By Claire Latsko | Staff Writer
If you’re looking for a new place to grab a cup of coffee, relax with your friends, or do homework, then here are some great recommendations for local Newport coffee shops that are sure to please. Next time you want some coffee, rethink your idea to step foot into a Starbucks or Dunkin. Some of these places may even replace the usual commercial coffee spots. Trust me, they’re that awesome.
- Mokka Coffeehouse
Mokka Coffeehouse on Thames is a cozy little café with a Middle Eastern vibe. There are knick-knacks and books everywhere on shelves; most are little camel figurines. A large wooden giraffe in the corner keeps customers company as they sip their coffee and tea, or snack on fresh baked treats like blueberry scones and house-made pumpkin bread. All drinks are served in 100% recycled paper cups and recycled plastic lids. There are options for soy or almond milk, so people that are lactose-intolerant or vegan have yummy options too. Everything is moderately priced; I paid four dollars for a small chai latte that was extra cinnamon-y and delicious. Mokka is a great place to get out of the cold, warm up, and escape from the outside world. There’s free Wi-Fi too, which makes for a great homework spot. You can occupy one of the high-top tables, spread out your work, and relax into one of the tall wooden chairs that are surprisingly quite comfortable. Hands-down, Mokka wins for best service. The staff is welcoming and friendly; they make casual conversation with each customer, and personally bring your drink to your table. Side note though, they don’t accept credit cards; cash only.
- Coffee Grinder
Coffee Grinder is a local gem, located at the very end of Bannister’s Warf. It is a teeny tiny building with enough room to hold just a few people inside. There is a lot of seating right outside next to the marina, so you can sit by the water. The counter is massive and is covered in baked goods. The blueberry muffins, made with fresh Maine blueberries, are to die for, and they have the best hot chocolate in the world. The menu is large as well; there is a huge selection of all different coffees and other hot and cold drinks. They also sell sandwiches. The prices are great; I only spent 6 dollars, and the staff was sweet and genuine. You can get a cup of something to go, or tell them you’re going to sit and they’ll give you an actual coffee mug to drink out of. I recommend checking out Coffee Grinder before it gets too cold because it is more of an outside place, unless you’re up for cuddling with someone while you enjoy a hot drink. Actually, that sounds adorable! Coffee Grinder represents Newport’s home-y sea town vibe perfectly.
- Teas and Javas
Teas and Javas on Thames is located in a cool renovated bank building. There is a huge safe door on full display, which is beautiful and catches the eye as soon as you walk in. They have a variety of hot and iced coffee options, smoothies, and gelato frappes, as well as baked goods (chocolate croissants…if I could insert the emoji with the hearts for eyes here I would) and delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches. The BLT is the perfect choice if you are a fellow bacon lover like I am. Also, the iced mocha is absolutely to die for. The prices are a little bit higher. There were two things that I was disappointed about, though. First is that my sandwich took forever to make; I think the girl at the counter forgot to put my order in. Second, the only chairs there are folding wooden picnic chairs, which were very uncomfortable. Besides that, I liked Teas and Javas. It is a great spot for lunch with friends.
- The Original Empire Tea & Coffee
If you love the Empire on Bellevue and haven’t been to the original, then you need to go there ASAP! The original location on Broadway is huge compared to the new one, and it’s much more cozy. Almost the entire interior is wooden, and there are regular tables and chairs as well as well-worn leather armchairs. This is a perfect place to spend a Saturday or Sunday doing homework while indie-acoustic music floats out of the speakers. If you want a homework break then go play at the lite-brite table that isn’t just for little kids. The atmosphere is relaxed and happy. At the counter they sell cereal, oatmeal, scones, bagels, sandwiches, salads, and a seemingly endless amount of tea choices. If you’re not into hot tea then try out a bubble tea. They’re cold and delicious, and the bubbles at the bottom are fun to pop in your mouth. My favorite is the milky green tea with the popping bubbles. Their coffee is great too; the Aquidneck Honey Latte is perfect with a few packets of stevia and a little bit of milk. The prices are decent, and the staff makes your drinks quickly.
- Café Bellarista
Café Bellarista on Bellevue sits right across the street from Hotel Viking, so the view out the front window is lovely. It is a small and stylish place in a historic building that is connected to a smaller hotel. The food selection is small but really good. They have breakfast sandwiches, paninis, salads, muffins and bagels. The prices are awesome; a small coffee or tea is only two dollars. Café Bellarista a quiet place that is great to sit down and relax or quickly grab a snack. Some of our fellow Salve students work at the counter, so if you see them in there make sure to say hi.
