4 Cute Cafes You Must Visit in Newport, RI

*I originally shared this post in January 2022 but after our most recent trip, I wanted to add an additional cafe to this post and update you all on the status of the former Coffee Grinder Cafe.

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 4 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. 

Springline Coffee

33 Bannisters Wharf

Formerly the Coffee Grinder, this tiny cafe is chock full of delicious drinks and yummy treats. They’ve also opened up the deck in front with outdoor seating which is enclosed in the wintertime. We enjoyed a seasonal mocha coffee with almond milk while Arielle scarfed down a chocolate croissant so quick I didn’t even get to try it. Just a note: they are currently closed for the season and will be reopening in March. If you’re in the area this spring or beyond, they are definitely worth the visit. You can also buy their coffee online and have it shipped right to your door if you’re a fan of micro-brewed goodness! 

The Nitro Bar

404 Thames St.

The Nitro Bar also has a location at 2 Pond Ave. but we visited their Thames Street location and it is a very unique space. High, painted, elaborate tin ceilings, abstract paintings covering the walls, and a disco ball at the center of it all, The Nitro Bar is definitely a must visit. My only complaint is that they don’t serve decaf coffee. I have a caffeine sensitivity so whenever I have coffee, even specialty coffee, it must be decaf or I get a terrible headache. Because of this I was unable to indulge in one of their seasonal lattes. However, their chai latte is delicious so it was worth the visit. 

I know there are a lot more cute 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.