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Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 7 pm
Sat 8 am - 8 pm
Sun 8 am - 5 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
20 reviews for Lift Coffee Shop & Cafe
20 reviews in English
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Review from aj c.
Richmond, VA
9/9/2011
I've been coming to Lift ever since I moved to the neighborhood - a two years now. Never, not once, have I been anything short of delighted by my experience there. I'm their hugest fan.
The decor is breezy and ethereal. Local art for sale on the walls. Free WiFi. The big, cushioned, wrap-around corner booth in the front window could probably seat five to six friends, and is always the first table to go. There's outdoor seating, too, but given the shady characters that hang around the neighborhood, I try to stay indoors.
Sandwiches, paninis, bagels, salads, pastries...even the pickiest eater can find something to sate their appetite at this little gem. I've tried The Banana (sliced banana, honey, and peanut butter grilled into a hearty panini - add bacon if you want), The Veggie (your typical Greek-style veg panini with roasted red peps, feta, spinach, etc), the Hummus Veggie (their hummus is SO good, complemented by a delicate balsamic drizzle), and the Tuna Melt (ask for extra cheese) - all VERY filling, save-half-for-later, quality sandwiches. You get your choice of side...chips, pasta salad, fruit salad, or yogurt and granola.
The star of the show, however, is without doubt the Funny Honey. I rave about this panini every time I get a chance, so here goes: Fresh sliced green apple, melty brie, egg, spinach, and honey, all melted together into one fab panini. Sound a little "out-there"? Please...trust me on this one. Hands down, home run, slam dunk, bar-none...finest panini I've ever had and will ever have, anywhere, anytime, in all circumstances. You can tell I'm serious about this one. It started out as one of their inventive specials (follow them on Facebook for a daily update of their latest daily creations - always interesting) and quickly gained a loyal following, moving promptly to their permanent menu.
Huge coffee selection, even though I'm not really a coffee drinker. I do enjoy a good soy chai latte now and then, and theirs is perfect - not too sweet, unlike the product at a certain coffee chain!! Their flavored iced teas are perfect for hot weather, and I've heard raves about their italian sodas. Mimosas are crazy cheap - something like $3. They sell both bottled beer and wine, with the option to create your own 6-pack.
Their all-female staff have never failed to provide friendly, attentive, respectful service, and they remember you after a few visits. Thanks for the good eats for going on 3 years now! -
Review from Ian R.
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Two reasons why this establishment is getting a sub-par review.
1. Pricey. I don't think $7 for a cafe au lait (watery) and a ham and cheese croissant (croissant straight out of a plastic bag) is a reasonable price. You don't pay this much for a coffee and breakfast sandwich in NYC, which is what this place is clearly trying to emulate.
2. Music noisy and obnoxious. Apparently the theme is 'floating in a cloud' or something involving clouds. I spend a TON of time in, above, and below clouds and trust me it does not involve dramatic, orchestral, vocal music that should be playing during at a Roman coliseum. -
Review from Kate J.
Buffalo Grove, IL
1/29/2012
This place has really tasty coffe and it has a very chill ambiance. I didn't give it 5 stars, though because of the seating. I like to sit down to enjoy my coffee, but the chairs are cheapie patio chairs that are not very comfortable. All in all, though, I would definitely recommed this place
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Review from Steve Y.
Brooklyn, NY
1/11/2012
I can't stop thinking about the Banana, Peanut Butter, and Honey panini. It wasn't technically a panini but WHO CARES. I don't live in Richmond but if I did, I would eat several of these things a week. Since I'm spoiled by NY bagels, I hate to say it but Lift's bagels were just so-so - but they have some very fresh and creative cream cheese mixtures that would make an old shoe taste great!
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Review from Sean C.
Richmond, VA
4/19/2011
I am sitting here right now in fact, this is my second visit. I usually pop in for an iced tea and to download big files on my laptop. Today I had the most amazing blueberry cream cheese on an everything bagel that it has amped up my smile factor enough to get me to write another review. I also think that the "Coffee Happy Hour" from 3-4pm everyday with 1/2 price drip coffee and 2 for 1 desserts is another reason to give this locally owned coffee shop a visit.
I applaud the owner for not only starting a business on W Broad Street before it was super trendy to do so but for also offering free WiFi and al fresco seating out front. The place is cheery and inviting and the staff is friendly and efficient. They even sell imported beers and Coca Cola in big glass bottles! Famous for its "Banana and Peanut Butter Panini" which is drizzled in honey is yet another reason to try LiFT!
Think Globally, Drink Locally! -
Review from Megan P.
Richmond, VA
6/30/2011
First thing: blackberry-lime italian soda. DELICIOUS and perfect for these warm humid days.
Why hadn't I found this place before? Reminds me of my favorite coffee house back home. Great interior, simple, friendly, and the brie/strawberry panini was tasty. I wish I lived across the street because I bet brunch here would be pretty good. -
Review from Derick K.
Richmond, VA
5/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Italian Sodas are a great way to cool off on a warm day.
While walking up Broad Street from the Bottom, a friend and I decided to see what sort of changes have been going on in the Downtown Richmond area. The sidewalk traffic hasn't changed much, but as you get closer and closer to VCU, the storefronts become very desirable in the sense that I don't have to maneuver through a crowd of people (waiting for a bus?) to get to a door. Two places jumped out at me as "must tries" and this was one of them (they even have patio seating!!!!!!!)
I had to stop through here again before I left Richmond, just to try something else on the menu. Again. Italian Soda. Try it. I had the Blackberry & Lime, which was delightful. The list of syrups available will ensure that they continue to have me reaching in my pocket throughout the summer. On the morning trip I found parking right at the front door and stopped in for a latte. It takes a lot to get me bent out of shape about what you serve me, but they put together a killer cup of coffee; it gave me a nice buzz.
Add to the whole experience very friendly employees and you've got the makings of a successful coffee shop. Next time, I'll try some food. -
Review from Christine R.
Princeton, NJ
3/21/2011
Coffeee!!!! During our busy vacation, I needed it constantly, and for most of our trip we relied on 7-11 or Dunkin Donuts, nothing too spectacular. I'm not a coffee snob, and I will gladly take a D&D light and sweet any day of the week, but I do like to treat myself to nice indie coffeehouse.
SO and I were trying to find something quick to eat and drink for breakfast during our busy Richmond day. We just happen to be driving down Broad and I saw the cup with the wings and yelled to find parking! Coffee has been found!
I love the atmosphere of the cafe- it's airy and artsy, and a nice place to sit for a little bit and drink your coffee and relax. We both got coffees and SO got a croissant, and I got ten grain toast with hummus. The toast was nice and thick, and they toasted it.
The coffee was good and the counter service was friendly. They also have a bunch of chocolate covered blueberries and espresso beans and offer a range of breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Veggie friendly! They also serve beer to go or with your meal. -
Review from Chad S.
Richmond, VA
5/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Too bad u guys open an hour later than s'bux... ud get my biz every morning.
Place itself has a very cool feel. Ingenious decor with a tight budget; kudo's to the owner's ability to take very little and make it look so great.
Sometimes the vibe of the staff seems a little iffy but for the most part I've not encountered any crappy attitudes. -
Review from Stacy T.
Elmhurst, NY
1/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a nice place to relax and reflect on puffy clouds, ladders that lead to nowhere, baby blue skies, and abstract paintings. They have a host of morning selections, including coffees, hot chocolate, espressos, bagels, paninis, and sandwiches. The staff is young and hip.
I tried their hot chocolate, $3.50. It was nothing special, not worth it - go for the coffees.
What was worth it, was their "everything bagel" + hummus + tomato combination with yogurt and granola (add $1). The hummus and tomato come on the side so you can make it as you like. The bagel comes fully toasted and warm. The hummus was sweet and tangy, and I think they make it themselves because I got a bite of a whole chickpea in there. The tomatoes were great - for some reason I think they were heirloom tomatoes. They were big slices full of flavor.
Come here to chill and try their hummus! -
Review from Michelle A.
Henrico, VA
6/18/2010
After my lackluster meal at Tarrants tonight, my husband and I stopped by Lift for a cup of coffee. I'd never been there, but it turns out it's adorable! The inside is designed to look like you are in the sky- clouds, blue walls, high ceilings... I love it.
I also love that they have a nook with an upholstered bench seat across from the counter- while the barista made my order, I sat in the nook and relaxed!
I got a cafe au lait, and it was really good. The coffee was strong, but they had simple syrup available on the counter so I could sweeten my own drink, and it was WAY better than putting a packet of sugar in my drink. Of course, they also have packets of sugar and sugar substitute- but the simple syrup was awesome.
I'd definitely say that the counter was a little off-putting to me- there was a ton of stuff everywhere I felt like, and it felt a little frantic to me... I tried to keep my eyes on the calmer areas of the shop...
I did see a sign saying you could make your own six pack of different unique beer flavors that they were carrying in their cooler. That is pretty cool. I also saw lots of granola-esque menu options, so if you like to eat healthy or have some dietary restrictions, this is probably the place for you. For me personally, I like to eat natural food (not processed) but I don't need it to be organic or anything like that, so it was a bit lost on me.
Overall, if you are in the area, Lift makes a good cup of coffee, and it's worth stopping in for -
Review from Megan M.
Richmond, VA
5/17/2010
Designed by Chris McCray, Lift's interior is whimsical and fun with colorful walls and a great logo. Along with the coffee, I love the lunch menu here. My favorite sandwich is The Banana: it's a panini with bananas and peanut butter that's drizzled with honey. The Apple, Turkey & Cheddar is another dependable winner. You can also get egg sandwiches all day. The staff is always friendly and helpful.
My only complaint about this place? The size. There are very few tables and chairs and since this cafe is in a part of town without a ton of casual dining options or coffee shops it fills up fast.
Lift also displays local artwork and stays open late on First Fridays. -
Review from Kody W.
Richmond, VA
Friendly And Fast customer service. I love this place!!! Anyone who hasn't experience the greatness I'm sorry! Please check this place out.*
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Review from Matthew W.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2010 2 photos
My latte was good, and certainly worked for me. There's a full menu of sandwiches and the like, and I was intrigued by their happy hour offerings: Monday through Saturday from three to four, drip coffee is half-price and two for one pastries and desserts.
My barista was kind and prompt. She made my drink the way that I wanted it, not the way that I asked for it, following the endearing code of servers, "Do as they mean, not as they say". On the way out, she offered me a free refill on my latte, which was appreciated though not accepted.
The bathroom was clean with a devilish doorway sign.
A very appealing atmosphere at Lift: cumulus wall paintings and bubbly tapestries surround Peter Brooks' local art, which piqued my interest. The music was low and cool; a great place for conversation.
Sunday morning clientele included a great mix of church goers, a cyclist and a pair of hipsters that engaged me in an entertaining conversation about the Star Wars book I'm currently reading. -
Review from Trash M.
Norfolk, VA
8/28/2010
Pros: Red tops! Not to be confused with what the guy on the corner is trying to sling 2 for $5, we're talking spicy ginger ale here. Same throat burn as the aforementioned need apply but without the 3 day binge. Which brings us to the Mexican Coke. It'll leave you wide eyed and bushy tailed with enough cane to insure the fact that "you can't beat the real thing". A little pricey but isn't the good stuff always that way? So after you've ingested a red top and some coke you have no choice but to climb the ladder of success which lies behind the counter. It seems to lead you nowhere but rest assure, its a stairway to heaven!
Cons : I dropped $14. Oh, what the hell, I've spent a lot more searching for a LIFT in the past.
All in all, its a score! -
Review from Lei G.
Philadelphia, PA
6/2/2009
When this place first opened, it seemed a little uptight and corporate. I stopped in here recently and was impressed. I had a delicious mango smoothie.
The staff was adorable, friendly and cute! I think it now has a homely atmosphere. They have seating outside to chill and people watch :-/
I believe after 4pm it's buy 1 get 1 free pastries. -
Review from Rana S.
Richmond, VA
4/6/2009
This place is ADORABLE!!! I've been twice so far, once on a Friday for lunch and once on a Saturday... for lunch. Best panini's I've ever had - hands down. This place is the reason I joined Yelp. This place is too good to keep a secret. They have great soups, too. Haven't tried the smoothies and coffee yet, but hope to soon. The service is great - the people bring your food to you when it's ready... not what you expect for the prices. Only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 was for location (patchy part of downtown).
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Review from Angelita Lisandra F.
Washington, DC
2/17/2009
I am a coffee SNOB, and I like Lift's cappuccinos very much. I also liked the ginger/herbal tea I had there once.
The decor and is great. Cozy. Sunny.
Today I enjoyed the music very much, too: a mix of 70's (old ass) David Bowie, acoustic Nirvana, and something that I think was the soundrtrack from "Little Miss Sunshine". I have not tried food but if I venture apart from my routine, I'll update and perhaps add more stars. -
Review from L S.
Richmond, VA
11/30/2008
I love this place! They have awesome lattes, and any coffee drink you could want, plus great breakfast croissants, homemade cinnamon rolls and danishes, and tasty lunch fare. I go here at least once a week. The staff can be a little slow but I think it's just because this is a very laid back place.
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Review from Joseph W.
Richmond, VA
3/13/2010
Seems like a cool place to stop for coffee, and maybe a bagel, but my roast beef sandwhich is oddly bereft of roast beef.
