Ferlazzo 1938: Culpeper’s newest restaurant, where local cuisine takes center stage
October 14, 2025 Food & Drink
Written by: Maddie Burbridge
The newest addition to Culpeper’s culinary scene is a restaurant with a musical twist called Ferlazzo 1938. Serving a varied menu inspired by the owner’s roots in Culpeper and musical heroes, the restaurant brings a unique dining experience to the historic downtown area.
I had the opportunity to try the delicious food and tour the restaurant with the owner, Andrew Ferlazzo. He provided insights into the family connections he included throughout the restaurant and his plan to make it a lively musical hub for the Culpeper community.
Born and raised in Culpeper, Ferlazzo has been a longtime local and international restaurateur. This new venture, located directly opposite his father’s first dental office from the 1960s, is an homage to his family and his passion for music.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by Ferlazzo’s mother’s signature on the wall and a dining room covered in music paraphernalia. Spot your favorite artists while you peruse the menu of Italian and American fare. Towards the back of the dining room, you’ll find the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs hard at work. From decadent pasta dishes to expertly prepared steaks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while you listen to a curated soundtrack of hits from across the decades.
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, take a seat at the bar to enjoy a music-inspired mixed drink. Transport yourself to London with an “Abbey Road” made with vanilla vodka, St. Germain, and ginger beer, or spice things up with a “Ring of Fire” made with tequila, pineapple, and jalapeno. For non-drinkers, Ferlazzo 1938 also offers mocktails, such as the refreshing “Miles Davis,” made with peach, orange, and ginger beer.
The tasty menu and sleek dining room are only the beginning. Ferlazzo plans to turn the rest of the restaurant into an event space and music venue. Once a department store, the spacious location with art deco and mid-century touches will eventually host performers of all kinds. Ferlazzo emphasized, “that it’s important to cover all genres to cater to the community’s tastes.” He hopes that the venue will draw both local and national acts and offer a new way to bring live music to Culpeper.
In keeping with the familial theme, Ferlazzo 1938 will soon be a place for families to gather over delicious food and great music. The front two rooms are set to be private party spaces, where you can host your nearest and dearest.
Ferlazzo 1938 also features a mural by local artist Layton Scarbrough. The larger-than-life portraits of iconic musicians include the likes of David Bowie, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Cash, and Amy Winehouse. Scarbrough hopes to continue adding artists to the mural as the restaurant and venue develop.
Located just around the corner from Davis Street and only a few minutes walk from the train station, Ferlazzo 1938 is easily accessible to visitors. You can find the full menu here. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, with happy hours daily from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
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