City: Williamsburg, VA

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (757) 221-6676

Address: 431 Prince George St.

Description: Take a quick glance around the room at Aroma’s: A business meeting at one table; a group of William and Mary students cramming at another, a pair of retirees jabbering about their golf game at a third. Some days it seems as if all of Williamsburg is at Aroma’s, the coffee spot of choice in what passes for downtown, one block off Merchants Square. Whether you want a quick blast of caffeine, a snack, or a full meal, it’s hard to go wrong. The decor is charmingly casual, as is the service (order at the counter, pick it up yourself). The menu features a mix of standard, but fresh, sandwiches and wraps (roast beef on focaccia, garden veggie wrap), soups and salads. Breakfast is served through 10:30 a.m. daily (until noon on Sun), and dinner specials are available after 5 p.m. The kids’ menu was obviously designed by the parent of a picky eater. Actual sandwich description: “Turkey and cheese on white break—Plain, Plain, Plain, that means no fixins’.” The nachos are fixed “how kids like ‘em, PLAIN with cheese as the only topping. ”The deserts are decadent (especially the apple pie), and a full range of specialty coffees and loose-leaf teas are available. Several nights a week, a band will wedge itself into the corner for live music, and the drink of choice will shift from coffee to wine or beer.Because of its popularity, grabbing a table can be tricky at peak times. Most days, even in the winter, the outside tables are a great option. Free Wi-Fi is available, too. A second location opened in Newport News’ City Center development in 2007.