For nearly five decades, one shop has remained a favorite among students at the College of William and Mary and Williamsburg residents alike. Located on the corner of West Duke of Gloucester Street and South Henry Street, The Cheese Shop has long served as a community staple, offering handmade sandwiches, baked goods and an impressive selection of wines and cheeses. With its delicious menu and time-honored traditions, the shop continues to connect generations of Williamsburg locals.
Eager to understand the hype, my friend and I stopped by for lunch on a chilly Tuesday afternoon. Upon entering, we were immediately greeted by a wide array of food items for sale, ranging from pastas and teas to wines, cheeses and everything in between. The food menu was extensive, featuring a variety of meats and cheeses from which to choose. I ordered a corned beef sandwich from the seasonal specialty menu, while my friend opted for a classic ham and cheese.
All sandwiches are customizable, allowing customers to select their preferred bread, meat and cheese, and the shop also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. The vegetarian-friendly menu includes choices such as vegetable and cheese sandwiches, grilled cheese, and peanut butter and jelly or fluff. For those in need of gluten-free options, The Cheese Shop offers Udi’s gluten-free white bread.
While waiting for our sandwiches, we browsed the drink section located to the right of the ordering counter. Both fountain and bottled beverages were available, with an especially wide selection of bottled drinks. Options included sodas in cans and glass bottles, lemonades and teas, among others. My friend was intrigued by Dr. Brown’s Original Cream Soda and decided to give it a try. While the packaging was certainly appealing, the taste itself was nothing above standard.
Soon after, our sandwiches were ready. A staff member handed us a basket containing our wrapped sandwiches, a slip noting our orders and napkins. Before checking out, we couldn’t resist picking up a $1 bag of bread ends. Customers can purchase a bag of bread ends that are perfect for dipping in soup, pairing with cheese or simply snacking on. This affordable option is a great hack for students looking to enjoy high-quality food on a budget.
As we ventured to the checkout counter, we were met with a basket full of homemade baked goods. My friend decided to purchase a slice of cinnamon coffee cake.
The Cheese Shop offers both indoor and outdoor seating; we opted to sit outside to try our food. I ordered the corned beef sandwich with grainy mustard, provolone and sprouts on sourdough bread. The first bite exceeded my expectations. The bread was soft and flavorful, the mustard was textured and pungent, and the ratio of meat to cheese was spot on.
My friend, however, was underwhelmed. Her sandwich consisted of ham and cheddar on sourdough, which she described as good but not great — standard. She was, however, very impressed with the cinnamon coffee cake. Intrigued, I stole a bite, and it did not disappoint. Soft, moist and topped with the perfect amount of crumble, this cake is a must-buy for anyone visiting Williamsburg.
Overall, The Cheese Shop lived up to its reputation. With an extensive menu, it is easy to believe that just about anyone could find a delicious meal to fuel a Williamsburg adventure. I certainly plan on returning in the near future to try more of the shop’s offerings. It is an ideal place to purchase ingredients for a charcuterie board, sandwiches for a Colonial Williamsburg picnic or a gift suitable for a variety of ages and occasions.
When I return, I am particularly eager to try the peanut butter and fluff sandwich in addition to the turkey and cheese. Moreover, I have heard consistently positive reviews of the house dressing, which can be added to sandwiches or purchased separately in a jar for home use and is something I plan to try on a future visit.
