By: Clare Daly | Assistant Editor
On Newport’s lower Thames Street, a bright white awning covers a small ground floor building from the elements. Upon entering Drift Café, bright neon signs and hand-lettered menu boards can catch even the least observant customer’s eye. In the window, four square tables, a tall counter, and two bohemian swings suspended from the ceiling are flanked by white walls adorned with scenic photography by local artists like Patrick Murphy, owner of The King’s Lens and Friends gallery located a few blocks away on Carroll Street.
Newport’s newest healthy-yet-tasty spot opened in the summer of 2020 amidst the worst economic downturn the restaurant industry has seen in decades. Despite their rough beginnings, Drift has become an oasis for young adults forced into remote learning and work by the pandemic. Drift’s interior design, friendly staff, and tranquil music combines to create a perfect study space, complete with all-day breakfast.
A groggy college student can walk through Drift’s glass doors at 1 p.m., order one of their nutritious bowls, and be as energized as the early-riser senior manager sitting at the next table. Each bowl, known as a “Scramlet” is served with cage-free eggs any style, and toast or a bagel. Made with simple, natural ingredients, these meals pack a punch of flavor.
The Farmer’s Scramlet, evocative of a typical breakfast platter, consists of chicken sausage, roasted red pepper, tomato, onion, spinach, and white cheddar cheese. The chicken sausage is a delicious alternative to beef or pork, and there’s no need to worry about hitting your goal of green with the array of vegetables in this bowl. Calling all purists— disciples, dedicated to the sanctity of the morning meal— this Scramlet is for you.
Also available for breakfast: the Southside Scramlet, a tex-mex offering with beans, fresh pico de gallo, and avocado; the Spicy Bird Scramlet, featuring grilled chicken under a drizzle of Drift’s own Paleo-friendly Buffalo sauce; the Hash It Out, a sweet potato-based bowl; and classic Hot Oats with a sprinkle of superfoods. The café’s options will satisfy Newporters of all ages, but in order to attract a younger crowd, the chefs take care to expertly plate meals to ensure maximum posting potential. In addition to breakfast, the shop serves a plethora of artisan sandwiches, blended fruit bowls, signature smoothies, hearty lunches, and gourmet coffee and tea.
Drift Café is located at 190A Thames Street, Newport, Rhode Island. Closed Mondays, Drift’s staff-members are up bright and early serving customers Tuesday through Thursday, and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Order by phone at 401-619-2828, and online at driftnewport.com. Follow @driftcafenpt on social media.
