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    Gold Lion Community Cafe

    4.4 (41 reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Gold Lion Community Cafe

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    French quarter dip
    Stephanie B.

    Wow what an experience! Dinner and a poetry performance. My (vegetarian) bro and I went Friday for dinner. We both had an iced house chia - so amazing. Not too sweet thankfully, lots of flavor. We both had a classic samosa. Man the spices were on point! For dinner I had the burrito with tofu scramble. It was giant! The tots were just ok. They tasted like the grease they were cooked in. My bro had the French quarter dip. He thoroughly enjoyed it with his fries. When we were wrapping up, an open mic was starting. Lots of good performers! Would definitely go back but maybe on comedy night next go round.

    Storefront
    Ashley R.

    I can't wait to go back and try more things! If you're looking for vegan pulled pork bbq ... this is your spot! Also lots of Indian-inspired recipes that I'm looking forward to trying. The matcha latte was by far the best I've had in all of Richmond!!!! The service was great. Quick and polite + knowledgeable on vegan options (the whole place is vegetarian). Atmosphere is nice and open, with a stage for entertainment and some lounge type seating.

    Mel S.

    This place is incredible. Had such a great experience here. Calling themselves a community café was not just for show, this place really is very community oriented. They often hold community events here. The staff are just plain LOVELY. Really delightful humans. Even on my first visit, they made me feel like I was one of their old friends. It's a beautiful and bold Indian based restaurant. And the food is fantastic! I got the spicy 'beef' samosa. It was massive! Made fresh. They were slammed at the time, and the food came out super quick considering! The flavors are bold and seasoned perfectly, it has a nice kick to it. They have an amazing looking coffee beverage menu. I didn't try it today since I was there at dinner time, but will definitely be back to try stuff off that menu. Oh, and they're a great spot to check out if you are vegan or vegetarian! But I would highly recommend this place to anyone in the area. They definitely left a strong positive impression.

    Idli
    John B.

    On the hipster to hippie scale of vegetarian restaurants, this one is very hippie. I got takeout because I had places to be, and I was glad I did because the neighborhood was not the best and it wasn't a place I really wanted to sit inside either; not the most welcoming environment. They offer a mix of American and Indian vegetarian cuisine. My idli did come with sambar, but it was a tiny portion so I ran out of sambar and chutney (in general, these sides are usually more than needed at most Indian places, not less). Fortunately, I had a salad dressing for my salad so I used that to flavor up my idli. The salad contained a lot of nice ingredients and I was glad I ordered it. The chai had a nice cardamom flavor. On a macro level, I'm glad someone's bringing vegetarian cuisine to this part of Richmond. On a micro level, I wasn't convinced it was the best place I could have gone for my needs.

    summer 2024 menu
    Priscilla T.

    I am totally in love with this spot and the owners!!!! Not only do they serve amazing Indian inspired vegetarian food and drinks, but they also really care about community. The cafe serves meals to those in need and raise awareness about important topics such as LGBTQ+ and Palestine, but also showcase local artists! They host a lot of events like drag shows so definitely check out their calendar or social. I loved the Hyderbadi House Chai and the Guava Gold smoothie!! Both were perfectly flavored and sweetened. We were obsessed with the Buddy's Dosa, Keema Samosa, Breakfast Samosa, and Chaotic Quesadilla. The keema honestly tasted better than regular beef!!! The tofu scramble were an excellent substitution of eggs. I will be coming back to this place every time I'm in Richmond!

    Samosa
    Deepa D.

    This place, i must say, is a must try for everyone who likes vegan, flavorful food with a twist that is a fusion of Indian and American cuisine. It's a small cafe bar style restaurant with a rugged yet calm atmosphere, but don't let that fool you, the food is simply too good not to review. They have transformed traditional American breakfast items like the bagel sandwich to a Masala bagel which was so good with a light kick of the tamarind chutney. And the side tots were the best ive tasted, both crispy and melt-in-the-mouth feel. The traditional masala dosa was so delicious, the right balance of crisp and softness for the dosa. Loved the sambhar so much that my only regret was not getting a spoon to finish it. The starter samosas with the 2 chutneys was my favorite. There's even the regular breakfast items like French toast and egg biscuit sandwich if your group wants to go the conventional way(which my kid usually does) The owner was very sweet and kind and we loved hearing his story of how he and his partner started this business in RVA. And we cant wait for them to start their second location in Lakeside with a great cause in mind to serve the community. I was very impressed with their ideas, and we as a community should definitely support such businesses. I will surely visit them again to try more items in their menu.

    All Star Breakfast
    Aaman L.

    A nice community place with a variety of Indian vegan treats. The environment is fun and ambiance gives one a friendly feeling. Various events are hosted here and the service is friendly and efficient. We had the breakfast platters that come with onion dosas, idlis and vadas, with a couple of chutneys.

    bar area
    Angela F.

    lovely atmosphere, kind staff and many veggie options for those looking for it. The food was delicious. Street parking is available.

    wonderful decor!
    Gregory F.

    A true hidden gem in RVA - this place is so quaint, cute, and unique. Their food selection, especially being a coffee shop, is so creative and fun. Also the staff is just super friendly - and consistent, as I went here a lot when I was working in Manchester and almost always had the same cashier who was always so happy to see me. Love the communal feel of this place - the open mic nights, or other various events I have seen them setting up for when I am there - it just all seems so fun. Very welcoming vibe with some reliable coffee and kickass decor and artistry (some of it even for sale) as well. Somewhere I anticipate frequenting the rest of the time I live in Richmond!

    Masala dosa with sambar and coconut chutney, and oat milk chai

    Friendly, quick service, great food, 70's ambience, could be cleaner. Enjoyed the oat milk chai, medu vadha, samosa and masala dosa with sambar and coconut samanthi

    Kashmiri Pink Chai small

    I usually eat-in because the cafe is spacious, usually quiet, with a big window. it's a comfortable spot to hang out, eat, read, and just decompress. the pink chai here is my favorite. the staff is all friendly, the menu has a huge variety, but i've only tried a couple things. the vegan sausage and egg biscuit, "chicken" and waffles, and pancakes are so good. haven't tried the indian food or anything outside of breakfast, because for the prices I want to stick to what I like. I do wish it was just a little cheaper, or that they offered drink refills for a reduced price. a nearby cafe, my total is $11-18, but here it is always $18+ for my single food and drink. if you enter your number at the register they occasionally text with deals. I do love gold lion overall :-)

    Art galore inside
    Ian K.

    What a great refresher of a business that took the place of the notorious "Brewers" (if you know, you know). They offer a variety of coffee, food and even tea. The customer service was awesome and even though this establishment is still new, I really hope it stays consistent. The food is good but it took a long time to come out - hopefully they can tweak that to make it a little more efficient. PROS: - Nice ambiance - Not overpriced - Great customer service CONS: - Long wait for food

    Samosas

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    1 year ago

    Wonderful food and a great vibe inside! I wish they had the specialty drinks on the menu available but still was okay

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    2 years ago

    What a wonderful place to sit and read or do some work! Thoughtfully designed space with a great chai latte! Will definitely be back (:

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    2 years ago

    Glizzy is the best veg hot dog ever. Wish it was permanently on the menu even after summer.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Gold Lion Community Cafe

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    Abi's Books & Brews - Up All Night Cherry pastry, Lavender Lit Latte

    Abi's Books & Brews

    4.7(31 reviews)
    1.8 miThe Fan

    Abi's Books and Brews is the perfect combination of coffee,books and records. If I miss anything…read moreit's because I was fixated on the books. Upon entering, the books are found along the wall, there are tables and chairs to sit and the coffee is ordered at a counter right in the center of the store. Towards the back, they have a section just for kids and young adults. Also, there are plenty of parking outside. They have new and old books available at decent prices. One of the best things I have ever seen is they have a dedicated turning bookcase for BANNED books of Hanover county. It is a lending library. You choose a book, open it and scan the QR code inside and check off the book you picked. Then, you return it when you're done. No time limit on it. That easy. I am so proud that they are supporting these books and making it easy for anyone to have access to them. On this visit, I borrowed Jodi Picoult's book, Nineteen Minutes. I recommend you come visit and support this coffee/book shop in the VCU area. I definitely recommend it and plan to visit often.

    I needed a place to work in the AC and went to Abi's Books and Brews and couldn't have been happier…read morewith the experience! Luck was on my side as I found street parking right in front of the shop. This place is a dream for anyone looking to get some work done. They've thoughtfully labeled each outlet, making it ideal for co-working. No more searching aimlessly for a spot to plug in--what a relief! I tried the chocolate croissant and americano, and both were fantastic. The croissant was flaky and delicious, and the americano provided just the right boost. The staff was incredibly kind and made the visit even more special by treating my maltipoo, Printz, to a pup cup!

    Photos
    Abi's Books & Brews - Inside

    Inside

    Abi's Books & Brews - Chocolate croissant

    Chocolate croissant

    Abi's Books & Brews - A European style coffeeshop in RVA

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    A European style coffeeshop in RVA

    Buttermilk and Honey - It's a Wrap with Fries

    Buttermilk and Honey

    4.0(198 reviews)
    1.4 miDowntown
    $$

    I was pleasantly surprised after reading the reviews and coming in with lower expectations. To be…read moreclear, the 4 stars is based on the type of restaurant. It is fast casual - you order at the kiosk and grab a place to eat, listening for your number and/or text to alert you the food is ready. We arrived about 6pm on a Saturday night. It was busy and I grabbed one of the last two tables. It got very busy shortly after we placed our orders. The dining area is pretty big with plenty of bar seating around the windows. While we all ordered one after the other, our food didn't come out that way. Most of the food came out in about 25-30 minutes. The chicken was cooked perfectly. Juicy! Two people got tenders and three of us got sandwiches. The OG sandwich was very good, just messy! I ended up using a fork and knife bc it got too messy. The Mac and cheese was made with pimento cheese and was very good. My friend who got the fried green tomatoes said they were delicious and filling. Lots of goodies on top. Two friends enjoyed the collards. The only person who was underwhelmed was the person who got the Asian sandwich. Overall, if I wanted a good chicken sandwich and a Buttermilk and Honey was nearby, I'd place an order.

    Parking in downtown is usually a pain. We had to circle the block a few times to get a spot on…read moreThursday night around 19:45. We walked in to find the staff bustling, cooking, and prepping orders, and the smell of some delicious fried chicken in the air. I saw the kiosks and was not too thrilled with the Wawa experience, but we gave it a shot anyway, since fried chicken is one of our favorites. The process was simple and allowed us to add or remove anything we could want, so that was nice. While walking to find a seat, we saw a person panhandling in the dining area, but the staff promptly removed him from the premises. I ordered us the Pimento Cheese Balls for an appetizer, and I chose the Fried Chicken and French Toast as my entree because I always try the "chicken and waffles" at every establishment that offers it. My partner ordered the OG Chicken Sandwich without tomato, and it came with crinkle-cut fries. It was about $40. The chef proclaimed our order was ready in quick succession, maybe three orders behind the guests before us. We waited about ten minutes, maybe fifteen at most. We picked up the orders from the counter, and there was a mix-up on the syrup, but the chef promptly rectified the situation. He was a no-nonsense kind of guy; straight to the point. He seemed firm, yet kind. It was clear the day had been a busy one; he even told us as much, which was great to hear (busy = fantastic food). The French toast squares looked like rye or pumpernickel, and they emitted a sweet aroma, a delightful hit of cinnamon and brown sugar. I drizzled the caramel syrup on my chicken and toast, sliced a piece, and paired a bite of chicken with the toast. I closed my eyes to savor the flavors: the toast was crunchy and almost gooey (yet, not overly so), the chicken was crunchy, the sweet cinnamon-y flavors from the toast, the caramel from the syrup, and the tender, moist chicken were a match made in culinary art. I cannot sufficiently describe the French toast in a way that would do it justice; it was crunchy and semi-gooey, and all scrumptious. I can only say it was the single best French toast that I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. Next, I tried the fried pimento cheese balls. Oh my. If you like mozzarella sticks, try these. I adored them: elevated fried cheese, for real. My partner enjoyed her sandwich as well; she ate everything except some of her fries. I saved half of my chicken and toast for today because I am like a treasure golem when it comes to delicious leftovers. I am going to air-fry the chicken and skillet-heat the toast back to its original goodness. I told the cooks that that was the best French toast that I have ever had, and I mean it. Do yourself a favor and try it if you're into French toast. This one is the GOAT. Side note: I spoke with the head chef outside, and he is from another branch (possibly Henrico?) to whip this location back into shape. Two words: "Nailed it."

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    Buttermilk and Honey - Inside

    Inside

    Buttermilk and Honey - Chicken Tenders + Fries

    Chicken Tenders + Fries

    Buttermilk and Honey - Wonderful place!!

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    Wonderful place!!

    Blue Atlas - Avocado toast

    Blue Atlas

    4.6(184 reviews)
    2.1 miFulton
    $$

    Even if you don't get a spot on their gorgeous patio, their food alone will keep you coming back…read more Menu is seasonal and it's always a treat to go to see what new delicious foods are available. Their menu items are inspired by a variety of international cuisines with a level of respect. Knowing this, it really makes you savor your meal. I get sad that it's not permanent, but I'm also excited for what's next to enjoy for my next visit. I have not been disappointed by their food once. Also, so very RVA of them to set up a restaurant in a beautifully renovated grade school. Also very apt! It's like going to geography class run by classically trained chefs. I always forget to take photos because it is so pleasantly easy to enjoy the present at Blue Atlas and I immediately enjoy their food as soon as it's put down in front of me. If I had to describe Blue Atlas in one word it would be "intentional." Intentional food, design, atmosphere, and being in your own intentional experience because it's hard not to.

    Food and service are always completely on target. The view and the outside seating make this one of…read moreRichmond's special places for Al fresco dining! Even the building itself lends to the unique character. Food portions are adequate and the food choices I think are excellent. Representing various international regional cuisines. Fun to hop from one continent to another. Drink selections are also very good and include a nice selection of non alcoholic beverages.

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    Blue Atlas
    Blue Atlas
    Blue Atlas - Sunset view

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    Sunset view

    Fairuz Cafe - Zalabiah, kunafa, Turkish coffee, chocolate cake

    Fairuz Cafe

    5.0(50 reviews)
    11.1 mi

    I don't say this lightly: Fairuz Cafe serves the best Turkish coffee I've had. Period. And I'm…read moresaying this as someone who grew up on Turkish coffee in Palestine and Jordan, and searched for the real thing across countless cafes in the States. The search is over. The coffee here isn't just good -- it's correct. The grind, the heat, the cardamom -- everything is dialed in with the kind of care you only get from people carrying a tradition, not following a recipe. The basbusa is outstanding -- house-made, fresh, with that perfect syrup-to-semolina balance so many places get wrong. Best I've had in years. Can't wait to try their kunafa next. What really sets Fairuz apart is the atmosphere. This is a family-owned spot and you feel it the second you walk in. The hospitality is genuine -- that "sit down, you're home now" energy you can't manufacture. If you're Middle Eastern and homesick, come here. If you've never had real Turkish coffee, come here. If you just want somewhere that feels human and unhurried -- come here. Fairuz didn't just meet my standards. It raised them.

    Hubby and I made it a Sunday morning coffee date for a good cup of coffee. This is in a strip mall…read more Inside is nicely decorated. The only thing for me is that it feels a little like a nighttime vibe but it only sells bakery goods and coffee type drinks. We were the only ones there, so it felt almost too big. They have a pool table, which was surprising and I wasn't sure if we could use that. One other couple came after a bit. I think if it were full, it would have been really nice. Husband got a double espresso and I ordered an Americano. His was in a cute cup, but mine was in a to-go cup with a lid. Since we were sitting in, I would have preferred a nice mug. We ordered a few pastries to bring home. I presume it was the owner working and he was very welcoming. He was cleaning the entire time (9am ish). On the positive, the place looks spotless. I did feel it was a little odd to mop while open and in the morning. The chocolate pastry in this picture was 10/10 for me, so good! It had so much flavor and texture with chocolate, pistachio and maybe some caramel. Would definitely go back, particularly to get items to take home.

    Photos
    Fairuz Cafe - Latte

    Latte

    Fairuz Cafe - Zalabiah, kunafa, Turkish coffee, chocolate cake

    Zalabiah, kunafa, Turkish coffee, chocolate cake

    Fairuz Cafe - Turkish coffee

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    Turkish coffee

    Gold Lion Community Cafe - cafes - Updated May 2026

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