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Welcome to Mea Culpa Cafe

At Mea Culpa Cafe, nestled in a charming house at 2410 Colonial Ave, Norfolk, the air buzzes with creativity and warmth. This unique breakfast and brunch spot shines with its commitment to quality, serving house-made syrups and local coffee beans. Guests delight in standout dishes such as Liege waffles with innovative curds and savory oatmeal topped with fried eggs. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between chill and inspiring, making it an ideal venue for both lively gatherings and quiet study sessions. With vegan options, outdoor seating, and a community spirit, this cafe embraces all, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.

Mea Culpa Cafe: Reviews & Ratings

Margaret M.
Margaret M.

Absolutely favorite find in the 757! Out of all the coffee shops and even restaurants I've been to in the area this one definitely stands out. Not only is the food inpecable, it's absolutely unique! Nothing that you could recreate at home or find in any store. The coffee has an abundance of flavors, that I can't wait to go back and get more. I felt so welcomed throughout my whole experience, the barista is absolutely phenomenal and super sweet! The overall atmosphere is just the right balance of indie, calm, and creative. There is so much diversity, wether your looking for a good meal, a place to study, or even a quick coffee to go. Overall, such a wonderful vibe and aesthetic! This place is really one of a kind and I would HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for their new favorite coffee shop!

Jessica L.
Jessica L.

We were able to find parking right by the cafe. It has a chill atmosphere. We enjoyed the horchata syrup waffle and goat cheese waffle. We also got mocha lattes. It took a while for the food to come out but we weren't too bothered about it as we were just hanging out and catching up.

Allison N.
Allison N.

Favorite coffee shop that I visited in Norfolk! They use local beans and the coffee was made with care. They use house made syrups and their vanilla oat milk latte was so good I came back and got it a second time. Drip coffee comes with a free refill. They have a limited food menu with unique items that were all very good. We tried the banh mi and liege waffle and both were hot, fresh, and delicious! Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and the place itself is cute and quaint. Employees are friendly and service was great. Would definitely recommend if you're in Norfolk!

Jorge I.
Jorge I.

What a sweet spot! Make sure to pay attention when trying to find this place because it's a literal HOUSE! It's super adorable and the baristas were sweet! Hands down, probably the best Dirty Chai I've had so far, it had the right amount of sweetness and spice!

Tony B.
Tony B.

This is probably my favorite Norfolk coffee spot! Love their heart for the community with the community pantry outside. The vibes are artsy. Conversations with friends are great here, but also you can go solo and get into a book. As a coffee lover the coffee was legit and the brunch was very good. Each time I've been, Josh has taken my order and he is awesome. Josh is very kind and will chat with you about anything if you want, seems like he loves what he does. There is also a covered outside area if you prefer that. Would recommend this to anyone!

Esha R.
Esha R.

Love love love this little cafe hidden on a street in Norfolk. It is such a cute little house that has an amazing food pantry right outside of it and has a wrap around porch that has seating outside as well as inside! An amazing place for a cute hang to catch up with friends during the few days they are open during the week and even an amazing study spot! The artwork for the drinks are gorgeous! I always get a london fog because I don't drink coffee (I wish they had more chai/decaf options would be my one request). I especially love their brunch food items. I think they are so unique and so well decorated with the plating and knife through the unique waffle sandwich with amazingly welled cooked veggies and eggs! Highly recommend trying this place and getting food here! The service us a bit slow but that is because they take their time to make everything very fresh! I will definitely be back!

Sikoya A.
Sikoya A.

Came because the (very cute) name caught my eye. A heads up, don't walk past this place, it's looks like a regular two-story white house on the outside. Loved the ambiance, decor, and outdoor seating options. Plenty of outlets inside if you decide to sit and work. Owners were very kind and offered great food recommendations. The waffle sandwich was well seasoned and balanced. I'm glad I had the chance to stop by.

Fina K.
Fina K.

Hidden gem! It show the care they give to the community. Plus the food is great! Not a big menu, but the dishes are super yummy! Will definitely go back!

Stephanie S.
Stephanie S.

Good to know before you go: You can order to-go, but they don't carry plastic utensils. Overall, I do enjoy Mea Culpa. Unfortunately, I don't know if I'll be back because it's out of the way from my house and I just didn't have a great experience today. It took 45min to get our order. After about 35min of waiting, I asked if we could change our dine in order to-go because we had an appointment we needed to be at. Last time I was there, the service was quick. Today, they were busy, only had 2 employees, and it was very slow. When we got out to-go order, I asked for utensils. They said they don't carry plastic utensils. So we had to leave for our appointment, and I couldn't eat my breakfast on the way because I didn't have utensils, and I had been looking forward to this meal all week. I left feeling hungry and frustrated. The food and coffee are good though. If you have the time, I'd still recommend giving Mea Culpa a try. I really like the community fridge outside, and the aesthetic inside is really cute and cozy.

Location

Welcome to Mea Culpa Cafe, a hidden gem nestled at 2410 Colonial Ave in Norfolk, VA. This charming cafe has quickly become a beloved breakfast and brunch destination for locals and visitors alike. Not just another cafe, Mea Culpa Cafe offers a unique blend of culinary creativity and a warm, inviting atmosphere. With features like outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and a dog-friendly policy, it caters to a diverse clientele, whether you're grabbing a quick coffee or settling in for a leisurely brunch.

What makes this cafe truly special are its artisanal offerings. The menu features an array of breakfast delights crafted with care and attention. For instance, their Liege Waffle with Lemon Curd ($5.00) strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, while the Asparagus Salad ($7.50) bursts with fresh flavors, highlighted by charred asparagus and a rich hollandaise. The Portabella Mushroom Waffle Sandwich is another standout, bringing a savory twist to the waffle experience.

  • Sweet Treats: Don't miss the delectable Coconut Loaf ($3.50) or the exotic Horchata Syrup Waffle for a twist on the traditional.
  • Vegan Options: With vegan-friendly dishes available, everyone is invited to indulge.

Customers rave about the welcoming vibe and exceptional service. One patron, Margaret M., describes Mea Culpa Cafe as “a one-of-a-kind experience,” noting the unique food that’s unlike anything you could find at home or in stores. The use of local beans in their coffee adds an abundance of flavors that keep patrons coming back for more. Many have complimented the baristas for their friendliness, like Tony B. who appreciates the community spirit fostered by the cafe, including a community pantry that supports local needs.

The serene atmosphere strikes the right balance of indie charm and creativity, making it a perfect spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a peaceful moment with a book. Jessica L. noted the chill environment, where even a longer wait for food became a delightful opportunity to savor the ambiance with a friend.

If you're looking for a place where **great food meets community spirit**, look no further than Mea Culpa Cafe. Whether you’re after delicious brunch options or a cozy nook to enjoy your coffee, this cafe is sure to become your new favorite destination in Norfolk.