Arabica Cafe & Bakery — Restaurant in Radford City

I'm absolutely IN LOVE with this place! I've been coming here almost every day for a week, and it's become one of my favorite places on earth! The atmosphere is so warm and inviting! The ivy wall is so precious, and I absolutely adore the mismatched furniture! The art is gorgeous, and the music is always good and never too loud! I found out that 4-6 on Tuesdays, a small band of older gentlemen come in and play bluegrass(?) music which is honestly just so wonderful! The baristas are ALWAYS kind! I get a little bit nervous around people, but the baristas are always so kind and patient with me! Even though I get anxious around people, I'm still a big talker, and the baristas always talk with me (although I try not to bother them too much)! I've also met the cook (unfortunately I don't know her name yet) and she is so absolutely sweet! I adore all of the staff! I've seen a couple rude customers, but the baristas always handle them with kindness. The food. Oh my goodness, the food... I can't get enough of it! The coffee is of course phenomenal, and I've yet to have a bad one! I'm also not a very adventurous eater, but now it's my mission to try all of the desserts and EVERYTHING on the menu because everything new to me that I've tried there has been PHENOMENAL!! I HATE pickles, and I didn't know that some of the crepes have diced pickles (which is fine!), but I was absolutely blown away by how amazing the crepes taste with the pickles! I'm being so serious when I say that it wouldn't taste the same without the pickles! I stayed maybe 3 1/2 hours today and in that time I got five different things. I love everything about this place, so much so that it's become my new go-to study spot! I have another two semesters at Radford, and I'm absolutely ecstatic with the idea of coming here regularly!...

I was so excited to hear that a new eatery was coming to this strip of downtown Radford - it is so sorely needed! I stopped in to check them out today and I couldn't have been more impressed - lots of drinks options including coffee, espresso, lattes, macchiatos (everything you'd want out of a coffee shop), plus some specialty options like Turkish coffee and aromatic syrups for rose or lavender lattes.

There was also a phenomenal selection of food (think brunch style): breakfast, lunch, and bakery options (the baked goods & pastries they said would rotate daily). It'll be nice to be able to grab an omelet, sweet or savory crepe, or even falafel platter just a few minutes from work at Radford University. I can imagine this becoming a staple student hangout spot with the cozy atmosphere, ample seating, and friendly, welcoming staff here. I tried the zaatar and cheese pizza (it was on a flatbread like base), tiramisu latte, and sampled their delicious baklava as well - I had to keep myself from ordering one of their many dessert options on top of that! I love that items on the menu feature Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors but remain accessible to anyone's palate. For example, I would HIGHLY recommend the zaatar and cheese pizza, even (or especially) if you've never tried zaatar seasoning before.

Note: This week (6/27/22 - 6/30/22) they'll be open from 10am-6pm, and then after their grand opening on July 1st they'll switch to their regular hours of 7am-6pm (likely later during the spring and...

Fantastic food, a very broad menu for just a little cafe in downtown Radford. They seem to be able to make something like 20 different mains at the same time. I got a Turkish Gyro at 10 AM, just saying.

And the coffee? Wow. Fantastic coffee. Apparently the owner has a roasting contract for his specific needs, and I do believe him. It's obviously very fresh, well balanced, super rich flavor, and any coffee buff is going to appreciate it. Not only that, but they also make Turkish coffee. If you've never had it before, it's going to seem weird. Turkish coffee is more finely ground than espresso, and the grounds actually sit in the little pot thingy, kind of similar to cowboy coffee. But it's really good, and it's a step in flavor above a straight shot of espresso. I highly recommend it.

And it's a really nicely appointed cafe. There's plenty of seating, it's covered in art, and the chairs are handsome and comfortable. A lot of work and a personal touch goes into this place. Buy their delicious food and drink their delicious coffee. Sit and enjoy the atmosphere. I'm just bummed I was only...