This mama runs on coffee and when I say runs on coffee -- I mean well...you all know the famous Lorelai Gilmore quote?
“I need coffee, whatever form you got, I haven’t had it all day. I’ll drink it, shoot it, eat it, snort it, whatever form it’s in.” - Lorelai Gilmore/Gilmore Girls
Yup, that’s me! Gimmie gimmie all of the coffee! Though unlike Lorelai who only thrives off of Luke’s coffee. I LOVE to try new coffee shops and cafes around my local area. It was actually very hard to only pick 8! I never realized how many coffee shops my husband and I just happened to wonder into during our college and now adult days. So I rounded up my Top 10 favorite coffee shops in and around the RVA (Richmond, Virginia) to share with you all today.
I have personally been to each one of these little shops and my experience has always been a good one. Though my favorite part about going into these little cafes is the atmosphere and coziness. However, with COVID just throwing it’s bad mojo around the experiences have been much different and a couple places only allow pickup which don’t get me wrong isn’t bad at all the coffee and food speak for themselves -- it’s just the appeal to a good local coffee spot is how it feels (that is just my opinion).
- Lamplighter Coffee Roasters / Richmond, VA: *Take-out only
A RVA staple! In the heart of VCU on Addison -- it was easy access when needing a study break or just wanting to grab a coffee to-go and run to class.Their Brown Sugar Spiced Latte is simply delicious and beautiful with the coffee art (such an IG worthy coffee if you are in to that like I am!) My first experience here was actually with my sorority little sister and my husband and I will be frequent visitors whenever we are in the city!
2. Desserterie / Midlothian, VA: *Dine-in and Take-out -- call ahead to reserve
Just like it’s name -- The Desserterie is mainly about desserts! Which believe me they are ALL to die for -- I honestly could never pick a favorite. Everything is just too yummy and you will be stuck at the counter forever trying to choose. However, their Cafe Mocha is what brings me back each time. No matter what time of day I go in you can catch me having a big mug of it with a dessert that struck my fancy that day.
3. The Blue Willow Tea Room / Petersburg, VA: *Dine-in -- call ahead to reserve
I had to add something to the list for all my tea lovers out there! The Blue Willow Tea Room is just simply stunning! So small and quaint it was the perfect spot to have a cup of tea and feel just a little bit fancy. My first experience here was for a “ladies night” and on of the girls in the group is a die hard tea drinker and recommended it. I am SO glad she did! We are actually planning to go again this year!
4. Alchemy / Richmond, VA: *Dine-in or Take-out
*Image from Alchemy Instagram page (@alchemyrva) just check out that amazing coffee art!
Another amazing RVA staple coffee shop! Again in the heart of Richmond right off Broad, Alchemy is so unique in that they are constantly coming up with new roasts for their coffee lovers to try. And the coffee art is just amazing! I loved coming here during my VCU days. If you are into the Chai Tea Latte they have the best!
5. Great Harvest Bread Co. / Midlothian, VA: *Dine-in or Take-out
A recent find for myself and it had to be added to the list! In the small area of Midlothian Great Harvest was the perfect little mom & pop shop! The staff was warm and friendly and the coffee was hot and fresh. I actually stayed in the holiday spirit and got a specialty latte Peppermint White Mocha and tried the honey wheat bread! All of their pastries looked so delicious but if you are looking for a bigger fill up they offer a breakfast and lunch menu as well.I will definitely be back for more tasty treats!
6. Riverbend Coffee Co. / Richmond, VA *Take-out only
Located in Church Hill, Riverband Coffee is a must whenever my husband and I find ourselves wanting to head into the city to see some beautiful sights! The coffee is perfect! Always freshly brewed and hot -- if I could have it every day I would! My go-to here is always one of their specialty drinks because that is the best part of these little cafes. Most recently I’ve enjoyed the Almond Joy with one of their delicious breakfast sandwiches -- which by the way are amazing and HUGE! Highly recommended!
7. Carytown Coffee on the James / Midlothian, VA: *Dine-in or Take-out
If you know RVA then you know about Carytown Coffee! Another amazing little coffee shop that has great coffee (that they are famously known for crafting themselves! You can even get bags to take home) and breakfast to go along with it! Honestly at Carytown I like the classic coffee or a simple cold brew because it’s just THAT good with cream and sugar. Along with my craving of breakfast that day! Much closer to where we live so we are often stopping by! You can even find their coffee in a few restaurants downtown! They even have an open mic night!
8. Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe / Midlothian, VA:*Dine-in or Take-out
Last but not least! Hidden in Midlothian Urban Farmhouse is a must try if you are in the area and have never been! An amazing selection of food, drinks and of course COFFEE! They also have a location in RVA but I have only been to the one out in Midlothian. Just a few of my favorite drinks here include: Farmhouse Cappuccino, Coffee Toffee Latte, and the FarmFrosts (when you are wanting something frozen and sweet!) but the coffee isn’t the only thing that brings me back here -- Their food does not disappoint! You have to check them out!
XO,
Christine ~ The CurlyQ Mom