Afterglow Coffee Cooperative

Best coffee in Richmond and there isn't a close second.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I went on a Sunday afternoon, and it was quite busy though the line wasn’t long (there was only one person ahead of me). I ordered a matcha latte with oatmilk and the beet & bean dip with focaccia “for here” and panicked a bit when I realized there were no open tables. After waiting a few minutes though, I was able to grab one before my food and matcha were out. Others had similar issues finding seating and I had one person ask to sit with me which was fine by me. There were quite a few customers working on computers and such in there which contributed to the lack of seating as they seemed to be “bunkered down” for a bit but what are ya gonna do. Overall really enjoyed the matcha and the food, and it’s the first gratuity free coffee shop I’ve been to, which was a nice change.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Afterglow Coffee is a beautiful, big, warm, inviting room in Scott's Addition, the kind of place that makes you want to meet friends for a long catch-up or settle in with a book and a properly made drink. The latte art is consistently gorgeous. Service is wonderful. The baristas learned my name almost immediately and had my order memorized after two or three visits during a stretch when my home machine was down.

Flavor-wise, the coffees skew bright and high-toned for my palate. Think citrusy, fruity aromatics and a cleaner acidity that reads like a shop roasting and dialing primarily with pour-overs in mind, minimal roast development, clarity over comfort. That is a style preference rather than a quality knock. I tend to like things a little more roasty-toasty, so be aware that a cappuccino or latte here will be flawlessly made, with tight microfoam and careful temperatures, yet it will still present as a touch brighter and more acidic than you might expect if you come from a different coffee scene.

All that said, Afterglow is a top-notch coffee shop. Beautiful space, kind people, serious craft. If a lively, modern roast profile is your thing, you will be in heaven. If you lean richer and browner, you will still respect the execution even as your taste buds lobby for a deeper roast.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Hands down our favorite coffee shop in the city. Amazing coffee and good rotating pastries. Best cortado AND best matcha in RVA. Cozy inside, great place to work or chat. Staff are super friendly every time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Coffee was good, interior is spacious and staff was friendly and quick. Bathroom was clean, overall a good experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Afterglow is a gem for Richmond. Excellent staff, welcoming staff, wonderful staff!!! I went once and I’ve never been to any other coffee shops in our area.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great customer service. Cute vibe. Yummy coffee. Nice spot to get some work done. Will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best coffee we’ve ever had in the US and we’ve tried plenty!
Staff are charming and sincere
Good simple yet delicious

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Extremely friendly and caring people that want their customers to get the best coffee. Please try the Ethiopian. It’s the best full natural processed coffee in all of Richmond.

The pandan matcha is amazing!!

Love this place.

Love this cafe. Great drinks and snacks. Love the vibe, great place to read or get some work done.

A great combination of roastery and coffee bar—good equipment, high-quality coffee, and a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. Loft-style interior. If you’re near Monument Avenue, it’s a great idea to stop by for a cup of coffee.

Tasty coffee in a cool space, did not try the food

I just had the best match of my entire life. I love Pandan and they incorporated it so beautifully. It’s like drinking a mango sticky rice version of matcha ! I’m so happy right now. I’m buying another matcha to take home with me ! Will definitely be coming back !!!!