Lamplighter Roasting Company

Went for breakfast with friends before they headed out of town to beat 95 traffic. It was my first time here, and though the ordering process was a little confusing, I eventually figured out where the menus were. I had the srirachi sausage and egg sandwich and it was awesome. My friends are vegetarian and vegan and were very happy to find there were lots of options for them as well. Also, great outdoor patio
Cons: it was unclear if this was a serve yourself vs waiter staffed situation. We found a nice table outside, and after about 15 mins my friend realized that she had never gotten her coffee, and when she went to ask about it saw it sitting on the coffee bar. Luckily it was iced and covered.
Overall, the service leaves something to be desired, but the food is great.

I go here 2 – 3 times per week, ordering both drinks and food. It is consistently the best coffee shop in town, and certainly my favorite LL location. I’ve had lattes made by each of the baristas, and they always turn out great. I order the same sandwich each time I go and it has never let me down. I don’t think there is a better establishment in RVA for sitting outdoors, and it’s surprisingly affordable since you aren’t punished for ordering non-​dairy milk.
The only complaint I have would be that there are frequently smokers sitting outside for what seems like hours, who pay no mind to children and other patrons. However, this isn’t unique to Lamplighter, as Richmond has no ordinances against smoking outside of food establishments.

Really a neat dive to go to. Great service by the waiter and the food was spot on.
I really like the urban atmosphere feel and so many coming in and out that it was fun to people watch. Had some good discussion with my hubby after our meal was finished and we did not feel rushed to leave even though we probably should have but knowing that we knocked out a few key factors and were able get back on track on a project was a plus without feeling we were ‘camping out’. We really appreciate that coming from a busy establishment. Thanks guys!

Of all the coffee roasters in RVA, this is my least favorite. I’ve been to all three locations: Summit Ave, N. Morris St. and Addison St. I like Addison St. best since they have off-​street parking and outdoor seating, N. Morris St. second for the same, and Summit Ave. not at all. I just don’t like their coffee, which is probably personal preference, so I’ve tried their handcrafted beverages, which taste like warm milk with a hint of whatever it’s supposed to have in it. That’s a bummer for $ 5. A cup of black coffee is more expensive here than most of the other coffee roasters in town and their customer service is super slow. At each location, they have appeared openly annoyed when I had a kid in tow, even if I’m just in and out. There are better options elsewhere.

Great food! Excellent customer service, my first time coming and definitely won’t be the last!

I’ve visited this establishment many times and it’s one of the first stops while in RVA. The wifi is strong. The food is great for vegans and meat eaters. The beverages are great and well worth the wait.

I just walked out of Lamplighter for what will probably be the last time. I don’t know what it is because when this location first opened I never had any issues with them but it seems in the last six months or so all I get is a lackluster experience when I come here. I can’t remember the last time that I had a properly cooked egg sandwich. It’s usually always overcooked and very, very browned or undercooked and overly runny. The wait for a simple order is always at minimum ¹⁵⁄₂₀ minutes and I always dread having to deal with the snoody hipsters that work there.
I do appreciate that they were open during the snow storm and that they have a nice vibe in there but I’m going to be making my own egg sandwiches in the morning and getting my coffee from Greenbriar from now on. Too many misses. Sorry Lamplighter.

Nope. Nope. Nope.
Too many rules.
Do you want me to tip you, or bus my own table? Because I’m not going to do both. I’m the customer.
Good product, and some of the staff are friendly and normal, but most of the staff should move to Portland, Oregon, because that’s where their attitude belongs.
Loud atmosphere, claustrophobic seating.
The food is really good. But doesn’t justify the inflated prices.

Loved this place! They let me make a more custom sandwich and it was awesome. Everything was tasty. The soup was not to my taste, but my sister loved it. The chocolate vegan torte was good, even though I am not vegan. Very nice and friendly people. I could see myself coming again. Sister loved it too, and she usually dislike everything haha. More of a 4.5, but since I had such a good time I would round up.

I’ve tried really hard to love Lamplighter, but I just can’t. I love the environment and the seating space is great. A very relaxing coffee shop that isn’t one of those extremely quiet ones. You can actually have groups there and not feel like you’re being too loud or getting the side eye from other guests.
Back porch is wonderful on a nice day, and I love how a cute little park is in its backyard.
But as for the coffee, I just can’t fall in love. I am always willing to explore different kinds of coffee. And I’ve tried a variety of drinks from Lamplighter — the thai iced coffee, various lattes, iced coffee, iced latte, chai tea lattes, etc. I think it’s the bean roast that they use that I don’t like.
Their food is wonderful though and you get a really good portion for what you pay. I really recommend the Goat Herder’s Mistress! Reading the description might throw you off, but the flavor combination is wonderful. Love the house-​made chips and pickle on the side too!
Service is always a hit or miss. Sometimes I get a really nice attentive cashier, other times they just seem bored/​annoyed. And multiple times, I’ve had to ask them to remake a drink (one thing I HATE to have to do), because they didn’t make it with a dairy free option (I’m allergic to milk) or because they didn’t use the flavor syrup I asked for.

Totally recommended. When I refill my hispster tolerance, I’ll definitely be back. I loved the rotating selection of loose-​leaf teas (I had the Jasmine Pearl). Had it not been for the young lady kicking at the lovely little sparrows that frequent the fenced outdoor area and me cutting a severe look her way (I really could not help it) I would have enjoyed everything thoroughly. The staff is hard-​working and efficient, and I really like that they re-​purposed an auto shop into a coffee house. There is even some off-​street parking. Rare enough in the area. I’m fairly certain there is Wi-​Fi, I saw people surfing. I’d fall in shock over if they didn’t have it.

Lamplighter is great for muffins and tea. I’ve had their hibiscus rose tea, which is iced, and it’s great. I’ve also enjoyed their golden milk latte, which is ginger and turmeric tea with a bit of vanilla and frothed milk (hence the «latte»). My favorite muffin from Lampligher is the sweet potato muffins. It’s big, easy to share, and has a great top. I’d definitely recommend visiting this coffee shop.

The crema of the shot poured into my red eye lingered like her perfume, with rich silky golden tones swirling through. The croissant was perfectly flaky, with the beautiful musk of sun-​dried tomato punctuated by goat cheese.
So I sat down at the «bar» here and had to listen to two hipster-​wannabe undergrads talk about music. One of them said (verbatim): «I love it when musicians… (sigh)… when musicians just let the music BE.»
The manic pixie dream girl behind the counter forgot to make my coffee because she was too flustered after having been alerted to a slight mischarge of the customer before me which, to be fair, was immediately and very sweetly addressed. I think this is a metaphor for how Lamplighter (and its clientele?) gets in its own way. All of the tables are very close to each other, and there is a silence that screams awkward — everyone is clearly noticing everyone else, there’s nowhere else to look. Even the coffee «bar» has no windows; you are right in front of the ladies’ room, though, so there’s that. Come here to people watch, don’t come here to relax or unplug.
The coffee and food were both absolutely delicious. If I lived in the Richmond area (and if I’m ever there again), I would totally return here.

The coffee is delicious, the sandwiches the sort of thing dreams are made of, and while the space is small inside the outside seating offers one of the best ways to experience a Richmond morning. The DIY aesthetic is trendy these days but at Lamplighter it’s legit; the devotion to a well-​made cup of coffee or perfectly roasted bean is no pretense designed to impress but the foundation of the entire operation, and that expertise shows. Whether you’re driving through Richmond or looking for a new favourite morning spot, definitely stop by to take in the superb coffee and peaceful surroundings at Lamplighter.

I had to deduct one star from my score because they’ve recently screwed up so many times. A while ago, they completely forgot my drink order and made me wait twenty minutes. The last time I was here they messed up my drink order, and this time they gave me the sloppiest latte I’ve ever seen — and this was when it wasn’t busy yet. Disappointed in the subpar service and quality.

really cute café, seemingly the go-​to spot for the hip, but not overly pretentious.
i tried their cold brew, which was on point, and loved the atmosphere of the place. when we went, on a friday afternoon, the line was long. but the service was excellent — the person taking our order even apologizing for the wait.

Coffee shops are a dime a dozen these days and I often find myself wondering if this obsession with Java is merely a fad. If the day ever comes when the coffee shop craze is dead and buried Lamplighter will be standing atop the ruble with a hot cup of Joe raised toward the heavens.
Lamplighter is serious about coffee. Not only do they roast their own beans, but they spare no expense in providing a high quality product. Espresso is my drink of choice and LL has always left me caffeinated and satisfied. And just like Europe, they provide a double shot of sparkling water with every espresso (a rare find in the States).
When it comes to the perfect cup, coffee is anything but simple. Lamplighter makes it look like child’s play.

There are two reasons to go to Lamplighter. The coffee and the food. From what I can tell, the food is diligently created and the flavors are very well balanced. The chai is an actual chai latte with a chai tea bag in it. As an ex-​barista, I have to respect that.
Every time I go for lunch, I get the the Bianchi. Highly recommend. When I go for breakfast, I get the pomadore omelette. Everything is freshly made and with local ingredients, which I always support.
The people are awesome too. Great customer service and the manager always tries to converse with the customers. He even disclosed the secret to the sausage gravy!

Yum yum yum. Great coffee and awesome bagels. Even though they don’t always stick to the same prices when they’re ringing you up its still a great place. Horrible and uncomfortable chairs, so I wouldn’t go there to study or work as you would in other coffee shops. But the food is so good it makes up for it. I love the slayer with bacon substituted for sausage. All of the ingredients used are high quality and delicious

Today, my friends and I ordered two Thai coffees, a iced chai tea, and a chocolate chip cookie. The Thai coffees were amazing but the chai tea was a little watery. The chocolate chips were perfectly chewy. They also had these little orange chips. I think they’re caramel chips? but it just made the cookie taste even better.
Each cup comes in cute little mason jars and the staff is super nice. I had a great experience and would definitely come again.

Good bagels, kind of pricey. Not sure if this place is worth the hype, maybe it’s because I didn’t have any coffee? If I go again I will be sure to try it. I had just an Asiago bagel with cream cheese and my friend got «the works» on an Asiago which I thought was much better than mine (and much pricier).

Lamplighter is muh jam.
The tuna melt is so yummy. The ABC sandwich, with sliced apple, bacon, and cheddar is sometimes a special. The Ambassador special sandwich. Oh my gosh. It’s a French toasted English muffin, with a fried egg, Swiss cheese, and ham. The final part? Syrup to dip. Yeah.
Another one of my favorite sandwiches is the slayer. It’s a bagel sandwich with sausage, cream cheese, and sriracha jelly. So on point.
Their coffee is great. The brown sugar latte is my go-​to drink. So smooth and in a way, comforting. You can also get any of the lattes iced.
Let’s not forget about how great the atmosphere is. At all of the locations, too. Each one has its own feel. My favorite is Morris street with the open windows, white walls, and if it’s nice out, I’ll bring my husky and sit on the back patio. Check itttt

Love this location. They never run out of any of the food and have great kind staff! The food and coffee is the best!
The patio is a great place to sit but they have great indoor seating too!
Highly recommended, even over there other locations.

Everything about this place is great! the food, the service, the staff.
nuf said! see ya next week.

Awesome little coffee shop very close to VCU, which I’ve visited a few different times while visiting Richmond. Prices are reasonable– $ 5 – 6 for a breakfast sandwhich, ~$ 2 for a drip coffee, and ~$ 4 for a latte. I’ve had a lavender latte and a brown sugar latte, both of which were great, although a pretty light on the flavor (which is good, in my book). The croissants are a little dough-​y, but still soo good. I’ve also had the asparagus breakfast sandwich, which could’ve used a little more asparagus, but was still pretty good. I’ve also taken home a bag of coffee beans with me on two different occasions, which is a little pricey at $ 14 for a 12 oz bag, but the coffee is so. damn. good. Morris st. location always seems to be pretty busy, but not packed. I tried going to Addison st. location once and turned around because the line was coming out of the door.
My only complaint so far is that I came in with my boyfriend to order breakfast for ourselves and 3 friends, and we got back to our friend’s house only to realize the order was completely wrong (should’ve checked before we left the store). We called and then came back and all has been forgiven as they fixed the two sandwiches that were messed up and refunded us for those two.
I’m looking forward to coming back on my next trip to Richmond!

Stopped in while touring the area as per the recommendation of a friend. My ginger soda was heavenly, and my goat cheese sandwich was a-​ok, although I found the cheap potato chips that accompanied it to take away from rather than enhance the culinary experience. It was really busy but I still found a seat and excellent service. Really loved the atmosphere, and would happily return again and again.

My Chai latte (ice) was so bland… you can see in the picture. it taste like ice water with a tiny bit of Chai flavor… sandwich was okay.