Great Coffee Shops in Rhode Island

Here in New England we love our coffee. That is certainly evidenced here in Rhode Island. In my neighborhood there are three different coffee shops within walking distance of each other.

The absolute favorite is Dunkin' Donuts, no contest. Although the coffee items on the menu are standard at each Dunkin' Donuts location, there are a few variations on baked goods. I can get a coconut jelly stick at my Hoxsie Dunkin' Donuts, but not at the one a few blocks north on the same main road. The only drawback is that there is no public restroom.

The Hoxsie Dunkin' Donuts is kept fairly clean and the drive through is generally expedient. There are no surprises. You know what to expect at Dunkin' Donuts. I currently am partial to the warm Cinnamon Twist. They are open from 6am to midnight. The location is on the corner of Warwick Ave and West shore Road.

Starbucks is a new coffee shop in our neighborhood. Again, a standard menu presents a predictable choice. In our blue-collar neighborhood, many local folks won't even give this Starbucks a try because it is perceived as too "high brow". The coffee itself is tasty enough. The fancy selections are pricey, and it is not in the most prime location as a stop on the way into or out of the city (Providence).

If you want a quiet place to have a leisurely, fancy cup of coffee, Starbucks would be the best choice. It is located across from Dave's Marketplace on Airport Road next to the new Papa Gino's.

Even though Warwick is a large city, neighbors are fiercely loyal to their "local" haunts. Just as in the neighborhood bars, when you walk into a neighborhood coffee shop, anyone sitting inside will look up to see if they who it is walking in. That is certainly true of "The Best Coffee Shop" which features home made muffins and other goodies and freshly brewed coffee.

There are always a group of people sitting at the tables inside. The tables are located to the side of the bakery glass fronts. They do as much take out as sit down business. There is no drive through, but their assortment of homemade baked items are the freshest and best-tasting.

Hours are more limited than the chains. They open at 6am and close at 6pm every day. The are closed for all local holidays. It is located next to the Newport Creamery on Warwick Ave.