Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co., Shockoe Bottom

We're from out of town and this was the closest coffee shop to where we were staying. We very much enjoyed our specialty coffee drinks that I've never seen anywhere else. We love our beverages so much that we plan on returning again tomorrow. We would love to make this our go-to coffee shop if we lived in the area.

Firstly: Inexpensive.

Now that the important stuff is out of the way, sincerely the best (with a capital B) coffee (medium roast) I have ever had. The process they use makes the coffee so smooth and full of flavor. I intend to return with haste.

Stunning coffee shop! Sit inside or outside both will fill your cup with peace and joy.

Just a fantastic espresso made with care and expertise on a beautiful copper Victoria Arduino lever machine. Beautiful restored firehouse and adjoining garden. Excellent pastries. 100% worth going out of your way for.

Hi there! To respond to the owners response, we ordered two lattes- I have no idea what a Turkish delight coffee is and it’s not what I ordered at all. If that’s what we got it’s certainly not what we asked for. Neither of us got matcha either so I have no clue what you’re talking about—you must be confusing us with other customers. Either way, $25 for two lattes and cake pops is still wild. Thanks for the snarky response though! I wish you well.

Went to try this place out today and it was mediocre at best😬 $25 for two coffees and two cake pops is just kind of wild, especially if they’re not very good. I know lots of people love it, but our experience just wasn’t too good I suppose.

The interior of the space is warm and lovely, and the specialty latte I ordered was most tasty. We also purchased an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired roast, which one can only assume is both incredible and perhaps a bit macabre.

Adorable touches, interesting and innovative coffee drinks, delicious breakfast sandies, friendly baristas, clean space with multiple places to sit and do work. i’m so glad this place is in my neighborhood.

Update Jan 2023: Still adore this place. I do wonder if the owner has given thought to updating the cards on the walls that describe hanging artwork/pieces. It’s unfortunate that they do not reflect the true history of the area, for instance, certain wards did not simply “disappear” (in reference to an older map of Richmond, pictured), they were disappeared and not too long ago. There is a difference. Small details like this matter and demonstrate commitment to community. Reflecting the true history of a place is more powerful than selling merch with inclusive iconography (ex. the “Black and strong” t-shirt that was on display). I’d imagine the owner would agree and that this is more of an oversight on their part versus a purposeful erasure. (Richmond’s Unhealed History by Benjamin Campbell is a good resource.)

This is the kind of place that makes you want to pull out a laptop or book and stay a while. Though their offerings are standard coffee shop fare and didn't blow my mind, they're consistent every time I'm in. What makes this place special is the atmosphere and the service. I have yet to find a more relaxing, beautiful, and friendly coffee shop in Richmond.

Ironclad seemed like a VERY strange name for a coffeeshop in the most prominent slave trading district in American history, but the colorful interior and abundant flora did go a long way towards lightening the mood. Friendly baristas, good atmosphere to get some work done. There is a large piano in the middle of the room, but nobody is allowed to play it. Confusing, but the coffee was pretty good.

I really love spending time here and the coffee is good, if a little expensive. Staff can be a little standoffish, but not anywhere close to rude. It's a good place to do some work or meet a friend.