Looking for a good RI coffee shop? Here are 7 reader-favorite spots to order a warm drink
Need a caffeine fix?
Rhode Island is full of coffee shops – beyond the beloved Dunkin' – where you can get a cup of joe as well as hang out or sit down to do some work. In fact, Providence was named one of the best coffee cities in the country, in part because of how many coffee shops the city has.
The Providence Journal recently put it to readers in an unscientific poll. First, we asked readers to nominate places to include in the poll on our Instagram page @ProJoEats, which we then compiled into a true poll asking people to vote for their favorite.
Hundreds of votes later, we've narrowed it down to the top seven reader picks for coffee shops to cozy up at.
First place: Ceremony
Ceremony, 406 Brook St. in Providence, first launched as a tea house, but has since rebranded as a cafe that will impress even the staunchest coffee drinkers. This airy spot in College Hill, founded by Chinese immigrant Michelle Cheng, is filled with beauty, from the decor to the pottery for sale to the drink menu. On the menu, you'll find all the coffee house regulars, but we would be remiss to not suggest trying one of the matcha lattes or teas on the menu. And don't forget to pick up an Asian pastry.
Ceremony: The teahouse, reimagined
Runner up: Rise n' Shine Coffee Bar
Located in the Smith Hill neighborhood, Rise n' Shine, 97 Holden St., is a space designed for gathering and chatting over a warm drink. On the first floor of a historic carriage house, this spot is meant to be a home away from home, but with better coffee – it's all locally roasted – and beautiful latte art. It's the perfect spot to warm up on an otherwise dreary day.
Third place: Coffee Exchange
Serving sustainable coffee since 1984, Coffee Exchange, 207 Wickenden St., got its foothold in the Providence coffee scene right at the time coffee shops were becoming a mainstream concept in the United States. At first, they didn't even sell brewed coffee – just coffee beans, and coffee and tea paraphernalia – but when they got their hands on an old espresso machine all that changed. Forty years later, they're still going strong and still a favorite.
Fourth place: The Nook Coffee House
This cozy spot in East Greenwich is cozy as can be. The Nook Coffee House, 307 Main St., is all about good coffee, community and coziness. Get your coffee here or check on the draft kombucha on tap. They source many of their ingredients locally, such as New Harvest Coffee Roasters for their coffee beans and their bagels from Providence Bagels.
Fifth place: Borealis Coffee Company
Having moved to Rhode Island from Alaska, owner and head roaster Brian Dwiggins at Borealis Coffee Company has a real appreciation for a warm cup of coffee on short, cold winter days. When he came to the Ocean State, he started roasting coffee like the coffee he drank growing up. And then, other people started asking for some too. Now, Borealis has two locations 250 Bullocks Point Ave, Riverside and 500 Wood Street, Unit 113, Bristol.
Sixth Place: Seven Stars Bakery
A Rhode Island institution, Seven Stars Bakery has five locations spread out across the state so that everyone can get their fix. The baked goods are incredible, and the coffee is taken just as seriously.
Seventh Place: Felicia's Coffee
Established in 1996, Felicia's Coffee has been satisfying coffee lovers in East Greenwich for a long time. The coffee shop, 5757 Post Road., is a casual spot to get a drink and a chance to catch your breath. They also have an incredible dessert menu, even making our food editor Gail Ciampa's list of best places to get a zeppole.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: The 7 best coffee spots in RI to cozy up at, according to readers
