Kate: This post is dedicated to that caffeinated beverage of caffeinated beverages: coffee. I am an avid coffee drinker, an avid hot coffee drinker, even in the hottest of summers. In fact, for several years, while I lived in Tucson, Arizona, I'd wake up extra early (around 5 am) and head to my local coffee shop (a Cafe Paraiso) and join the other early bird hot coffee drinkers. Ice doesn't belong in my coffee; other people's coffee (my mother's, for instance), fine, but not mine. Here's a few I've found, though also I love sitting at a regular bar and ordering a cup o' joe.
For really good coffee, Can-can is great, and their regular cup is less than $2 (compared to the new over-priced Starbuck's standard, that's not bad). It's strong and flavorful coffee, nutty. The staff are good, too, with a refill before you know you need it. Here, the coffee's ordered at the bar, and they bring it to your table on a saucer with cream and brown and white sugar cubes (love the sugar cubes!).
Ellwood Thompson's coffee shop pours another great cup, though it'll cost ya a bit more. A strong brew and lots of variety, it's a good stop for the coffee enthusiast. It's also an excellent place to go and just sit. There are couches, plush chairs, tables (both small and really large), two bars, and a patio. The food's great, too, though again, it'll cost ya.
Quickly, I'll mention that as a child I shopped at the Fan Market on Stuart and Robinson, and I whole-heartedly approve of its reincarnation. I can't deny my love any longer.....I love that Starbuck's! The coffee is no different than at any other Starbuck's, but it's good staff, good customers, and a great location. Warning: Starbuck's wireless is a pain in the *ss to access. Go somewhere else, like...
Good joe and good food: Shockoe Espresso, near the Martin Agency. I love the big tables here; they're great for working. The free wireless also helps (not complicated like Starbuck's; you simply sign up). The couches and comfortable chairs are great for lounging. This joint closes early, though.
For the earthy, very local feel, visit the Black Hand Coffee Company in the Museum District. You'll know you're supporting local business and getting a good, strong cup of coffee at the same time. It's a small, but welcoming shop, and I believe they do some catering, so check it out!
Capital Coffee House on Cary Street is another local gem, where you'll find some of the same regulars there morning, noon, and night; but this just adds to the charm. Another excellent cup of joe and good light food (especially dessert), too.
And, Rostov's: not the place to drink the coffee (it's not a coffee bar), but certainly the place to pick it up to take home. They carry a great variety of flavorful teas, as well. I love the Richmond blend, especially in the winter. While you browse the cups, saucers, loose teas, and other caffeine accoutrement, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee fills the air and makes it almost impossible not to leave with something in hand.
This is installment number one in my tales of caffeine in the greater Richmond area. More to follow...
Ah.
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