The Inclusive Newcomer
1012 Hull St.
- Vibe: Spacious, queer-friendly refuge with a plant wall, a stage for open mic nights and an adjoining cocktail bar dubbed Duke’s Den (named for the homeowners’ beagle). Spouses Matthew and Nafis Narsinghani launched Gold Lion in 2023.
- Plus: A menu of Indian-influenced vegan bites that extends past typical cafe fare, from housemade samosas to comforting desi lo mein.
- Good to Know: Drag brunch goes down each Sunday
- Attempt: Golden milk latte with turmeric, cinnamon and jaggery
- Greatest For: Group or late-afternoon conferences, vegans
The Acquainted Good friend
218 W. Broad St.
- Vibe: The informal, vivid Arts District Cafe in motion for over 20 years stays busy with regulars from faculty college students to longtime residents. It’s additionally residence to a closely pinned group board.
- Plus: Three choices for posting up: tables or a window nook contained in the cafe, sidewalk seats alongside Broad Road and the low-key, again patio.
- Good to Know: They carry Cupertino’s NY Bagels and likewise serve mimosas
- Attempt: The Child Breve, an 8-ounce mini latte with two espresso pictures and steamed half-and-half
- Greatest For: A buzzy environment with a view
The Hometown Hero
116 S. Addison St.
- Vibe: There’s a really Richmond, punky/artist persona that pumps via the no-frills Fan standby owned by Noelle Forest, from the corporate’s tall bike branding (additionally its Wi-Fi password) to its well-adorned chalkboard wall.
- Plus: A heated patio lounge and a roomy out of doors space
- Good to Know: They bottle and promote 24-hour cold-brewed iced espresso focus. Open 7 days per week.
- Attempt: The Turbo Coke, cane sugar Coca-Cola poured over ice and topped with a double shot of Swiftwalker espresso —good day, caffeine.
- Greatest For: Classics performed proper, vegan bites, operating into somebody you already know
The Weekday Hang-out
24 N. Eighth St.
- Vibe: A quaint downtown work spot (open M-F) with delicate, ethereal power. Operated by Jennie Skinner, the charming decade-old cafe is known as after her great-grandmother. Pull as much as the bar or, on days when the solar is shining, at two-tops exterior.
- Plus: Pastries from native purveyors Up All Evening Bakery and Axelsdotter Bakery, and market-style items from wine to tinned fish
- Good to Know: They roast their beans in-house. Lunch is bustling, so don’t anticipate a quiet go to throughout these hours.
- Attempt: An affogato — they’re one of many few cafes that gives the vanilla ice cream-espresso combo.
- Greatest For: Early-morning meet-ups, grabbing a present
The Informal Charmer
8055 Shrader Highway
- Vibe: Visiting this multiroom cafe inside repurposed practice automobiles seems like hanging at Mother’s home. The primary house seems as if a lounge — full with couches, bookshelves and a hearth — was plopped instantly inside, whereas the Richmond room, tucked towards the again, is a extra secluded space.
- Plus: They’ve an enormous parking zone and energy sources aplenty. You should definitely peep the outdated cellphone sales space out entrance.
- Good to Know: In hotter months, they host stay jazz exterior on the deck and patio
- Attempt: The Bee Sting Latte, a double shot of espresso with honey and cardamom shaken over ice and topped with almond milk
- Greatest For: Prolonged hangs in a quiet house
The Suburban Sleeper
8801 Three Chopt Highway
- Vibe: The house embraces eccentric, dotted with thrift retailer aptitude, tchotchkes galore, native pottery and a file participant that spins the whole lot from Taylor Swift to The Conflict. Main the cost is Lamplighter co-owner Zach Archibald, a agency believer in specialty espresso.
- Plus: Ample nosh, together with Chewy’s Bagel sammies, grit bowls and day by day specials
- Good to Know: Inside tables are restricted, so don’t anticipate to roll up with a posse and dine in. On Mondays, gluten-free cream puffs grace the menu.
- Attempt: The 1-Fish Bread, which options smoked salmon, cream cheese, butter and pickled onions on a chunky slice of Sub Rosa toast
- Greatest For: A solo work session, espresso and breakfast
The Trailblazer
26 N. Morris St., 3121 W. Broad St., 4930 Forest Hill Ave.
- Vibe: Clear, trendy, hip aesthetic that claims, “We’re professionals on the craft.” Roasting for over 20 years, Blanchard’s is a top-five espresso producer within the state.
- Plus: Seize a bag of beans from their choice that ranges from dynamic single-origins to beloved blends like Black Canine or Darkish as Darkish
- Good to Know: Snagging a seat can differ at every location — Broad Road is repeatedly essentially the most bustling, Forest Hill closes at midday throughout the week, and Morris Road has a spacious patio adjoining to a park.
- Attempt: A brewed to order cup of their featured espresso, such because the Oaxacan Lomo Bonita
- Greatest For: Slowly having fun with a cup whereas typing in your laptop computer