Volunteer Park Cafe & Pantry

The building that houses Volunteer Park Cafe dates back over 100 years and has always been a cornerstone of this North Capitol Hill neighborhood. It was a grocery and meat market in the early1900s, and one of the neighbors was known to load up his horse-drawn wagon with the store's fresh produce and sell it throughout the community. During the depression era, when sugar was rationed, the store became a refuge and a place to purchase penny gumballs and candies, bringing a little bit of joy to the neighborhood. VPC is honored to continue the long tradition of providing sustenance and creating a place for the community to connect. VPC is all about using fresh, seasonal, local, and sustainable ingredients, as well as herbs and edible flowers grown in the garden behind the cafe. The goal is to have an organic garden planted in the near future! The cafe supports local food growers, products, and businesses. VPC is committed to providing locally sourced, high-quality delicious food, and a welcoming place for people to share, eat, and be part of a vibrant community.