Savoring Rhody: 8 Stylish Cafes

From a log cabin to a carriage house, the state is filled with lovely places to linger over coffee

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Make grabbing java and a nosh way more stylish at these eight lovely cafes around the state. Whether you choose to post about lingering over a latte or put the phone down and just be present, these snazzy destinations, each with its own ambience, are perfect for your next coffee break, morning meal, or midday catch-up with your best pal.

 

Cafe Ava

Inspired by the married owners’ Guatemalan and Dominican roots, the cafe named for their daughter has brought much pizzazz to the Rolfe Square neighborhood in Cranston since opening in 2022. Go for their tres leches lattes, scrumptious homemade pastries, and Cuban sandwiches; stay for the beautiful mural, swing (a great photo opportunity), and sweet details. Cranston

 

Café Zara Coffee House

This sun-filled spot on Taunton Avenue brings a taste of Portugal to EP. Feel like you’re on vacay with items like the beautifully plated Lisbon Morning, a warm baguette with cheese and fruit, or the popular tosta mista, a Luzo take on grilled cheese. Regulars love their fanciful flavored lattes, iced coffees, and egg sammies. Pro-tip: grab the window seat – a hanging basket chair.
East Providence

 

Groundswell Cafe + Bakery

Encompassing a corner of Tiverton Four Corners, Groundswell effortlessly blends Parisian flair (flowers on every table and adorning some dishes) with small town comforts, like their wraparound porch, where you can plant yourself year-round. In addition to baked goods and artfully presented bowls, find French offerings like croque monsieur, leek and gruyère quiche, croissants, and even wines by the glass. Tchin tchin! Tiverton

 

Kaffeology

“Beautiful and delicious” appears on the window of the recently opened Garden City location of this chain of three. Like Cranston, Portsmouth had a recent glow-up, now boasting a southwest look inspired by owner Andreea Marin’s trip to Arizona. While soaking in the aesthetic, sip a specialty matcha or coffee drink, tuck into brunch all-day faves like the smoked salmon platter, or nibble warm banana bread. Cranston, Newport, and Portsmouth

 

Presto Strange O

Stop by on your way to Rocky Point State Park (or Morris Farm for corn!) for a Vietnamese iced coffee and a sweet or savory treat at this Warwick Neck haunt. The vibes are a little bit goth (Heathcliff might be a barista here if he lived in the 2020’s) with some cheeky accents thrown in for good measure. Regulars go gaga over their brekkie sandwiches, cookies, avocado toast, and cold brew, which are all easy to make disappear. Warwick

 

Rise ‘N Shine Coffee Bar

This cafe on a quiet side street off Route 44 near the State House, is steeped in history and charm. Order an incredible latte (pretty and tasty) while taking in the cobbler theme – an homage to the carriage house’s use in the 1950s, as well as the owner’s great-grandfather’s vocation. Details include a shoeshine stand built to replicate one from the old PVD train station. Photo ops galore. Providence

 

Stick + Fin

Surf’s up at these colorful digs on the water in downtown Westerly. You can’t miss the Cali-influence courtesy of rad owners Brian and Chiyoko Samuelson. Take in surf and skateboard culture when you pop in for a coffee, cold-pressed juice,  smoothie bowl, avo toast, or baked goods. Don’t miss the patio, adjacent to the Pawcatuck River, an awesome oasis for an al fresco bite. Westerly

 

Wild Harvest Cafe

Less than 10 minutes from bustling Main Street in East Greenwich, discover this cozy log cabin cafe set back from the road on South County Trail. Head over for a coffee and a muffin, a casual breakfast with a friend, or lunch al fresco on the front porch or side patio. Don’t sleep on the house-made potato chips! Bonus points for signature coffee ice cubes. There’s really nowhere else like it in Lil’ Rhody. East Greenwich

 

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