413 Catherine Street

Considering we are rabidly opposed to the corporate coffee shops we were thrilled to discover Dose (sorry no website to link to yet). Dose is located at 522 N. Second Street, once known as The Deuce, in close proximity to the Hippodrome, the former entertainment hotspot for Jackson Ward, which hosted many artists in its hay day including Ella Fitzgerald, Bill Robinson and Duke Ellington. Dose is a clever play on words, dos translates to two in Spanish therefore referencing its location as well as its services. Their iced mocha generously topped with whipped cream was the perfect choice of beverages to meander the streets of the ward. Although we were tempted to stay and enjoy our coffee in the contemporary designed indoor balcony where we could read some of the local presses they carry or enjoy the sights in their open-air balcony over looking Second Street. The staff was incredibly friendly and very knowledgeable about the neighborhood. I did not notice if they had WiFi but if so I foresee Dose as my future studying spot. (The photo is an interior shot I pirated from Richmond Renaissance.) Here's a link to find non-corporate coffee shops in any area:
http://www.delocator.net/