The Lab by Alchemy Coffee

Richmond’s independent, diverse scene quickly won me over. The customers’ enthusiasm for new and interesting items is a big plus. There are some similarities to Portland, such as the hipster aspects. However, they are much more well-balanced in Richmond. There is a sense that people aren’t just trying new things to be counter-culture here but to be counter-culture. They are doing so for more serious reasons. Portland has a different atmosphere due to the climate and river. The gray winters are not something I miss, although I would love a few 75-degree summer days. Portland frequently received 95-degree weather during the summer. Most people in Portland do not have air conditioning, so this was a necessity. It is not unusual here. I can’t live without it. I found one thing missing here consistently great coffee. This was true for single-origin and espresso and drip. Both were of poor quality out of my personal espresso machine from Seattle Coffee Gear. There were many independent coffee shops here, but the quality was not good enough. Many independent shops were poor quality compared to Starbucks.

The coffee shop is in Richmond and is a local location. There are those who admire the wonderful coffee selection and how employees are nice and welcoming. People think the coffee is also well-brewed. The pour over coffee is mentioned as well. This coffee shop gets compliments all around. Many think it is a cool little place. The atmosphere is also praised, some people admire the iced lattes and how the staff knows their coffee. One reviewer expresses confusion when they are made cold brew lattes instead of espresso ones. They are in support of paying a living wage, but also think tipping would be a good idea. Some do not find the chai lattes to be well-made and think they are watery or very strong. The cinnamon rolls received positive reviews. Some reviews express wariness about the new ownership and hope that this new management will maintain the good reputation and be as cool.