Amber Ox Public House in Williamsburg pens its next chapter with the addition of a library-themed speakeasy
Dining out used to be simple. You went to your favorite restaurant, ordered the regular and left feeling full and happy. In today’s vibrant culinary landscape, however, dining out has become so much more. Restaurants are no longer just places to grab a bite but destinations for immersive experiences. From meticulously curated wine pairing dinners to themed culinary events, the focus has shifted beyond simply satisfying hunger to creating memorable moments.
A longtime leader in unforgettable culinary moments is Williamsburg’s Amber Ox Public House. The gastropub, akin to a modern farmhouse, dishes out some of the best in elevated Southern fare. Shrimp and grits, melt-in-your-mouth braised short rib and a towering AO Bacon Burger are among familiar favorites.
The Ox team pushes the limits of its comfort zone too, leaving behind the beer and beef for freshly caught seafood and hand-made pasta and wine. In November 2024, Amber Ox pushed the limits even further with its debut of The Study, the restaurant’s most exclusive dining experience yet.Â
The Scene
The entrance is so elusive that guests who don’t venture beyond the main dining room are sure to miss it. In the corner of the bar is a frosted glass door embossed with two words: The Study. No menus or additional signage draw attention to its presence. Only those who reserved a two-hour window know what to do. Fnd the entrance and wait to be seated. Eventually, guests are escorted into what used to be the eatery’s former brewing space.
It has since been transformed into a turn-of-the-century study. Leather-laden and lush with deep wood fixtures, The Study captures the essence of academia, a nod to the nearby William & Mary. Modern elements make an appearance by way of gold sconces and funky wall mounts like a monocle-wearing moose and a bird donning a feathered cap. A handful of parties can reserve The Study at once, so guests are assigned a specific area to enjoy their two-hour experience.
The Sips
Once seated, a bookmark stowed between the pages of a bright blue book lays out the evening’s libations. House rules hold guests to a strict two drink-minimum (mocktails included). While wine and beer are available, spirits are really the name of the game.
Gin drinkers will find their pour in a Classic Martini (silky or savory) and the Flame Flower, a cocktail worthy of praise for its presentation alone. Bourbon buffs may turn to the Study Sazerac, The Raven or Fruits of the Smoke, a high rye bourbon smoked and dolled up with banana bread syrup.Â
The Savors
Guests celebrate Amber Ox for its commitment to sourcing regional produce and handcrafted bites. This craftsmanship is seamlessly carried into The Study. Bar Snacks are listed on the reserve side of the bookmark. We aren’t talking pretzel bites or nachos here, but shareables that are as eloquent as The Study itself.
The menu is succinct and features classic speakeasy accoutrements like beef tartare and white sturgeon caviar with salt and vinegar chips. Guests can also delve into the hot and creamy blue crab dip (the bake shop crackers are a stand-out) or an easy-to-share antipasto plate. As the seasons change, so will The Study’s offerings, so stay tuned for the latest experience.Â
The Study is open Wed.-Sun. from 4 p.m. to close and offers limited reservations for a unique experience. Learn more at theamberox.com/the-study.
Speaking of Speakeasies
Check out these other speakeasies and Prohibition era-inspired bars and restaurants in the Coastal Virginia region.
Gershwin’s
Downtown Norfolk
A piano bar situated in the heart of Norfolk’s theater district marks the ideal destination for music-lovers and cocktail connoisseurs alike.
Fin & Tonic
Bridgeport Suffolk
Look for the door disguised as a painting of a crab and you’ll find this swanky speakeasy, open six days a week and offering dinner and night owl hours.
Steak & Tonic
Oyster Point Newport News
Inspired by Prohibition, this Peninsula eatery offers the ultimate upscale dining experience with both a steakhouse and speakeasy on site.
Repeal Bourbon & Burgers
Virginia Beach Oceanfront
No password, no problem, but can you find the entrance? This beachfront speakeasy is a regional leader in all things burgers and bourbon.
Still Worldly Eclectic Tapas
Olde Towne Portsmouth
No hidden doors here, just an alluring, speakeasy-themed dining experience at one of Olde Towne Portsmouth’s beloved restaurants.
Photos by Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
