This Coffee Shop Mea Be the Best in Norfolk
One thing I always look forward to when exploring cities is checking out the local coffee shops. Over the past year, the Norfolk coffee shop scene has really stepped up its game. It seems like every time I’m out, I see a new place popping up.
Whether you like a cozy vibe for a rainy day, or a bright, open space with lots of natural light, Norfolk has what you’re looking for! Mea Culpa Cafe, which has been around for a couple of years now, is one of the best coffee shops in town, checking off all the boxes of what I look for in a coffee shop.
The Coffee is as Cheerful and Warm as the Space
The perfect place to sip your cup of joe needs to have the right balance of a few things. The coffee should be delicious, but you also need the perfect ambiance to thoroughly enjoy your cup of joe. Mea Culpa has both great coffee and great atmosphere! Part of having a great coffee shop experience is ease of ordering. There’s nothing more stressful than standing at the counter with 100 options in tiny handwriting on a board that’s far away.
Mea Culpa has an easy-to-read menu listed on the wall, and they have a few additional seasonal items that rotate out. I tried the spiced apple latte on my most recent visit, which was the perfect amount of sweet without being overpowering. My friend ordered a pour over Nicaraguan coffee and the chicken waffle sandwich, which she raved about. The ingredients were all fresh, and they definitely didn’t skimp on the portions.
A Bright and Airy Space
Aside from great coffee, part of the reason I love going to Mea Culpa is the atmosphere. It’s never overly crowded to where you can’t find a place to sit or hear the conversation you’re having. It’s peaceful and relaxing, yet cheerful. Since it’s located in a renovated house in the Railroad District, it has cozy and rustic vibes while also being clean and modern, with subtle pops of color. While their indoor space is currently only open to place to go orders, they have a beautiful wraparound porch with lots of seating and foliage to provide some privacy. The tables are well spaced out for easy social distancing.
It’s All About the Location
Mea Culpa Café is also in an excellent location, right on Colonial Avenue in the heart of Norfolk. Located next to Toast and The Veil, Mea Culpa can be easy to miss since apart from the coffee sign on the front steps, it just looks like a charming old house. But once you discover it, you’ll be back frequently to relax with a cup of coffee on the welcoming front porch. Whether you need a pick me up after hitting the nearby breweries, or want to do a coffee shop crawl with some of the other nearby coffee shops, there’s so much within walking distance. Not that you need things nearby, Mea Culpa is great on its own if you want to catch up with a friend, study, or are just looking for your new favorite go-to coffee shop.
