Finding a spot in Williamsburg for a quiet afternoon tea or a place to simply reset can be surprisingly difficult. Sure, we have our fair share of coffee shops, and Swem Library is a solid option if you plan to “lock in” with assignments or catch up with friends. But sometimes, you just want to disappear for a while. Somewhere new. Somewhere you won’t run into half of your acquaintances and be put in the awkward position of small talk (if you’re an extrovert and love that, good for you.) If you’re someone like me who occasionally craves a fresh atmosphere to recharge, I have a recommendation.
Culture Cafe, located just off of Scotland Street, in the lively student hangout zone surrounded by bars, offers exactly that escape.
The moment you walk in, one thing is clear. This restaurant emphasizes maximalism. The interior gives character from a dynamic lighting fixture, an artistic wall with pictures and layered design elements, all filled with comfort for your attention before you’ve even ordered. It feels full, in a good way.
The service matches the energy. Staff members are attentive with a level of professionalism that instantly makes you feel at ease. I was fortunate to be served by Ms. Heather, who went above and beyond to have an iced Americano prepared for me even though it wasn’t listed on the menu.
Arriving around 11:40 a.m., I chose from the lunch menu. Upon asking for recommendations, Ms. Heather highlighted three popular dishes: the truffle poutine, the Culture Bowl and the burger. If I’d had a friend with me, I would have ordered all three. But since my appetite is limited, I had to commit to just one. After careful consideration, I went with the truffle poutine.
Traditionally, poutine from Quebec consists of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. Culture Cafe, however, delivers a creative fusion of American and Canadian styles. In line with the restaurant’s aesthetic, the dish arrives boldly plated. Instead of fries, crispy tater tots are smothered in an abundance of cheddar cheese and truffle elements. The result was rich, inventive and seriously filling. Word of caution. This dish easily exceeds 2,500 calories (my personal opinion). I couldn’t eat anything else for the rest of the day. Consider it a one-meal commitment.
Overall, Culture Cafe is best enjoyed with others. The generous small plates set on every table hint that this is a space designed for sharing and sampling various creative dishes.
Make sure to plan ahead before visiting. The restaurant operates only Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn from my mistake, I first showed up on a Tuesday afternoon, completely unaware they weren’t open. Now, I get it. Culture Cafe is a morning-to-afternoon spot. It aims to energize you, not end your day. It is maximalist in flavor, design and experience, and it leaves you carrying that energy with you long after you’ve left.