Battle of Yorktown

19. Nick's Seafood Pavilion

Yorktown, VA

Book Now

Nick's Seafood Pavilion was a popular eatery on the Yorktown Waterfront for many years. The original restaurant, which opened in 1944, had 44 seats. The building eventually expanded until it could seat 440 customers. Many entertainers and dignitaries enjoyed meals at Nick's, including Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Randy Travis and Tennessee Ernie Ford. Nick and Mary Matthews, the owners, were Greek immigrants who supported many causes in the Yorktown Community. They did not charge uniformed members of the U.S. military for their meals, and donated the land where the Yorktown Victory Center was built. The Mathews sponsored the U.S.S. Yorktown, and in 1983, Mary Matthews, "Miss Mary," became the first immigrant to christen a U.S. Navy ship. Unfortunately, Nick passed away during the trip to the christening ceremony. In September 1998, Mary passed away also. Nick's Seafood Pavilion was severely damaged by Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and was demolished soon afterward.