Coffee and food are both very good, especially the breakfast bagels. I love them. I think people's reaction to the owner is overblown. Just said he wanted the police to enforce the curfew more because of the rioting. Which in the end he ended up being right as someone threw a brick through the window in the middle of the night. From what I hear 3 people threw bricks through the window and people think he did it for insurance fraud for some reason. Rumors travel fast I guess. He never even mentioned BLM or anything like that, people are just review bombing off of 3rd or 4th hand rumors. read more

Their coffee is the BEST around, even better then the classic Starbucks, however the menu is more limited. The venue is smaller so think about getting your coffee to go. Prices are very reasonable and worth the money. The sandwiches and tea there were also delicious. Would definitely recommend for a laid back Sunday morning coffee run. read more

Black Hand Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

We went at 2 pm on a Saturday and the guy working here by himself did a really great job. He made our bagels while also taking and completing other people's orders. We probably only waited 5 minutes total. The bagels are delicious and the coffee is amazing! read more

Black Hand Coffee - Coconut iced latte and bacon egg and cheese Asiago bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Big fan of this place. Menu is straightforward, coffee is reasonably priced, and staff is friendly. The shop is small, only 5 or so tables and a window bench, but wifi is free if you're able to snag a spot. This place has super reasonably priced cold brew - if you're looking for a refreshing caffeine fix this is your spot. Staff is young and loves to make banter with customers - make sure to bring headphones if you want to do work. I'll be making this a regular for sure. read more

Black Hand Coffee - 20oz cold brew - strong, delicious, and a deal at $2.75 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

How do I even begin? I found this place on Yelp and let me tell you, this hole in the wall has THE best dirty chai I have been had (possibly tied for first place with The Coffee Bar in DC). I cannot comment on the consistency since I've only been here once, but it was definitely a memorable first time. I definitely would recommend this place to anyone based on my first (but not last) experience. Dirty chai lovers, this is your place!! **did not take a picture because I drank it too quickly** read more

This place is my FAVORITE coffee shop and my go to. You really feel like a local coming here. Its a small shop with a few tables and a small bar. My go to drink is the $1 refills(bring your own cup any size) .But if its your first time also get the CHAI, I usually get it filthy but if you dont want something AS strong get it dirty. Filthy, dirty, or just regular you gotta try the Chai . I also love the bagel sandwiches. Its a small selection of food but what they do have alwaya hits the spot. Basically they just have breakfast bagels which they sell till its gone . Everything is fresh but you do get chraged for each add on like egg,cheese,bacon,sausage, pesto, hummus,or tomatoes. I usually use this place as a " grab & go" . When it gets busy the line can go to the door. If you wanna stay and do work they do have a few tabels. You'll find the outlets on the floor next to the tabels and wifi is free. You'll find some outside seating as well which is great on a beautiful day if you can manage to snag a spot. read more

Went here for a quick breakfast stop on a Saturday morning, & it was packed!! It's definitely on the smaller size of coffee shops, so there was the struggle of feeling like you're getting in people's way while you're waiting for your order. The overall set up is pretty cluttered, but I'd imagine the atmosphere to be cozy outside of the rush hours. In terms of their food, their drip coffee blew me away!! It was perfection at the first sip. I regret not asking about buying a bag of their Costa Rican beans, because I've been thinking about that cup of coffee since then. This place does not have a large menu, and I was quite disappointed in their bagel selection. However, they definitely demonstrated the importance of quality over quantity in the simple cream cheese on wheat bagel that I had. It was a SOLID bagel. Overall, it's a great place to stop by if you're in the area. Their coffee will not disappoint. read more

I have read what the owner said, I did not find it cancel-worthy; we gotta stop doing this to small businesses. COVID was hard enough on the local economy and there ARE racists out there, place your anger in the right direction. I FULLY support BLM and will continue to go to Black Hand. read more

Cute little coffee shop in the Fan! Has a very neighborhood feel, which I personally love! They don't have a parking lot, but plenty of street parking. I've been when it is both empty and packed. Seems like weekend mornings are the busiest. There's a small sitting area outside also. Can't go wrong with the dirty chai here! Super delicious with the perfect amount of caffeine! read more

See all

As a resident of the museum district and simple white man nearing his 30's I have spent years searching for the best ice coffee in Richmond. My criteria came down to a few basic items 1) Ambiance 2) Service 3) Offering 1) Ambiance When looking for a place to drink iced coffee, I want a place trendy enough to feel out of place, but not so trendy that I feel unwelcome. I want the barista to wear a t-shirt with a word like "Pitchfork", or something so ambiguous it leaves me confused as to if it is a book, movie, or band all of which I am unaware. I want to walk in and see several different styles and textures of reclaimed wood. I want to see some type of "urban art" or "graffiti" on the wall that if I saw it in a more urban area would make me hold on to my wallet a little tighter and walk little quicker. I want to to look around and see at least 3 patrons in various checker pattern flannels. When I close my eyes I want to hear music reminiscent of the sound your computer made in the late 90's when logging on to dial up internet. When I walk into Black Hand I get all of that and more. 2) Service Walking into most local coffee shops reminds me of sitting down in 6th grade french. There are words on the board that are in a different language I do not and will not ever understand. What makes Black Hand so unique is their patience to deal with the ignorant and stubborn out of place man who simply wants "a coffee but cold." Every time I am in there they walk me through their plethora of options ultimately directing me to their cold brew. One would think I would just order cold brew from the start, however if I did that, I would no longer be able to speak to the quality of their service, thus removing one of the pillars thus removing the 2nd leg of this tripod of a review. 3) Offerings Now toward the beginning of my review I am sure you noted that I identified myself as a nearly 30 year old white man and I am sure your imagination began running, trying desperately to picture my face, build, and other identifying features in order to try and finish the picture I have begun to paint with my words. I hesitate to identify as handsome but I am comfortable being described as having roguish good looks if I were to lose 20-30 pounds. Although I have been spending a good deal of time at the gym lately, I am still at the point where I break a mild sweat while switching from a reclined position to standing from my chair and as such I just don't feel comfortable drinking simple syrup or real sugar. What sets Black Hand apart from most other artisanal coffee places is that they have no calorie sugar substitute and with my health which can optimistically be described as tenuous, that is all I really need. It should be clear that I am either extremely passionate about the product Black Hand provides or need more hobbies so in summation I will say, does anyone want to meet at Black Hand for some iced coffee so I no longer have the spare time to write reviews like these? read more

Holy coffee! So I read a recommendation on here for the ice dirty chai. Hello heaven! If you haven't tried it here, I can honestly say you're missing out! So RUN don't walk and get yourself one ASAP! Also, an added bonus... they are cheaper than Starbucks! Can't argue that! They have a cute space and offer seating with WiFi! You can't go wrong with Black Hand! read more

Black Hand Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Best dirty chai I have ever had and the egg and cheese English muffin was great! Not to mention the customer service was so warm and welcoming and the back patio area is so outdoorsy for the middle of the city! read more

Awesome little coffee shop started with love by Richmond locals. The roasts here are really something special, and I recommend you grab a bag of beans along with whatever else you come into order. Bags are very affordable for the quality, $12/lb (or maybe its a 12oz, I forget!). You can also order the beans if you fall in love like I did, and the shipping is super reasonable! Black Hand is a rare breed of coffee shop that is serving a high-end, quality product without any air of pretension. Staff are friendly, space is welcoming and cozy, prices are more than reasonable. The cafe size is intimate, so I'd recommend against coming with a large group or taking up scarce seating for hours with your laptop. Lovely little place to make your regular haunt, or just swing through on your way to wherever. read more

Blackhand Coffee -roasted in back and brewed up front. Wonderful addition, delicious coffee, friendly service and did I mentiin delicious coffee. Just a few tables but tons of community spirit, they have their own parking lot and a nice view of the street, located across from Luncheonette. read more

Black Hand Coffee - Entrance to Cafe Nostra - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Had an Iced Almond Milk Latte this morning at South of The James Market and it was fantastic. Customer service was great, the server girl was very nice and helpful. Truck is super adorable that goes there too! read more

Black Hand Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Not gonna lie, this place sucks. I live in the neighborhood and have given Black Hand several chances with their drip and lattes. Tastes like burned ash on a good day. I don't leave many reviews, but after the last failed attempt yesterday I felt compelled to write this. If all you sell is coffee, it should be good without having to add loads of cream and sugar. read more

Hipster little spot. They brew this own cold brew. I got a cappuccino it was tasty. Small little place, you could do work here but you'd have to make sure to come early to get a seat! This place was bumpin' on Saturday morning. read more

I swear this coffee is blessed by God himself. My favorite coffee ever and my absolute FAVORITE staff! They are all so welcoming and sweet and make you feel so at ease when there! The vibe of walking inside and chilling waiting for your coffee to be made and walking the outdoor seating is totally immaculate and my favorite thing to do any day of the week! read more

Quick stop in RVA and ordered a dirty chai to go. Very hipster ambience with lots of young people having breakfast/coffee during the weekend. The chai was a bit sweeter than I usually like, but overall very good! Would be back if I'm in the area. read more

Black Hand Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I came here after disappointed from another spot nearby. I should've went here first. Their dirty chai latte is amazing! Friendly staff and great quality expression. The barista also let me try their cold brew. It was delicious. I highly recommend this place. read more

So good! I went for the first time today and it did not disappoint! I got the caramel latte and would highly recommend it. The staff is super friendly and the space is so cute!! If you are in the area this is a must visit shop!! read more

I would give a 5-star rating. But I have to warn the people who come here and the people who work here, one of the employees yells for absolutely no reason. And it happens a lot. I come here to work and to read, and I understand it's a busy environment, but the constant yelling is alarming. Every time she does it I snap my head around to make sure everything is okay in this cozy coffee shop. It's quite sad because this place has tremendous coffee and is a flat out cool little shop, but it's just totally unacceptable. :(. Otherwise, this place is affordable, delicious, and downright cool. read more

Black Hand is my go-to when I'm in the mood for a *really good* cup of coffee and a relaxing atmosphere to soak up some WiFi in. Not only are their coffee and breakfast sandwiches delicious, the staff is always friendly and the shop itself is full of great vibes and clientele. Located in a quiet neighborhood in The Fan District, you immediately feel right at home when you walk into its brick-walled, wood-floored space. Although often crowded when I come inside, I almost always find room to sit and relax. read more

Black Hand Coffee - Told myself I'd quit drinking coffee last week, but Black Hand's espresso is just too delish! #addicted - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I usually do not review after a first visit, but Yelp keeps contacting me to write a review. We decided to walk her Sunday morning to enjoy the weather and try out a local coffee place, and my gf had run out of coffee. Being a fan of supporting local business and seeing Brookland Park growing positively and getting more locally owned small businessed we decided to try Nostra for some coffee. I am not a huge fan of coffee, but I will drink some iced drinks if the mood strikes me. The experience here was positive and definitely somewhere we are going to visit again. Inside was warm and inviting. It is very small, more of a place to grab and go, or to hang out with a significant other for a short while. The gentleman working was friendly and explained what they had and was willing to make anything we requested. The customers seemed to know each other and have interacted before. My gf got a flavored latte, and I ordered an iced mocha latte. She was very happy with her drink, mine was not bad, but I did end up getting a hot latte, not iced. It wasn't a big deal, I drank it and was happy. Overall we are going to come back again, there isn't a huge menu but I appreciate that. They keep it simple and tasty and what more could you ask for. read more

Rude establishment so who would get coffee here when there's so many places to choose from in Carytown. Bad customer service loses customers. read more

Best dirty chai I've ever had. Reasonably priced as well. Cute little spot to hang as well with the little patio area.

When I think about ordering something at a restaurant or coffee shop, typically the word "dirty" is the last thing I want. When it comes to Black Hand, however, I've got a one track mind for that Dirty Chai. What's a Dirty Chai? Oh only the most amazing drink EVER. Chai and espresso. Two of my favorite things combined into one deliciously perfect drink. When it's made at Black Hand, that is. I've ordered it at numerous other coffee shops and I'm always left yearning for Black Hand's version. Seriously, no one does it better than they do. Black Hand also cooks up some pretty darn good bfast sammiches, too. Egg and extra cheese on a Cupertino's bagel? Yes, please! The perfect morning pick-me-up, free Wi-fi, and a chill coffeehouse vibe? I'll take it any day of the week! read more

Having visited the new location several times now, I have to say that I've changed my mind about the place. While the coffee is still excellent, the service and atmosphere of the place make it unwelcoming. The staff spend most of the day sitting and smoking cigarettes out on the patio while talking with their friends from the area, only going into the shop when a new customer arrives. If you are not one of said friends, service is cool and unfriendly- what I would expect from the membership director of an exclusive country club, not a coffee shop. I think I'll give my business to someone who wants it from now on. read more

I enjoyed the low-key, no frills attitude of Black Hand Coffee. I stopped in on a weekday morning and found a spot at the window (nice place to read for a few, plus plenty of plugs for my gadgets). I initially wanted tea, but got the hint that this is strictly a coffee institution when the barista said he MAY have black and green teas. No problem! The coffee is bold. No bitterness whatsoever. Plus, $2 for an iced coffee is a screaming bargain. Definitely make time to visit Black Hand, savor a cup, and support a local business. read more

This is an adorable little neighborhood coffee shop with amazing coffee. Their staff is generally fun and chatty and the lattes are amazing. However, the best thing on the menu by far is the dirty chai. When it's hot, it's like a Christmas miracle is dancing across your tastebuds. When it's cold, you can't help but smile while you sip it in the sunshine. My weekend feels incomplete without at least one trip to this place. read more

Black Hand Coffee - Iced dirty chai! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

If you love decent coffee, and being treated as if patronizing a local business is a problem for them, you are gonna love Black Hand. I've been here several times, each time hoping that it was a better experience than before. To be clear, the drinks are almost always solid. The problem is, each and every casual question I've asked about a product or positive comment I have made when interacting with staff has been met with a completely dismissive response, such as "I don't know. Read the label." I am a retail worker, and former restaurant worker, so I understand that people get frustrated during a rush. I also understand that people have bad days, and we can't always be on our A game for each customer. this is why I've gone back in the past, but will no longer. I prefer a minimal level of conversational elitism when I'm helping to support someone's dream. Bummer. read more

There are decent diners. There are good cafes. There are even amazing coffee houses. Black Hand Coffee Company blows the roof off. As you take in the Local Art offerings complimenting the warm minimal interior, look down at your breve. That's right, brother. The dude behind the bar with the killer beard, aka Chris just marked the breve with a flower. Around that point you may be getting that this place is going to deliver something special. The coffee quality? This is truly of the highest quality beans I've experienced and I am very grateful that they are a neighbor. They take coffee cravings to an all new level. The vibe is chill. Very chill. Classical playing in the background, low key lighting, a nice coffee bar, in & out seating area. Check these guys out. Thank me later. read more

Hands down, my favorite spot to get coffee in Richmond. Solid coffee shop that's no frills and serves a good, strong cup o' joe. Limited seating inside and outside but that's okay, Black Hand is usually a "grab 'n' go" stop for me. The Dirty Chai is a sinfully decadent, caffeinated delight - just thinking about it practically gives me a caffeine buzz! And for more bang for your buck - be sure to bring your own mug! You save a bit of money and you're helping the environment = win-win! The employees are happy to fill up your mug with whatever caffeinated beverage you desire. They also sell bagels, pastries, and breakfast sammies if you're in need of noms. Fantastic coffee shop in the Museum District. Visit this place the next time you need a caffeine fix - I'll most likely be there in line waiting for my Dirty Chai. read more

I buy beans. A lot. Maybe a pound a week. Is that outrageous? Maybe not. But trying to buy good beans can be expensive. That's where Black Hand comes in. I bought a reusable tin from them within the last year or so and they fill it up for 10$ or less. Great deal and the beans are just as good if not better than some of the other local coffee roasters. Plus, I can stumble out of my apartment prior to work when I forgot to get some beans the day before. Great! They have a nice little selection of breakfast sandwiches. Don't come expecting a cafe experience with salads and soups and all that jazz. You get coffee. Good coffee and some basic sandwiches. Gone are the days when Black Hand carried good beer. I liked that and kept getting nonspecific answers from the staff about why it disappeared. I get a lot of nonspecific answers from the staff actually, but that's cool. That is the vibe of this place. "Service with a smirk" like one of the comments posted on their website says. Their blog reveals that they are moving around the corner to Belmont and Patterson. I hope that works out for them. I like their little location as it is but understand the need for more space. Their plans include two separate patios at the new spot. They roast their beans right there in the shop, permeating the neighborhood with the smell of fresh roasted coffee. Black Hand has a low key vibe, a nice place to relax for a bit without all the rush of some of other local spots. read more

One of my favorite local coffee shops. The dirty chai is a must but Black Hand always delivers on the best lattes or cappuccinos in the area too. Love the drip coffee so much too that we always keep a bag of Campfire or MD6 for coffee at home. read more

I have been wanting to stop by this coffee shop for a while for a caffeine rush. After looking at all the reviews today I realize I should've gotten the Dirty Chai for the caffeine buzz I was after. Nevertheless the coffee that I ordered was great though, it was an Ethiopian blend with one shot of espresso. The service was very good, the place was packed when I went in, which was about 12:30 today. Being a first timer in there it was very clear that the people are regulars and I was an outsider. Everyone in the shop was diligently working on their computers or their phones, just plugging away at the daily grind. I don't think there is any need for me to post pictures, from what I see every possible picture on Yelp completely describes this place. The Dirty Chai will be next for me. read more

Two stars for proximity to my haus, but otherwise the service here is just depressing. They are not even mean in an exclusive way, just well-rounded rude. I heard them chit chat with a friend for awhile and then talk loud smack about him when he left. Most importantly, if you live within a half mile of blackhand, every two weeks or so the entire neighborhood smells like burnt coffee it's pretty rank read more

Black Hand is definitely better than your typical chain coffee house but I think I expected a little more. I arrived on a Wednesday morning around 9 and scoped out the place. There were a few people hanging on their computers - everyone seemed to be a regular and when I walked in dressed in a suit, I felt like a total outsider. I asked if there were any pourover options for their drip coffee and the gentleman behind the counter told me yes. I said ok, I'll have one and he proceeded to give me a cup and point me to their coffee dispenser, which was located at the milk bar. The coffee was surprisingly excellent - it was labeled "Brazil," mildly roasted and a nice chocolately mouth feel. The roasters here definitely know what they're doing. However, I want some information on where they source their beans other than just that one label that says "Brazil." I want tasting notes. I also want the option to have freshly ground V60, Woodneck or even a Siphon option, which would give me the option of freshly ground beans. These are things I have come to expect in a place that roasts their own beans. Once these options are available, Black Hand would be a 5-star coffee house for sure. read more

Black Hand is a really cool little coffee spot tucked away in the museum district. I think it's often overlooked because it's no thrills, but it's great for people in the area. The coffee is good, as are the lattes and other beverages, but there isn't much variety and costs are a little higher than I would expect or hope for. I do have to agree that service tends to favor the friends of those that work here... but I still some reason like the place better than the other coffee shops in town. read more

This is a tiny coffee shop in the Museum District that's run by a group of people that roast the coffee in-house. I think most of the coffee they serve comes from a small farm in Costa Rica. Most the guys who work there are really nice and friendly...and always busy! Pretty basic coffee menu--Americano, lattees, chai, black eye, espresso. They also have bagels with cream cheese and some simple breakfast bagel sandwiches, like sausage, egg & cheese. What I like most about the Black Hand (besides the coffee) is the intimate indoor setting and the awesome chairs they have outside to drink and chat. ***Because it's a small shop with maybe one or two people working at one time, the service is a bit slow. If you order a bagel sandwich, you will definitely wait more than 5 minutes. read more