It’s been a while since I made my way up to Church Hill for a cup of coffee, but as the weather changes to warmer temperatures, I’m sure shaking off the winter cold is going to get me out of the house and to the beautiful area on the hill just east of downtown. Until then, here’s a “free refill” for you to enjoy.
CAPTAIN BUZZY’S BEANERY, 2623 E. Broad Street, Captain Buzzy’s on Facebook
Along the picturesque tree-lined street and red brick houses in the Church Hill section of town, there’s a coffee shop that is molded out of a corner market from years past that has stood the test of time as a neighborhood favorite since 2004.
Captain Buzzy’s Beanery occupies that space on the corner of East Broad Street and 27th Street very well. With the entire store front taken up by the huge windows, it gives natural light a place to play and supplies the apple green, terra-cotta and brown colored interior with ample light to read or write.
When first walking in I was struck by the sweet aroma that met me when I crossed the threshold. It seemed more like I was walking into a bakery instead of a coffee house, causing me to pause to take it all in. When walking toward the counter you notice the vintage floor-standing radio cabinet with a large round-faced dial, instantly you’ll realize the personality of the shop is one that is easy-going, warm and a little bit quirky.
The first visit to Captain Buzzy’s Beanery is one that will cross your mind whenever the thought of “where’s a good place for coffee” comes up. If you’re just east of the city, wandering around the Church Hill area, make a stop in the store front coffee shop on the corner of Broad & 27th street, have a cup and take it all in.
and with that said, on to the specs…
the place – what’s around?
A few blocks down toward Main Street you’ll find “The Market” and a multitude of other businesses that are in Shockoe Bottom. In the immediate area there’s a few restaurants and Eric Schindler gallery. But, if you’re looking to take a stroll, there’s some fantastic views of the city. Further east on Broad will take you to the Chimborazo Medical Museum and Chimborazo Park where, on windy days, flying kites seem to be the thing to do and in the spring & summer picnics can make for an exceptional afternoon.
parking – parking lot or “fan” like?
Street parking- there’s a few signs that are regulated to 15 minute parking, but finding un-regulated parking isn’t hard at all…it’ll be well worth the walk if you had to park a few blocks way.
coffee- good, bad or mugly?
The coffee is a hot cup of BUZZY’S which is their house that has been fresh roasted this morning. It has an aroma that is pleasant and is a prelude to an easily enjoyable cup of coffee. Upon tasting it, you’ll find it’s a little more milder than other dark roasted coffees, but it’ll keep you from wanting to sweeten the cup with cream or sugar.
menu- bunch or linner?
They have a lot to offer in the way of food items, breakfast all day along with soups, salads and sandwiches that can be served for lunch or dinner. Also there’s a good selection of baked goods to be had with your cup of coffee or as a sweet dessert with your meal.
art – rotating or fixture?
Fixture – alot of antique photos adorn the wall as well as vintage “pop-shop” signs and festival banners over the glass front refrigerator and the roaster at the front of the building as well as behind the counter. Be sure to take a look at the antique radio cabinet circa 1930′s.
music- overbearing or background?
Background- it sounds like it’s on cable radio with commercials thrown in from time to time, which can become slightly annoying, but I figure they don’t want to spend a whole lot of time swapping out cds or searching for a channel that’s commercial free.
baristas- friend or foe?
Friendly- a little too friendly at times, but they greet the customer with a sence of familiarity. Every so often you’ll hear a shout from behind the bar in approval of a song or something, which can be slightly jarring if you’re concentrating on your work, but its nothing that’ll scare you away.
noticeable regulars – “cheers” or who are these people?
Cheers- being this is a neighborhood cafe, there are the obvious regulars, and it seems really easy to be come one in Captain Buzzy’s. Right now a lot of the neighborhood hipsters are hanging out and working on computers or studying.
hi-fi – wi-not or wi-bother?
free wi-fi- There is free WiFi so be sure to tip and buy something while you spend your day on the hill.
seating & meeting – ample or not enough
Ample- 4 smaller tables along the wall with chairs for two, 2 larger tables side by side at the front of the shop each large enough for 4 chairs. A sitting area with a sofa and two miscellaneous chairs around a coffee table and another table, oddly placed between the roaster and the counter with 3 chairs. With all of the seating arrangements, you’re sure to find somewhere to enjoy your cup of joe or sandwich.
workspace – second office or read the paper?
workspace – They seem to be making the best of the few sockets around the room by having 4 sockets to each outlet, so bring your long cord and plug in. the 2 person tables are on the small side, so if you have a lot of paperwork to spread out, you can try to seat yourself at one of the larger tables or in the sitting area on the sofa.
clean or not so much
um…clean?- The tables are well maintained to keep them clean, but with the floor being unpolished and original hardwood flooring, its collected whatever stains over the years and dirt that has come in on patrons shoes. Especially in the winter time.
what else?
Captian Buzzy’s Beanery is a shop that will invite you in for a first cup and will keep you coming back for much more, with the laid-back appeal and the beauty of the neighborhood, you’ll feel right at home no matter which side of town you may come from.
thanx for viewing….
k!
