Welcome to Howard-Dooley Cafe
At Howard-Dooley Cafe, nestled in Mathews, Virginia, a heartwarming blend of Southern charm and culinary excellence awaits. This family-run establishment prides itself on a diverse menu that celebrates hearty breakfast platters, delectable sandwiches, and inventive omelets. Regulars rave about the Brunswick Stew and homemade ranch dressing, while newcomers delight in everything from prime rib to sweet Southern desserts. The cozy atmosphere, welcoming staff, and commitment to quality create a quintessential diner experience. Every dish reflects a passion for flavor and tradition, making Howard-Dooley Cafe a beloved dining destination for locals and travelers alike.
- 9303 Buckley Hall Rd, Mathews, VA 23109, United States Hotline: +1 804-725-9996
If you’re in the Mathews, Virginia area and searching for a warm, inviting dining experience, look no further than Howard-Dooley Cafe. Nestled at 9303 Buckley Hall Rd, this family-run establishment is a true gem, celebrated for its homey atmosphere and an extensive menu that caters to all tastes and preferences.
From the moment you step inside, you are greeted by the tantalizing aroma of fresh breakfast platters and Southern classics. The cafe specializes in breakfast, boasting dishes like Janet's Short Stack and Susan's Sausage, Gravy & Biscuits. Many customers rave about the Bustin' Justin Omelet and the comforting Tom Dooley's Breakfast, perfect for a cozy morning or a leisurely brunch.
- Satisfying Breakfast Choices: Ideal for starting your day, with options like the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Burrito to hearty classics that leave you feeling fully energized.
- Delicious Sandwiches: Midday meals shine with favorites such as the Country Ham Sandwich or BBQ Sandwich, which are not just tasty but made with love.
- Hearty Dinners: Don't overlook the Prime Rib for dinner, often recommended by the locals as a must-try.
- Exceptional Desserts: Customers consistently mention saving room for dessert, highlighting the cafe's ability to create sweet endings that are nothing short of heavenly.
Customer reviews reflect a consistent theme of satisfaction. People like Jon Schwartz share that the Brunswick Stew is among the best they’ve had, while Meg Pearson points out the exceptional homemade ranch dressing that accompanied her club sandwich. The cafe's ability to serve fresh and hot food quickly adds to the overall positive experience.
Moreover, the ambiance captures a quaint, old-school diner feel that creates a perfect backdrop for conversations and family gatherings. With friendly and attentive service, you can expect to be treated like family as you indulge in the delightful offerings.
Whether you're a local or just passing through, Howard-Dooley Cafe is worth the visit. You’ll leave not just full, but eager to return for more of their comforting and delicious fare. So next time you're in Mathews, make sure to pop in for a meal that truly embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality!

This is a family-run restaurant closer to Mathews than to Gloucester. It’s soooo good. My wife had Brunswick Stew, and it was the best I’ve ever had. Good barbecue, good breakfasts and great Southern desserts. Prime Rib for dinner but we’ve not tried it. Very friendly, happy people.

I came for lunch. A quick plate..service was great. Timing was perfect and food was good.. I'm not from the area but work up here. It's a cozy little spot..would recommend

Great food, atmosphere and sweet staff. Highly recommend and will return often. Prices are reasonable and if you think the food is good...save room for dessert! Amazing

What a great gem this cafe is! I’m in the state for work and one of my coworkers and I stopped here for lunch while we were in the area visiting a customer. The place clean, the staff are welcoming, and there is plenty to choose from on the menu. Except the chicken salad…they were out. You probably have to get there early for it.?.? I heard several people asking for it. I had a club sandwich with fries and a ranch dressing. No complaints on any of my food- the ranch dressing was homemade and very good. My coworker had a bbq sandwich topped with slaw and hush puppies. She really liked her meal too. The food came out fresh, hot, and very quickly. I highly recommend this spot off the beaten path if you are in the area. I hope to work up here again so I can stop by.

This is an amazing old school diner feel with the best food you can imagine. It’s small and quaint, the service is great! And I know I already said it but the food is so delicious..we had everything from breakfast to seafood to burgers, all beyond expectations!

We stopped here on our way home on a motorcycle trip. We started out with a hush puppy appetizer. They were the best hush puppies I’ve ever had! Everyone’s food was delicious! Nice family run restaurant atmosphere. Everything was very clean and welcoming. The staff were awesome too.

We were on a weekend trip. First time up this way and our AirBnB host suggested we visit. We were not disappointed! We had the crab cake sandwich, one with potato salad and one with cucumber salad. DELICIOUS!! Try to go early, it filled up fast!

The cheddar biscuits and sausage gravy was so good! Reasonably priced. Friendly and attentive service.