Coffee

Richmonders take their coffee as seriously as they take their beer. Here are my favorite coffee shops: 
  • You will find three Lamplighters throughout the city (ask google). The one in Scotts Addition used to be my office away from the office so I have the fondest memories of sipping the best Americano in town (thanks to Amy and Patricia) but to be honest, they're all bloody good! They might play heavy metal so be prepared (!) but their coffee is GREAT.
  • Sub Rosa Bakery. People move to Church Hill so they can be close to Sub Rosa Bakery. They make bread the traditional way and their almond croissant will make your stomach sing. 
  • Pomona. Another gem in Church Hill. Vintage eclectic plant shop meets craft coffee, a seasonal menu and assorted specialty bevs - DO check it out!
  • Whisk: Great pastries and good coffee. And while you're there, please appreciate the stunning Nina Simone mural. Thanks.
  • The Lab by Alchemy: These guys are serious about coffee. Conveniently located near the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), this is a great alternative to a chain coffee shop. 
  • Black Hand Coffee: Unassuming little neighborhood joint in the Museum district. Good spot for conversations and serious coffee.
  • When you find yourself in Carytown for shopping, the movies or some overall gallivanting, make sure to stop at Sugar and Twine for coffee and a home-made pastry. My favorite is their blackberry biscuit (with my dear friend Molly if I can arrange it) or an almond croissant. Great spot for meeting new friends, writing, pondering and giving your feet a little break. 
  • Urban Hang Suite by RVA institution Kelli Lemon herself. Go for coffee, stay for the art, books and overall great vibe on Broad St. 
  • Ironclad Coffee Roasters: Convenient and bright spot in Shockoe Bottom if you have meetings or simply want to get some work done. ​
  • Brewers Cafe in Manchester. Super local feel and you're likely to run into owner Ajay Brewer himself. 

Craft Beer

If you like your beer hand-crafted, Richmond has you covered. Make your way to Scotts Addition and you can stumble... erm... walk from one craft brewery to the next:
For cider lovers, I recommend you check out Buskey Cider and Blue Bee Cider.

A short bike ride from Scotts Addition opens up other craft beer experiences such as
If you have a designated driver, make your way North to Ashland and visit the Center of the Universe (COTU) Brewing Co. They have a great selection of brews and host unique events such as Pickled and Fermented, an annual festival celebrating all things pickled and... you guessed it, fermented.

And if this isn't enough, check out this Richmond beer trail. 

Get fed!

 Biscuits, Eggs & Schnorrer
  • Joe's Inn in the heart of the Fan (unassuming but reasonably priced and delicious), 
  • Early Bird Biscuit is a MUST for anyone visiting the South! They're taking biscuits to the next level and their coffee is on point! don't be surprsied if you see a line out the door on weekends. There is very limited seating and the lines moves quickly. It's worth the wait.
  • Pop's on Grace. Fantastic spot for a lazy breakfast, coffee is drip only and there is no wifi but somehow that's what makes it charming. Order your breakfast sandwich on a biscuit and you come face to face with a beauty the size of your head. Pick up whatever else you may need in their deli corner.
  • Perly's. Seriously. Please (!!!) go eat here! It's d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. Every breakfast I had there was an event of me ooooing and aaaaaing over each bite. The French Toast will knock your socks off and during the week, I will always go for the Schnorrer.
  • Shore Dog Cafe is an unassuming, bright and beautiful spot offering light breakfast and lunch. Nothing pretentious. 

Lunch and Dinner
  • Peter Chang's needs no introduction. Superb week day lunch on Broad St in Scotts Addition
  • Lunch & Supper: Hearty and healthy salads, a touch of the South and always busy. Enjoy!
  • En Su Boca: A former erotic store now serving up delicious Mexican food that you want en su buca immediately!
  • Fat Dragon: Eat here all day every day. Excellent Asian cuisine and a formidable lunch option. 
  • Edo's Squid. To call this gem hidden is the understatement of the year. You walk up a narrow stair case and push open an unassuming door and suddenly TA DA! You are engulfed by the bustle of an authentic Italian restaurant. Nothing fancy but the amount of vino and garlic truly send you to Verona! 
  • Nearby is a great option for any vegetarians. I stumbled upon Ipanema completely by accident and was blown away by a great menu and rich flavors!
  • My absolute favorite place in Richmond for a hearty meal is Metzger (German for butcher) in Church Hill. I am giddy with excitement every time I go. If this is your cup of tea, make sure to also check out their sister restaurant Brenner Pass and have the tartare. You can thank me later. If you're interested in a quick bite or something sweet, you're in the right place. Brenner Pass is also home to Chair Lift, a small deli/cafe catering to all your espresso, quick lunch and baked goods desires.


Ellwood Thompson's deserves a special mention because it is so much more than a wholefoods market: Community spot, pioneers of local produce and farmers, hosts to jazz and bluegrass brunches on the weekends, the list goes on. If all you want is a quick and healthy lunch made with love and local ingredients, preferably washed down with locally crafted cider, Ellwood Thompson's is where it's at. Great hot bar, freshly made wraps and sandwiches and salads as well as a separate little counter preparing bowls made to order. 

If you just feel like watching some sports, Home Team Grill and District 5 are a great alternative to any chain.

Treat yourself!

Looking to splurge and spoil yourself or someone you love? Start here:
Should you be in the mood for some cocktails, do pay a visit to *As far as I know all three have happy hours somewhere in the range of 4/5 p.m. - 6/7 p.m. which invites the curious to try them out before committing to a big night out.