Celebrate National Coffee Day the GoProvidence Way
One of my favorite things about Providence is that we have one of the highest number of coffee shops per capita in the country. At last count, that's about 23 coffee shops per 100,000 people, which makes it the perfect place to celebrate National Coffee Day on Sept. 29. But with a cafe on just about every corner, how do you decide where to go? I did a very informal survey of my GoProvidence coworkers to find out their favorite caffeine source. Here's what they had to say.
Downtown Coffee
Elizabeth Buckley, Director of Business Development: "My favorite coffee is at Small Point Cafe on Westminster. It's the perfect midmorning walk from my office. I order a cappuccino and love waiting for it to be prepared in the busy, artsy atmosphere of the cafe. When I'm not racing back to the office, I like to sit at Bellini for a cappuccino, served in a china cup with a bite-size biscotti on the saucer — bellisimo!"
Jessica Caparco, Senior Director of Marketing: "It's almost impossible to pick a favorite coffee spot in Providence. But I do love the Coffee Connection. As an iced coffee year-rounder, I appreciate that they have a wide selection of flavors and concoctions like the Iced Nutella."
Dave Cartwright, Vice President of Operations & Administration: "The iced coffee flavor of the day at Café La France has become my new favorite."
Carley Foto, Convention Services Manager: "Ellie's iced lavender latte. And you can't go in there without getting a sweet treat."
Kate Heemsoth, Sales Manager: "After the cookie butter coffee and spinach and feta pastry I had two weeks ago, Sydney is my new fave."
Abby Jones, Sales Coordinator: "My favorite spot is Bolt Coffee — I typically visit their Washington Street location. They roast their beans at an in-house roastery in Providence, so everything is super high-quality. My go-to order is an iced cortado!"
Jonathan Neis, Director of National Accounts: "My personal favorite is Little City! I always get a latte and love their seasonal syrup options. For the spring and summer this year, they had a lavender syrup — so good! Their pastries are always so good, too."
Sandra Olson, Community Affairs Manager: "I love the caffe mocha at Caffe Nero, and it's super convenient because I walk right by on the way to the office."
More Providence Coffee
Dasha Albee, Convention Services Manager: "A great treat is always Seven Stars Bakery. My go-to on a Sunday morning with a good book or a good friend is a vanilla cappuccino and the ham & cheese croissant. And you can't forget to take home a freshly baked loaf!"
Alana Cerrone O'Hare, Senior Director of Communications & Special Projects: "Rise 'N Shine Cafe. I always get their special, no matter what it is! The PB&J was an all-time favorite. Their concoctions are unique and handcrafted. Love the interior decor, too — super cozy and comfortable."
Erin Degulis, Senior Director of Convention & Visitor Services: "I'm a Dunkin' girl – 3 milks, 3 Equals."
Cat Montgomery, Social Media Manager: "I have a few favorite cafes, but I especially love Rise N' Shine. It's in an old, restored carriage house on Smith Hill with a sweet garden patio. They have the best flavored cold foams for iced lattes. It's worth the walk from downtown! I love to support small local businesses." (Pro tip: Follow @goprovidence for Cat's weekly #CaffeinateWithCat visits to PVD coffee shops!)
Jonathan Walker, Executive Director, Rhode Island Sports Commission: "L'Artisan Cafe & Bakery in Wayland Square. Like a true New Englander, my go-to order is an iced coffee. Or Dave's Coffee for a Nitro Cold Brew. Pro tip: Try the breakfast sandwich on a homemade English muffin. Their carrot bacon is perfect for vegetarians and even fools bacon lovers like me!"
And a Couple of Warwick Cafes
Kristen Adamo, President & CEO: "The perfect Sunday morning is a dirty chai from Presto Strange O Cafe, followed by a walk in Rocky Point Park, which is just down the road. I like a dirty chai because it's the best of both worlds — the spicy sweetness of chai tea mixed with the liquid oomph of espresso. It gets you moving!"
As for me, the seasonal coffees at The Landing PVD are my favorite Friday treat. But when I'm working from home in Warwick, I'm all about Bloom Patisserie in Conimicut. I'm partial to a latte and a White Cheddar Pretzel Croissant.
Whichever you choose, I'm sure there's a coffee shop in Providence just waiting to be your new favorite. And, if we missed yours, be sure to snap a photo and tag @GoProvidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is National Coffee Day?
National Coffee Day is celebrated in the U.S. on September 29.
- Does Providence have a lot of coffee shops?
Yes. Providence has one of the highest numbers of coffee shops per capita in the country, with about 23 coffee shops per 100,000 people.
- What are the best coffee shops in Downtown Providence?
Local favorites downtown include Small Point Cafe, Coffee Connection, Café La France, Bolt Coffee, Little City, and Caffe Nero.
- Where can I find coffee shops outside of downtown Providence?
Popular picks include Seven Stars Bakery, Rise N' Shine Cafe on Smith Hill, L'Artisan Cafe & Bakery in Wayland Square, Dave's Coffee, and The Landing.
- Is there a local coffee roaster in Providence?
Yes. Bolt Coffee roasts its beans at its own roastery in Providence.
- Are there coffee shops with outdoor seating in Providence?
Yes. Rise N' Shine Cafe, located in a restored carriage house on Smith Hill, has a garden patio.
- Where can I find more Providence coffee shop recommendations?
Follow @goprovidence for Caffeinate with Cat, a series featuring visits to local coffee shops. Episodes are also collected in the Coffee: Caffeinate with Cat playlist on the GoProvidence YouTube channel.
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