Rostov's Coffee & Tea — Restaurant in Richmond

Very unhappy with the treatment we encountered by four employees yesterday. My boyfriend & I walked in for the first time to buy some tea, and instead of a “welcome” were met with “we require masks in here” from a young man peeking from behind the door. We smiled, said we didn’t have any with us, and continued walking, knowing there is no city or state mandate to force compliance. Not even another two feet in, and another young female barked, “you need a mask to be in here”. So we repeated the same thing, and the young man pointed to a basket of masks. We took one each, and I put it on my face while my boyfriend fiddled with his. We continued on, and an older female walked up to my elbow (no “social distancing”, mind you) and said “I shouldn’t have to say this but you need to wear your mask properly”, never once addressing my boyfriend who still wasn’t fully wearing his. Then another male employee walks up and says “the mask needs to go OVER your nose”. I replied that medically, I am technically exempt from any and all face coverings, so mine will stay where it is, and he promptly walked over to the back door, flung it open, and said sarcastically, “well then, we have the right to refuse service, and you will need to leave”. So I absolutely did, immediately, and we left without a purchase! Utter and total insanity. The fact that 1) a female was specifically targeted (not the male standing right next to her though this kind of treatment should never exist period), and 2) a medical exemption was not only ignored but taken as a joke is appalling. Were it not the holidays currently, I would absolutely consider taking this further up the legal chain. We will never again return, and our first-time experience was a shameful one....

I truly believe Rostov's is one of the best businesses in Richmond. At the front of the store is a huge variety of freshly roasted beans, never bitter, super reasonably prices and always delicious. You can also get a loyalty card for a free pound of coffee if you buy often. There are beautiful mugs and every kind of coffee or tea accoutrement you can imagine. Then, in the back, there is a selection of teas that are SUPER reasonably priced and there is a flavor for everyone. The coffee bar in the back is incredible - the baristas are so nice, the coffee and tea drinks are excellent, and you pay a great price for a cup of coffee. Then, the staff is amazing, always friendly and helpful. Tammy Rostov, the owner, is super kind and fun to talk to, and I love seeing her when the store hosts fun events like Frank and Beans day and Pi Day. I really love Rostov's and will always patronize the store and recommend it to friends! Thank you all for the great spot you have maintained...

Consistent, fair priced coffee at an awesome location. The staff is friendly and upbeat, and the owner is always present and friendly too. They roast the beans right in there, so you can smell and see the process right up close. They have fun super fairly priced knick-knacks, gifts, and all types of mugs and kettles for any coffee or tea lover. I've bought upscale grinders, fancy coffee tech, and brewers for pretty much what you'd find them for online. I buy all of my tea here, it is in bulk and cheap!

There's limited outdoor seating, none inside, which I personally enjoy. Because of this it's never crowded. There are a few one hour spots behind the building for customers to use, which usually has spots available, an entrance on the front (with a step or two), and a wheelchair accessible door at the back of the building.

I go here several times a week! Bring your own mug/cup and you get a discount...