It might be the heavy influence of Lorelei Gilmore, but sometimes I feel more at peace in a cafΓ© 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!
The Best CafΓ©s 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 cafΓ©, 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 CafΓ©
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 CafΓ©
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 cafΓ© is so much fun! If you like smoothie bowls, great cold brew, and cheery atmospheres, be sure to visit here!
The Urban Farmhouse Market & CafΓ©
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 CafΓ©
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 & CafΓ©
If you walk all the way through this cafΓ© 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 cafΓ© 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 cafΓ©, 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.
Which cafΓ© or coffee shop appeals to you?
Pin for Later
Kyrsten says
You should try out Brewers Cafè
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Kyrsten says
You should try out Brewers Cafè
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Emily Wilkinson says
Oh I love finding new coffee spots whenever I travel- so I’ll have to bookmark this!
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely have to let me know if you ever visit RVA! I’ve got lots of places to share, for sure π
Victoria says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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 π
Cathy says
So many great places to check out! I’ll have to bookmark this for when I take a trip there.
XOXO
Cathy
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely need to visit! People are always surprised how fantastic Richmond is! I love showing it off π
Kim says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Laura Leigh says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
Ummm NO WAY!! When you visit, you’ll have to let me know so that we can possibly meet up! π
Shelby Back says
what a fun roundup!
xo!
Shelby
Stephanie Whitman says
Thanks so much!
Liz says
Wow! SO many great places! I’m not a coffee drinker, but I do love tea! π
Liz
Stephanie Whitman says
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 π
Nicole says
This post makes me want to get out in my hometown and go explore some cute shops and eateries!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely should! Getting away from my tiny little corner of Richmond helped me find so many new and fun places!
Sharon Wu says
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 π hehe one day!!! these are totally such insta worthy locales too. <3 have a wonderful weekend darling! xo, sharon
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Julia Comil says
Love all these places you find plus the pictures are amazing!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thank you so much! Whisk is such a picturesque place – it’s easy to get beautiful shots there!
Helen says
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/
Stephanie Whitman says
Hehe Whisk is probably the most beautiful cafΓ© 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!
Christina says
All of these places sound wonderful! I am a huge coffee lover myself so I love a good coffee shop.
Stephanie Whitman says
Then you would seriously love Richmond, because we have an abundance of fantastic coffee shops!
Annie says
Oh these all sound amazing!! I love finding cute cafes when I travel!
Annie says
Oh these all sound amazing!! I love finding cute cafes when I travel!
Stephanie Whitman says
Same here! I always look for posts like this when I’m visiting a new place! π
maggie says
I’ve always wanted to go to Richmond! Seems so cute!
Stephanie Whitman says
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 π
Kelsey says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
You definitely will need to have a cafΓ©/coffee shop marathon haha! And let me know if you ever visit – I’ll be your tour guide! π
Kristina says
I love discovering cute, new coffee shops to work in. Thanks for sharing!
xo, Kristina
Stephanie Whitman says
Same here! It’s one of my favorite hobbies haha! As you can see, I’ve found quite a few good ones!
Kasey | Running in Heels says
How fun! What a great list, I’m definitely bookmarking!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Nataly says
I love this little list! I will have to keep this in mind if I ever find myself in Richmond!
Stephanie Whitman says
Totally! Richmond has way more to offer than so many people assume! I love it!
Steph says
Love the list! Will have to keep this in mind if I ever visit!
xo, Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m sure you’ll visit sometime because you have to come see me and Stefanie! π
Denise Kokinis says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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 cafΓ©s and coffee shops!
Whit says
wow what a great list of places! you really did your research!
love,
Britt+Whit
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha, if by research, you mean going and getting a lot of delicious coffee and treats, then yes I did π
Tonya says
Central puuurk?! How cute is that? I’ve always wanted to go to a cat cafe but I’m allergic!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s a great name, isn’t it? I love that! Too bad you’re allergic. It’s so much fun!
Tonya says
Central puuurk?! How cute is that? Iβve always wanted to go to a cat cafe but Iβm allergic!
Stephanie Whitman says
It’s a great name, isn’t it? I love that! Too bad you’re allergic. It’s so much fun!
Wendy Dickerson says
Love all the fabulous coffee/ tea shops listed above. Add Mahogany Sweets and your list will be complete!
Stephanie Whitman says
This is the first I’ve heard of them! I’ll have to visit soon! Thanks for the suggestion π
Avivi says
Can’t wait to try some out when I explore Richmond! Which cafe/coffee shop is the ‘chill out babe’ neon sign from?
Stephanie Whitman says
North End Juice Co. in Midlothian π
Cam says
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.
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Tanvi Rastogi says
Wow … I have to come back to Richmond. So many great options. Love the decor of so many of these cafes.
❥ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Yes definitely come visit! I love all our cafés so much – and way more than just that. RVA is the best.
Madison says
These coffee shops are the cutest! Clearly I need to make a trip to Richmond!
xo,
Madison | Madison-Fichtl.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Heck yeah ya do! It’s wonderful!
Cam says
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 Iβve been dying to try Mon Chou, now it feels kind of obligatory- must go now.
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Cathy says
What a cute little coffee shop! I will have to check these places out next time I am in town!
XOXO
Cathy
Stephanie Whitman says
There’s so many of them it can be hard to choose a favorite π
Tanvi Rastogi says
Wow … I have to come back to Richmond. So many great options. Love the decor of so many of these cafes.
β₯ tanvii.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Yes definitely come visit! I love all our cafΓ©s so much – and way more than just that. RVA is the best.
Sabrina | The Budding Optimist says
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”!
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha hey there’s great options at all the places! Who says you have to pick just one? π
Laura Adney says
These are all such great locations, have much on my bucket list now.
Stephanie Whitman says
I sure do love hearing that! Hope you get to visit RVA at some point to check them out!
Greta says
I’m a big coffee drinker and know I’d love all these places. They’re all so cute!
Stephanie Whitman says
Heck yes you would! The queen of Nashville needs to come check out the coffee spots in RVA π
Keating says
I haven’t been to Richmond in quite some time, but this post is making me want to visit again soon!!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Kileen says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
I sure hope you get to visit one day. I’d love to take you to all my top locations!
Liz says
It definitely helps when the cafes are cute π I’m definitely saving this post so I can refer back if I’m ever in the area!
Stephanie Whitman says
Hehe I agree with you 100% on that one! Instagrammable AND delicious coffee/treats? Yes please!
Lee says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
Isn’t it funny how that works sometimes? I love a good cafΓ© to work in when I wanna get out of my house!
Carolyn says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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! π You know if you’re ever in RVA, I’d love to be your guide!!
rebecca says
SUCH a great round up and so many places I still need to visit!
xx rebecca
Stephanie Whitman says
Yesss girl! Any of your faves that I left out?
Maggie says
Oh my gosh these are all so cute! I’ve not stopped in Richmond when I’ve driven through!
Stephanie Whitman says
Well you definitely gotta fix that and have a nice, relaxing stop in the next time you’re driving through!
Torey says
Such a good list and so many cute shops!
Stephanie Whitman says
Thanks for the support!
Becky @ Disney in your Day says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh YES I definitely agree with that. While sometimes a Sbux run is needed, I love a good local shop π
Elizabeth | Tired Mom Supermom says
wow so many beautiful Cafe’s to choose from! I’m not sure which is my fave, it’s too hard a decision!
Stephanie Whitman says
I definitely get that. It’s taken some time for me to decide on a favorite – and I live here!
Laura Allen says
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!
Stephanie Whitman says
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 cafΓ©s and coffee shops to check out π
Sarah Lindner says
These shops looks so cute and cozy!!
xoxo Sarah
Stephanie Whitman says
They definitely are. I have so many spots I love so much!
Ada says
I will have to keep these places in mind if I ever visit Richmond. They all sound great!
Stephanie Whitman says
They definitely are. I’m such a coffee shop fanatic. It was so fun to share this!
Alyssa says
Coffee spots are my go-to when I travel! I have to save this!
Stephanie Whitman says
Yay! Someone after my own (very caffeinated) heart!
Lindsey says
I love that you are constantly updating this list! What a fun way to keep the Gilmore Girls alive in your life. #coffeecoffeecoffee
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels says
Oh my gosh! This list is huge! I always look for coffee spots because, I need coffee in an IV.
Megan says
I really want to visit Richmond soon. All of these places look so cute and homey.
Kenzi - Life of a Sister says
This list is huge! It’ gives such a wide variety for anyone visiting Richmond! Bookmarking this for the future!
Deborah says
I’ve been to a few of these! Richmond coffee shops are so cute!
Hillary Conheady says
I’m going to Richmond soon so definitely saving this to reference!!
Taylor Mobley says
This is amazing! What fun places!
Mistle says
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.
Mollie says
I totally agree! I find coffee shops so relaxing. It’s nice to get out of the house and around others, especially when you work from home. It seems like Richmond has so many great options!!
xx Mollie
http://www.molliemooreblog.com
Mattie says
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!
Mattie Johnson says
Also, Black Hand is pretty good… Not the best, but pretty good.
Tara Fuller says
these are all so darling. i could sit in a coffee shop all day!
Lynn Watts says
You are missing out if you havenβt tried a dirty chai from Black Hand!
Tonya Morris says
These are some awesome recommendations! Not on your list but my fave is Strawberry Street Cafe!
Jiawun says
Thanks for sharing! We love visiting cafes when we travel and seeing how each one is like in different countries!
Marlene says
Wow, these places look soooooo cute!! Thanks for the great guide
Ifeoluwa says
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 π
Laura Leigh says
Wow y’all have so many cute coffee shops filled with character! Awesome post girl friend!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
Whit says
wow what a great list of places! you really did your research!
love,
Britt+Whit
Avivi says
Can’t wait to try some out when I explore Richmond! Which cafe/coffee shop is the ‘chill out babe’ neon sign from?
Stephanie Whitman says
North End Juice Co. in Midlothian π
Madison says
These coffee shops are the cutest! Clearly I need to make a trip to Richmond!
xo,
Madison | Madison-Fichtl.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Heck yeah ya do! It’s wonderful!
Wendy Dickerson says
Love all the fabulous coffee/ tea shops listed above. Add Mahogany Sweets and your list will be complete!
Stephanie Whitman says
This is the first I’ve heard of them! I’ll have to visit soon! Thanks for the suggestion π
Cathy says
What a cute little coffee shop! I will have to check these places out next time I am in town!
XOXO
Cathy
Stephanie Whitman says
There’s so many of them it can be hard to choose a favorite π
Helen says
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/
Julia Comil says
Love all these places you find plus the pictures are amazing!
Kelsey says
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
Stephanie Whitman says
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! π
Nataly says
I love this little list! I will have to keep this in mind if I ever find myself in Richmond!
Stephanie Whitman says
Totally! Richmond has way more to offer than so many people assume! I love it!
Kristina says
I love discovering cute, new coffee shops to work in. Thanks for sharing!
xo, Kristina
Stephanie Whitman says
Same here! It’s one of my favorite hobbies haha! As you can see, I’ve found quite a few good ones!
Kasey | Running in Heels says
How fun! What a great list, I’m definitely bookmarking!
Stephanie Whitman says
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!
Denise Kokinis says
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
Steph says
Love the list! Will have to keep this in mind if I ever visit!
xo, Steph
http://www.urbanblonde.com
Stephanie Whitman says
I’m sure you’ll visit sometime because you have to come see me and Stefanie! π
Christina says
All of these places sound wonderful! I am a huge coffee lover myself so I love a good coffee shop.
maggie says
I’ve always wanted to go to Richmond! Seems so cute!