For richer or pour over, Richmond’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. The River City has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in Richmond.
Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.
Espresso yourself
Ask about seasonal flavors at The Smoky Mug.
Photo by RICtoday Intern
Sefton Coffee Company , 24 N. 8th St. | Trust the experts at this Downtown shop — your morning latte will thank you.
The Smoky Mug , 15 E. Brookland Park Blvd. | Latte lovers will adore this Northside gem which also serves bagels and breakfast burritos.
Ironclad Coffee Roasters , multiple locations | If you want your latte down to a science, this shop’s flavor concoctions will have you covered.
Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe , 218 W. Broad St. | Try a specialty drink like the Banana Bread Latte, Mayan Mocha, or Jane Eyre — that’s a lavender white mocha latte.
Fuel Pump , 3200 W. Cary St. | You can count on specialty seasonal flavors at this Carytown coffee station which also doubles as a wine bar.
Grant Coffee Company , 11884 Chester Village Dr. | This Chester shop offers a selection of coffee drinks including espresso, blended drinks, and affogato.
Roasts to boast
Stop by Sefton Coffee Co. downtown.
Photo by RICtoday
Rostov’s Coffee and Tea , 1618 W. Main St. | These quintessential Richmond roasters — they started in 1979 — also have a variety of gifts and accessories at their Fan location.
Blanchard’s Coffee , multiple locations | Grab a drink and a bag of beans. Try this: The Black Dog blend has a fruit-forward flavor and citrus-y aroma.
Afterglow Coffee Cooperative , 1719 Summit Ave. | Richmond’s first worker-owned coffee roaster offers bags of beans, specialty drinks, and community events.
Riverbend Roastery , 2623 E. Broad St. | Swing by this Church Hill roastery for a fresh brew and snag a book from the Little Free Library around the corner.
Grit Coffee Roasting Co. , multiple locations | Based in Charlottesville, this shop has two Richmond locations and offers a coffee subscription club.
Reviresco Coffee Co. , 710 Lafayette St. | This cafe and micro-roastery opened near Malvern Gardens in July 2023.
Best bites
Stop by Rostov’s for coffee and treats.
Photo by Pete Gillis
Stir Crazy Café , 4015 MacArthur Ave. | Hungry? Try a bagel sandwich at this Northside cafe.
Buna Kurs Ethiopian Cafe , 402 1/2 N. 2nd St., Ste. A | In addition to coffee, frappes, smoothies, and tea, this cafe has all-day breakfast and Ethiopian favorites like ertib.
Cafe Synai , 416 N. 1st St. | Coffee is just the start at this fresh-baked oasis which offers sandwiches, smoothies, and desserts.
Front Porch Cafe , 2600 Nine Mile Rd. | Get a classic breakfast sandwich, sample a parfait, or try the beef brisket hash with your coffee.
Café Zata , 700 Bainbridge St. | Enjoy a sandwich, soup, or salad with your joe at the Manchester spot. Bonus: The bagels are from Cupertino’s — the real deal.
Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream , 3600 Forest Hill Ave. | This Forest Hill spot has coffee, smoothies, bagels, sandwiches, and sweet treats.
Perk! Coffee & Lunchbox , 2620 Buford Rd. | Coffee, baked goods, bagels, biscuits, and sandwiches are all on the menu at this Bon Air favorite.
Caffespresso , 1127 Gaskins Rd. | Try the caprese panini with your or pick up a bottle of wine from this Italian cafe in the West End.
Surrounding Counties , 8801-A Three Chopt Rd., Apt. L | Enjoy your coffee with a bagel, bowl, or fancy toast.
On-the-go joe
Greenbriar Cafe and Coffeehouse , 1211 W. Main St. | The to-go window at this VCU-adjacent shop is well-designed for busy students. Walk up, fuel up, and continue on your way.
Alchemy Coffee , 814 W. Broad St. | Stop by The Lab for a cup from a guest roaster and a quick bite in the middle of VCU.
Sugar & Twine , 2928 W. Cary St. | Cap off your Carytown shopping spree with an espresso beverage and a pastry.
Brookfield , 301 W. Franklin St. | Get a drink or a quick lunch at this cafe located in the lobby of the Graduate hotel.
Can Can Café , 800 E. Broad St. | Swing into the Library of Virginia for a cold brew on your way to work, or grab a to-go salad or sandwich.
Quirk Coffee Bar , 201 W. Broad St. | Fuel your Arts District afternoon with a cup of local coffee and a snack.
Hatch Local , 414 Hull St. | This Manchester food hall has a coffee bar for a quick caffeine fix.
Perfect for a date
Roastology has indoor/outdoor seating.
Photo by RICtoday
Lamplighter Coffee Roasters , 116 S. Addison St. | Convenient mobile ordering, plenty of outdoor seating, and a penchant for attracting pups make for an ideal date setup.
Urban Hang Suite , 304 E. Broad St. | This social cafe offers great coffee and the opportunity for great conversation.
The Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe , multiple locations | Meet up for a drink or make it a meal at this relaxing eatery.
Roastology , 2701 Cary St. | Sit indoors or outdoors and enjoy a cup of coffee with breakfast.
Black Hand Coffee Company , 3101 Patterson Ave. | The patio area next to this Museum District shop is great for conversation.
Birdie’s , 305 W. Broad St. | This cafe becomes an oyster bar and wine cellar in the evenings.
Best Café , 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd. | Add an iced coffee to your obligatory first date at the VMFA.
Find in the wild
Paix Espresso | The mobile specialty coffee service hosts pop-ups around town.
Parousia Coffee | This truck is a common find at the RVA Big Market at Bryan Park on Saturdays.
Coalesce Coffee Co. | Find this mobile barista at Kickers games, Virginia Credit Union Live! concerts, and festivals around Richmond.
Espresso A Go Go | Look for the Rosie the Riveter-inspired logo at the next festival or farmers market you stop by.
Maharajah Coffee | Find this mobile cafe most Saturdays at the RVA Big Market or Sundays at South of the James farmers market.
Purpose Espresso | This mobile espresso trailer hails from Midlothian and has been known to appear at PopUp RVA and Carytown Farmers Market.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters . For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady , while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle .
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
Check out our map of coffee shops in Richmond and let us know what places we need to add.