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    Howard Dooley Cafe

    4.8 (33 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Cutest interior with friendly staff!

    Lord have MERCY! We stopped here on a flute and boy were we pleasantly surprised! Don't let the exterior fool you. This is a family owned business that takes their food seriously. BBQ, ribs, pastrami, fried chicken, COLLARDS and hush puppies were to die for! it's pinned on my map after this meal. it's worth the 3 hour drive to get here!

    Breakfast was great

    Excellent food quality. Service was first class. If I was a local I would be a regular here for sure.

    Lord Big Of Tasty S.

    Another fantastic meal at Howard Dooley . This time I visited for lunch and had the club . The bread was toasted perfectly and the tomatoes and lettuce was fresh . Top quality Mayo was used . I had the side of green beans for a side. This establishment has reasonable prices at top quality .. Keep up the good work !

    Dessert & specials menu, etc.

    Just had a You Pick 3 breakfast (eggs, delicious sausage patty, toast). Clean, quick and friendly service. Saw the lunch specials being written up and plan to come back for lunch!

    a plate of food on a table

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Everything is good here!! Staff is friendly and on the ball! Family restaurant with good vibes and great service

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    This place is so good, I've never had pancakes like this! Service is always wonderful too

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Food is more than solid from this sweet family owned and operated small town establishment. Great breakfast and good friendly service.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great food great service. Family owned and operated. Very clean and friendly. Has a local crowd that returns often to eat.

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Stumbled on this great local spot! Had the Crabbie Abbie crab cake sandwich and the Grandad BBQ sandwich, both were fantastic!

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Super clean great food and following covid protocols. Love it. You need to try the breakfast too

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    6 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Howard Dooley Cafe

    Super clean great food and following covid protocols.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Cravings

    Cravings

    4.9
    (37 reviews)
    21.6 mi

    My bestie recommended this place for our little beach snacks and sandwiches. I tried the heather…read moremini peanut and jellies on croissants and the Monroe Chicken sandwich . Sadly I had no leftovers because it was that good . What a cute little shops with all the little trinkets and gifts. The service was quick since it was served in already to go packaging in the cooler. Will be back

    Wow, what a fun little hidden gem. This might be a place that local folks don't want you to know…read moreabout and the business sure doesn't need my help. The fact that they sell out so quickly every-single-day is a testament on their own. Everything I learned about this place was hear-say so take it with a grain of salt but their food does speak for itself (which I did in fact get a chance to try). First of all, they have a number of sandwiches that are pre-made and to my understanding, there's no customization. From what I can tell, they come on white bread (I think?), croissant, and focaccia but if you know me or my reviews, then you know I stopped looking once I saw focaccia. They sell out quickly so make sure you get there early enough to land you what you want and it's tucked away and hidden in the back of a really cool store you'll want to give yourself time to shop. And if all of that isn't enough, the sandwiches are themselves are phenomenal. An absolute must-visit and a perfect "take to the beach to be harassed by seagulls" lunch.

    Photos
    Cravings
    Frosted chocolate brownie
    Frosted chocolate brownie
    The Monroe- Chicken Salad

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    The Monroe- Chicken Salad
    The Elephant & Octopus

    The Elephant & Octopus

    4.7
    (28 reviews)
    21.5 mi

    I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Elephant & Octopus during a day trip to Cape Charles,…read moreand what a cute find! From the moment we stepped in, the atmosphere was inviting! From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by a whimsical, nautical meets industrial interior. Think exposed brick, quirky elephant and octopus artwork, and cozy seating that feels both inviting and upscale. It's the kind of place where you'll want to linger over your meal and soak in the unique ambiance. As for the food, it did not disappoint. I started with the Ale & Onion Soup, and wow. This was comfort in a bowl! The robust flavor of Guinness melded perfectly with the caramelized onions, and the bubbling gruyère on the toasted bread points just took it over the top. It was savory, rich, and perfect for the chilly day. My friend went for the She Crab Soup, and couldn't stop raving about it. Creamy and absolutely packed with local crab meat. The puffed oyster crackers and a sprinkle of Old Bay were the ultimate finishing touch. I managed to sneak a bite, and it was heavenly! We also asked the bartender for a fun cocktail, and they whipped up a bright, lemony drink that was as refreshing as it was beautiful. It was perfectly balanced and not too sweet, served with a citrus twist. Service was great. Friendly, attentive without hovering, and happy to make recommendations. If you're in Cape Charles and looking for a spot that nails both food and atmosphere, you can't go wrong here. Already planning my next visit!

    I came here for lunch with friends. We sat outside because we had a dog with us, but the flies were…read morehorrible. & The tap water tasted very funky. Now that the negatives are out of the way.. the food came out in a reasonable period and was hot and fresh, at least mine was. My friend's fries were cold. I got the shepherds pie which was decent but not worth the price.

    Photos
    The Elephant & Octopus
    Salmon poke!
    Salmon poke!
    View of bar from the vault

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    View of bar from the vault
    Small Town Burger

    Small Town Burger

    4.5
    (46 reviews)
    17.7 mi

    Burgers are always delicious. Service with a smile. Can't beat small town burger! I usually get…read morean extra hamburger patty because they are so good.

    I visited Small Town Burger as part of my effort to get a hot dog in every county and incorporated…read morecity in Virginia. STB was my Lancaster County stop. It was a hot early evening stop. There is plenty of parking near by and STB shares a lot with a few other businesses. I enjoyed walking around Kilmarnock before getting my meal. I seemed to surprise the gentleman in the truck when I got to the counter cause I spooked him a little. I bet it was really hot inside so I don't blame him for maybe zoning out. I ordered a hot dog and asked what toppings they had. Sounded pretty standard so I just got ketchup and mustard. I got a bottle of root beer to drink and took my seat in the shadiest spot I could find. It wasn't long before my order was ready and I went up to the truck to get it. I was handed a plain hot dog in a basket. Not a huge deal, I got ketchup from the dispenser but had to go back and ask for mustard. He apologized for forgetting to add the toppings. I really liked how the hot dog was scored on top. It was a big dog with a nice bun too. Altogether it was fine visit but nothing great.

    Photos
    Plenty of great seating, but be prepared for some fierce flies.
    Plenty of great seating, but be prepared for some fierce flies.
    Big Dog included a premium 100% all beef Hot Dog cooked to perfection in a crisped brioche bun
    Big Dog included a premium 100% all beef Hot Dog cooked to perfection in a crisped brioche bun
    Great food from the food truck and great staff each time we've come.

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    Great food from the food truck and great staff each time we've come.

    Howard Dooley Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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