Tried fuel pump due to being recommended by my followers. Maybe I went on a really really REALLY bad day but this is probably the worst matcha I've ever had. The service was nice enough but when I entered at 1PM on Friday. There were boxes everywhere. On the table tops, the menu board on the floor. There's no listed menu so you have to wait to get to the register to even see what they have. It really looked a mess in there and not like it was ready for patrons. I ordered my matcha which came out to almost $10!!!!! Imagine my surprise when the barista brings it out to me and it looks like swamp water and it tasted like diluted milk with a hit of matcha. I was so disappointed and I really wanted to ask for another drink cause $10 down the drain is tough but I just left. Based on the barista and the look of the establishment, it probably wasn't going to get any better. I'm really losing hope in getting matcha from cafes in Richmond. Truly so disappointing. I threw it away as soon as I walked out the door. read more

Fuel Pump - Ice matcha latte - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Fuel Pump is essentially the definition of craft coffee. Prices match the quality, especially for the fancier latte offerings. I've had several flavors, and I really like the cinnamon roll one the best. Their eggnog one over the holidays was delightful too. The space is on the smaller side inside, but they have a really nice patio area, perfect for the spring or fall. Service can be spotty depending on how busy they are, but overall they are friendly and doing their best! I'm happy to have Fuel Pump on my rotation. read more

Fuel Pump - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

This spot was much slower than some of the other coffee shops in the area which was nice. They had a small selection of pastries and a menu of specialty drinks as well as your standard coffee drinks. The pastries were soft and sweet and the service was quick. Definitely worth a stop. read more

Fresh ingredients...friendly owner and staff. Their spicy mango margaritas are delicious!!! read more

Fuel Pump - Spicy Mango Margarita...delicious!!! - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I can't believe I've lived in Richmond without ever coming to the Fuel Pump. They have a wide array of fun, interesting, and affordable drinks. They have a wonderful atmosphere and an attentive staff. I will be coming here again soon to try more drinks! read more

Fuel Pump - passionfruit mango coconut matcha - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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It's a neighborhood hangout with a large, open patio and they have a really fun menu. The quality of baked goods and drinks are both good. It does take a minute to order and to get your orders, but the service is good and you just sit back and hangout while waiting. The prices are not cheap per se, but you will come back for the vibe. read more

I got the marshmallow world($7) and it was super amazing! It had a slightly smoky flavor which paired quite well with the marshmallow taste. It was definitely on the sweeter side, but never tasted like sugar syrup. The staff were very friendly even when they were super busy. Overall a great cafe to get coffee! Drink (50%): 8.8 Staff/service(25%): 8.0 Value(25%): 7.0 Overall: 8.2/10 read more

This place is amazing! A fun, playful, creative atmosphere. The specialty drinks menu is spectacular. With unexpected and unique flavors. They also offer coffee cocktails and other cocktails, and beer and wine. In addition to delicious looking snacks and pastries. I tried a drink from the specialty menu at the time, a spicy honey lavender latte. Which was exquisite with a complex flavor profile. Plus look how pretty the drinks are! The space is LGBT+ friendly, which is very much appreciated. And the staff were so kind and welcoming. They have a fantastic location right in the heart of Carytown. Great outdoor seating with their spacious patio. The menu is a bit on the pricey side. But I found out they give a discount to customers who live in or around Carytown. I went in with a friend who lives in the neighborhood and they even let me use her discount too! If you've not been, you gotta check them out! read more

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I cannot say enough good things about Fuel Pump and the whole team. I used to live around the corner, so I used to frequent this spot on a monthly/weekly basis or so to get some work done. This is a great spot, especially if you are itching to try something new. I found it really fun to walk in, strike up a conversation either with the owner or one of the baristas, and to try a drink that I didn't even realize I would love. I highly recommend their seasonal offerings-- they can also make an elevated version of all of the usual favorites. read more

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My quest to try Richmond area coffee shops took me to Fuel Pump today. I arrived with a friend around 11:00am on a Sunday and was pleased to find ample street parking and a very short line in this popular place. The barista was super friendly and helpful, and took her time with each customer. My friend and I both ordered off the seasonal menu - she got the Smashing Pumpkin and I got the Raspberry Beret. We were happy that we decided to sit and drink our coffees, as they were served in mugs, so we could appreciate the artistry of the barista. We both really enjoyed our drinks while sitting in this cool coffee shop. I'm so glad I finally made it here and will frequent this place going forward. read more

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Vibes were good! I got an iced vanilla latte w oatmilk and sweet cream foam and a red velvet muffin. The price was around 12 dollars for both so reasonable for this area I'd say. The workers were nice and brought food and drink to us. I liked sitting outside. read more

Fuel Pump - iced vanilla latte with oatmilk and sweet cream foam and a red velvet muffin - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

The service was AMAZING! The barista was very knowledgeable and had really great suggestions. read more

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Service from time order was placed to time you get your beverage served had about 7 to 10 minute wait when I was here on a Sunday mid-day. Ambiance was casual, rustic - they served tea, etc on charcuterie board (cute). I ordered the turmeric and ginger (syrup added) hot drink, very good and highly recommended. read more

Fuel Pump - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Good spot for a pick me up mid day. Plenty of great choices - drinks, coffee, tea and food. A good crowd and nice outdoor seating in the much needed sun. read more

Was excited to try fuel pump after seeing all the good reviews, but sadly every time I try this place its just a little worse than last time lol. Been about 3 or 4 times now because the location is convenient and the hours are great especially for the area. On the other hand the espresso always has a sour taste to it. Friendly service. Inside is decent sized with more seating outside. read more

Fuel Pump on Cary is a great option if you're looking for a space to meet up, catch up, or study. I appreciate that some of their seating options have outlets for charging electronics. I love their in house lemonade, that to me, is what keeps me coming back. Their hot chocolate was just ok, not super sweet or flavorful and was more lukewarm. Overall the quick staff, the cool atmosphere, prime location so I can always find parking, and good lemonade is a worthwhile stop on Cary Street. read more

Fuel Pump - Hot Chocolate - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I wanted to love this coffee shop so much. The location is PERFECT and the coffee shop has a wonderful vibe. They have a large outdoor seating area which is perfect for a cup of coffee and people watching. I'm only giving it three stars because my matcha was very gritty and tasted overly bitter and my banana muffin tasted off. My husband really enjoyed his seasonal latte though and his breakfast pastry so perhaps I was having an off-palate day. Everyone who worked in the shop were so friendly and answered any questions we had without hesitation. The all-gender bathrooms were super clean. Also, please note they do not accept cash. read more

Fuel Pump - Banana nut muffin - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

What a nice surprise. This is a warm and cozy coffee shop in Cary Town. The staff is friendly and really sets the tone for the place with their pace and kindness. I had a sweetened latte and I will be back for more. 5 stars for sure! read more

Fuel Pump - Drinking my yummy medium latte - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Pricey, but cute - not at all like your mainstream coffee shops. They got really creative with the fall flavors, which I appreciated a ton. Got the brown sugar cinnamon (I think?) latte and it was so homey and delicious - perfect on a cold rainey day when I was there. Beautiful design atop it as evidenced by the photo - they put some heart into making this. Overall a great experience! read more

Fuel Pump - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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I stopped into Fuel Pump on a rainy Sunday afternoon on a whim. The restaurant I wanted to go to was full and I really needed coffee and/or a cocktail. Well I ended up in the right place because fuel pump has both coffees and cocktails! That in itself is really unique but what separates Fuel Pump from the pack is the level of care and craftsmanship that goes into the cocktails! I had the pleasure of meeting Aaron and he made it his mission to walk me through a few different options on the menu until we landed on the perfect drinks. I ordered an espresso martini and my husband had an a Smokey mule with orange (I can't remember the name), it was fantastic. This is not a place to go for a quick cup of coffee, Aaron and the team take pride in what they do and have thoughtful conversations with each of their guest. While waiting in line for my next round of coffee I heard the staff asking questions like "Are you ok with dairy? " which is a very thoughtful thing to ask IMO. The staff also checked in with customers to ensure they liked the drinks they ordered! The vibe is warm and cozy. It's a smaller place with bright windows located on a street corner. It's a great place to people watch or get lost in the hustle and bustle of Cary street. They do have a nice outdoor space that has seating as well. Overall I really enjoyed my time here and look forward to my next visit. read more

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What a cute spot! I love walking around Cary Street so I probably have seen this place a zillion times on past trips to Richmond but haven't stopped in for some refreshment until yesterday when it was about 90 outside and blazing sun. Their delicious and unique menu drew us in from the street and the extremely cute patio seating outside with shade and firefly lights is adorable. The barista was SO friendly and really patient as my mom and I suffered from analysis paralysis bc about 10 things sounded good. In the end, I went with an Aqua Fresca with lime, cucumber and watermelon and it was SO good. Just tart enough and super refreshing. My mom went with a simple iced black tea and I also loved hers. Really delicious tea shakes with some lemon. Lattes and specialty coffees are what I'm getting next time and they had a small assortment of baked goods too. Really great and easygoing vibes to hang out for a while and enjoy your drink in the shade. read more

Great local coffee house w alcohol that has a pretty indoor area and a dog-friendly patio. We just moved to the area and have been here twice already, and the more you frequent, the greater the discount, which is unheard of in Austin. Great vibe and atmosphere, friendly service amazing coffee and drink selection...plenty of seating. 5 stars! read more

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Great place! So happy I was able to stop in yesterday. I had the Something in The Orange cocktail. Simply amazing! Muddled orange in an espresso martini. Just wow! Service was excellent as well. Just a really cute little spot that's super worth checking out. read more

Fuel Pump - Something in The Orange Cocktail - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

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LOVED this coffee shop! Popped in with a friend while shopping and we both tried the flavored lemonades, she got the lavender and I tried the hibiscus rose, which were both delicious! They do come with petals, which looked nice but were a bit annoying while drinking, so keep in mind when ordering. We also had the croissants heated up which were so good! The worker was very kind and helpful in deciding what to try when we came in. They also have some alcoholic drinks and both indoor and outdoor seating, making this a good place for any time of the day read more

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Great little place to grab some coffee in Carytown! Been here multiple times and always gravitate towards the flavored lattes or teas. The baristas are always so helpful and make great recommendations if you're stuck on the menu. read more

I love this hidden gem in Carytown. ***LOCATION*** In the past, I didn't venture far west on Cary st, but lately I have and I've really enjoyed it. This coffee shop is on Auburn ave and Cary st. There is street parking out front and nearby (in true Carytown fashion). ***EXPERIENCE*** On a sunny and warm day, this is the place you want to be. It's great to enjoy a drink in their outside space. This is always a great spot on a rainy day with its big windows. I love when they have drink specials. Their Halloween ones had great flavors and great names. This is also one of the spots in Richmond that can properly make matcha (no unmixed powdery globs). They are closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, but be sure to check their Instagram if they have any weird hours they'll let you know there. ***BATHROOM*** Clean all genders single bathroom. ***CONCLUSION*** I love their cafe drinks here. I hope to try their food and wine bar on my next visit. read more

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This is a cute neighborhood spot that was very welcoming. They have the option of indoor or outdoor seating which I appreciated. I tried the peach peony white blend tea with lavender syrup as the sweetener. The tea was brewed perfectly and I really enjoyed the lavender syrup. The price for the tea is on the higher side but portion size was nice! read more

So, I'm awful with names. However one of the owners took his time to sit and chat while my friend and I grabbed a cup of coffee. When we came in he was also talking to others, he seemed really friendly and personable. Not often you see the owner of a business take their time to speak with you, The place was nice and clean, coffee was great. Environment was very welcoming read more

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The best coffee shop in Carytown. Amazing drinks. Staff is incredible, so nice, great recommendations. If you're in the area try this cafe!

My husband and I came here on Sunday and had a wonderful experience. The staff was very nice and gave great recommendations. I ordered the Matcha martini and my husband ordered a drink called the "lone wolf"; both were fantastic. I'm a HUGE matcha fan and it's hard to find good quality matcha. This was one of the best cocktails I've had this year, period. If you love matcha like I do, definitely go and give it a try!!! My husband ordered his drink, which had scotch and smoked fig. It was wonderful and different, as scotch is normally a sipping alcohol and you don't see it and mixed cocktails very often. I plan on going again this week, I would highly recommend!! read more

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My favorite place in Richmond for coffee!! They're always so friendly and accommodating!

This was my first time going but I can say with certainty I'll be back! My friend and I visited this coffee shop about 30 minutes before they closed. There were still plenty of people sitting inside and outdoor on the patio. This seems like a great place to relax with a friend or bring your laptop to get some work done. The owner was there when we visited and introduced himself to my friend and I. The owner was incredibly nice and seems very passionate about his business. I ordered an iced matcha and the owner informed me they use genuine Japanese matcha. My drink was great and you could tell they didn't add a ton of sugar to the matcha like some other places do! I'd love to visit this place again a little earlier in the day so there's more time to relax on the patio. read more

Fuel Pump - Iced matcha - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Sweet and friendly baristas, chill place in a cool area, alcohol options as well as coffee, great place to get some work or readinflg done

Fuel Pump has been my local as well as my favorite coffee spot in Carytown. However, on more than one recent occasion I have gone there to grab a coffee and they have been either out of coffee, the coffee was cold, or the milk was nearly spoiled. I can't understand why rather than offer to make more coffee, I just get an apology and better luck next time. You're a coffee shop, hot coffee should be the minimum. I'm writing this because i want someone to take notice and I really want this place to stick around. read more

Cute decor with plenty of seating both inside and outside. The food menu offers bagels and pastries (as of 10/14/3). I like that coffee "for here" is served in a mug, it adds to the experience. A cool feature inside is the chalk board where you can add your own art. read more

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First time I came here I got a seasonal fall drink and it wasn't my favorite, but I decided to give them another try and this time my drink tasted so sour. read more

Good taste, but the price is WAY too high for everything. I only got a picture of one side of the menu for an example but still. Service is great and the wait time is reasonable for how many people come thru but it's genuinely not worth the price. I got a matcha with strawberry and added whip on top, and my husband got a plain lemonade. The lemonade was very good I'll give them that, but the matcha wasn't very strong tasting especially with the strawberry. read more

Fuel Pump - Menu - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

I had the best London fog here this past weekend! The presentation was great and I loved that they gave me extra so I could top off my drink! My friends got a cinnamon roll and lemonade and were also very happy with their choices. read more

Fuel Pump - London fog - Wine Bars Near Me - Richmond, Virginia

Just stopped by for some coffee. The young lady behind the coffee was so sweet spoke to us and soon as we walked in. I asked if they had any sugar free syrup. She informed they don't since they make all stuff in house. She told me about Agave so I tried that. That was really good coffee. Learned something new today. Place was nice and clean and quiet. Will be back if in the area. Very nice young lady. read more

While waiting in line to order sourdough bagels from Chewy's Bagels, my wife ran over to Fuel Pump to get a latte for her and a chai latte for me. Tempting to stay on the outdoor patio, we brought the drinks over to us. Her latte was average and my chai latte was too. read more