From the neighborhood consistency of a hidden Savin Avenue tavern to the chic, California-style atmosphere of a downtown coffee house, Norwood’s local dining scene bridges neighborhood tradition and modern change.

Olde Colonial Cafe: A Savin Avenue Staple Since 1969

Tucked away in blocks of residential homes on Savin Avenue, a nondescript gray house bears only a brass door-knocker engraved with three words: Olde Colonial Cafe. Operated since 1969 by owner Paul Angelo, the restaurant has become a local institution.

Although the establishment maintains no exterior signs and keeps an unlisted phone number, business thrives, drawing weekend crowds that line the streets blocks away. Angelo attributes the restaurant’s enduring success to consistency and family dedication, noting that his parents, children, aunts, and loyal staff have worked there for decades. The building itself is a historical link to Sweetville Village, having served as a popular 1940s tavern before transitioning into a pizza parlor in the 1960s—the era when surrounding village businesses vanished under downtown competition, leaving the Olde Colonial and a take-out eatery as the sole survivors.

Group of five people relaxing at a restaurant table after dinner, with a cozy atmosphere and tables set around them.

Perk’s Coffee House Brings Contemporary Vibe to Downtown

In contrast to the tucked-away tradition of the Olde Colonial Cafe, downtown Norwood saw a fresh wave of energy in March when Perk’s Coffee House opened at the former site of Norwood Hardware, one of the town’s oldest businesses.

Co-owned by Craig Miller of Newton, the chic, California-style coffee house draws a diverse mix of students, professionals, politicians, and retirees who gather for lunch, studying, or socializing. Described by Miller as “the ‘Cheers’ of the ’90s,” the cafe offers a sophisticated atmosphere that previously sent local residents traveling as far as Cambridge. Local patron Sue Koh, who frequents the shop with her mother, Nancy Ross, noted, “It’s not typical of the town—we’ve never had a sophisticated and upscale coffee place like this… It’s a nice alternative.”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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