Speed Dating @ Abi'sMeet someone new over a cup of coffeeSave your spot
Memory at Abi'sA ten-lesson course on remembering more of what you study - all lessons freeTry the first lesson
Cary Street, Richmond

Books, Coffee & Community

A bookstore and coffeeshop one block from VCU. 2,500-something titles, a banned book lending library, and open at 5 AM. Come stay a while.

Abi's Books and Brews interior

Now Brewing

Bugle Call, Dark Knight

Book of the Week

Ask a barista

Open Until

7 PM nightly

The Daily Pour

The Price of Doing Good

The Daily Pour, Issue No. 1 | October 17, 2026 There's an interesting dichotomy that appears when running a small business while trying to do some good in th…

Read the full newsletter October 17, 2026
The Daily Ritual

A little curiosity for your day

Behind every drawer, a discovery. Behind every question, a conversation.

In today's drawer: Coffee Lore

Why Coffee Blooms

Today's Question
"Is there a drink or food you once hated but now love?"
Join the conversation
The Bookstore

On the shelf this week

Our shelves are being stocked - check back soon.

Inside Abi's Books & Brews
The Social Calendar

What's happening at Abi's

Full calendar
Oct22
WorkshopFree

RVA Readers & Writers

Co-working and writing sessions. Most attendees arrive between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, though the drop-in hours run flexibly from 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM

10:00 AM – 2:00 PMAbi's Books & Brews, 1212 1/2 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Oct24
WorkshopFree

Primal Yawp

# Building Fire from the Ground Up Join us for a hands-on gathering focused on bow drill fire-making and the preparation that supports it. We’ll work on cordage, pitch sticks, tinder preparation, and bow drill techniques, with different projects to try throughout the session. Things you can work on: - Cordage: Practice twisting fibers into cord and explore what makes cordage suitable for a bow drill. - Pitch sticks: Work with resin-rich wood and learn how to prepare it to help establish a flame. - Tinder: Prepare material that can catch an ember and help it grow into fire. - Bow drills: Practice setup, technique, and troubleshooting while working toward an ember. This is a working session, with room to move between activities, focus on one skill, and learn from each other. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your technique, come ready to use your hands, experiment, and share what you discover. No experience necessary. Making fire takes practice; preparation and persistence are part of the process.

11:00 PM – 1:00 AMAbi's Books & Brews, 1212 1/2 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220, USA Sign up
The Ritual

Become a regular.

Membership pays for the open mics, the outreach, and the corner table that's always free to sit at. You get a discount on books and a free pour now and then.

Explore memberships
Abi's Books & BrewsAbi'sBooks & Brews

A bookstore and coffeeshop on Cary Street, a block from VCU. We open at 5 AM. Come find your community.

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1212 1/2 W Cary St., Richmond, VA

© 2026 Abi's Book Cafe LLC