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    Mea Culpa Cafe

    4.7 (103 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Mea Culpa Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    MEA CULPA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Mea Culpa Cafe

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    Outside donation fridge
    George N.

    From start to finish, everything about this place was exceptional. Tucked away outside of downtown Norfolk, this charming little coffee shop offers a cozy ambience and a refreshingly creative approach to breakfast. The menu--posted on the wall--is small, with just 6 or 7 items, but it's a perfect example of "quality over quantity." We ordered nearly everything on the menu, and each dish somehow outdid the last. The inventive combinations--like corn pancakes topped with parmesan, cilantro, and egg--gave every plate a unique and memorable twist. The French toast was among the best I've ever had: perfectly crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and topped with just the right amount of sweet, fresh cream cheese frosting. The lemon curd on the waffles was delicious. And the BLT sandwich was crispy and had a delicious sauce. Even the coffee impressed us. The flavor options were both unique and natural-tasting--not overly sweet or artificial. The staff was warm and welcoming, rounding out what was a truly outstanding experience. If you're in the area, this is an absolute must-visit for a standout breakfast. Oh they even had an outside donation fridge which I thought was really cool. Great way to help out the community.

    Amir N.

    Amazing food! Service is great! Ambiance is extravagant. They have outdoor seating next to jasmine trees and the sweet smell of jasmine combined with the amazing taste of their coffee makes you feel like you're in heaven. Best breakfast spot without a doubt.

    london fog
    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!

    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.

    Menu
    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!

    French Toast.
    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!

    London tea
    Mary-Ann L.

    I have seen reviews which really peaked my interest to discover Mea Culpa. There's nothing to profess Mea Culpa for, as the ambience, the food and the service were all wonderful. From the outside, it is just like any other houses, very simple sign that easily could be missed. But when you enter, there is nothing typical about this place. It is very light and airy, very clean lines and modern decor. You look to the side you immediately know there were very deliberate thoughts to making the customers feel welcomed to stay and enjoy their menu items. There are tables on a covered porch facing a very serene and private side of the restaurant. The food is deliciously complex and unique. The liege waffle is unlike any other waffle. I ordered the waffle breakfast sandwich which had egg, zucchini, micro greens, secret sauce. My friend ordered the savory oatmeal which she said was really good with raisins and walnuts. The specialty lattes and teas were equally phenomenal and uniquely complex. I ordered the coriander caramel latte and my friend ordered The London Tea. We both loved loved loved our beverages! If you haven't been to Mea Culpa then that's what you'll be feeling because you'll truly be missing on a fantastic experience.

    Entry
    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!

    Waffle sandwich (zucchini, egg, lettuce, sun dried tomatoes)
    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.

    Indoor Decoration
    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.

    Interior
    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!

    Horchata waffle
    Annabelle P.

    After tasting the first bite of these waffles, you'll need a moment to process the flavor explosion happening inside your mouth. Both the horchata waffle and the goat cheese waffle are well balanced and complex. The atmosphere is great for studying (plenty of outlets). The staff are so friendly and I can't wait to come back to try their entire menu!

    Iced vanilla oat milk latte
    Deni B.

    Honestly, not sure what I could write in this review that hasn't already been mentioned here. Mea Culpa is an incredible addition to Park Place. From ambiance to food to coffee, it's an all around wonderful experience. I stopped by to catch up with a friend on a gray rainy day. After going inside to order, we opted to try to sit on the porch regardless of rain for better air circulation. Thankfully, the porch was well covered and provided a lovely oasis from the water. We didn't get wet, but were able to listen to the rain and passersby. My iced vanilla oat milk latte was delightful and refreshing. I'm a notoriously slow coffee drinker, but downed this whole glass before the ice melted. Some of that is definitely due to the fact that they have paper straws and I wanted to finish it before my straw disintegrated - next time I'll remember my metal straw! We shared the corn pancakes and waffle with goat cheese, honey, and pistachios. Wow!! I went for the pancakes first, so the waffle wasn't warm anymore by the time I got to it. But it was definitely the star of the show!

    Caramel Latte

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    5 months ago

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    8 months ago

    normally great experience ; complete opposite today. New menu ; not the regular staff. Quality went way down in just a month.

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    1 year ago

    Wow this place is cool with great service, good vibes and tasty waffles. Good mix between brunch and coffee shop.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Mea Culpa Cafe

    Are the corn pancakes gluten-free?

    Do they really not open until 8:00 on weekdays?

    Their current hours are listed as from Wednesday through Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm.

    Are the waffles vegan-friendly?

    I don't believe so, I think Tina uses milk with them, but they are fluffy and delicious!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    FR8 House - Expresso Martini & Nutella Bareclaw

    FR8 House

    4.8(55 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    Sip, swing, and watch the trains roll by…read more We ended up sitting next to someone whose dad is a conductor, and he walked us through how they "park" the railcars before they're unloaded or transferred. It was really cool watching the process in real time. The Railyard at Lamberts Point has plenty of space to spread out, making it a great spot to bring the family and enjoy a beautiful day. Just around the corner from Fr8 House, you'll find a brewery, golf simulator, and other local shops to explore. Take some time to wander this unique industrial district on your next day off!

    've been wanting to try FR8 House for months, and I'm SO glad I finally made it in! This place is…read moreseriously gorgeous. It's incredibly spacious with high ceilings, tons of natural light, and lots of beautiful details everywhere you look. The front patio is perfect for people watching or just enjoying some fresh air, with lots of space between tables (no awkward eavesdropping here). Inside, the vibe is super chill. There were quite a few people working on laptops, but it didn't feel stuffy or too quiet ... just a comfortable, low-key buzz that makes you want to stay a while. I started off with an iced americano topped with strawberry cold foam. The foam itself was a little thicker than I expected (it was more "whipped cream" than "cold foam"), but honestly, it was delicious. I'd totally order it again. The flavor combination is chef's kiss. A little sweet, a little tangy, and it adds something fun to a classic drink. For food, I went all in on the Box Car Sandwich. If you love grilled cheese, you HAVE to try this. Oozy pepperjack and cheddar, crispy bacon, tomato, avocado, all sandwiched between slices of perfect sourdough. And the special sauce on the side? I could have eaten it with a spoon. I have no idea what's in it, but I want a bottle to take home. I can't wait to come back here and give their espresso martini a try, and their pepperoni swirl pastry looked 10/10.

    Photos
    FR8 House
    FR8 House
    FR8 House

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    Caffiend Coffee Company

    Caffiend Coffee Company

    4.7(24 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    We decided to pop in quick over the holiday weekend and we were not disappointed. It's a cute…read morelittle shop, a bit tight when you get in but there is seating inside off to the side as well as tables outside. I ordered from the summer menu and tried the Cinnamon Drift Latte (Housemade Horchata and Espresso) and it was sooo good. I only got a 16 oz and wished I got the 20! My daughter ordered a signature drink, the Botanist (Strawberry puree, milk, and matcha) with oatmilk and it was great. I want to go back and give that a try next. Lastly my husband ordered a cold brew with cold foam and enjoyed that as well. He also ordered the coffee cake and I wish I wasn't gluten free because it looked and smelled amazing. He enjoyed that while we sat outside for a bit. The service was quick, the staff was so friendly and patient, and the drinks were delish! We will definitely be back when we are in Norfolk!!

    I'll be honest, at first, I didnt think that just because this place looked a little too pretty,…read morethey wouldnt produce really good coffee but I was wrong. The coffee was really good --it was fresh, smooth, and not bitter at all. I loved the aroma of their coffee. The staff was pleasant and knowledgeable, which made the experience even better. The interior also has some really nice artistic elements that add to the overall vibe. Its a really relaxed hangout spot for anyone. I love the windows and how the sun shined through. And of yeah, the orange couch. This is Definitely a spot I'd recommend What I Got: Almond Croissant: 4/5 Pistachio Croissant 5/5 Apple Turn Over 4/5 White Macadamia Nut Latte 5/5 Golden Hour Latte 4/5

    Photos
    Caffiend Coffee Company - Blueberry Fog Matcha (2025 Summer Seasonal) Chorizo Quiche

    Blueberry Fog Matcha (2025 Summer Seasonal) Chorizo Quiche

    Caffiend Coffee Company
    Caffiend Coffee Company

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    Voyager Coffee

    Voyager Coffee

    4.6(27 reviews)
    1.2 mi

    Location is under renovation so it is located inside the Elevation Brewery next door. Some better…read moreonline presence/information about that renovations would have been appreciated. So i cannot comment on the normal ambiance. Coffee is subpar, the honey cinnamon latte only is served with a single shot of espresso (12 oz) and I feel 2 is typical for most other coffee shops. Cookie butter iced latte is fine, but nothing special to write to others about. Limited pastry/baked good selection so I didn't try any of them.

    Voyager Coffee has one of my favorite signature lattes in all of Hampton Roads. 'The Lanikai Latte'…read moreis a perfectly robust blend of coconut and macadamia flavoring that doesn't taste like anything else you can get in the area. It's perfectly sweet while still being strong enough to get me through the workday. The Owner, Antone really did his big one while crafting this latte. In addition to the Lanikai, Voyager boasts a menu of different drinks that are reminiscent of Antone's homeland of Hawaii. They also specialize in nitro cold brew and have canned cold brew that you can purchase and take home. The interior, while small, has a cute and rustic feel with few cool seating areas and an outside patio if the weather is nice. All in all, Voyager is a great place to grab a cup of coffee with a friend or to stop by before starting the workday.

    Photos
    Voyager Coffee - During renovations visit us in the Elation Taproom!

    During renovations visit us in the Elation Taproom!

    Voyager Coffee - Top notch service

    Top notch service

    Voyager Coffee - A view of our bar

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    A view of our bar

    Kobros Coffee - Hand-Picked Strawberry Iced Craft Latte w/ Oatmilk (Strawberries Picked from Cullipher Farm)

    Kobros Coffee

    4.7(79 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    I stopped by Kobros Coffee around 11:45 a.m. on a Friday morning. One thing that caught me off…read moreguard was that it isn't a standalone coffee shop. It operates out of Toast on weekdays and Perro Blanco on weekends. I ended up circling the block for a while trying to find it because I had no idea where it was located. Apparently they mention this on Instagram, but since I don't have Instagram, I only figured it out after the fact. I can't help but wonder how many potential customers end up at Mea Culpa Coffee, which is right behind Toast and much easier to identify as a coffee shop. Once I went inside Toast and asked, the cashier explained that I was already in the right place. Mystery solved. I ordered the iced blueberry lemon zest matcha latte with coconut milk, and it was genuinely delicious. The blueberry and lemon complemented the matcha really well, making for a refreshing drink that wasn't overly sweet. My only hesitation is the price. At $9, it felt a bit steep for a drink that appeared to be about 16 ounces and was filled almost entirely with ice. While I enjoyed it and would order it again, I'd have a hard time justifying the price on a regular basis. Overall, the quality of the drink was excellent, but I think Kobros could make the experience even better by making their location more obvious outside of Instagram and offering a little more value for the price.

    Have been meaning to visit this place while out in Norfolk and finally made my way! The area was…read moresuper intimate and cozy for a nice chill vibe, accompanied with some outdoor seating. This location has a smaller menu, but an experienced staff to recommend a good array of flavors within their drink choices. My significant other and I ordered: The Peaches seasonal latte: The freshness of the fruit shines through without overpowering the coffee. Brown Sugar Cinnamon latte: Every note balances each other out with minimal sweetness and an exaggerated flavor. I can confidently say this is one of the FEW places i've ever gotten coffee. Not the over sugared milky drink with drops of coffee flavor, but COFFEE!

    Photos
    Kobros Coffee - Iced Earl Grey Latte w/ Oat Milk

    Iced Earl Grey Latte w/ Oat Milk

    Kobros Coffee - Iced Butterfly Peaflower & Vanilla Latte w/ Oatmilk

    Iced Butterfly Peaflower & Vanilla Latte w/ Oatmilk

    Kobros Coffee - Craft latte of the week: Pistachio citrus orgeat

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    Craft latte of the week: Pistachio citrus orgeat

    Fair Grounds - Iced Mocha

    Fair Grounds

    4.2(331 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $

    My favorite latte, the nutella latte, is from here! Surprisingly, it's not too sweet and feels just…read moreso cozy. They have a great espresso and many good flavors, the dark chocolate being my favorite. This coffee shop can feel a little small but only during super peak busy hours. In general, it's the perfect size, being so comfortable that I find my girlfriend and I staying here for hours to either read, talk, do homework, play on our nintendo switches, etc. The staff here are also so nice to talk to, I find myself missing them whenever we leave. As for the food, I don't order food here too often so I haven't tried too much, but a super slept on pick is the pesto chicken sandwich. Holy amazing it's delicious. Price point for the coffee here is very reasonable with a plain latte being somewhere around $5, which is definitely better than many coffee chains.

    Nostalgic Coffee Café. The coffee was very good and the service was efficient. Their business is…read morelocated upstairs. On this particular morning, it was not busy. Several people were sitting at a table area and there was no wait. I read all of the signage out front and did not see anything about not bringing pets. I had my small dog with me and had intentions of grabbing a coffee, cooling off a few minutes, and then moving on to our next destination. During the ordering process, the barista asked me was I planning on sitting outside. I understand that having a pet requires extra responsibilities. However, her tone made us feel unwelcome.

    Photos
    Fair Grounds - This is where we sit every time

    This is where we sit every time

    Fair Grounds - Main room

    Main room

    Fair Grounds - Side room

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    Side room

    La Brioche Norfolk - Merveilleux chocolate

    La Brioche Norfolk

    4.7(176 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    I made the arguably unwise decision to stop here late in the day on an Easter holiday when pastries…read morewere clearly on people's minds and the theme was chocolate eggs. It was a long wait in line. Towards the end of their limited hours, I was pleased that they still had a pretty good selection. They sold out of some things, but I found a robust selection of pastries and a loaf of bread as well, albeit one too big for their slices. With macarons and chocolate on sale as well, they had a lot worth coming for. The cake slices were as rich and smooth as one hopes for a French bakery, but several other pastries met with aplomb as well. I struggled to locate a high-end bakery in this geographic area, but did not regret having come to this one at all.

    We went on Mother's Day, got these two, a coffee eclair and a regular croissant. Spouse said the…read morecroissant was better than he expected. My tarts were really good, not overly sweet. My only feedback would be that the chocolate one would be better with strawberries on it (which I added when I got home) my daughter said her croissant was flaky and delicious. My last visit I got a lemon meringue tart and a rhubarb pastry. I can safely recommend all the tarts but rhubarb pastry wasn't my favorite. The staff there are really nice and service was good. Hours are solid and they actually have available parking which is great for colley.

    Photos
    La Brioche Norfolk - Bakery

    Bakery

    La Brioche Norfolk - Almond and pear tart

    Almond and pear tart

    La Brioche Norfolk

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    Mea Culpa Cafe - cafes - Updated September 2026

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