The Lab by Alchemy Coffee

Reviews 33

RI

Richard Yhip

This place is one of my favorite coffee shops in Richmond, VA. They really live up to the "alchemy" name by brewing coffee with a measured blend of ice or water to the quantity of coffee grounds used to brew it. There are several interesting contraptions in the store that are used to make coffee and the people working there have no problem taking time out to explain to you what they do so you can make an informed purchase. In addition they rotate out different types of coffee and have good explanations of where they come from and what flavors the coffee invokes, similar to reading wine tasting notes. I have yet to try a coffee here that tastes burned like the ones I get from most chain coffee shops. They have the usual accoutrements there if you need to sweeten or add cream to your drink. The staff is friendly and the shop is spacious and clean. Parking around the shop is metered but if you are on or near the VCU campus it is walkable.

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Serene McEntyre

*update....Thanks for the response! LOVE seeing owners/managers getting involved with reviews! Best to your business and as I mentioned, Id have no issues recommending you guys to anyone! My husband and I were so excited to try Alchemy that we went out of our way to go there. Alas, when we got there and went to order a decaf cafe au pair, the very nice girl behind the counter said that they dont offer decaf, that they are "purists". We were disappointed because we really wanted to try it, but the girl was so nice and the place looked clean and quaint! Obviously we wont be back because we only drink decaf.......But Id be fine recommending it to someone who can tolerate caffeine.

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Eric Redlak

Visting from Bad News, I wasnt familiar with the area. Saw the "COFFEE" sign and walked in, and the first thing youll notice (like any coffee shop) is the amazing aroma. Then, the staff was extremely pleasant and helpful. And not a creepy Chic-Fil-A nice (Im from Georgia...), but genuinely nice people. But the coffee is what youre actually concerned about. I got a cafe au lait and it was probably the best cup of coffee Ive ever had. I would absolutely recommend this to any and everyone.

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Rhayne Thomas

My husband and I are serious coffee lovers from the west coast and we are very serious Portland, Oregon coffee lovers so we decided to try this place after they said theyre from Portland and take pride in their coffees. This had to be one of the absolute worst lattes and mochas weve ever had in 20 years. The drinks were a watery, flavorless mess and Ive had better in convenience stores. I wouldve given this place negative 10 stars if I could. They should be ashamed of themselves.

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Louis Ferro

Coffee is very good. Always pleased to see a pour over option, even if a couple bucks too expensive. Atmosphere is laid back and spacious with lots of seating. There doesnt appear to be any Wi-Fi available through the coffee shop, probably because this is essentially a part of the VCU campus so students all have access to that. Assuming all costumers are students and have access to the schools Wi-Fi is a bit of an oversight.

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Will Conn

Since their first foray into the Richmond market as a "food" cart at VCUs Monroe Park Campus, I have been blown away by the flavor and variety of Alchemys espresso, as well as their exceptional customer service. They have maintained that level of dedication to their craft as a brick-and-mortar and Im glad I stopped in at the Lab to cool off with an iced latte. Alchemy Coffee is an asset to the Richmond community.

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Ross Kimball

Wonderful coffee!! Tried the chocolate cookie, it was not that good (rather dry) but would try other things instead. Space is nice and the workers are friendly. Suggestion: Have a "cup discount" for folks that bring in their own cups/tumblers. Also give a discount on refills. Coffee was so good that I went ahead and paid for it.

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CO

Courtney Howell

My boyfriend and I got cold press lattes that were fantastic. The flavors are kind of limited (vanilla, caramel, and mocha) but thats not too big of a drawback in my opinion. The shop itself is modern & minimalistic, and the service was great. We will definitely be back!

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Marina Nelson

My sisters and I work at a coffee shop called Zekes in Va beach. We came to Richmond to run some errands and stopped by this shop. The Batista was very nice, and made a great cup of coffee. If I ever end back in Richmond I will defiantly stop in again :)

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John Duke

Located right next to the VCU School of the Arts on Broad, Alchemy is an excellent place to stop for coffee and maybe a pastry. Very knowledgeable and friendly baristas. In addition to the typical choices, they also carry cold-brew coffee

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Liz Spaetzel

Love the coffee. Great service! College vibe coffee shop with lots of college students who frequent this spot. Plenty of seating here with free WiFi if you need to get some work done. Would not be my first pick for a business meeting.

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Mo Jo

I had a Drip Coffee with nothing added (No Sugar or Nothin!), from a Cart between VCU Cabal Library and Hibbs. Wow! Awesome Coffee! One of the best flavors in raw coffee I have experienced (Though I am a novice). Highly recommend.

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Abbey Berrios

Came with my sisters from VB. Having worked at a coffee shop forever now, I can definitely say this place was great. Worth the hype! Cold press latte was refreshing on this hot summer day.

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Thanh Trinh

Great atmosphere, beautiful interior, and great coffee. I would recommend this place for those who are looking for some casual coffee shop to do work in.

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Faith Kelly

My coffee was so good I couldnt help but want to hug the barista who made it for me. Great place. Great coffee and they know their aromas and tastes!

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GA

Gabriel Lewis

While the coffee was very good, I thought it was over priced. This is not really a great place to do work either, chairs are uncomfortable.

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Patrice Harmon

The best coffee I have found in Richmond--both the espresso drinks and the black coffee, in my opinion, are consistently excellent.

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Alex Coyle

Coffee even non-coffee people will enjoy. Lots of seating for a cup alone or with friends, and even a few tables outside.

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alex perkins

boutique coffee shop with just about every brew method available, and multiple single origins to choose from. hell ya.

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Dan Potter

Best cup of coffee we found while in Richmond. Helpful and pleasant staff. Fun to people watch from the front window.

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Kilrog

Beautiful little place right in VCU. Great staff, these people care about their craft. I find myself here weekly.

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David Moran

Vanilla latte was great, and breakfast biscuit was fresh and killer. Had the cheese, bacon, and egg.

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Myke Metzger

By far my favorite place in Richmond to grab a cup of coffee. They know what theyre doing 110% ☕️

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Rob Spidle

This is by far the best mug of coffee you can get in the city. Delicate and detailed brewing.

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Steve Vornov

Why bother with amateurs? Alchemy has a fanatical devotion to the science and art of coffee.

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Clive L

Amazing coffee, period. Also very nice deco inside. Love the branding as well.

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Kimberley Cohen

Great latte, interesting albeit limited brkfst options and excellent service!!

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Veronica Harris

I only been there once....i took the kids to have hot chocolate it seems nice

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MI

Mike Godzwa

Consistently great coffee and served by a knowledgeable and friendly staff.

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joshua vitale

Try the pour over.

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Kamico Seals

Best cafe au laite! The brown butter coconut cookie was to die for.

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Adam McDermott

A great knowledgeable staff that really care about their craft.

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Brian W

Good cold brew coffee and the pastries are excellent.

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