One of the great things about living in Westerly, RI, is the access you’ll have to the community’s outstanding dining scene. The downtown area is loaded with excellent restaurants, and you’ll find even more options on Franklin Street and in Watch Hill.
You’ll also find an abundance of selection when looking for a cup of java first thing in the morning, as downtown Westerly and its surrounding area is full of small, local cafes.
Most of these venues have breakfast offerings, too, and many are within walking distance of downtown Westerly’s residential areas.
Here’s a look at five coffee shops that Westerly’s locals love.
1) Stick + Fin
The Stick + Fin sits on Westerly’s Main Street but is just south of what you’d consider the downtown core. This riverfront venue’s quiet location and excellent coffee menu make it well worth visiting as you search for the perfect cup.
Once you walk through the doors at the Stick + Fin, you’ll see a wide selection of craft coffee options, including cold brew, espresso, cappuccino, latte, cafe mocha, macchiato, and cortado. You can add almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk, as well, and there are multiple flavoring options.
If you’re aren’t in the mood for coffee, the shop also has tea and a juice bar, or you can grab a quick bite like avocado toast, peanut butter banana toast, or Nutella mixed berry toast.
2) Coy Cafe
You can’t beat the location of the Coy Cafe, as it sits inside the Westerly Library, perhaps the town’s most iconic site.
You’ll also appreciate the vendor’s great selection of coffee, including options from Dave’s Coffee in Charlestown. Other items on the menu include espresso, Americano, cappuccino, mocha, latte, dirty chai, and London fog, and they serve iced coffees, cinnamon rolls, muffins, bagels, and scones, too.
If you’re heading to the library or Wilcox Park in the morning, make the Coy Cafe part of your trek.
3) Bess Eaton
Bess Eaton is a small local chain with locations in Pawcatuck, Wakefield, Galilee, and Westerly. The Westerly shop sits on the corner of High Street and Oak Street and has a drive-thru so you can grab a quick cup of coffee on your way to work in the morning.
The menu at Bess Eaton is simple, as they serve their original blend coffee, in addition to decaf, hazelnut, and French vanilla. You can grab a tray of four coffees if you’re picking up some drinks for the office, and they also serve breakfast sandwiches and baked goods.
One visit to Bess Eaton, and you’ll see why it has been a local favorite for over a decade.
4) Junk & Java
One of the busiest coffee shops in Westerly is Junk & Java, a unique and creative venue on Beach Street, just south of the downtown core. Junk & Java is popular because people go there to hang out, enjoy a coffee made from freshly roasted organic beans, and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.
Other offerings at Junk & Java include iced coffee, cafe au lait, chai latte, various espresso drinks, fruit smoothies, protein shakes, milkshakes, and cider. You can grab a breakfast sandwich, bagel, cinnamon roll, oatmeal, or donut, as well.
Hitting Junk & Java is an experience all to itself, making it a spot you’ll want to visit after buying a home in the Westerly area.
5) Fresh Cup Cafe
The Fresh Cup Cafe is located in the East Avenue Plaza, where Granite Street and Franklin Street meet. This area is relatively busy, and you’ll likely pass the cafe regularly as you explore the rest of South County.
Once you walk into the building, you’ll notice it has a trendy vibe, thanks to its modern design and decor. You can sit inside and take advantage of this atmosphere, but there’s also a lovely patio that you can enjoy in the summer.
As for the menu, the Fresh Cup Cafe offers fair trade coffee, cold brew, espresso drinks, cortado, and lattes. There’s a full selection of tea, including iced varieties, and you can build your own smoothie from their list of ingredients. Breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and paninis are also available.
Getting to Know Westerly
As you explore Westerly and the rest of South County, you’re sure to develop a list of your favorite spots. These coffee shops are just some of the places you might want to check out once you move to the area because countless venues are worth a visit.
Buying a home in Westerly allows you to slow things down and take the time to enjoy the simpler things in life. Wandering down to a local coffee shop on a Saturday morning is just one of the ways you can get involved in the community and become a true South County resident.