When you walk into most cafes, you’ll find options limited to what mainstream America eats and drinks: espresso beverages, cream-filled bagels, and fresh-brewed coffee. As a vegan, these options aren’t on my personal palette of consumption options. So it’s a time-consuming endeavor trying to find a place to meet-up with others without just opting in for an overpriced bottle of water.
Fortunately, not all cafes are created equally. During my trip to Richmond, VA, I was introduced to a cafe that stole my heart away and nourished my body and soul like no other.
Meet the Urban Hang Suite RVA: vibrant, inviting, and enriching. Opened in 2018, the cafe reflects Kelli Lemon’s vision of what Richmond can become. Lemon, a well-known community leader, radio personality, and host of the Coffee with Strangers podcast, sees Richmond as a rose growing out of concrete and was inspired to design a space that would bring the beauty of Richmond to life.
When I walked down the historically African-American district of Jackson Ward, I noticed that this petite treasure lit up the entire community. This two-room cafe has a personality that evokes creativity and conversations. As soon as youwalk in, you’ll be mesmerized by the beautiful details that make you feel that you’ve just landed in an upgraded cafe experience.
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The walls showcase admirable murals of local women painted by artist Emily Herr. Her work showcases a positive and inclusive representation of women that feeds the soul. You’ll also notice vibrant images of historical figures such as Maggie Walker, the first black woman to charter a bank in the United States.
By the time you reach the counter to order, you’ll be empowered to live your own version of success and reawaken those goals that are deep within you.
For first-timers, the friendly staff is on hand to guide you through your order. When I asked about vegan options, the staff was excited to share what they had on the menu! This is the first cafe I visited that did not look at me like I had limbs growing out of my head when I inquired about vegan options. Thank you, Urban Hang Suite!
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The staff introduced me to my first London Fog. It was soothing and made with my dietary preferences in mind. I grabbed my tea and entered into the second room of the cafe. I felt like I was in a whole new world. The walls were covered with Vibe magazines featuring world-renowned entertainers and leaders and a few chairs were filled with budding entrepreneurs who looked like they were on important missions.
My thoughts began to flow faster. If I had an entire day of freedom available, I could have enjoyed my tea while getting a sip of history. But what kept me at the cafe longer than I expected was Kelli Lemon’s expertly designed vegan bowl. My, my, my...so yummy!
The vegan bowl is an Asian and Greek-inspired mixture filled with your nutritional, dairy-free favorites. My bowl was adorned with all my go-to delicious green bites and grains including avocado, quinoa, and spinach. The bowl can be customized to fit your needs. One bite of the vegan bowl and you’ll be ready to glide through your day while walking in your power!
The food you eat can either help or harm you, and Lemon has whipped up a combination of ingredients that will give you a new pep in your step. The food is very clean and light but also filling because of the nutrients in the bowl. I felt like I was in a vegan cafe heaven because I have never felt so refreshed after leaving any cafe.
So, if you’re ever in Richmond, do yourself a favor and head to the Urban Hang Suite RVA. In this space, it’s all about community. This social cafe will give you a heartwarming blend of connections, coffee, and culture while you reward your body with vegan-friendly flavors that make you feel like you’re in the luxury of your home.
Charlene Rhinehart is an award-winning speaker, consultant, and coach who uses digital technologies to share inspiring stories with the world. She helps others live their best life as a Financial Coach at Wealthy Women Daily, Founder of the Career Goddess Academy, and Travel & Lifestyle Writer at BlackCoupleTravels.com. Charlene recently published her first book, “Dividends Are a Queen’s Best Friend” on Amazon.
