Sip Your Way Through Lynchburg, VA’s, Brew Scene
Lynchburg, VA’s, brew scene is all the buzz. Whether you’re a coffee addict or an IPA aficionado, it’s easy to get your fix at one of the city’s many beverage establishments. To find out some of the best places in Lynchburg, VA, to grab coffee or beer, we chatted with two residents, Tobi Laukaitis and Griffin Spencer. Laukaitis has lived in Lynchburg for 13 years and works for the City of Lynchburg, while Spencer is a Lynchburg local of 31 years who works as a premiere marketing specialist.
Where to Go for Coffee in Lynchburg, VA
Golf Park Coffee Co. is a local favorite, and for good reason.
“It’s such an aesthetically pleasing coffee shop,” Laukaitis says. “There’s lots of light and really cool seating.”
On the menu, you’ll find items like cold brew, drip coffee and the must-try Black Dog medium roast, which is one of the establishment’s signature blends.
Troublemaker Cafe on Lakeside Drive will soon become your go-to place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grab a drip or specialty coffee and pair it with breakfast options, like avocado toast or cinnamon toast, or a sandwich, should you come later in the day.
Hill City Donuts is a local favorite for a morning treat. Pair your coffee with a delicious cake doughnut for the perfect start to your day.
The Loving Co., located downtown, offers a low-key, quiet and serene atmosphere. It serves standard cafe fare, and the service is warm and friendly, with baristas always willing to make recommendations. Be sure to try the chai latte with whipped cream when you go.
Mission House Coffee, with its community-oriented and casual atmosphere, is a great place to hang out, work for a bit and sip something delicious. Part of its mission is giving back, with some of its proceeds going to local nonprofits. Try the banana bread latte while you’re there.
Cafe Monte Bello is a great place to grab coffee when you’re in downtown Lynchburg, VA.
“It’s a little shop, but the service is incredible,” Laukaitis says. “I love talking with the baristas and the owner, and they always do specials for the season.”
While the traditional menu is great, make sure to check out the seasonal menu, as well. And if you aren’t feeling adventurous, you can’t go wrong with a latte or cortado.
Ironclad Coffee Roasters & Baking Co. is a combined bakery and coffee shop in Lynchburg, VA. It delivers on delectable food and drinks and has a clean, inviting atmosphere. Grab a tasty baked good or sandwich – the croissants are a must – and pair it with a delicious pour-over or latte.
The Muse Coffee Co. is a place for those in Lynchburg, VA, who care deeply about the artistry of coffee roasting and making.
The beans are ethically sourced and locally roasted, so you know you’re getting quality there. With two stories and plenty of seating, the vibes are just right to enjoy a cup of something delicious at The Muse.
“Christmas in a Cup is their signature drink, Laukaitis says. “It’s so good and just tastes cozy.”
The White Hart Cafe is an eclectic gathering spot filled with vintage furniture that gives it a rustic, homey feel. The cafe offers coffee and baked goods, which are perfect things to consume during one of their live music or poetry events. It is a no-cash establishment, so come prepared and make sure to order an iced coffee.
Nomad Coffee Co. is a hidden gem located just off Blackwater Creek Trail, though it has a coffee trailer wandering around the city, as well. Nomad is known for its specialty lattes and uniquely flavored drinks.
“My go-to drink is the Flower Child, which is a lavender vanilla latte,” Laukaitis says. “It’s fantastic.”
Millie’s Living Café offers a menu full of items you’ll want to savor time and time again. Choose a drip coffee or a fancy drink, like the honey pot latte, and pair it with everything from a bagel and fruit platter to a taco salad to a mint cacao smoothie.
Where to Go for Beer in Lynchburg, VA
Starr Hill On Main is famous for having the coldest-pouring beer in Lynchburg, VA, where beer comes out of the tap at about 34 degrees. It’s an energetic environment with a huge assortment of beer options.
“It has every taste you could possibly want, from the nerdy IPAs all the way down to handmade seltzer cocktails,” Spencer says.
Try Starr Hill’s classic Dark Starr Stout, one of its beloved flagship brews.
Oliver’s on Rivermont is a neighborhood favorite for watching football, listening to live music or taking a turn at karaoke. While you’re there, enjoy a great burger, wrap or quesadilla and, of course, wash it down with a cold beer.
Raven Lounge on Main Street in Lynchburg, VA, is the perfect place to grab a beer and catch some live music. While its beer list is extensive, the lounge is actually best known for being a wine and charcuterie bar, meaning you have options when it comes to drinks.
The Neighbor’s Place, located in the Wyndhurst community, combines American cuisine and Southern hospitality. Pair your beer with some barbecue pork fries, loaded tots, spiced ribeye or a house salad.
Scoreboards Sports Grill is a neighborhood sports bar, where friends can gather to drink beer, enjoy some grub and root for their favorite team.
Palmera House on Beford Avenue in Lynchburg, VA, allows you to pair your beer (or mocktail, cider, wine, etc.) with a crisp salad, a wrap, soup or a simple snack, like potato chips and French onion dip.
Super Rad Arcade Bar is the largest classic arcade in the Lynchburg area. From drinking beer to catching a live show to playing your favorite game, you’re sure to love every minute you’re in this “portal of adventure.”
Dish serves up international small plates that you are sure to enjoy, from roasted beets to hand-cut fries. And yes, it is a wine bar, but there is beer on the menu.
Rivermont Pizza on Rivermont Avenue offers wood-fired pizza, craft beer and a casual atmosphere. There are plenty of options on the menu, but if you need a suggestion, pair your cold one with the Danzig pizza – red sauce, prosciutto, mozzarella, kalamata olives and arugula.
Hill City Pub has a bright and open atmosphere, but it’s on the quieter side. Come for trivia night and grab a bite and brew. It has a great selection of microbrews and a full bar.
Beer 88 is the place to go in Lynchburg, VA, if you’re looking for beer and burgers. The vibe is casual, and the menu is stacked with local and regional craft beers, so it’s easy to find something that suits your tastes. Feeling creative? Try the banana bread beer; it’s a delight.
Three Roads Brewing, located in a former auto dealership, embodies a historic boho vibe with a menu to match.
“In addition to its solid staples, it always has interesting, creative brews that are coming on and off all the time,” Spencer says.
A must-try menu item is the High Bridge Helles, a delightful crisp, golden lager.
Magnolia Foods, a one-stop-shop for food, wine and beer in Lynchburg, VA, is a great place to grab a six pack. Magnolia carries over 100 types of beer, including many hard-to-find craft brews. The space also carries beer from more than 24 local Virginia breweries and cider connoisseurs.
Iron & Ale Lynchburg Tap & Table is a comfortable, stylish place to go when you want to dine out and enjoy drinks. Try a signature appetizer and pair it with one of the house beers or ciders – there are about 40 on tap.
The Depot Grille, set in a historic rail depot and filled with antiques, offers a unique ambiance, perfect for enjoying some tasty food and drinks. It has a solid draft beer list as well as options for flights. You can’t go wrong with one of their pale ales or lagers.
The World Famous Stadium Inn has been operating for almost 100 years, so you know it is doing something right. It’s an iconic spot in Lynchburg, VA, with beer on tap and all the sports bar food you’d expect.
The Water Dog is known for meshing awesome gastronomy with an epic beer selection.
“It has close to 40 beers on tap at all times and a full bar,” Spencer says. “It also has a ton of revolving Virginia brews as well as stuff from outside the state.”
The Water Dog is also known for its theme nights like Tap Out Tuesday, where it sells select drafts for $3 starting at 4 p.m.
This article is sponsored by the City of Lynchburg offices of Economic Development & Tourism and Communications & Public Engagement.