Undercover Diner Visits V&T Cafe

Photos by Undercover Diner

Once again, I found myself at lunch with my favorite dining companion—my mom. We have made a habit of seeking out new restaurants to try, but this time we decided to revisit a hidden gem we often overlook: V&T Café in the Graves Mill Shopping Center.

I can’t quite figure out why we forget about this cozy little spot because every visit feels like a warm hug, especially with its unique charm and welcoming atmosphere.

Walking into V&T Café during the holiday season is like stepping into a Christmas card. The café was festively decorated with twinkling lights, garlands, and cheerful ornaments that made the space feel even more inviting. It’s a hallmark of the café to celebrate every season with themed décor, which adds a distinctive touch that makes regulars keep coming back.

What makes V&T Café stand out even more is its classic ice cream parlor, complete with Hersey’s ice cream flavors and an enticing deli case filled with cakes and cheesecakes. It’s a rare sight these days, and it immediately brought back childhood nostalgia. After soaking in the festive atmosphere, we settled in for lunch.

The café, which has been open for 17 years, offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, and sides. My mom opted for the chicken salad on a croissant, a tried-and-true favorite. The croissant was toasted to perfection—flaky on the outside, soft and warm on the inside. The chicken salad was savory and well-balanced, a welcome change from overly sweet versions we have encountered at other places.

I went with the Philly cheesesteak, a hearty classic that did not disappoint. The sandwich was packed with tender, juicy meat, sautéed green peppers, and onions, all held together by gooey melted cheese. Each bite was warm and satisfying, a perfect comfort meal on a chilly December day.

True to form, my mom and I decided to split both sandwiches so we could enjoy the best of both worlds. For a few extra dollars, you can add sides like fries, pasta salad, or fresh veggies. While the sandwiches came with a small handful of chips, we didn’t mind. If we really wanted more, the extra options were readily available.

The meal would not have been complete without dessert. After all, how could we resist the allure of an old-fashioned ice cream parlor? Browsing the freezer case brought me back to my childhood, when choosing a flavor felt like the most crucial decision of the day.

One of the owners even offered me a few samples, which was a fun, individualized touch. After much deliberation, I settled on the brownie batter ice cream, loaded with rich chunks of brownie.

My mom, feeling festive, went all out with a peppermint sundae topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry.

Our lunch at V&T Café felt like a mini holiday celebration. The food was satisfying, the desserts were indulgent, and the cozy ambiance made it even more special. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why supporting local gems is so important—they are not just about tasty food, but also about creating experiences that linger long after the meal.