Newport’s coffee scene runs from waterfront walk-up windows to roasters tucked into a former school building. Whether you need a latte before the Cliff Walk or a table with Wi-Fi for a few hours, here are the best coffee shops in Newport, grouped by neighborhood so you can find one near your hotel.
Most of these open early and close by mid-afternoon, and winter hours can be shorter, so check before you go. Curious about Rhode Island coffee milk, the state drink? Our guide to what to drink in Newport explains it.
Newport Coffee Shops at a Glance
| Coffee shop | Area | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Springline Coffee | Bannister’s Wharf | Coffee with harbor views |
| The Nitro Bar | Thames St & Pond Ave | Nitro cold brew, two locations |
| Drift Cafe | Thames Street | Coffee plus bowls and smoothies |
| Empire Tea & Coffee | Broadway | Lattes and a long stay |
| Simple Merchant Coffee | North End | Specialty coffee and rotating roasters |
| Custom House Coffee | Middletown | Roomy space near Second Beach |
Waterfront and Thames Street
Springline Coffee
33 Bannister’s Wharf. A small spot right on the wharf, made for grabbing a coffee and watching the boats come in. Fans rave about the chai and iced vanilla latte.
The Nitro Bar
404 Thames Street and 2 Pond Avenue. Started as a coffee cart and now has two Newport shops, known for nitro cold brew, crafted espresso drinks and homemade food. The Thames Street location is handy for downtown hotels.
Drift Cafe
190 Thames Street. Locally owned, with coffee from Necessary Coffee and a health-leaning menu of smoothie bowls, avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches. It recently doubled in size, so it’s easier to get a seat.
Kaffeology
Thames Street. A cozy café with a loyal following, Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it a good place to linger.
The Coffee Grinder
337 Thames Street, at the end of Bannister’s Wharf. A tiny waterfront kiosk with outdoor seating among the wharf shops. Come for the setting more than the coffee.
Broadway and the North End
Empire Tea & Coffee
22 Broadway. A long-time favorite with lattes, a big tea list and rich hot chocolate. Free Wi-Fi and plenty of seats make it a go-to for remote work.
Simple Merchant Coffee
513 Broadway. This shop began as a tricycle coffee cart and now sits inside Innovate Newport, the co-working hub in the old Sheffield School. It pours from a rotating cast of roasters, and its made-to-order food is worth the stop.
Corner Cafe
110 Broadway. More breakfast spot than coffee bar, but the espresso drinks are solid and the patio is one of the best on Broadway.
Near the Mansions
Picnic
26 Bellevue Avenue. A bakery-café near the start of the mansion route, good for coffee and pastries before a tour.
Beaucoup Cafe
Near Wellington Square. A small, charming café with good coffee and well-loved egg sandwiches, a short walk from lower Thames Street.
Just Outside Newport
Custom House Coffee
796 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown. A big, comfortable coffee house a short drive from downtown and close to Second Beach. It handles its coffee from bean to cup, with a coffee cake that has its own fan club.
Best Coffee Shops for Working Remotely
- Empire Tea & Coffee: plenty of seating and free Wi-Fi.
- Custom House Coffee: the most space, and quieter than downtown.
- Simple Merchant Coffee: right in a co-working building.
- Kaffeology and The Nitro Bar: good downtown options with Wi-Fi.
More Newport Food Guides
Hungry after your coffee? See our Newport food and drink guide, the best restaurants in Newport and our list of restaurants open in winter. Staying downtown puts most of these shops within a few minutes’ walk: compare hotels on Thames Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best coffee shop in Newport, RI?
Local favorites include Springline Coffee on Bannister’s Wharf, The Nitro Bar, Drift Cafe on Thames Street, Empire Tea & Coffee on Broadway and Simple Merchant Coffee in the North End.
Where can I get coffee near the Newport waterfront?
Springline Coffee and The Coffee Grinder are both on Bannister’s Wharf, and Drift Cafe and The Nitro Bar are a short walk away on Thames Street.
Which Newport coffee shops are good for working remotely?
Empire Tea & Coffee, Custom House Coffee in Middletown and Simple Merchant Coffee inside Innovate Newport all have seating and Wi-Fi.
Are Newport coffee shops open in winter?
Most stay open year-round, but many shorten hours in the off-season, so check before you go.