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Fuel Pump

4.3 (80 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Updated 1 week ago

Fuel Pump Photos

Business Info

FUEL PUMP ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Happy hour specials
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Fuel Pump

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Reviews With Photos

Ice matcha latte
Javell H.

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.

passionfruit mango coconut matcha
Rachel K.

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!

Spicy Mango Margarita...delicious!!!

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

Cafe interior
Mel S.

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!

Inside
Francine S.

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.

Raspberry Beret and Smashing Pumpkin
Michele F.

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.

iced vanilla latte with oatmilk and sweet cream foam and a red velvet muffin

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.

Alexus H.

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

Mary-Ann L.

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.

Hot Chocolate
Katelyn D.

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.

Banana nut muffin
May-May R.

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.

a man standing in front of a coffee shop counter
Jahmelia B.

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.

Drinking my yummy medium latte
Dae E.

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!

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1 year ago

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2 years ago

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1 year ago

Cool vibe. Friendly staff. The Cinnamon Girl reminds me of a Starbucks brown sugar shaken oat milk iced espresso, but from a local joint.

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1 year ago

Pastries come from the grocery store, we saw the Kroger bags being unpacked while getting our mediocre coffee.

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3 years ago

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4 years ago

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3 years ago

Super good coffee from super nice people. Also a great place to come on a sunny day. Outdoor seating is nice.

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3 years ago

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3 years ago

The most welcoming, warm atmosphere, amazing, beautifully crafted drinks, and the best folks working there. The owner Aaron is awesome!!

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7 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

28 minutes from one location. Oh seem like three people working on one coffee machine and two people confusing things at the register.

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7 years ago

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4 years ago

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7 years ago

Excellent coffee, but most exciting is the happy hour(s): Noon - 8pm! And the wine selection is well curated and even more well priced.

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Ask the Community - Fuel Pump

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Fuel Pump - wine_bars - Updated October 2026

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