If you are looking for a quick caffeine fix, we all know about the major coffee chains like Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, but if you’re looking for that quintessential coffee house vibe, Richmond coffee shops are ready to feed your need.
Richmond is a city where small businesses thrive and the sense of community can be found almost anywhere you go.
If you’re looking for that one special coffee shop to listen to podcasts, catch up with friends, or get some work done, why not check out one of these local spots for something new?
From specialty coffee with latte art, locally-roasted coffees and just a plain ole drip, coffee in Richmond, VA is a never ending delight.
Brewer’s Cafe
- Address: 1125 Bainbridge St, Richmond, VA 23224
This has to be one of my favorite coffee shops in Richmond and when I worked in Carytown, we ordered breakfast from this spot at least once or twice a week! Brewer’s is a local, black-owned business that offers cold pressed juices, coffee, and breakfast options.
My favorite item is their breakfast sandwich with an everything bagel, egg, and extra veggie sausage!
They’ve recently announced that they will be moving to a larger facility with a full bar and performance stage for live events, so make sure you follow their progress.
Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream
- Address: 3600 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
Crossroads has been in business for 18 years and they are so much more than just a coffee shop. They serve up some of the strongest brews in town and they have a huge selection of coffees to choose from. The only thing bigger than their coffee selection is their food menu!
Crossroads is open for breakfast and lunch and they have everything from bagels and breakfast sandwiches to chicken salad sandwiches and vegan black bean burgers.
Their spacious, covered patio is the perfect spot to grab brunch and catch up with friends, if you can get a table! They’re one of the more popular spots in town, so don’t be surprised if there is a wait for brunch.
If you don’t want to wait, you can always order your items to go and head across the street to Forest Hill Park for a picnic under the shade of the huge oak trees. Make sure you keep an eye out for their special live music events too!
Harrison Street Cafe
- Address: 402 N Harrison St, Richmond, VA 23220
This coffee shop has come a long way since my college years when I used to frequent the cafe in between classes to get some studying done. They have recently finished renovating the property, but the cafe hasn’t lost any of its old school charm.
Harrison Street Cafe has been a Richmond staple since 2000 and they pride themselves on their “good eats, no meats” menu featuring items like vegan biscuits and gravy and their beer battered “steak” tofu sandwich.
The cafe is a small space tucked into a side street in the bustling Virginia Commonwealth University school district. It may be difficult to find street parking when classes are in session, but there are plenty of other things to see within walking distance.
Perk! Coffee and Lunchbox
- Address: 2620 Buford Rd, Bon Air, VA 23235
This little, local spot is located just outside the city limits, but it’s worth the drive! Perk!
Opened in 2015 and has been growing in popularity every year. The owners focus on community engagement and their food and baked goods are homemade with ingredients from local farmers, bakers, and roasters. They offer pre made lunch boxes for takeaway and have plenty of vegan and gluten free options available.
If you have kids, this spot also offers a kids’ corner that’s a great spot for children to play while their parents work or catch up with friends.
Lamplighter
- Address: two locations
- 116 S Addison St, Richmond, VA 23220
- 1719 Summit Ave, Richmond, VA 23230
Lamplighter is a unique coffee spot with two locations in downtown Richmond. This coffee shop has a hipster vibe with plenty of vegan menu options. They always have new and unique items to try like their lavender latte or their iced flash brew coffee.
Make sure you pick up a jar of their cold brew concentrate to take home and test your hand at being your own barista!
And if you’re stuck in the house, you can always order bicycle delivery from either location!
Sugar and Twine
- Address: 2928 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Sugar and Twine is a small coffee shop located in the heart of Richmond’s historic Carytown district. The shop’s central location means it is often packed with customers waiting to get their morning brew.
Luckily, the staff is attentive and If you’re lucky, you can snag one of the small cafe tables on the sidewalk just outside the front door. This is one of my favorite early morning spots to people watch or catch up with a friend.
They have plenty of sweet treats in the pastry windows, but my favorite item is their vegan breakfast sandwich.
If you have some time to spare, I would suggest heading across the street to check out the selection of books at the second-hand bookstore, Chop Suey. It’s the perfect relaxing morning and the combination of coffee and books makes me feel like a mysterious, cultured city dweller.
Ellwood Thompson’s
- Address: 4 N Thompson St, Richmond, VA 23221
Ellwood Thompson’s is actually a locally owned health food store that has been a Richmond staple since 1989. The store has remained progessive through the years and now boasts an in-house coffee and juice bar.
They can make any coffee drink with a multitude of options for dairy-free milk. If (for some reason) you’re looking for something other than coffee, the juice bar features fruit and vegetable smoothies, fresh squeezed juices, and health shots.
Make sure you give yourself enough time to shop with you sip your coffee. There’s always plenty to see at Ellwood’s!
Roastology
- Address: 2701 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220
Admittedly, I had never heard of this coffee shop until last year when they moved from a neighboring county to a location in the heart of Richmond city. The warehouse-turned-coffee shop is a large space with an industrial vibe and plenty of seating.
The most unique aspect to this shop is their viewing window to watch the staff roast the beans in house! It’s a great place to sip drinks with friends and they’re happy to answer any questions you have about the roasting process.
Rostov’s Coffee & Tea
Address: 1618 W Main St, Richmond, VA 23220
Rostov’s has been a Richmond staple since 1979 and they pride themselves on being the first coffee roaster in the Richmond area. They roast fresh coffee daily and offer a large selection of whole bean, single origin coffees as well as loose leaf teas.
If you’re a true coffee connoisseur, subscribe to one of their monthly boxes to test out a variety of different beans. And if you’re stuck at the office, they offer bicycle delivery to your door!
Urban Hang Suite
Address: 304 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23219
This black, female owned business is located on a block just past the VCU campus and their main focus is creating a sense of community in a safe, shared space.
The welcoming atmosphere paired with their exceptional customer service has really set them apart from other shops in RVA. They have a great selection of coffee and breakfast foods as well as a diverse selection of wines and other beverages in their cold case.
If you’re heading in to the shop to get some work done, why not check out the owner’s podcast “Coffee with Strangers,” for some creative inspo?
