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The Best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Richmond

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!

Pictured: Perk!
Pictured: Hot Diggity Donuts

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.

Pictured: Ironclad
Pictured: Whisk

Which café or coffee shop appeals to you?

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Comments

    • 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 🙂

      Reply

  6. 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

    Reply

  11. 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

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  27. Love all the fabulous coffee/ tea shops listed above. Add Mahogany Sweets and your list will be complete!

    Reply

  28. Can’t wait to try some out when I explore Richmond! Which cafe/coffee shop is the ‘chill out babe’ neon sign from?

    Reply

  29. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  31. These coffee shops are the cutest! Clearly I need to make a trip to Richmond!

    xo,
    Madison | Madison-Fichtl.com

    Reply

  32. 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.

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  40. 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!

    Reply

  41. 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!

    Reply

  42. 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!

    Reply

    • 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!!

      Reply

  47. wow so many beautiful Cafe’s to choose from! I’m not sure which is my fave, it’s too hard a decision!

    Reply

  48. 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!

    Reply

    • 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 😉

      Reply

  59. You seriously have picked some of the cutest spots!!! I have never been to Richmond but if I did visit, I would def be checking a lot of these places out! My husband drinks a ton of coffee (way more than I do), so I know he would love these shops just as much as I would.

    Reply

  61. If you’re ever in the West End, Cafespresso is a cute little hole in the wall place… Not the most aesthetic, but its a cool Italian-owned coffee place. Also, if you happen to be in Ashland, there’s a great place called Ashland Coffee & Tea that is great. If you like a nice scenic drive and a cute small town, Ashland is the place to go!

    Reply

  67. Loving the interior design of Mon Chou! I’ve been to Virginia a couple of times and never been to these places! I’m going to be bookmarking this page 🙂

    Reply

  70. Can’t wait to try some out when I explore Richmond! Which cafe/coffee shop is the ‘chill out babe’ neon sign from?

    Reply

  72. Love all the fabulous coffee/ tea shops listed above. Add Mahogany Sweets and your list will be complete!

    Reply

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