The Lab by Alchemy Coffee — Restaurant in Richmond

I'm a little curious about all these Google reviews calling this coffee shop "standard", or calling the prices steep.

You have a barista who obviously cares about his craft, a good grinder, a great La Marzocco machine, locally or lovingly roasted coffee, and everything very well executed.. Reviewers really REALLY need to be more responsible in their reviews of places..

These aren't corporately run places trying to reach their every cravass of America. These are small businesses trying to expand the minds and share their love with locals.

This coffee shop is very simple. The cortado was beautiful and it was served alongside a splash of bubbly water. I didn't get a muffin or any other treat, but they looked decent.

When I was leaving I got a vanilla latte (8oz)and I'm very happy to say it was 100% perfectly sweet. I hate overly sweetened drinks. I'm not sure if they make the syrups there, but if they don't I couldn't tell.

Anyway, when I'm back in Richmond, I'll go back. It was anything...

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...

This was my 1st experience at this coffee shop, the owner actually came to my business class at VCU and talked about his coffee shop and how different and exceptional it was. Of course being a student I definitely had to try this place out. I'm giving it two stars because while the ambiance was great I was very dissatisfied with my visit here. I got a double espresso and I always add cream. This coffee shop prides themself on not serving cream, only whole milk to their customers. Completely changed the flavor profile and my espresso was acidic and not robust and smoky which the cream aids in. I find it odd how at the coffee bar I couldn't even have the option to add a cream. I understand the point of this coffee shop is to bring Portland style coffee to rva, but at the end of the day everyone likes their coffee different. Not having the option to customize my espresso at the bar just ruined...