GlobeHopper Coffee

I was hosting my 12-​year-​old brother for the weekend. After a busy few days already, I wanted to take him somewhere really different from what he would find in our country home town so we could relax and bond a little. Truthfully, I meant to take him to Sub Rosa but we rolled by and it was standing room only. So, Unilocal me to Globehopper. It had been on my wish list any ways.
It was relatively empty other than a few solo computer clicking fellows. It has a very relaxed vibe featuring a funky interior. There are big windows to look out and see the pretty streets of The Bottom/​Church Hill.
The floors and tables were a little dirtier than I’d like, and some of the chairs and couches were well worn. I had to ask for toilet paper because there was none in the restroom. Somehow it didn’t bother me too much. It all added to a super chill ambiance.
I ordered the smoked honey latte special. It was everything I wanted from a latte. Ever. The smoke extract was extra special. My little bro got the frozen tiramisu frappé sort of drink and he slurped it down. We sat by the window and talked for an hour. I went back and ordered another latte.
We were both very pleased and I look forward to trying their spirited drinks for happy hour some day soon! Cheers!

A solid coffee joint but a bit pricey and pretentious — 3.5 stars
I’ve visited here a couple times now and must say it is a solid place for good espresso if you know what you want and play by their rules. The atmosphere is laid-​back and casual; a nice neighborhood coffeehouse where you can meet up with friends, meet new people or just relax with a book on the couch or comfy chair. Service is a bit spotty, and, while I’m sure they mean well, can come off as pretentious and/​or snobbish.
The first time I was here I ordered a double cappuccino and got a 5 min. uninterruptible soapbox speech about «traditional» sizes (cappuccinos apparently only come in one size), their «micro foam» technique and the evils of Starbucks and corporate coffee in general. Then he offered me their dulce de leche, sweet flavored latte instead. I declined and ordered a regular latte (~$ 6 w/​tax, tip and to-​go charge?) on his warning that a cappuccino would be too strong for my taste. The espresso tasted good, but too watered down as a latte.
The last time I was there was much better. I ordered a cappuccino ($ 5 w/​tax & tip), and though it was still a bit watery with his «microfoam», the Counter Culture espresso they use was really good.
Overall, service aside, it is a great neighborhood coffee house to grab a nice espresso and hangout in the Shockoe Bottom district. Just expect to pay a premium and read the menu carefully.

Within walking distance of us. We are ways looking for a good coffee place, and this place doesn’t disappoint.

Great coffee spot, but they brew Counter Culture so get a latte or something! No one really wants coffee that tastes like parsnips, rhubarb, and quince, Counter Culture!!! For real though, if I was in college, which I’m glad I’m not, I would hang out in here.

I split my time between NYC and Richmond with lots of trips to Los Angeles and SF in between. I’ve had coffee in all these places, lots and lots of it. I’ve had coffee all over Europe as well. Lots of it. See… I love coffee. I love coffee houses. But mostly I just love good coffee and a friendly coffee house experience. If you love these things you might not love Globehopper.
One of the selling points on my apartment was that there was a cool little coffee shop down the street. I love sitting in these places with my book and chilling out. Unfortunately I’ll never set foot in there again.
My first experience was plesant, although my friends had warned me that the people in there weren’t normally very friendly. I proudly told my friends they were wrong, my experience was great and i couldn’t wait to come back. It had a chill kind of SF vibe to it.
The one day I made the mistake of meeting some work associates there. The girl who worked there was dismissive and unfriendly to them as they ordered. When I got to the counter I ordered a large cappuccino, which in my experience at coffee shops means I want a larger cup and more shots. Sometimes you can order it as a double, tripple, etc but usually just saying large works. The girl at the counter throws a fit, rolling her eyes she smacks her hands down by the register and says «we don’t do that sort of thing here.» I ask what sort of thing she means. She say’s «that Starbucks kind of thing. We serve one size of cappuccino» at this point she starts speaking to me slowly, as if I don’t understand the english language «you see if you add more milk to a cappuccino its actually a latte. You should be ordering a latte NOT a cappuccino. If you want to order coffee from a coffee shop you should actually look into what you are ordering so you can do it right» at this point I wanted to just leave but my associates were already there. They couldn’t believe their ears when they heard her. I said «listen, I just want a cappuccino with a couple extra shots. But I’ll take whatever you normally make. I don’t really care right now» she then explained the difference between a latte and a cappuccino again and asked if I wanted a cappuccino or a latte. I said again just give me a cappuccino. To this she said «OK but if you don’t like it I won’t be remaking it». When I handed her my credit card she told me that the next time I should pay cash not card. I said «don’t worry i wont be back».
I definitely won’t be back and neither will my associates from that day. What a disappointment!

Way Too Serious
Oh Globehopper, don’t you know that you are the reason locally owned neighborhood places fail.
I’ve given you at least a dozen chances and nearly a hundred of my dollars, but no more.
I don’t appreciate being charged two different prices for the same item depending on who is working. Can you say employee training?
I don’t appreciate being served the same item two different ways depending on who is working. Can you say quality control and consistency?
I don’t appreciate your pretensions that abound around your coffee products or your rude unwelcome and condescending lectures that come with it.
I don’t appreciate that you accept credit cards and then give me the «we’re-a-starving-small-biz» credit card vibe when I pull it out.
Can you say goodbye? I can.
PS. For the record, you’re coffee isn’t all that.

Great coffee and cool vibe. There seems to be enough space to chill and get some work done (but admittedly I didn’t have time to stay this visit). They also take credit card which is a big plus for me since I never bring cash anywhere anymore. They do a standard 2 shots in a 8oz cup for a small cappacino (which is my measure of a café that actually knows how to make good espresso drinks vs. one that learned the «Americanized» way and makes oversized, watered-​down, Starbucks-​like drinks.) They didn’t have cortados on the menu but the barista knew what it was and made a great one for me anyway. Another plus that they hire people that actually know something about coffee.
Love finding these hidden gems when I travel!

I’ve been to Globehopper a few times and each visit is great. Their Counter Culture Coffee is always brewed well though some of the specialties beverages can get pricey. Nice selection of snacks and food if you’re hungry. Great atmosphere, free wifi and friendly service. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a place to get work done, read a book, or just chill out alone or with friends. If I had to think of an aspect for improvement, the only thing I could really think of would be that I wish they were open later because I would definitely stay longer. Nice patio out back and ample street parking around. 4.5 Stars if I could

One of my favorite coffee shops in Richmond and everything a coffee shop should be. A great place to relax alone or with friends, get some work done, catch a live show, or go on a casual first date. Friendly staff, tasty food, and top-​notch coffee. Bring something small and weird for the Customer Tiny Object Collection, or consult the ornate Beverage Oracle box if you can’t figure out what to order.

Amazing latte and pastries but hard for me to understand the high pricing of all their beverages …

What a great place to pass the time! From top to bottom, this place is a happy little oasis for me. Whether it’s coffee, tea, lunch, an intimate concert, or a glass of wine one evening, this place encourages you to relax and be yourself.
The staff is friendly, remembers your name, drink, Twitter handle, and the story about when you first got your pets. The coffee is delicious and traditionally made – a point they’re keen to make sure you’re aware of, in case you’re coming in for something a little contemporary (read: the things you’ve come to expect from places like Starbucks). Menu offers baked goods for all dietary backgrounds, delicious sandwiches and salads made to order, as they’re ordered, with fresh ingredients, and a variety of alcoholic beverages for those who prefer their coffee house experience to have a little more of a kick! They’re great for breakfast, lunch, snack, and acoustic concerts.
Check out their performance schedule, board games, patio, and comfy seating.
Enjoy!

really cute coffee shop in Richmond.
the cappuccinos are really good.
if, you’re ever around the area-​stop by.
it’s a good place to catch up with friends or to study.

Consistently good strong coffee. Great atmosphere. Live their brownies.
They allow dogs on their back patio which works perfectly for me. They also carry some awesome doggie treats homemade by a lady in ChurchHill.
Overall a sweet little spot in Shockhoe that also serves alcohol if you are doing a later in the day event.
Their customer base is chill and mixed. The baristas are awesome and helpful. Most of them will bring out your food and drink to the patio (unless it is super busy).
And they support CounterCulture Coffee. Can a girl wish for anything more?!

This is a great spot in the bottom. While the service is a little slow, it’s OK. The result was a great latte that I’ve not had in quite a while. They also sell cookies and other snacks for a great price which was also a good addition to the latte. Just better to go experience for yourself and you won’t be disappointed.

I know I should come here more often. I love to support the locally owned neighborhood places. More choices on the breakfast menu would entice me even more. How about sourcing some of those locally made bagels from Cupertino’s down the street on Main? A quiche choice maybe? Today I had a «breakfast pocket» (ok) and café au lait (very good). I prefer savory selections for breakfast over sweet pastries but that sticky cinnamon bun looked yummy. Maybe next time.
I like coming here for music occasionally too. I once came here for a performance play acted out behind the counter— that was awesome! Haven’t heard of other similar events here since then (Fall of 2011?)
Good community vibe.

I’ve only been to Globehopper once, for a quick in-​and-​out coffee fix. But during that brief visit, I liked what I experienced: an unpretentious atmosphere, quick and friendly service, and seriously smooth coffee. I got an ice coffee, straight up. No cream, no sugar, and it totally hit the spot. It wasn’t watered down, nor was it weak. It was, simply, a solid cup o’ joe.
They have free wifi, which is always key to a chill coffeehouse. And their menu looks incredibly enticing. Also — spiked coffee drinks? Yes, please.
If you’re looking for a great independent coffeeshop in the Bottom, Globehopper’s a

I’ve been here for fifteen minutes — my first visit — and I love it. Atmosphere is perfect for what a coffee shop should be: Easy going. Well worn in the right places, but crisp in others. Local artwork. Great staff. Good lighting. Wine and beer available. Promoting local events. The menu is full of good stuff — I’m having the muesli w/​yogurt (delicious, though unlike any I’ve had before) and tea (I’m not qualified to review coffee, but it looked expensive). Free wifi that’s pretty fast. Plenty of outlets. Board games, including Sequence! Good magazines and books.
Here’s what it’s missing: No outdoor seating or ability to open windows. No super expensive food items that leave you wondering how it costs them $ 10 to make the sandwich (a la Urban Farmhouse). Not a ton of space — I can count room for about 23 guests to fit easily.
Also worth noting is the ease of parking down here during the day — no meters. There’s a rush hour ban on parking on Main St., but otherwise this is much easier to get to than other downtown-​ish places. They close M-​Th at 8PM, and 6PM on the other days. Seems fair, but not a late night spot like Crossroads is.

I decided to try GlobeHopper Coffee this week. I got the Cappuccino Freddo. The Cappuccino Freddo was tasty. The Cappuccino Freddo had an authentic fresh taste. The coffee really wakes you up because it’s strong. The smell of the fresh coffee and baked goods is priceless. The monkey bread and kitchen sink cookies are tasty. I asked the employee about the kitchen sink name for the cookies. She said «they are called kitchen sink cookies because they have everything in them but the kitchen sink».(lol) Trust me, the cookies are delicious. GlobeHopper Coffee has a nice relaxed atmosphere. The employees are nice. The service is fast. Theres street parking around the coffee shop. GlobeHopper Coffee is a good spot to enjoy coffee and a nice atmosphere.

One of the few OK study environments in Shockoe Bottom – fairly quiet (though the café music was a bust last time I was here) with a moderately fast WiFi and good coffee, albeit expensive ($ 4-​$ 7). There is a selection of teas and food, which smells unbelievably delicious, as well. The best part is the cute outdoors patio that includes lounge/​garden chairs with small tables and blankets if you need them; perfect for a spring/​summer evening.
Recommended for:
1. the occasional coffee (probably not sustainable to buy a $ 5 coffee daily… for a student, anyway) — I personally thought it was OK, but some others liked it a lot.
2. blueberry jasmine iced tea (free refills in-​house) ~$ 2
3. the study environment, a few plugs here and there + free WiFi.
4. the food smelled good (though I never tried it).
The unfortunate part to this café is its early closing hours. They’re done at 6pm (F-​Sun) or 8pm (M-​Thurs), which doesn’t help for night-​owl studiers. Otherwise, the earthy feel, outdoor spacing, and younger clientele certainly add to Globehopper’s allure.

Kind of pricey, but I’m glad I finally found a café to potentially study in in Richmond! (I miss all the café studying I used to do in Berkeley). They played lots of interesting music as I studied here for three hours with friends. Plus, it’s super close to where I live!
I never drink coffee, so I ordered the Strawberry-​Mango-​Lemon smoothie, which was delicious! It wasn’t the prettiest-​looking smoothie, but that’s probably a good thing (natural ingredients means no bright-​colored artificial flavoring). They had a lot of yummy-​looking baked goods for sale too, but I was stuffed from lunch.
The café was super warm inside, which was great since it was a cold day today. It’s also super cozy, with lots of different seating, including several armchairs and a couch. Free wifi, and I also noticed a shelf of board games in the back! =)
My friend said the outdoor seating out back was very nice! I forgot to take a gander, so I will have to check it out next time.
Probably my only complaint is that the employee working the cashier when I placed my order wasn’t using her brain. I misheard my total as $ 4.60, when it was actually $ 4.16. I was happy that I actually had exact change (and could lighten the weight of my wallet), so I gladly handed her $ 4.60, only to get 44 cents of unwanted coins in return. –_​-​” Why in the world would I pay for a $ 4.16 total with $ 4.60? She obviously didn’t stop to think and just entered my amount and gave me how much change the machine said to give. (Or perhaps I expect too much from your average coffeeshop worker?) The girl was probably new though, since she kept asking the other employee a bunch of logistical questions, so I will cut her some slack.
P. S. $ 5 minimum for credit card use.