A former gas station on the village square has been transformed into a charming sidewalk cafe, an inviting bar, and a cozy dining room. A bakery and European-style pastry shop are located on the side of the building. Patrick O'Connell is now finally able to fulfill a lifelong dream of offering the simple, classic American dishes of his childhood, reimagined.
Located directly across the street from its sister restaurant, the Michelin Starred Inn at Little Washington, the cafe offers an additional dining option for visitors and guests of the Inn.
The original building, circa 1950
Patty O's, after its transformation.
On the Left: The original building, circa 1950
On the Right: Patty O's, after its transformation.
Patrick O'Connell
Owner
Patrick O’Connell, a native of Washington, DC, is a self-taught chef who pioneered a refined, regional American cuisine in the Virginia countryside. In 1978, Patrick opened The Inn at Little Washington in a former garage in the tiny town of Washington, VA. Patrick and The Inn have gone on to enjoy worldwide recognition and regularly host celebrities, politicians, and culinary enthusiasts. He has been referred to as "the Pope of American Cuisine" and in 2019, won the Lifetime Achievement award from the James Beard Foundation. In November of the same year, he received the National Humanities Medal from the President of the United States. He holds honorary Doctorate degrees from both The College of William and Mary and Johnson and Wales University.
André LeTendre
Restaurant Manager
After two decades in hospitality, André’s journey led him to The Inn at Little Washington in December of 2017. As Chef O’Connell’s Executive Assistant, André played a key role in the operation of The Inn, the celebration of the 40th anniversary, filming of A Delicious Documentary, and planning the concept that would eventually become Patty O’s Café and Bakery.
In June of 2019, André spread his wings to become the Senior Operations Manager for Market Salamander in Middleburg where he gained valuable experience that would shape the future of his career. During his two years in Middleburg, he always dreamed of returning to Little Washington. André has come full-circle and that dream is now a reality as he leads the Patty O’s team under the direction of Patrick O’Connell.
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Joseph Walker
Cafe Chef
Chef Joseph discovered his passion for food and cooking as a child growing up in Florida. He joined the culinary team at The Inn at Little Washington in 2014. Over his first four years, he quickly rose through the ranks to Chef De Partie. In 2018, Joseph spread his wings and became Chef de Cuisine at Fleurie, Charlottesville’s finest French restaurant. Upon hearing of Chef O’Connell’s newest restaurant, he returned home to Little Washington to become part of the opening team of Patty O’s café as Sous Chef. In less than one year, Chef Joseph now leads the kitchen at Patty O’s in his role of Café Chef.
Christian Capo
Head Baker
Christian Capo’s culinary journey began at age 17 while working at a contemporary French restaurant in South Florida. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University with degrees in Culinary Arts, Baking, and Pastry Arts, Christian went on to join the culinary and pastry teams at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, St. Regis Resort Fort Lauderdale, and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, before becoming Pastry Sous Chef at Dominique Ansel Bakery & Kitchen in New York City.
Prior to joining The Inn at Little Washington in 2020, Christian served as Corporate Pastry Chef for Fabio Trabocchi Restaurant Group in Washington, D.C. In 2021, he collaborated closely with Chef Patrick O’Connell to launch Patty O’s Café & Bakery, where he continues to lead the baking program.
In October 2026, Christian was honored with the prestigious Best Pastry Chef in the World award by Les Grandes Tables du Monde, an exclusive international association of the world’s finest restaurants. Presented during the organization’s Annual Congress in Mallorca, Spain, the accolade distinguished Christian as the sole recipient from the United States among five international honorees.
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