What: Honeysuckle Cafe
Where: 813 W. 39th St., Norfolk, VA
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; closed Sunday and Monday
On the web: https://honeysucklenfk.com/
Hidden away in what was once a contractor’s office, Honeysuckle Café has quickly become one of Norfolk’s favorite spots for soups, sandwiches and weekend brunch. One taste and you’ll see why. Owners Susan and Ross Fetterly opened the doors in August 2024, modifying a space with deep family ties into a cozy café where the little touches reflect a little bit of tradition and a whole lot of creativity. Ross formerly worked at LeGrand Kitchen, Clementines and Rustic Spoon.
The building once belonged to Susan’s father-in-law, who ran a home restoration business there for 33 years. When he retired, the couple decided to reimagine the office into something new. “We’ve always loved soups and sandwiches,” Susan says. “With four boys at home, we had to keep food fun and interesting, and we really enjoy playing with vegetables.” The café, she says, was a natural extension of that.
Healthy + Tasty = A Culinary Home Run
Susan brings a double degree in culinary arts and nutrition to the table, which shows in the menu’s playful, health-minded twists. A standout example is her nut-free sunflower seed pesto, crafted to give diners with allergies an option without sacrificing flavor. “We’re small enough that we can take the time to accommodate special dietary needs,” she explains.
Honeysuckle’s menu covers plenty of ground. Susan’s personal favorite is the turkey, bacon and Swiss, while her husband champions their house-made pastrami, which takes a full week to prepare. After experimenting with nearly a dozen briskets to perfect the recipe, the couple now serves a pastrami sandwich that has become a customer favorite. Vegetarian diners also find plenty to love, from grilled veggie sandwiches to lighter soups and specials.
Speaking of soups, Honeysuckle made waves in its first year by winning the title of Best She-Crab Soup in Norfolk. The restaurant’s rich, creamy take on the regional classic has become a signature, served year-round alongside a rotating roster of seasonal offerings. For those looking for something quick and classic, the café also offers simple “brown bag” lunches with turkey, ham or chickpea salad sandwiches.
On weekends, brunch brings another layer of creativity. Each Saturday and Sunday, a new French toast creation takes center stage, changing weekly but always designed to surprise regulars with something fresh.
More than just a menu, though, Honeysuckle Café is a place that warmly welcomes its neighbors. It’s the kind of place where local roots, family tradition, and a love of food come together—making it easy to see why the café has carved out such a loyal following in just over a year.
