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It might be the heavy influence of Lorelei Gilmore, but sometimes I feel more at peace in a café or coffee shop than in my own home.
Being self-employed means I often need to get out of my typical surroundings to feel inspired and motivated. A few years back, I began my search for the best spots in RVA to meet up with a friend, get some work done, or just enjoy a cup of coffee or chai.
Whether you’re a Richmond native or you’re reading this from another part of the country (or the world), I’m sure you can understand my deep-rooted love for a good cup of something delicious. That might not be coffee for you. Maybe you’re into tea or chai lattes, or you’re a hot chocolate person! (I don’t judge) One way or another, you’re bound to find something to enjoy at one of the spots listed below. And if you are from RVA, let me know if I’ve missed your favorite and I’ll go check it out!
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The Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Richmond
Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox
If Brandon and I are craving an early-morning work sesh, we head here because their breakfast sandwiches are delish and the vibe is super welcoming. This has definitely become my favorite café, and without fail, you will find me sitting in one of their comfy lounge chairs every Tuesday with my father, sipping a medium cold brew with cream. It’s become tradition!
Ironclad Coffee Roasters
This is a relatively new coffee shop in RVA, but already making an impact. The vibe is so friendly and warm, with smooth jazz playing while you sip your drink, enjoy a muffin, and sit comfortably on one of their couches!
Lamplighter
Considering the fact that a good iced chai latte is my favorite drink on the planet, I try that each time I’m visiting a new spot. So far, Lamplighter has won best in the book.
Capital One Café
Alright, now I know this isn’t a “local” coffee shop, but it’s certainly one of my favorites – specifically the Cary St. location. My husband and I love to bring our laptops to work here, with a cup of Peet’s coffee in hand! There’s so much open space, and we can even take breaks to play a board game if we so choose.
Stir Crazy Café
This spot is spacious and inviting. The staff is one of the friendliest, and they have a bangin’ selection of board games if your mind needs a break from work. It’s also a fantastic place to hang out with friends!
Sefton Coffee Co.
Talk about cute! I discovered this spot when I took my first ever blog/Insta hiatus, and was quickly obsessed. They stand out as such a home-y, comforting place in the middle of bustling downtown Richmond.
Sugar & Twine
Probably one of the busiest spots in Richmond, this little coffee shop is located in Carytown and has some of the yummiest goodies. I have to get a snickerdoodle cookie every time I go. Just be warned: it’s nearly always packed, so check Google for their busiest times and plan to make friends with the person seated very closely next to you.
Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream
I’ve been going to Crossroads since I was eighteen years old. It became like a second home to me. At one point, I was going there so frequently that every person on the staff knew my name, and I even befriended the owner’s mother. It’s always a good place to enjoy a good grilled cheese, a game of Pac-Man, and some live music.
North End Juice Co.
This bright, colorful, and healthy café is so much fun! If you like smoothie bowls, great cold brew, and cheery atmospheres, be sure to visit here!
The Urban Farmhouse Market & Café
With multiple locations, and the best waffles in RVA, this is one of my favorite spots to meet up with friends. However, I don’t recommend it as a work location, because they’re known for their spotty wi-fi!
ShoreDog Café
This spot is a little out of the way from my typical ventures, but I really enjoy the bright and open setting and fact that there’s rarely a huge crowd.
Lift Coffee Shop & Café
If you walk all the way through this café and onto their back patio, you’ll find a wall with the iconic Colette Miller angel wings. It’s a good spot for a photo op, and they have some of the yummiest flavored drinks to give you energy while you work.
Whisk
Their light and airy environment, delicious macarons, and yummiest mocha latte have me listing this as one of the top spots in Richmond. It’s incredibly Instagrammable, inside and out!
Hot Diggity Donuts
Definitely in the running for the cutest café award, this little shop mixes retro styles with modern aesthetics that make every corner Insta-worthy. Not to mention their handmade sourdough donuts (and literally everything else on their menu) are to die for!
Chairlift at Brenner Pass
Each time I visit a new café, I try their chai lattes. It’s my favorite drink, so this is the deciding factor on whether or not a place is good enough to come back to. Let’s just say, I’ll be back here plenty!
Sub Rosa Bakery
I’ve only been here once, but the calm atmosphere made me want to come back again and again (I need to make that happen). They not only offer delicious beverages, but also treats from their wood-fired bakery! You’ll love their croissants with your coffee.
Alchemy Coffee
This is a really cool, modern coffee shop in the heart of VCU District. The owner moved from Portland to Richmond and took their business from mobile trailer to a brick and mortar a few years of testing the waters. They’ve got a delicious iced chai and wonderful window seating for optimal people-watching.
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Which café or coffee shop appeals to you?
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You should try out Brewers Cafè
I keep hearing that’s a great spot, but haven’t gotten the chance to visit! Will need to do that soon. Thanks for the recommendation!
You should try out Brewers Cafè
I keep hearing that’s a great spot, but haven’t gotten the chance to visit! Will need to do that soon. Thanks for the recommendation!
Oh I love finding new coffee spots whenever I travel- so I’ll have to bookmark this!
You definitely have to let me know if you ever visit RVA! I’ve got lots of places to share, for sure 🙂
Girl. I feel ya on the coffee and the gilmore girls making it a real problem for me back in the day haha. LOVE COFFEE. I LOVE whisk!! And yessss cannot wait to try these other options next time I’m in town!
xoxo
Victoria
http://www.agallonofglitter.com
Haha I just had to blame it on something and Gilmore Girls was the best option! No way, I didn’t know you came to RVA! Next time you’re around, we will have to hit up Whisk together 🙂
So many great places to check out! I’ll have to bookmark this for when I take a trip there.
XOXO
Cathy
You definitely need to visit! People are always surprised how fantastic Richmond is! I love showing it off 🙂
These all sound so good! It’s always good to know which places are the best coffee shops when you are visiting a new town.
xoxo,
Kim
Definitely! These are the kinds of posts I’m always searching for on Pinterest when I travel somewhere new, so I thought I’d help out anyone who might be heading to Richmond!
Whisk is freaking adorable!!! I may be in Richmond next month so super appreciate you sharing this. I will be reflecting back on it for sure.
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Ummm NO WAY!! When you visit, you’ll have to let me know so that we can possibly meet up! 🙂
what a fun roundup!
xo!
Shelby
Thanks so much!
Wow! SO many great places! I’m not a coffee drinker, but I do love tea! 😉
Liz
I can definitely vouch for the teas in most of these places as well – especially Sugar & Twine, Whisk, and Perk! Lots of fun spots and options 🙂
This post makes me want to get out in my hometown and go explore some cute shops and eateries!! Thanks for the inspiration!
You definitely should! Getting away from my tiny little corner of Richmond helped me find so many new and fun places!
you make me want to hop on a plane right now and check out all these amazing coffee shops in richmond! with you of course 🙂 hehe one day!!! these are totally such insta worthy locales too. <3 have a wonderful weekend darling! xo, sharon
Awww I sure hope one day you get to come visit. I’ll take you to all my favorite places and we will have such fun together!
Love all these places you find plus the pictures are amazing!
Thank you so much! Whisk is such a picturesque place – it’s easy to get beautiful shots there!
Ooooh I love Cafe recommendations and if they look as good as they do in some of these pics then they’ll make for totally gram-worthy shots!! Of course, the fact they have good coffee is a bonus too!! Whisk looks like an awesome one <3
Helen xx
https://helenchik.com/ten-most-instagrammable-spots-in-hong-kong/
Hehe Whisk is probably the most beautiful café in RVA, so I try to take photos every time I go (which is quite often)! If you ever get the chance to visit here, you’ll find that all these spots are so cute and have the yummiest treats!
All of these places sound wonderful! I am a huge coffee lover myself so I love a good coffee shop.
Then you would seriously love Richmond, because we have an abundance of fantastic coffee shops!
Oh these all sound amazing!! I love finding cute cafes when I travel!
Oh these all sound amazing!! I love finding cute cafes when I travel!
Same here! I always look for posts like this when I’m visiting a new place! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go to Richmond! Seems so cute!
You totally should visit! I want to put together a full RVA guide at some point because it’s seriously my favorite place to be 🙂
I love these kinds of posts! If I ever stop in Richmond on my way home to MD I will def have to make a stop! xo
You definitely will need to have a café/coffee shop marathon haha! And let me know if you ever visit – I’ll be your tour guide! 🙂
I love discovering cute, new coffee shops to work in. Thanks for sharing!
xo, Kristina
Same here! It’s one of my favorite hobbies haha! As you can see, I’ve found quite a few good ones!
How fun! What a great list, I’m definitely bookmarking!
Oh yay! I love hearing that! I hope if you ever get a chance to visit, you’ll try out a few of these spots!
I love this little list! I will have to keep this in mind if I ever find myself in Richmond!
Totally! Richmond has way more to offer than so many people assume! I love it!
Love the list! Will have to keep this in mind if I ever visit!
xo, Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
I’m sure you’ll visit sometime because you have to come see me and Stefanie! 🙂
Man, I have been to Richmond several times… but that was also years ago when I lived in Virginia! I cannot believe all these fun and awesome cafes. So many fun murals and decor!
Denise | Fashion Love Letters
You’ll have to come back and see all the goodness RVA has to offer now! It’s grown so much and has become such a hot spot for fun cafés and coffee shops!
wow what a great list of places! you really did your research!
love,
Britt+Whit
Haha, if by research, you mean going and getting a lot of delicious coffee and treats, then yes I did 😉
Central puuurk?! How cute is that? I’ve always wanted to go to a cat cafe but I’m allergic!
It’s a great name, isn’t it? I love that! Too bad you’re allergic. It’s so much fun!
Central puuurk?! How cute is that? I’ve always wanted to go to a cat cafe but I’m allergic!
It’s a great name, isn’t it? I love that! Too bad you’re allergic. It’s so much fun!
Love all the fabulous coffee/ tea shops listed above. Add Mahogany Sweets and your list will be complete!
This is the first I’ve heard of them! I’ll have to visit soon! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Can’t wait to try some out when I explore Richmond! Which cafe/coffee shop is the ‘chill out babe’ neon sign from?
North End Juice Co. in Midlothian 🙂
I LOVE so many of these spots!! Perk! Is right down the street from me, I think I would live there if I could <3 I’ve been dying to try Mon Chou, now it feels kind of obligatory- must go now.
Perk is right down the street from me too! I am there so often, I use up my reward card way too fast (although, I guess that’s a good thing because FREE COFFEE!!) Definitely visit Mon Chou. It’s wonderful!
Wow … I have to come back to Richmond. So many great options. Love the decor of so many of these cafes.
❥ tanvii.com
Yes definitely come visit! I love all our cafés so much – and way more than just that. RVA is the best.
These coffee shops are the cutest! Clearly I need to make a trip to Richmond!
xo,
Madison | Madison-Fichtl.com
Heck yeah ya do! It’s wonderful!
I LOVE so many of these spots!! Perk! Is right down the street from me, I think I would live there if I could <3 I’ve been dying to try Mon Chou, now it feels kind of obligatory- must go now.
Perk is right down the street from me too! I am there so often, I use up my reward card way too fast (although, I guess that’s a good thing because FREE COFFEE!!) Definitely visit Mon Chou. It’s wonderful!
What a cute little coffee shop! I will have to check these places out next time I am in town!
XOXO
Cathy
There’s so many of them it can be hard to choose a favorite 😉
Wow … I have to come back to Richmond. So many great options. Love the decor of so many of these cafes.
❥ tanvii.com
Yes definitely come visit! I love all our cafés so much – and way more than just that. RVA is the best.
I love the atmosphere of these cafes on your list, they’re places I could just sit at for hours! Although my mind is telling me to love “NORTH END JUICE CO” my eyes keep going back to “HOT DIGGITY DONUTS”!
Haha hey there’s great options at all the places! Who says you have to pick just one? 😉
These are all such great locations, have much on my bucket list now.
I sure do love hearing that! Hope you get to visit RVA at some point to check them out!
I’m a big coffee drinker and know I’d love all these places. They’re all so cute!
Heck yes you would! The queen of Nashville needs to come check out the coffee spots in RVA 😉
I haven’t been to Richmond in quite some time, but this post is making me want to visit again soon!!
Oooh definitely come visit. I sure do love my home, and I’m certainly proud of all the great coffee shops we have around hehe!
This is such an awesome list babe and they all sound absolutely amazing!! Definitely need to bookmark this one for future reference! SO many good places!
Kileen
cute & little
I sure hope you get to visit one day. I’d love to take you to all my top locations!
It definitely helps when the cafes are cute 😉 I’m definitely saving this post so I can refer back if I’m ever in the area!
Hehe I agree with you 100% on that one! Instagrammable AND delicious coffee/treats? Yes please!
Girl i am SO with you! I often feel more comfortable (and more productive) out at a coffee shop working there. These cafes all look so good!
Isn’t it funny how that works sometimes? I love a good café to work in when I wanna get out of my house!
Wow, love that this list is growing more and more! So many good places! I would go to any place that is French themed and has pastries. I think it’s so cute that you have a tradition with your dad! Must visit all of these haha!
I love it too! I know there’s so many more places for me to visit. I can’t wait to add more as the years go on! 🙂 You know if you’re ever in RVA, I’d love to be your guide!!
SUCH a great round up and so many places I still need to visit!
xx rebecca
Yesss girl! Any of your faves that I left out?
Oh my gosh these are all so cute! I’ve not stopped in Richmond when I’ve driven through!
Well you definitely gotta fix that and have a nice, relaxing stop in the next time you’re driving through!
Such a good list and so many cute shops!
Thanks for the support!
These places look so nice! I love a good coffee shop. I’ve discovered 2 or 3 not too far from where I live and they are so much nicer than a Starbucks!
Oh YES I definitely agree with that. While sometimes a Sbux run is needed, I love a good local shop 🙂
wow so many beautiful Cafe’s to choose from! I’m not sure which is my fave, it’s too hard a decision!
I definitely get that. It’s taken some time for me to decide on a favorite – and I live here!
I’ve always wanted to visit Richmond! All of these photos are giving me major vibes! I absolutely adore coffee shops, just like Gilmore Girls and love exploring new ones, wherever I go. The ambiance is always so comforting and I love it! great post girly!
Oh yes yes yes, PLEASE come to Richmond. There are so many incredible things to see and do here! I’m still working on my full RVA guide, but now you know there’s tons of great cafés and coffee shops to check out 😉
These shops looks so cute and cozy!!
xoxo Sarah
They definitely are. I have so many spots I love so much!
I will have to keep these places in mind if I ever visit Richmond. They all sound great!
They definitely are. I’m such a coffee shop fanatic. It was so fun to share this!