New York Tomato

Navigating through the one-way streets and no-through roads of Richmond, with luck, will lead to uncovering the location of this almost camouflaged cafe.

On the corner where New street meets York, you’ll find the roller door and semi-warehouse space that is New York Tomato. A tiny front courtyard houses pots of verdant succulents, herbs and citrus. Wooden share-tables make for congenial Saturday morning elbow rubs, while inside the counter and mini-kitchen are a friendly squeeze.

Up two flights of steep stairs you’ll find the other half of the tomato, a laid back lounge with well-worn padded couches, maroon drapes covering the ceiling and, in one corner, a low-roofed cubby-hole booth. It’s a little bit scuffed at the edges, but after a coffee, a bloody-Mary and some good brunch waffles, it’s back on track.

It’s easy to while away entire afternoons here on wet weekends and once you’ve found it you’ll be loath to share it, sequestered away from the world. Thankfully for those who want to keep it secret, when the roller doors are down, you’d easily walk right by.