't waste your time or money anywhere else. (It's crowded. Plan ahead and get there early)
(5)

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Address : 1647 Richmond Rd
Williamsburg, VA, 23185
Phone (757) 645-4665
Website https://www.foodforthoughtrestaurant.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Food For Thought

1647 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, VA, 23185

Food For Thought Menu

Prologue

Acknowledgements To - Soups & Salads

Soups & Salads - Topper

Chapter One - Where It All Began

Chapter Two - Fowl Play

Chapter Three - You Have To Sea It To Believe It

Chapter Four - The Garden Of Eden

Chapter Five - Hands-on Experience

Endnotes

Chapter Six - A Happy Ending

Healthy Meal suggestions for Food For Thought

Prologue

Acknowledgements To - Soups & Salads

Soups & Salads - Topper

Chapter One - Where It All Began

Chapter Two - Fowl Play

Chapter Three - You Have To Sea It To Believe It

Chapter Four - The Garden Of Eden

Chapter Five - Hands-on Experience

Endnotes

Chapter Six - A Happy Ending

Steven F.

Alex S.

Gregg F.

John T.

Eve D.

Rick S.

Katie P.

Kristine M.

Andrew W.

Kate H.

Alissa F.

Mariam A.

Kim T.

Rachel B.

Kristina A.

Linsdey W.

Tosha B.

Susan M.

Marsharelle T.

Kristina N.

David E.

G M.

Kiron M.

Todd G.

Hugh M.

Shea M.

Sarah M.

Ken B.

Chasity B.

Amanda E.

Winnie W.

Vic F.

Vijay L.

Delors K.

Erica R.

Reezle W.

Wilson Z.

Abby K.

Rob N.

Denice K.

Amanda A.

Blane K.

Traci S.

Ali F.

Kathy C.

Audelle H.

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Blake S.

Stephen Q.

Taylor C.

Dean P.

Veronika R.

Florence M.

Sage K.

Natia J.