AB
Abi's Books & Brews
A cozy Richmond haven where amazing coffee meets curated books and warm community vibes.
4.5
Cafe
$$
A cozy Richmond haven where amazing coffee meets curated books and warm community vibes.
Abi's Books & Brews is a beloved coffee shop in Richmond, VA, offering an exceptional experience with amazing coffee, delicious pastries, and a unique atmosphere filled with books. Reviews highlight the welcoming staff, cozy library-like vibe, and creative seasonal drinks. It serves as a perfect spot for studying, working with fast WiFi, or enjoying intimate conversations, complemented by art, gifts, and a record player for added charm.
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Artisanal coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, and seasonal specialties made with high-quality beans.
Freshly baked pastries, bagels, and treats, including creative options like jalapeño cheddar bagels.
Curated selection of books for browsing and purchase, plus unique gifts and local art.
Cozy atmosphere with seating, fast WiFi, and a record player, ideal for studying, working, or small events.
Rotating menu items like lavender rooibos chai latte to keep offerings fresh and exciting.
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Overall rating
Myles
I really enjoy coming to this space to read and study. The staff and owners are super friendly. I love their focus on community building and advocacy. They partner with many great organizations around the Richmond area. Their drinks are delicious and I haven't found something yet that I didn't like. Sometimes the place gets busy and there is limited seating. However, people are often friendly and let you share tables with them.
Katherine Caradonna
Abi's was one of the first places I became a regular at in Richmond, and it is absolutely infused with everything I adore about the city. I like to try different coffee shops, but the vibe at Abi's is so comforting, friendly, and warm that I've ended up being a daily Abi's drinker (I feel like something is missing when I get coffee anywhere else!) Its adorable, with cozy chairs, brick walls, art hanging from the ceiling, and walls of books with a cute sliding ladder. I am SO grateful that its such a short walk from me- a beautiful spot on Cary street. Keith and Malie, the owners, deeply care about the community and it's obvious in everything they do: There are events hosted here like Trivia and knitting, live musicians playing, free anti-ICE whistles, and a little free library outside. Keith often comes and works at Abi's even when no other coffee shop is open due to severe weather or holidays. (I came during the snowstorm and it was just him working, as he didn't make any of the other baristas come in. I got a delicious hot cocoa!) You can really just tell that Abi's is nothing but a labor of love for community and the locals. I've even been given gluten free pastries for free as the owner knows I have celiac, and rather than throw them out they were given to me. The baristas are all absolutely amazing as well- interesting to talk to, kind, and very eager to help. I'm a shy person, but the atmosphere in Abi's has made me feel so safe and comfortable to be myself. Nowhere else in Richmond do I feel as genuinely cared for as a person, and not just a customer. The coffee, tea, and pastries at Abi's are delicious, but I think Abi's is so, so much more than that. I've heard many at Abi's say that Abi's is the Third Space they were needing in 2026. I've met so many wonderful people here (and great cats. Nova is a beautiful kitty that comes in sometimes!) The space truly invites conversation with people, rather than being a cold space where everyone keeps to themselves. I can't fully put into words how much a space like Abi's means to me personally, and to the community. <3 10/10!
bri c
Environment is so cozy and comfy, lots of book to read, and the coffee is AMAZING. 10/10 recommend!!
Jeff Fountain
We were excited to try this little nook and explore the books, but left very disappointed. 1- the coffee. It was VERY expensive and NOT good. Two mochas (one iced, one hot) cost over $20, and tasted more like warm milk than coffee. 2- the seating. It did not allow for any perusal of the books. So are they just for decoration? Tripping over a fellow customer to look at books doesn’t make for a good experience for anyone. 3- the customer service. The two baristas had taken up the back couch and chair & table with their coffees and bagels. That’s fine if there was no one in the shop. But the shop was FULL, and no other seating was available. One would expect them to take their food and drinks and allow others to sit, but instead shared disappointed looks when they were returning to their breakfast to find someone was sitting on the ARM of the couch they were sitting at. Great concept but poorly executed.
Stephen Lawson
Did a quick photoshoot here for a client who wanted that casual coffee shop vibe and it was perfect. The space has great character and natural light, and the owner and staff were super accommodating letting us move around to a few different spots. Made the whole process smooth and stress-free. The coffee is excellent too, which is always a bonus. As a photographer in Richmond, I'm always looking for unique indoor locations that aren't the typical studio setup. This place delivers with its cozy atmosphere and book-lined walls. Whether you're grabbing coffee, browsing books, or looking for a relaxed spot for photos, it's a great choice. Definitely recommend. Stephen Lawson Photography
Jozelynn Worden
My fav coffee shop in all of Richmond!! :)
