Pints and Pint-sized: Crossroads — Forest Hill

The atmosphere at Crossroads is always a bit unexpected–and so is their beer.

May 23, 2014; 6:00 AM • by Erin Sarro

Crossroads is one of the things that really sold us on moving to the Forest Hill area. It’s a come-as-you-are, family-oriented cafe where neighbors welcome you into conversation, bikers grab a beer after a long ride, and belly dancers distract you from work on a Friday morning. The atmosphere at Crossroads is always a bit unexpected–and so is their beer.

Pint score: ★★★★★

It might surprise you to know that Crossroads has as many drafts as they do local coffees–more, even. You’ll find twenty drafts that range from trendy Virginia brews like Blue Mountain’s Blue Reserve; to classic Chimay; to bubbly, heady nitro taps. Crossroads rotates their drafts nearly every day, so I recommend getting a sampler of four then go with your favorite. Visit their Facebook page or Trinkin.com for up-to-date menus. Don’t see anything that strikes your fancy? The owner and staff are happy to take suggestions–just don’t ask for Bud Light, because, c’mon.

Pint-sized score: ★★★★★

Unlike some other city coffee shops, Crossroads is child and pet friendly, meaning that rambunctious kiddos and river-soaked dogs are more than tolerated here; they’re part of the ambience. The large outdoor covered patio is perfect for Bev’s Homemade ice cream on a hot summer day or playing games on mommy’s iPhone while she relaxes with a cold one (do not judge me). Crossroads serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with your standard variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. While there are enough munchies and people-watching to potentially keep your kiddos entertained, you’ll need to use those eyes-in-the-back-of-your-head superpowers to make sure they don’t wander off to busy Forest Hill Avenue or the parking lot next door.¹