As the weather warms and color seeps its way back into our small state, the outdoors beckon. Time to shake off the cobwebs and get outside. Our small-but-mighty state offers many beautiful vistas: from the ocean views surrounding Beavertail Lighthouse, to historic houses populating Providence’s East Side. I love a good scenic walk, but one with a coffee and pastry promised before, after, or during, is even better. Below, find my recommendations for cafés situated in some of Rhode Island’s most scenic corners.
Queen of Cups, Narragansett
Nestled in Narragansett’s Pier Marketplace, this small and cozy café offers your classic line-up of caffeinated beverages. Order your drink of choice, whether it be a warm latte or an iced, spiced chai, and grab one of their homemade pop-tarts. With its tarot-inspired name, it’s no surprise that the café boasts an assortment of tarot decks. Linger by the large window and draw some cards before stepping out into seaside Narragansett. Cut through the Pier Marketplace to the waterfront and walk along the famed Narragansett Seawall or down the sandy Narragansett Beach. Whether you go right or left, the views are unmatched.
Groundswell, Tiverton
Open the café’s large doors and step into a spacious coffee shop that will have you wondering how you ended up in Paris. Deep blue walls, gold accents, and high ceilings create an unmatched atmosphere of style and elegance. Behind the glass case, a slew of pastries tempt – indulge in a lemon Danish or a buttery croissant. Baguettes and loaves of bread, all made in-house, are also available for purchase. Sip on your warm beverage at one of the tables, each adorned with a Wi-Fi free note, encouraging you to disconnect and enjoy the moment. Or enjoy your drink while strolling around the conjoining Groundswell properties: Their home decor shop is right next door and their garden center is across the street. If you’re up for a drive, head to Little Compton’s Goosewing Beach, only 15 minutes away, for a windswept beach walk on this gorgeous coastal nature preserve.
Borealis Coffee, Riverside
This spring, get your bikes out and pedal along the endlessly breathtaking East Bay Bike Path. Many foodie pitstops are along the way, notably Borealis Coffee. This café is the perfect pit-stop for refreshments mid-bike ride. Known for their expertly roasted coffee, this small café, located in a historic train station, offers quality brews without any pretensions. Good coffee made by good people. Grab a snack, get some caffeine, and carry on along the 14.5-mile path from Providence to Bristol. Or stay the evening for their bouts of live music.
Shayna’s Place, North Kingstown
Located in the heart of historic Wickford Village, Shayna’s Place offers all that’s expected in a café, along with an impressive array of smoothies and sandwiches, all delicious. Stop in for a quick bite before wandering the streets of Wickford. Marvel at the impossibly quaint colonial homes while sipping on a cappuccino or one of their smoothies, like The Liz Biesel, named after the Olympic swimmer from North Kingstown. Stop in at some of Wickford’s shops, make your way down to the Town Dock, and take in all this quaint village offers. Return to Shayna’s Place for one of their sandwiches.
Small Format, Wickenden Street, PVD
This tiny café in Providence’s historic Fox Point neighborhood offers much more than just coffee. A cocktail bar and an art gallery, this queer-run cooperative also regularly hosts events for the LGBTQ+ community, like speed dating or craft nights. Take a look at their Instagram to see the slew of events, past and future. Welcome to all. Pop in, enjoy the cozy and inviting space, and then venture out into the beautiful East End neighborhood where you can ogle the beautiful, preserved Colonial homes that line the streets.
A Slice of Heaven, Jamestown Island
This family-owned café is the perfect place to grab refreshments before exploring Jamestown Island. Get your coffees and pastries to go and drive over to Beavertail Lighthouse for some seaside hikes. Or make your way to Fort Wetherill and discover the cove that appears in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom. A Slice of Heaven is also in Jamestown’s town center. Right from the café’s door, you can make your way down to the marina and see Rose Island and Newport Harbor with the Pell Bridge stretching overhead. If you’re feeling adventurous, take the small ferry over to one of these places. Be sure to get your sandwiches from A Slice of Heaven. •
