After nearly 10 years of operation in Williamsburg, Va., Culture Cafe announced it would be closing its doors Dec. 21, 2025. It was a sad day for those who loved the so-called “cafe on the corner.”
Located right off Richmond Road and close to popular spots on campus, including the Sadler Center, Wawa and One Tribe Place, Culture Cafe frequently served students from the College of William and Mary and local residents. The cafe provided a welcoming, homey environment for all its patrons.
The restaurant was originally founded by David Everett, a prominent local restaurateur and chef. Everett also owns other popular dining locations in the Williamsburg area, including Blue Talon Bistro and DoG Street Pub.
Louise Wood and Scott Hoyland then assumed ownership and ran the business until its closing last December. The pair took pride in bringing a different vibe to the Williamsburg area. Compared to the cafe’s neighbors, including bars like Brickhouse Tavern and College Delly, Culture Cafe offered an antithetical retro atmosphere, perfect for any chill meal or long study session.
The cafe’s eccentric decorations and friendly staff members ensured that all dining experiences were memorable. With its specific focus on a variety of small, affordable plates, it was easy to try and share a plethora of dishes with friends and family. Whether you were there for breakfast, lunch, dinner or late-night drinks, you could always find something delicious.
Adding to the cafe’s animated aesthetic was the pervasive presence of rabbits throughout the restaurant. Whether you were looking at the front door, the menu or simply any wall of the establishment, you were sure to find one of Culture Cafe’s signature rabbits looking right back at you. Such a fun quirk made the cafe exponentially more vibrant and lively.
As one last testament to their love for the Williamsburg community, Wood and Hoyland announced on Instagram that they would be selling all of the cafe’s furniture and decorations, even offering customizable pickup times for those who could not make it to the selling event. Everything from tables to books to old-fashioned typewriters and even a barn door was sold, as Wood and Hoyland felt the memories made in the cafe belonged not to them, but to those they served over the years. As a result, the quirky vintage decorations that once adorned the walls of the cafe now reside with Williamsburg residents, helping to keep the restaurant’s legacy of top-tier service and spunky ambience alive.
I specifically remember one encounter with co-owner Wood that serves as a testament to the cafe’s values of generosity and inclusion. It was Family Weekend during my freshman year, and I still recall being nervous to leave the confines of my dorm room to explore campus. However, while I was in my room, my parents were dining at Culture Cafe and chatting with Wood. Upon hearing that my parents had a freshman daughter, she immediately offered up the second floor of her restaurant as a study space for me anytime I wished, promising that she would make me feel welcome and comfortable. Wood’s warm personality and inclusive nature persistently radiated throughout the walls of the cafe, spreading to each and every customer.
While it is tough to say goodbye to a long-standing Williamsburg classic, our campus is nowhere near short of notable restaurants and coffee shops. Alternatives do exist!
Take Aromas, for example. Located on Prince George Street, with spirited vibes mirroring those of Culture Cafe, the restaurant offers a wide array of drinks, pastries and food. Its coffee, most notably their s’mores latte, never disappoints, and the warm and cozy atmosphere makes it the perfect place to get some work done or catch up with friends. With both indoor and outdoor seating, Aromas is the perfect spot to stop for a bite, no matter the weather.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more chic and modern, Eleva Coffee Lounge in Merchants Square offers just that. Though smaller than Aromas, the cafe still serves top-tier coffee and pastries, with a rotating but consistently delicious seasonal menu. With fun and comfortable seating and a focus on greenery, Eleva offers a uniquely sophisticated aesthetic, perfect for a more serious occasion.
Last, but certainly not least, there is the more well-known cafe, Illy, located on Duke of Gloucester Street, close to the Sir Christopher Wren Building. Originally founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933 by Francesco Illy, the cafe emanates a European-style ambience. What’s notable in this cafe is its wide selection of gelato and its delicious traditional Italian dessert, affogato, which includes hot espresso poured over a scoop of vanilla gelato. Offering very refreshing vibes, Illy is the perfect spot to stop on a hot spring or summer day.
So, while parting ways with Culture Cafe remains a difficult task, students at the College and locals can rest assured that Williamsburg remains filled with excellent cafes suitable for a wide array of tastes and preferences.
