Coffee culture is a prevalent perk of living on the North Fork. The local bakeries, brunch hubs, coffee companies, cafés and delis are sure to provide that standard, steamy start to your morning. But did you know there are a slew of out-of-the-ordinary non-coffee stops ready and brewing to spice up your commute or weekend stroll?
Whether you’re an at-home cup-of-joe type or a regular at a local roaster, stop and smell the espresso at these unlikely spots pouring out a great morning brew.
North Fork Chocolate Company
(309 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-779-2963; northforkchocolate.com)
Talk about starting the morning on a sweet note! Swing by the North Fork Chocolate Company’s Riverhead location and saturate yourself in the sugary aroma of the cozy chocolate shop.
Organic coffee is served, and espresso is made in their antique Italian La Spaziale espresso machines, adding a little extra charm to the already captivating counters behind the displays of desserts. The beans are a custom blend made for the Chocolate Company. Take your taste buds on a European excursion with the Chocolate Company’s café au lait or espresso con panna (a shot or two topped with whipped cream — yum). For a sweeter treat, opt for their affogato or, if you’d rather that jolt in the morning, their righteous ristretto.
The Chocolate Company also does the classic americano, cappuccino, latte and macchiato with plenty of decadent syrups to add including homemade chocolate (of course) and caramel, plus raspberry, vanilla, hazelnut and amaretto.
Don’t go without a chocolatey treat to accompany or enjoy later, many of which are made with the inhouse coffee, like the shop’s tiramisu, bon bons and espresso vodka sweets for adults.
Lumber + Salt
(5570 Sound Ave., Jamesport, 215-704-6588; lumberandsalt.com)
Maybe you’re venturing over to Lumber + Salt for an antique piece of furniture or some unique artwork. Regardless of the reason, find a parking spot in front of the eclectic lumber-yard style store and head inside to the artisanal coffee bar for a sip to fuel your shopping extravaganza.
Jamesport Coffee Co. (also operating under the name Full Moon Roaster and formerly known as Jamesport Sourdough & Coffee) is the purveyor of their chic caffeine bar.
The full-service espresso machine adorned by gold and wooden décor is the vehicle to a seasonal swig, classic latte or just a shot of espresso if that’s your fancy.
Among the menu of standard espresso options, customers can also find matcha and chai, plus, come hot weather, classic favorites like Arnold Palmers or iced teas. What makes these drinks extra special is the locally sourced ingredients, like Jamesport Coffee Co. beans made by locals Ana Burcroff and Brett Koons, or their syrup additions made fresh.
Shoppers can also snack on Main Road Biscuit Co.’s creations — made right in Jamesport — from the coffee bar or purchase locally made candles and honey.
Village Cheese Shop
(105 Love Lane, Mattituck, 631-298-8556; thevillagecheeseshop.com)
Looking for a midday pick me up while trying savory samples? The Village Cheese Shop is calling your name.
Village Cheese not only creates a small-town Francophile feel from their supply of fromage from across the Atlantic, but their corner coffee bar (the counter of which came from Lumber + Salt) falls in line with the overall European vibe.
Owner Michael Affatato found a coffee supplier whose roasts made him swoon, and who was born and raised on his grandmother’s coffee plantation in Granada, Spain, from which the beans are also imported. Once Affatato tasted the brews from them, he knew he could not serve anything else thanks to the flavor’s complexity, finesse and strength, not to mention the delectable aroma.
Cheese Shop employees added barista training to their culinary repertoire, and operate the Simonelli professional espresso machine with expertise — and if that’s not impressive enough, even their iced coffee has a special touch: frozen coffee ice cubes for extra concentration.
Some of the shop’s specialty flavors include a Dubai chocolate coffee and a lavender brew — no better way to fuel your charcuterie board selections from the Love Lane location.
The Little Greek Market by Parea
(615 Pike St., Mattituck, 631-315-5070; littlegreekmarket.com)
Just down Love Lane and around the corner from The Village Cheese Shop is another unsuspecting coffee spot in the form of Mattituck’s The Little Greek Market by Parea.
While they just have one option — frappe, a traditional Greek blended cold coffee-based drink — it’s a hit among their regulars. Try something new or tap into Greek roots with the shop’s light but stimulating sip. Made with instant coffee, water, sugar and milk, this cool treat has an irresistible frothy texture that you’ll slurp down with a smile.
Head in for some Greek snacks and homemade goods and appreciate the blue and white themed décor giving visitors a taste of a Greek getaway and a sunny boost of serotonin.
Minnow at the Galley Ho
(650 1t St., New Suffolk, 631-734-8474; minnowrestaurant.com)
A sustainable seafood joint is likely the last place you’d think to go when getting a cup of coffee. However, that same gorgeous setting where you can get a fresh-catch supper with a side of sunset will also make your morning.
At Minnow at the Galley Ho, pick up a classic espresso drink or regular cup of coffee, served in a mason jar — a fun vessel, making the average start to your day all the more fun. Take the coffee and jar to go for an extra $2; if you return the mason jar, you get your $2 back.
Flat whites, lattes, iced coffees and macchiatos are on the menu among other options, all made with beans from local fave, Hampton Coffee Company.
Get your drink with cow, almond or oat milk and enjoy this simple pleasure while walking along the shore of Peconic Bay or on the Minnow property, overlooking the community garden right outside.
The Menhaden General Store
(207 Front St., Greenport, 631-333-2777; themenhaden.com)
If you find yourself roaming the streets of Greenport looking for something different than your go-to, pop into the Menhaden, a boutique hotel on the corner of Front and 3rd streets.
Yes, this corner property is a hotel, but just to the right of the welcome desk and the excellent gift shop is a small but mighty bar with a slew of caffeinated beverages.
As with many of these unlikely shot spots, The Menhaden has a full professional espresso machine brewing freshly ground beans from For Five Coffee Roasters, now an internationally acclaimed brand founded in Queens.
The letter board menu behind the counter has multiple sizes of americanos, cappuccinos, cortados, flat whites, lattes and macchiatos listed. Cold brew, matcha and hot chocolate are also an option for customers visiting the chic shop.
