blog system page

The Nitro Bar is the coffee shop you'll dream of for days to come whenever the morning arrives a little too soon and the only thing that will do is a really good cup of coffee. Now with two Newport locations, and 1 seasonal cafe in Little Compton, they originated as a coffee cart hand-made from scrap wood, and eventually evolved from high-demand into 3 carts, 50 Nitro taps and 4 shops throughout the state. Their nitro cold brew is pretty much as smooth as your excuse for being late to work— roasted, brewed, and pressurized in a keg, the result is a creamy pour from the tap that some might compare to a Guinness. 

Pro tip: Don't miss the eye-catching, hand-painted mural created by local artist Lizz Kelley outside their 2 Pond Avenue location.

Meet you on Bellevue.

Once a cafe, always a cafe. Situated on Bellevue Avenue in the former Meg's Aussie Milk Bar location, is Brack's Cafe. Originally from Massachusetts, this cafe offers seasonal specials, sandwiches, delicious smoothies, strong coffees and a kids menu for the little ones. Daily menu items include healthy options like acai bowls and avocado toast, to indulgent sandwiches and soups, prepared foods and an assortment of gelato. 

A classic with three locations throughout Newport and Bristol, Empire Tea and Coffee is your spot for a wide selection of coffee, teas and specialty drinks like their Mexican hot chocolate and Dirty Chai Latte. Voted "Best Coffeehouse in Newport County" in Rhode Island Magazine 2012, this dog-friendly spot is the largest coffee shop in Rhode Island with 5,000 sq. ft. of seating area. Go ahead, get comfy.

CRUSHING ESPRESSO IN THE NORTH END.

 

Conveniently located inside the technology hub and community co-working space, Innovate Newport, is a Simple Merchant Coffee Shop. They are serving espresso, freshly brewed coffee, take-home blends, and good vibes in Newport's North End. 

Simple Merchant also offers a coffee subscription, which promises coffee, brew guides, special items, and more all delivered to your door. 

Take a stroll down to the very end of Bannister's Wharf, take a right, and land at the new Springline Coffee Cafe. Serving their signature brews, tasty treats, and nautical-inspired gifts and gear. Sit on their patio overlooking Bowen's Wharf, or grab an Adirondack chair and bask in the sun. 

This Newport classic has found a new home in the Perry Mill Building, right behind the wave statue, if you know the place. Choose from authentic Italian espresso drinks and some of the best coffees in Newport. Also served are a variety of light food items, including fresh bagels, muffins, and sandwiches. 

You could easily miss Custom House Coffee if you weren't looking for it, but that would be a shame (especially for a coffee enthusiast.) Established in 2001, owner Bob Mastin roasts only the finest high-grown Arabica coffees every day in small batches to offer the freshest coffee possible. If that's not enough, the small shop on Middletown's Aquidneck Avenue has been voted Best of Newport ten times. When you need an extra kick, order The Zombie Killer: house-made cold brew sweetened with caramel and vanilla that might just leave you buzzing. 

While you're there, grab a pound (or several) of Veteran Coffee Roasters. Founded in 2014 by Bob as a way to give back to fellow veterans who have served the country, $1 of each pound sold is donated to veteran causes. 

Kaffeology opened its first location on Lower Thames Street in 2017 as a small cafe offering over-the-top milkshakes alongside coffee and teas.

Since then, their location and menu have expanded with a second spot on West Main Road in Portsmouth and new offerings including breakfast sandwiches, salads, bowls, and more. There are some vegan offerings, like the sweet potato bowl and the vegan Cobb, and some items that can be made vegan with slight modifications, like the avocado toast and the rise + shine breakfast sandwich.

Art infused coffee made with love? Sign us up! New to Portsmouth, Grafik Coffee is a family run coffee roastery and cafe that specializes in small batch roasted coffee, breakfast and lunch. The company supports local artists by featuring their artwork on the bags of coffee that they sell.

Located in the heart of Tiverton Four Corners in a circa 1876 landmark building, Groundswell Cafe + Bakery feels like it was transplanted from a charming corner in Paris; chic bistro seating lines the wrap-around porch entrance while inside, blue velvet curtains adorn the windows and gold accents add a hint of warmth. Overlooking historic Main Street, the fairly new coffee shop replacing the old Provender offers seasonal menus, grab + go options, and coffee shop staples including pastries made onsite from scratch and locally roasted coffee.

Once you've gotten your fill of coffee (don't forget a croissant), head across the brick walkway to Groundswell Garden + Home to explore a curated selection of garden wares and home decor situated in the Arnold Smith House ca. 1754. 

Some might say the atmosphere at Tiverton's Coastal Roasters is just as bold as the coffee. Buoys, stone sculptures, and a string of colored lights complete this whimsical coastal experience at one of the area's most highly-rated coffee shops. The menu offers a little bit of everything served over innovation. Think iced peanut butter honey latte, pistachio mojo, and Iced uncranky yankee— coffee syrup (a Rhode Island classic) blended with their coastal gold espresso.

Need a pick me up? Head over to the Art Cafe for some awesome boho vibes. This pint sized coffee shop right in Little Compton’s downtown is packed full of character and canvas. The walls are adorned with local art, creations, and sculptures.

Grab a brew, tea or pastry and head outside where tables dot their small lawn under the shady trees. Sip and enjoy.

Head to The Village Hearth Bakery & Cafe for awesome vibes, and equally awesome food. Up before dawn to bake the freshest goods, owners Stephanie and Lindsay have crafted a menu of scratch made pastries, sandwiches on house made breads, salads and seasonal soups.

Arguably some of the best views in Jamestown can be found at the quaint, but iconic, East Ferry Deli.

Overlooking Narragansett Bay and the Newport Bridge, and known to be ‘the place’ where the community connects, pull up an outdoor chair, pop up an umbrella, grab a cup of coffee and bite to eat and take in the morning.

Insider Tip: If you take the Jamestown Newport Ferry, East Ferry Deli is conveniently located right across the street. If you come by car, parking can be found along Canonicus Ave, Narragansett Ave, and in the East Ferry parking lot.

The Beehive Cafe has been a staple of the Bristol dining scene since opening in 2007. A small, two-story cafe with cozy seating and an upstairs balcony for al fresco eating, the intimate cafe overlooks Bristol's Independence Park from its home on Franklin Street. Order from their menu of locally sourced coffee alongside sweet and savory farm-to-table treats like the Beehive Biscuits and orange ricotta pancakes. Once it's ready, make your way outside to the patio or upstairs to the balcony for scenic bites. 

A byproduct of their award winning sister restaurant Bywater, the Bakeshop is the epitome of an elevated coffee shop. Crisp yet cozy design welcomes you inside, with tables and large picture windows flanking the entrance.

Their menu of curated pastries like sourdough croissants, turmeric ginger scones, and specialty lattes that have you craving more. Head upstairs for an open layout of tables, local art-adorned walls (that is all for sale) and the cutest book nook (literally) for the kiddos complete with coloring, pillows and toys.

Insider's Tip: During the warmer months, don’t miss the outside deck for water views and treehouse vibes.

Just down the sidewalk you’ll find the Black Pear.

This cozy cafe, with a slight industrial flare, specializes in coffees and sweet and savory morning bites, along with a selection of curated pantry goods like honey, sauces, preserves and more. Enjoy complimentary fruit infused water, choose from a variety of gluten free options, and so the littles can feel just as special, order off the most adorable kids chalk menu around. 

Welcome to The Blue Kangaroo, where their chalkboard menus are packed with morning goodness of organic coffees, teas, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches and so much more.

Don’t miss The Boomerang, a hot or iced latte with their own house crafted coffee milk—a Rhode Island tradition.

Plus, many gluten free pastry options. Pssst…keep your eyes open for the hidden alley that will lead you to a mini courtyard with a beautiful mural, perfect for al fresco dining.

Exposed brick, large open coffee bars, and expanding for late-night hangs (desserts, wine, and more!), you are entering the coffee shop out of your dreams. Borealis Coffee Company, a small batch coffee roaster and café recently opened their doors at Unity Park, in Bristol, at the former US Rubber Company mill. From breakfast items and weekend pastries to a daily rotating coffee menu and special non-coffee drinks, there is something for everyone at Borealis. 

Meet the new kid on the block: Folklore Provisions.

This European style cafe opened in 2024 by husband and wife team, Chef Eli Dunn (ah hem 2x Food Network Chopped Champion) and his wife Rachel.

Stop here first for Portuguese style fare for breakfast and lunch, that will have you craving for more. From savory like the Ricotta Toast and sweet like decadent Cinnamon Roll, and let’s not forget the incredible lattes that will blow your mind, made with none other than Azorean milk.