Lamplighter Coffee Roasters - Addison St — Restaurant in Richmond

I go to the Addison location a fair amount because (#1) it’s just a short walk from my place and (#2) the food and drinks are quite good. But let’s be honest: The staff is just too cool for you, and their collective attitude is generally pretty awful. Also, they are not gluten-free-friendly at all which is not an issue for me — but it’s surprising considering the hipster vibe they try to portray.

If you’re the kind of person who needs to feel like you’re being served by other hipster-esque people who also DGAF about anything, then ok... Maybe this is your prime hangout. But if you’re a friendly hipster like me who appreciates kind service regardless of how many tattoos you have, then this place probably isn’t worth it.

If you can catch them when they’re not busy that’s the best case scenario — because, with a few exceptions, many of their staff consistently appear to be hung over — and they work as slowly as they want; going through the motions with expressionless faces. You’re lucky if they even call your name when your drink is ready.

For example, I just waited over 20 minutes (no exaggeration) for two cups of tea — that’s hot water and a bag of leaves. The lone barista was trying to catch up with multiple orders ahead of mine — and yet the cashier with no new customers to serve stood there for 10+ minutes doing literally nothing while customers tried to find room to stand while waiting for their orders.

Fortunately I wasn’t in any hurry, but they sure as hell weren’t either. I guess their employer doesn’t mind paying them to stand around, as long as they can manage Spotify playlists of bands you’re probably not cool enough to have...

There were alot of coffee shops to choose between Broad st and Cary but i DEFINITELY made the right choice coming to Lamplighter. Housed right on Addison st, I walked to the 5 bus from brook rd and got here in about 20 minutes total, so the commute was convenient to me. I ordered and sat in the screened in heated patio area which was very quiant. The atmosphere was suitable for parents with kids as well as business meetings. My order arrived no more than 15 minutes after I placed it which was a pleasant surprise. I ordered a cappuccino and a Lox bagel which was decently priced at a worthy $13. I dined alone and spent $20 total and was very satisfied with the tastes, experience, and service alike. My hunger was fulfilled, but the employees' generosity and the restaurant atmosphere raised my mood for the day. Highly recommend giving this place a try with a huge shout out to the staff for keeping their customers this happy and maintaining positive attitudes...

I’m shocked and disgusted by the service and the drinks. If you want to drink sewage water coffee this is your place, literally the worst cafe I’ve tried globally. One of the employees who was bringing orders to the tables was staring me and my friend down everytime they walked past us, and very rudely asked us what we were waiting for… our drinks? Like everyone else who was waiting. They did not ask any of the 5+ other people what they were waiting for, and it felt as if we were being profiled… never have I had that happen in my life. We waited 20 minutes for 2 drinks, then when we finally sat down we were told that we cannot eat the croissants we bought from up the street Becuase it was a health code violation by the same employee… who was watching our every move like a hawk for whatever reason. Vibes were extremely weird and unwelcoming, coffee was insanely bad, racist establishment possibly? -1000/10 I really do...