3 Cute Cafes You Must Visit in Newport, RI

There are a few things that I love to do when I visit somewhere new that helps me feel at home. One of those rituals is to find a cute coffee shop to grab a pick-me-up and log on to the wifi to check in on any pressing business matters and, if we’re traveling internationally, get in touch with our families. There is just something about finding a cozy spot and curling up with a warm beverage that allows you to reset before heading back out for your next adventure. Am I right? Well when we were in Newport in December I got to check out quite a few local coffee shops between mansion-hopping.  Here are 3 cute cafes you must visit in Newport, RI.

Kaffeology

359 Thames St.

Kaffeology has so much personality it’s no wonder the owner once worked as a manager for Walt Disney World Restaurants. In 2017 she moved back to New England and it was on a trip to Newport she found her first location for Kaffeology. Now she has a shop on Thames Street and another location in Portsmouth, RI. With over-the-top latte offerings like a maple bourbon latte, coconut brulee, and the nightcap hot chocolate, this small shop puts Starbucks to shame. They also have an incredible selection of macarons and to die for pastries. Next time I want to try the chocolate hazelnut chai and one of their tartines. I love a good tartine!

Empire Tea & Coffee

112 William St 

Right before we left town we had the opportunity to stop in at Empire Tea & Coffee and it was worth it. Empire actually has two locations in Newport and one in Bristol, RI. The flagship cafe opened in 2004 and is located on Bellevue Avenue, across the street from the Tennis Hall of Fame. They have adorable window seats that seem to defy gravity along with a great tea selection. I enjoyed the Nutcracker tea latte, one of their holiday seasonal offerings, and a superb bagel and lox. If you are feeling peckish, just be aware that the kitchen closes an hour before the cafe. 

Coffee Grinder

33 Bannister’s Wharf

I wanted to include the Coffee Grinder so that anyone looking for cute cafes will know that this gem is now closed. If location is everything then Coffee Grinder had won the jackpot. Located on the very end of Bannister’s Wharf, overlooking historic Newport harbor, this charming espresso bar served coffee and pastries for 25 years. Unfortunately, the landlords chose not to renew the lease. I’m so glad that I got there once!

I know there are a lot more cute, Instagrammable cafes in Newport and I look forward to exploring them next time I visit so if you have any suggestions, please drop them below or DM me!

And if you’re looking for more on what to do in Newport, make sure to check out my top 6 things to do in Newport, what to do in Newport at Christmastime, the Newport Mansions at Christmastime, and Festive New England Destinations.