You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.
Set in Richmond, VA, Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.
Order the pancakes and you'll get a stack tall enough to make you reconsider lunch — fluffy, lightly tangy from buttermilk, and finished with a generous pour of warm maple syrup.
Menu highlights
Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.
- Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
- Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)
- Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and seasonal cold-pressed juices
- Eggs Benedict with house-made hollandaise on a toasted English muffin
- Smoked salmon plate with cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a toasted bagel
- Shakshuka with feta, herbs, and warm pita
- Country-style biscuits and sausage gravy
- Smoked brisket hash with two eggs and pickled onion
It's a tight room, with maybe a dozen tables and a handful of counter seats facing the open kitchen, where you can watch the line cooks work.
Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.
Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.
Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Richmond, Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.
Tips from the regulars
- Tip generously — the brunch shift is the toughest in any restaurant, and the staff here keeps it warm even at peak rush.
- Save room: the pastry case at the front is part of the experience.
- Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe.
- Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
- Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
Hours
| Mon | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Wed | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Thu | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Fri | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Sat | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
| Sun | Mo-Su 07:00-19:00 |
Frequently asked questions
What time does Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe open for brunch?
Posted hours are: Mo-Su 07:00-19:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.
Does Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe take reservations?
Most brunch spots in Richmond are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.
Is Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes — Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.
What kind of cuisine does Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe serve?
It's classified under cafe — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Richmond.
Is there outdoor seating at Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe?
Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.
Location
Located at 1217 East Cary Street. Coordinates: 37.5353, -77.4340. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.