fyi – this post was last updated june 2026!

Curious about the best coffee shops in the River City? Look no further!

You should know: I'm not a coffee connoisseur by any means. I judge places more on ambience than on their actual coffee, and I've been known to get many a chai latte instead of a good old cup of joe too.

Here are a whole bunch of coffeeshops I’ve visited over the last few years since originally posting this guide (back in 2015!) -- I’m constantly updating this but be sure to double check info before planning a visit, just in case something has changed!

here’s your guide to richmond coffee shops:

carytown coffee shops:

Sugar & Twine

their website // location: 2928 W. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23221

my thoughts: This little spot in the heart of Carytown is such a gem -- amazing pastries (look at them!), great coffee, in my FAVORITE part of town, beautiful aesthetic, and a newly renovated nextdoor space adding even more real estate! now both the full cafe and the to-go window are in operation, which is awesome.

church hill coffee shops:

ironclad coffee roasters & baking co.

Cafe serving house-roasted coffee and baked goods in a relaxed setting with live music.

their website // location: 1805 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23223

my thoughts: I absolutely LOVED this spot. Seriously, it takes the spot for #1 most fave RVA coffeeshop for me! I had the best dirty chai latte with oat milk that I have ever, ever had. The vibes were amazing — it’s in an old firehouse and just was super cool. The stairs in the front were full of plants (amazing) and the upper level overlooking down to the coffee bar was great, with ample seating and tons of natural light. I couldn’t love this place more or rave about it enough!

peaberry coffeehouse

queer woman-owned coffeehouse in the east end that brings fun beverages and interesting beans from all over the world to the heart of Church Hill.

their website // location: 1301 N 32nd St, Richmond, VA 23223

my thoughts: i went in june, and the pride was on FULL display! i got a blueberry matcha and it was good (not great) — couldn’t snag a table (there weren’t many) and there weren’t any food options i could eat with my gf/df allergies, but it was a nice spot, and i’d go back if i found myself in the area!

riverbend roastery

Women owned. Women led. Queer owned. Queer led. 🏳️‍🌈

their website // location: 2623 E Broad St, Richmond, VA 23223

my thoughts: a cute and cozy spot! i went for a seasonal matcha and regretted it, why did i get watermelon when i don’t really like watermelon?? my fault, not theirs! i need to go back and try again. i was thrilled to find a vegan gluten free blueberry cookie situation i could eat (and enjoy!!) and the vibes were great in there. not a tonnnnn of tables, but i found a spot no problem, and there are a few bistro tables outside, too.

Whisk

Snug, casual bakeshop for French-inspired pastries, bread, espresso, coffee & sandwiches, pus wine.

their website // location: 2100 E. Main Street, Richmond, VA 23233

my thoughts: I absolutely love this little spot (it is little!) -- it's more in the Church Hill area of town, and it's beautiful! Their menu isn't huge, but they've got an impressive selection of baked goods I wished I could eat (seriously, SO MANY) and great coffee. The aesthetic here is A plus, if that matters to you, but it's definitely more of a spot to grab a quick bite than it is to linger and work.

the fan/museum district coffee shops:

Black Hand Coffee Company

Cozy, brick-lined cafe roasts its own beans daily & offers chai, bagels & bulk coffee.

their website // location: 3101 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23221

my thoughts: Black Hand is tucked away on a corner in the Fan, and it wasn't at all what I was expecting. There are only a few tables inside, and it’s mostly a great spot for neighborhood dwellers to pop in for a quick latte and bagel before they hit the road. There is a patio outside with some picnic tables if the weather is nice!

ps in full transparency — there’s some controversy here with the owner.

blanchard’s coffee roasting company

Cozy hangout serving caffeinated beverages such as lattes and quick bites with gluten-free options.

their website // location: 3121 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230

my thoughts: trendy and modern, minimalist and cool, this spot is just such a vibe. the menu is on the smaller side, and it’s a pretty tight space with a lot of tables packed in, but it’s a favorite for me (and many). they’ve expanded this location and tables are abundant now!

Lamplighter coffee roasters

Coffee drinks, pastries & daytime cafe fare consumed in no-frills digs or delivered by bike.

their website // location: 116 S. Addison St., Richmond, VA 23230

my thoughts: This has long been one of my go-to coffee spots. It's a tiny little corner coffeeshop, but there's an extra whole room of tables to the side of the main cafe area, and it's warm out there even in the winter! You can't go wrong with any of the Lamplighter locations -- their coffee is top notch, their menu is EXCELLENT (with many gluten free and vegan options!), and they really know their stuff. Sometimes the music here is a little heavy in my opinion, so it's not always the most peaceful vibe.

paix coffee

Casual cafe and roastery known for its espresso drinks and craft roasts, as well as seasonal offerings.

their website // location: 407 Cleveland St, Richmond, VA 23221

my thoughts: super tiny but SUPER cool and delicious! it’s connected to an awesome vintage shop as well, giving this place the quintessential rva hipster vibe. limited menu — no matcha, i think just coffee?

reviresco coffee company

Cozy micro-roastery and coffee shop offering pastries and gluten-free options in a casual atmosphere.

their website // location: 710 Lafayette St, Richmond, VA 23221

my thoughts: this is a cute, quaint local spot with just a few small tables, tons of local art, and the friendliest owners. it’s a hidden gem and a hole in the wall kind of vibe, and i really enjoyed it!

forest hill coffee shops:

Cafe Zata

Relaxed cafe offering breakfast, sandwiches, and pastries, plus beer and wine.

their website // location: 5047 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA

my thoughts: I stopped by this one after hitting up the South of the James Farmer's Market (it's just about a mile or so down the road!) but was super unimpressed. It's a HUGE open space, with a second layer over part of it, I believe, but it just felt too massive and not cozy at all. The service wasn't great and I wasn't thrilled by the menu, but I did like that nobody was near me and I could get work done and read for a while without anyone needing my table. If you're over across the river, I'd recommend Perk! over this spot any day.

Crossroads Coffee and Ice Cream

Funky breakfast-through-dinner cafe serving simple American fare, desserts & craft beer.

their website // location: 3600 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23225

my thoughts: I stopped here before going to my FAVE farmer's market (South of the James) one Saturday morning and it was quite the happening place! We just got straight up coffee and chose our kinds from all the carafes they had lining the shelf, which was fun. I would definitely go back, though, because it tons of tables and a great, quirky vibe. ps-- they often have live music in the evenings, so be sure to check out their upcoming events, as it's a great spot to chill and hear some tunes!

Perk!

their website // location: 2622 Buford Rd, Bon Air, VA 23235

my thoughts: love this spot! it’s in a random strip mall with some awesome neighbors. the have GREAT food with lots of allergy-friendly options and good coffee too. there are fun local goods to shop, a handful of tables, fun toys/activities for kids, and good vibes all around.

NORTHSIDE COFFEE SHOPS

Stir Crazy Cafe rva

Relaxed cafe & coffeehouse offering light American bites, baked goods, espresso & outdoor tables.

their website // location: 4015 MacArthur Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227

my thoughts: the best northside coffee spot -- it's roomy, delicious, cozy, and has a great vibe. There are great food choices on the menu (even for gluten-free folks or vegans!) and really awesome coffee. There are lots of different kinds of seating options too, which I love!

scott’s addition coffee shops:

afterglow coffee cooperative

Cozy, worker-owned coffee roaster and cafe offering breakfast and single-origin beans, plus beer, and wine.

their website // location: 1719 Summit Ave, Richmond, VA 23230

my thoughts: this is a great scott’s addition spot for a cozy cup — there are tons of tables of different sizes, great drink options, it’s worker-owned (and the staff is awesome), and many fun local events are hosted here, too. their pandan matcha is INCredible — highly recommend!

lineage

Handcrafted Coffee & Quality Goods

their website // location: 3308 W Clay St #2A, Richmond, VA 23220

my thoughts: this spot has all the masculine, earthy, outdoorsy, grounded vibes of their carytown store, with awesome coffee and tea options, minimal but cozy seating, and select pastries, too. it’s my new favorite!

parousia coffee

roasting world-class coffees in richmond, va

their website // location: 2900 W Clay St Ste. B, Richmond, VA 23230

my thoughts: i love this spot!

roastology coffee

Cool coffee shop in a warehouselike space with house-roasted beans, sandwiches & outdoor seating.

their website // location: 3015 W Clay St, Richmond, VA 23230

my thoughts: the old location on cary was so much better. 😭 it’s now located in scott’s addition, with a very industrial, cold, minimalist feel, and far less seating. if you’re in the area, it’s fine, but not a place great for lingering, unfortunately. didn’t notice much food on the menu either, tbh!

SHOCKOE AREA COFFEE SHOPS:

The Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe

Fresh roasts & local, organic brunch fare in a sunny cafe with high-ceilings & cushy armchairs.

their website // location: 1217 E. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23219

my thoughts: down in the cobblestone area of Shockoe Slip, this spot is cozy and warm. the huge windows are often open to the street on nice days, so it's a really beautiful place to be. I've heard great live music here on more than a few occasions, which is a big perk for me. there are many tables inside of different sizes, as well as a few outdoor tables too.

vcu area coffee shops:

abi’s books and brews

A cozy café that blends books and coffee

their website // location: 1212 1/2 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220

my thoughts: y’all, i have NEVER had a good experience here. 0/10 recommend, i hate to say!! the drinks i’ve had (on 3 different occasions) have been so bad, i couldn’t finish them. i’ve tried specials and items on their regular menu and been shocked at how unappealing they were. their book selection is bizarre and feels solely sourced from thrift stores… but not in a good way. mostly, i’ve been really turned off by their social media content and attempts at being inclusive that can best be described as virtue signaling. at one point, they made a post saying that Black people could get a free drink if they proved they were Black, as reparations. THAT WAS A REAL THING THEY DID. and it’s not the only time they’ve made very bizarre posts and promotions around race or heritage months. when folks called them out in the comments, they attempted to course-correct, but all posts have since been taken down. in short, while yes, they have long hours which is nice, this is not a small business i can in good faith support, endorse, or recommend.

Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe

Cute, canopied cafe with sidewalk seats serving breakfast fare, sandwiches, salads & box lunches.

their website // location: 18 W Broad St Richmond, Va 23220

my thoughts: I wasn't stoked on this spot, sadly. It was hard to park (parallel parking on a busy Main Street) and the barista when I went was pretty grumpy. My soy chai was pretty good, but I'm not a fan of to-go cups when I'm there to stay for a bit. There was good seating but it wasn't particularly cozy or anything. it gets the job done, but without a lot of character or comfort.

mudhouse coffee roasters

Beautiful coffees, carefully sourced, and thoughtfully roasted, for you. Award-winning, specialty coffeeroaster based in Charlottesville, VA.

their website // location: 418 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23220

my thoughts: maybe the best matcha i’ve found in rva?! (it was a seasonal orangle dreamsicle situation, highly recommend if you see it on the menu!). this spot had great light, tons of tables, and a cool industrial vibe. there was a small bakery case, but no vegan/gf items i could see. i really liked it, and will be back!

West end/short pump coffee shops

Caffespresso

Coffee shop serving breakfast and panini, plus a selection of coffee, beer, and wine.

their website // location: 1127 Gaskins Rd, Henrico, VA 23238

my thoughts: This one is out in the West End, which isn't an area I frequent often these days, but it's a fun little stop! There's a GREAT wall of books and games, lots of tables, and several comfy couches. Be warned though-- you will smell STRONGLY of grease from their open grill/panini making, and it's not great. The coffee here is always awesome though, so maybe it's worth it?

foxtail coffee co.

A cozy and modern coffee shop with rustic charm, offering artisanal brews in the heart of West Broad Village.

their website // location: 2240 Old Brick Rd suite a1, Glen Allen, VA 23060

my thoughts: short pump needed a good coffee shop, and this delivers! it’s a beautiful naturally-lit space with a robust menu (tons of food! vgf options! great pastries! gelato!!! etc!) and a large outdoor patio, too. it’s a chain based out of florida, but this is the only VA location.