+1 540-406-6309
Nestled in the vibrant town of Barboursville, VA, Exchange Cafe is a standout American restaurant and café that artfully blends classic flavors with thoughtful modern twists. Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely breakfast, a robust lunch, or a relaxed dinner paired with craft cocktails, this charming spot offers a well-rounded experience that caters to both casual diners and event guests alike.
Specializing in American cuisine with a creative edge, Exchange Cafe’s menu is a journey of indulgence and comfort. Start your day with the hearty Brisket Breakfast Taco or savor the warmth of a freshly baked Breakfast Biscuit with Bacon, bursting with savory layers and perfectly balanced spices. Those craving seafood must try the Grilled Shrimp over Salad, where succulent shrimp sit atop crisp greens, delivering a fresh and satisfying bite. The Katsu Sandwich presents a delightful fusion, its crispy breading and flavorful fillings leaving a memorable impression.
If brunch is more your style, Exchange Cafe boasts enticing plates like the creamy, soul-soothing Shrimp and Grits, featuring grilled shrimp perched on velvety grits drizzled with maple syrup, or the Focaccia French Toast served with bourbon syrup and fresh berries – a beautiful harmony of sweet, tangy, and earthy notes. The Chicken and Waffles, a crowd-favorite, combines crispy buttermilk fried chicken with fluffy waffles and maple syrup, making every bite a treat for the senses.
The menu doesn’t stop at breakfast and brunch. With an all-day offering that kicks off post-11 am, diners can enjoy the deeply comforting Soul Healing Chicken Bone Broth, enriched with turmeric, ginger, and a medley of fresh vegetables, served alongside freshly sliced focaccia bread that is nothing short of addictive. Shareable starters like the Cheese and Charcuterie Platter, brimming with assorted cured meats, artisan cheeses, and olives, make for the perfect beginning to any meal or a sophisticated snack with a glass of wine or bourbon from their well-curated drink selection.
The Pinchos San Juan—charcoal-grilled skewers kissed by vibrant chimichurri and smoky romesco sauce—are frequently praised by guests for their perfectly executed char and bold flavors, as reflected in enthusiastic reviews. And for those seeking a decadent finish, the Chocolate Caramel Tart alongside an expertly crafted Caramel Latte or refreshing Iced Mocha creates a sweet end to the dining experience.
Beyond the menu, Exchange Cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere where warmth and friendliness are palpable. You can choose between cozy indoor seating or the fresh air of outdoor options, making it an ideal spot whether you want a relaxed solo meal, a casual catch-up with friends, or a lively gathering. The staff’s genuine hospitality shines through, with many guests noting the attentive and thoughtful service that makes the experience all the more enjoyable.
Located conveniently near Virginia Foothills Distillery, it’s also a prime destination for pairing expertly crafted cocktails with elevated bar food. Customer feedback highlights the impressive beverage lineup and ample bourbon selections, perfectly complementing dishes like the famously delicious Fireman’s Chicken or classic favorites like the fried chicken sandwich and a great hamburger.
While a few patrons have mentioned the pricing as a splurge compared to typical counter-service spots and noted room for improvement in ambiance, the consensus is clear: Exchange Cafe is a culinary gem worth the visit. The impeccable cooking techniques, inventive menu, and sincere customer care create an experience that lingers long after the last bite.
For those craving a unique blend of comfort food, craft cocktails, and a neighborhood vibe that feels both approachable and special, Exchange Cafe in Barboursville is an unmissable destination that promises to satisfy your appetite and warm your soul.
Contact: 5359 Spotswood Trail, Barboursville, VA 22923 | Phone: +1 540-406-6309
Very expensive for a counter sales place. At the time we ate there, their online menu created sticker shock at the counter with some items $4 to $8 more than we expected. My wife had a salmon plate that was not on the online menu. A tiny piece of salmon for the $24 but was cooked to perfection. I had the Pincho (skewers) platter, steak and chicken. Both were cooked perfectly and you could really taste the wood smoke. The chimichurri was very good as well. I wanted the Churrasco but wasn't going to take the risk at $32 on a place I had never eaten at on a preparation that is traditionally skirt steak. If its done as well as the skewers I'm sure it's delicious but still pretty steep for a counter sales type place. But hey, they are catering to people with money like the winery and distillery tourists who are ready to blow a wad of cash. The sides were fine and the bread they serve is good. The bad reviews must have been an off-day. We were expecting a real sit-down restaurant but its more like a fast casual counter sales place. Like a convenience store/deli that just happens to serve top notch food. VERY nice and helpful people and the food was ready very quickly (it was middle of the afternoon and not busy). The seating area inside is no frills...and no cushions. They do have outdoor seating as well. We came here as a destination because we bought a coupon/certificate that saved some money and we hadn't been here. I dont think we will go out of our way to come here in the future (cost and ambiance) but if in the area otherwise would not hesitate to eat here again. It looked like they had more sandwiches on the menu than they show online. I forgot to take a picture of the menu and prices but my guess is, if everything else has gone up, so have they. I'll bet they are all tasty though. The drink menu seems reasonable, but I got the Old fashioned at $10 and it was OK...I got maybe 4 good swallows out of it though, so, not much to it. Paid for a pour of the bourbon from the distillery next door and again got maybe 4 good swallows out of it for $16. While it had an outstanding aroma, it wasn't worth the money taste-wise and we didn't go next door and buy any because I'm sure they are "very proud" of their bourbon and charge accordingly. It was better to spend the $16 to know rather than learn the hard way buying a bottle blind. It looked like a well appointed space catering to that aforementioned "tourists with money to spend".
Exchange Cafe is right next to the distillery and has a very impressive cocktail selection. The fireman’s chicken is phenomenal. The squash was a little undercooked this time but perfect the last time I had it. The dining area can use some work, looks like gas station dining and the ac was broken, I believe anyways cause it was a bit uncomfortable temperature wise. The food is great so it is worth a visit.
Today, my wife and I decided to treat ourselves to lunch on the first day of school for our kiddos, and we chose Exchange Café. What a fantastic decision! I ordered the Pincho Sampler—featuring chicken, beef, and shrimp with a vibrant chimichurri sauce, accompanied by San Juan rice, focaccia bread drizzled with olive oil, and crispy fried tostones served with garlic aioli. Every bite was absolutely delicious. The pinchos instantly transported me back to my time living in Luquillo, Puerto Rico, where I’d buy pinchos from the local vendors right at the beach. This meal brought back those wonderful memories in the best way possible. To top it off, the owner Craig came by to check on us and ended up chatting with us about our families and experiences. It was really nice of him to take the time to connect personally—it added a warm and genuine touch to our visit. If you’re looking for a spot that offers authentic flavors with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Exchange Café is a must-visit. Can’t wait to come back!
What an amazing dinner! We walked into this cafe with 12 women and we were met with kindness, gratitude and the best service. A mom/daughter team took our older, kept drinks flowing, and fed us delicious meals of hamburgers, crab cakes, meat skewers, soup, and much more. They even brought out a bunch of dessert boxes at the end just to make it easier in case we wanted to purchase anything. We were so impressed! If you're looking for a place with wonderful food and even better service, look no further. If you make it before 7pm, you can even stop into the distillery next door and get some bourbon. Highly recommend!
What a great place to grab a bite and a bourbon! Everyone was so friendly here! Adjacent to VA Foothills Disterilly, they have a nice variety of hot and cold items, made to order, desserts, pastries, coffee and a large drink cooler. Everything was fresh and flavorful. Generous portions. I loved their hummus! Indoor and outdoor seating, dine in or to go Service was fast and space was very clean! Ample parking Overall a great visit! What we tried: *HUMMUS PLATTER-Handmade Hummus, Raw + Grilled Vegetables, Focaccia, Olive Oil *GRILLED VEGETABLE PLATE- Vegetable Skewers, Hummus Choice of Side + Sauce, Sliced Focaccia *PINCHO PLATTER- Choose Three Skewers Beef, Chicken, Fish, Shrimp, Choice of Side + Sauce, Sliced Focaccia *Dessert- gluten free cake and kentucky derby pie My rating rationale +1 Service +1 Food~Taste/flavor/quality +1 Presentation +1 Atmosphere/vibe +1 Value
Had a great dinner at Exchange Café! I had the Exchange Burger on focaccia—super flavorful—and the Ponchos San Juan beef skewers with patatas bravas were excellent. They made a special mac and cheese for the kids, which they loved. I also took the Soul Healing Soup to go—can’t wait to try it. The Fireman’s Chicken was perfectly tender and juicy, served with rice and focaccia. Finished the meal with a classic Old Fashioned. The staff was so nice and friendly—really made the experience even better. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!
Stopped in for breakfast and the brisket biscuit was delicious! It would be helpful to have a coffee menu by the food menu. Service was great otherwise!
This cafe is worth the drive. Located right on Rt 33. The food was amazingly beautifully plated, tasty and healthy. Quaint atmosphere, family friendly servers make this cafe a return for sure.