Built on a lifelong passion that started when John Williams was just fifteen, Winston’s Tavern showcases the knowledge and experience John has curated during his culinary career. From his elite training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, Australia, and London, to the opening of his first restaurant, The Royal Tern in John’s Island, South Carolina, with his brother Ben Williams in 2018, John has been honing the hospitality skills that make Winton’s Tavern a place locals want to gather.
When family friend and local developer Vic Mills shared the vision for creating a downtown space in Evans with John a few years ago, John was excited at the prospect of joining the project. “They were looking for an anchor restaurant in the new, multi-use development called the Premier. The demographic is great and the people are great, so we thought it was a natural fit,” shares John. “Every community needs a gathering spot, a fun place where you can go regularly, meet your friends, and pop in for dinner or just a drink. The traditional, cozy atmosphere of a traditional style tavern seemed perfect.”
To bring the vision of Winston’s Tavern to life, John and Ben partnered with Rob Clifton and Clifton Construction. “Rob and I really clicked,” says John. “He was excited about the project and the area. It was a pleasure working with him throughout the entire process of the build out.”
Once the building details came together, the focus turned to cultivating an interior atmosphere fitting for a local gathering place. Interior designer Amber Aument of Aument Design Studio worked to capture the vision while John and his wife searched for just the right elements to add. “We hand-picked most of the art on the walls from antique shops. We love old maps, so we've got old maps of Georgia as well as hunting scenes and dog prints that really create that tavern feel,” says John. “We also found an old butcher block that was made back in the 1800s that we use as our front host stand.”
Seeing how seamlessly Winston’s Tavern has come to life, Rob Clifton says he is thrilled that Clifton Construction played an integral role in bringing the restaurant to Evans. “Winston’s Tavern is one of those projects where the architecture, finishes and overall atmosphere came together exactly the way you hope they will,” shares Rob. “From the color palette and warm lighting to the rich textures and thoughtful details throughout the space, everything feels upscale without being overly formal. There’s a warmth to the restaurant that makes it just as comfortable for a casual dinner as it is for a special occasion. Winston’s Tavern isn’t just a beautiful restaurant; it’s a complete dining experience.”
A perfect complement to the tavern’s ambiance, the menu offers elevated versions of classic comfort foods and hearty dishes just as fitting for special occasions as they are for everyday fare. Chef Chris Jones intentionally combines local flavors and high quality, fresh ingredients to create seasonal dishes and classic favorites. “One favorite is our steak and eggs, which is our twist on a steak tartare. It's prime filet with a bit of smoked trout roe on top as the eggs,” says John. “We do a pan-roasted whole fish every day as well and Chris does a fantastic lamb shank that everybody has been asking us to bring back.”
The menu also brings a taste of the coast by featuring The Royal Tern’s famous clam chowder as well as the popular crab poke. Add fresh bread made in-house, including yeast rolls made using a recipe from John’s grandmother, and people keep coming back for more.
Winston’s Tavern new patio opened this fall, adding more space for people to enjoy. “The bar is all walk-in but our dining room gets booked up pretty well, especially on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, which is why we encourage reservations,” says John. “The patio is where people can walk in and have a dinner or they can just meet and have some cocktails with friends. We’re really excited about being able to offer that new space.”
John credits his team with making sure the restaurant runs smoothly and welcomes each guest who walks through the doors. “My team is amazing. Susan Hlavin is a native of the Augusta area and has been in the industry for a long time. She is really the backbone of the restaurant,” he says. “On the hospitality side of things, the team is warm and welcoming. They are a really great group of individuals.”
For John, working with a team to make the vision of Winston’s Tavern come to life has been very rewarding. He shares, “There is nothing greater than seeing people really enjoy their experience and having a good time in a restaurant you created.”
Winston’s Tavern is located at 880 Ronald Reagan Drive in Evans. To preview the menu and make a reservation, visit winstonstavern.com or call 706-305-9225. Also follow Winston’s Tavern on Facebook and Instagram.
"Winston’s Tavern isn’t just a beautiful restaurant; it’s a complete dining experience.” - Rob Clifton
"Every community needs a gathering spot, a fun place where you can go regularly, meet your friends, and pop in for dinner or just a drink." - John Williams, owner Winston's Tavern