Head to These Hudson Valley Coffee Shops for Your Java Fix

hudson steakhouse | photo by jd urban / visit hudson ny

look no further than these comfortable cafes for delicious cappuccinos, espresso, lattes and cold brews along the hudson river.

by raphael beretta and sabrina sucato

coffee is magical. every morning, he transforms us from zombies into honest people. it is just as wonderful when piping hot in the early sunlight as it is when sipped slowly in the middle of the afternoon. Better yet, there are a seemingly infinite number of ways to enjoy a java shake. From straight blacks and espressos to lattes, hearty macchiatos, and frothy cappuccinos, there’s the perfect caffeinated—or decaf—beverage for everyone. Of course, there are plenty of refreshing treats to try as well, whether it’s fizzy nitro cold beers or European-style frozen specialties.

craving a tall mug? head to these hudson valley coffee shops and roasteries for some of the tastiest brews the area has to offer.

Reading: Best coffee in hudson ny

p.s. are we missing a place? email us at [email protected] so we can add it.

capital region• columbia county dutchess county• greene county county orange • putnam county rockland county • ulster county westchester county

capital region (albany and rensselaer counties)

Jacob Alexander

274 river st, troy drink: fruition mocha

this fairly new addition to the capital region has deep ties to the hudson valley. The owners, Alejandro and Jake Griffin-Diaz, are passionate about coffee culture, with the latter, a CIA graduate, bringing irving farm coffee expertise. stained glass windows and impressive interior lighting set the stage for an exceptional espresso. Seasonal drinks range from creme brûlée lattes and strawberry cold brew mojitos to blueberry white mochas and apple crumble lattes. Follow the shop on Instagram for previews of the endlessly unique caffeinated creations.

stacked espresso bar

260 lark st, albany drink: frizzante espresso

espresso purists will love the selection at this lark st coffee shop. stacks showcases a rotation of guest roasters and regularly hosts latte art tastings, classes and contests. The store’s passion is connecting the great Hudson Valley community with interesting and complex coffee. explore nuanced flavors through hand-crafted pour-over coffee, or opt for a customizable frappe. For something especially crisp, try the espresso frizzante, a shot over club soda with a dash of brown sugar and vanilla syrup. In addition, snack on bagels from Troy’s own psychedelic or donuts from Ciderbelly, among other local delicacies.

county of colombia

hudson steakhouse

4 park pl, hudson drink: dirty chai latte are you the type to spend all day at a local cafe? if so, you’re in luck. Hudson Roastery turns into a fancy wine bar in the evenings and stays open until 11 p.m. m. weekends. Try Rip Van Winkle’s house blend, a light to medium roast with hints of nutty and cocoa, or Catskill Campfire, a medium roast with single-origin Ethiopian beans that swim in citrus notes and chocolate finishes. Syrup flavors and seasonal teas make Hudson Roastery a must for anyone who likes a chai latte with espresso. combine any amount of java with a delicious cake.

motorbike coffee maker

357 warren st, hudson drink: cappuccino

Whether you live in Hudson or take a day trip upstate, be sure to stop by on a motorcycle. the too cool cafe serves a stellar breakfast with pastries galore. order a perfectly brewed single espresso to accompany your meal, then follow it up with a frothy cappuccino to keep sipping on. Hot mulled ciders, crispy croissants and cute latte art sweeten the motorbike deal. Plus, check out the Warren Street Cafe’s impressive motorcycle collection.

Dutch county

all that java

1 livingston st, rhinebeck hotel tivoli, 53 broadway, tivoli 149 church st, millbrook hannaford, 1261 ulster ave, kingston drink: espresso shot

Perhaps the most adorable inclusion on the list, that whole java micro cafeteria model has swept across the valley. what started as a small operation in rhinebeck has expanded to tivoli, millbrook and kingston, with the possibility of new locations in the future. The baristas use a Simonelli machine to consistently serve exceptional espresso. steamed lattes with seasonal flavors are always a hit, like the pumpkin spice mint mocha. Above all, all the true magic of Java lies in its delicious and convenient simplicity.

bank square cafeteria

129 main st, beacon drink: traditional macchiato

bank square cafe sits at the start of the main street in beacon, which means it’s a hub for train travelers, community members and everyone in between. stop in for a coffee before shopping in town, or pack your laptop for a day curled up in one of the café’s comfortable chairs and sofas. Browse the ever-expanding cafe menu, featuring regular Vietnamese and Kyoto iced coffees, caramel lattes, and panna espresso. then, when the weather is nice, sit outside and enjoy a pint of beer or cider.

beacon bread co.

193 main st, beacon drink: crème brûlée latte

beacon bread co. is a classic hudson valley brunch spot, offering baked goods fresh daily and tons of homemade delicacies, ranging from cured smoked salmon to pickled vegetables. of course, the dedicated team puts the same effort into their coffee program. High-quality coffee roasted in the pantry in cold spring and manual espresso shots form the basis for a consistent and creative coffee experience. on a cold day, few things soothe the soul like one of their signature lattes. rose-vanilla, mocha and caramel are some of the mainstays on the menu. however, homemade limited-release syrups are always worth a try. crème brûlée, cardamom-almond-rose, French toast, and pumpkin spice round out some old favorites.

bean coffee

325 main st, beacon drink: latte

in beacon, jessica and justin strika opened beans cat cafe on main street as a place dedicated to sipping cappuccinos while snuggling with sweet four-legged friends. After ordering coffee-based beverages like black and white lattes, seasonal macchiatos, and cold beers, visitors can proceed to the cat lounge for a petting session. (Of course, the cat-themed latte art is always a treat!) A partnership with the Hudson Valley Animal Sanctuary and Rescue in Poughkeepsie helps place countless kitties in loving new homes. In fact, the Strikas adopted an adorable cat named Baby Oscar just 10 weeks after opening. follow them on social media to track adoptions in real time (they’ve placed nearly 300 cats since opening in late 2020).

large mouth coffee roasters

387 main st, beacon drink: kenya riakiberu

Large mouth coffee roasters are the best of both worlds. Black coffee drinkers, take heart! Beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, Kenya, Costa Rica, Sumatra, and Colombia offer nuanced flavors and bold aromas on the nose. Kenya Riakiberu, for example, features crisp flavors of grapefruit and blood orange with a deep, complex sweetness reminiscent of ground spices and dried dates. All roasting is done in-house, and Hudson Valley java addicts can purchase fresh roasts online. For those looking for a more colorful start to the day, opt for matcha lattes, dirty chais, and macadamia milk cappuccinos. If that wasn’t enough, vegan pies are always available at Largemouth (and next door at Peaceful Provisions).

the handmade kup

44 raymond ave, poughkeepsie poughkeepsie galleria mall, 2001 south rd, poughkeepsie eastdale village, 48 n eastdale ave, poughkeepsie drink: honey coffee

Located just a short walk from vassar college, the artisan kup is a go-to for students, faculty, and community members. Whether you’re stopping by the original store or visiting the newer spaces at the Poughkeepsie Galleria and Eastdale Village, do yourself a favor and order one of the signature lattes. honey coffee and matcha latte are the best options for frothy, creamy and cozy sips.

irving farm coffee roasters

44 main st, millerton drink: iced coffee

With multiple locations in New York City, Irving Farm is a mainstay for residents of the Big Apple. However, the Millerton outpost is the one to bookmark for a local visit, as it is only a mile away from the company’s roasting facility. As the weather turns warmer, treat yourself to a hipster-chic glass bottle of cold brew coffee that’s as strong as it is smooth. True coffee fans will love hearing about the signature blends and roasts available.

kelly’s bakery

110c delafield st, poughkeepsie drink: kelly’s cortado hungry poughkeepsie residents flock to kelly’s bakery most mornings for an absolutely delicious array of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, bowls and tartines. However, the Hudson Valley Hotspot also knocks it out of the park in the beverage department. The store sells Harney and Sons tea and Millerton’s Irving Farm coffee. specialty lattes include lavender and matcha, while seasonal drinks range from chai cold brew to orange cardamom iced coffee. year-round, kelly’s cortado is a winner, with espresso, steamed milk and bay leaf essence.

kitchen & coffee

193 main st, beacon drink: cold beer with hemp milk

kitchen & the cafe continues the tradition of gluten-free baking that ella’s bellas started in the same space. Plus, their coffee and tea menu serves the local vegan and non-dairy community well. Choose from oat, almond, hemp, and soy milk for macchiatos, cappuccinos, cortados, and iced coffees. Plus, they source single origin coffee from other Beacon Business Big Mouth Coffee Roasters. Similarly, North River Roasters in Poughkeepsie provide their espresso, and brewed coffee contributes to drip selection and a cold brew rotation.

little king

199 main st, beacon drink: alfa cappuccino

beacon’s newest coffee shop has a few surprises up its sleeve, namely a line of cookware, housewares, toys, cookbooks and more that inspire joy. Little King highlights single-origin specialty coffees through a seasonal “drip program.” little king brews its espresso with alfa, a blend of brazilian and ethiopian coffee with subtle notes of milk chocolate, strawberry, lavender and marzipan. in other words, cappuccinos and macchiatos have never tasted better.

the poughkeepsie grind

107 main st, poughkeepsie drink: medium roast Colombian coffee

Just down the street from the Poughkeepsie train station, the grind gives early-morning commuters a much-needed dose of caffeine and runs right over Hudson’s visitors. They have been roasting their own high quality fair trade coffee since 2017 (as Illuminated Coffee Co.) The staff are especially friendly and invite repeat visits from coffee drinkers. gourmet waffles are the star of the show at the grind, with sweet and savory options to satisfy any appetite. try the monte cristo waffle (stuffed with bacon and ham) with a strong cup of coffee. talk about the perfect couple!

ready coffee

1810 south rd, wappingers falls 61 n. plank rd, newburgh drink: mac daddy

no list of coffee stops in the hudson valley would be complete without ready. This local brand boasts shortcut locations in both Wappingers Falls and Newburgh. Each trip to the ready cafe is complete with friendly interactions with the energetic staff, plus encounters with dogs and their pups! Of course, the drinks are truly the stars of the show. the flavored lattes are a delight, like the mac daddy (chocolate with macadamia nuts) or the storm king (chocolate with hazelnuts). Pumpkin spice reigns supreme in fall, while eggnog and gingerbread dominate the holiday season. Fresh espresso graces all coffee drinks and prepares you for whatever challenge the day may bring.

trax espresso

1 e main st, beacon drink: maple vanilla latte

If the name proves anything, it’s that trax espresso takes caffeine very seriously. The Brooklynesque shop roasts the beans that power its many coffee concoctions. order a black coffee to experience the small batch roasting process at its finest. It also doesn’t hurt that the muffins and croissants are delicious. Seasonal specials like the Gingerbread, Vanilla Maple, and of course the Pumpkin Spice Lattes are pretty sweet, too.

greene county

toasters of great things

10 esperanza plaza, coxsackie drink: lavender honey latte

since opening in early 2021, greatest things roasters strives to raise the bar for coffee in the catskills. from nutty Brazilian beans to citrusy Ethiopian styles, there’s always something interesting and delicious to try. If you drink your coffee black, you’ll love the complexity of these unique origin roasts and exotic blends. on the other hand, greatest things inspires curiosity with its eclectic menu of specialties. For example, the store’s version of the Spanish honey coffee combines honey, espresso, and whole milk, with a hint of lavender and a bit of cinnamon. matcha pistachio lattes, chocolate cold beers and raspberry white mochas are just a few of the tempting specialties you can find.

yarn cat ability

365 main st, catskill drink: sweet cinnamon latte

Located in hip Catskill, Hilo is a hanging cafe, bar, and art space that appeals to creative java lovers. The hotspot has evolved several times over the years, with an emerging digital arts program. Small plates include mushroom sandwiches, vegetarian frittatas, and Catskill Bread Co. bagels stacked with the works. unique house-made syrups and a wide variety of non-dairy milks spice up any latte or macchiato order.

twin peaks & donuts

5950 main st, tannersville drink: black coffee temporary takeout only

Any fan of David Lynch should visit this Tannersville dive and enjoy a cup of black coffee along with some delicious cake. atmospheric twin peaks make hot and fresh donuts to order. Look out for the limited-edition varieties, like the Peppermint Cookie Crumble or the Warm Apple Pie. for breakfast, order bacon, egg and cheese on a donut, or indulge in the pecan praline French toast. In the cooler months, soul-warming snacks are the perfect end to a day on Hunter Mountain.

orange county

coffee room 2 alice

311 hudson st, cornwall-on-hudson 117 broadway, newburgh drink: cinnamon brown sugar latte

With two locations in the Hudson Valley, 2 Alices is a local staple. The laptop-friendly spot serves up a wide selection of lattes, including ginger spice, vanilla mint, and cinnamon with brown sugar. Order a cream cheese bagel to go with your drink and you’ll have everything you need for a productive coffee day. For more adventurous palates, try the Maya Spicy Mocha Latte or Apple Cider with Rose Petals. the lounge even offers a caffeine-free Butterbeer frother.

black vanilla

197 south st, newburgh drink: blacc vanilla latte

The welcoming addition to Newburgh’s dining scene serves up fancy lattes, coffees and breakfast sandwiches that will have you thinking of a return trip before you even step outside the door. plan to visit for weekend brunch and look for beans and merch in the store. Great music, thought-provoking art, and exceptional coffee punctuate the experience at this cozy Orange County spot.

cornwall coffee co. and mercantile

310 main st, cornwall drink: pistachio latte with Italian foam

open seven days a week, cornwall coffee co. explore the roots of artisan coffee making. It all starts with an exquisite espresso and a very tasty house blend. The former is achieved to perfection via an Italian hand-pull Victory Arduino lever machine, while the latter is roasted by J.B. peel. When the base is this good, the sky is truly the limit for what Cornwall Coffee baristas can concoct. once you’ve had your caffeine fix, browse the cafe’s diverse selection of antique tools, traditional apothecary wares, and housewares.

casting42

2 front st, port jervis drink: s’mores latte

foundry42 is more than a coffee shop. the lifestyle brand makes furniture from reclaimed materials, curates an art gallery, and concocts some of the most over-the-top caffeinated beverages anywhere on this list. His cafeteria menu features a long list of flavors, ranging from the familiar (vanilla, hazelnut, pumpkin spice) to the experimental (elderflower, lavender, maple spice). Although the London Fog is especially popular with Port Jervis patrons, the S’mores latte has to be tried to be believed. personable baristas serve up each “disgusting” macchiato, matcha, and chai latte, which receives two shots of espresso, with a smile.

valkyrie coffee roasters

23 main st, chester drink: vietnamese kaphe

chester’s ever popular valkryie coffee roasters attract bean coffee aficionados from around the world. The husband and wife duo of Valkyrie have sourced beans from Kenya, Tanzania, Sumatra, Brazil, Honduras, and several other countries, and have visited them. Instead of using store-bought syrups, they make sauces and sweets in-house. Comforting brick walls, homemade vegan cakes, and an abundance of rotating drink specials make this one of the coziest stops in the valley. Previous drink specials include a s’mores-inspired campfire mocha and the Bleedin Sweden latte, a drink featuring a cranberry-cardamom brown sugar sauce. you’ll have to try kaphe, a creamy Vietnamese drink made with egg yolks, during your visit.

putnam county

cold spring cafeteria

92 main st, cold spring drink: iced latte

Cafeteria Cold Spring’s line of carefully sourced and locally roasted beverages knocks it out of the park. Pair any caffeinated meal with beautifully decorated sugar cookies, vegan croissants, and jalapeno popper pretzels. Baristas take particular pride in their espresso, so be sure to try it neat or in an iced latte. Plus, during the holidays, patrons can order special treats like agave pecan pie or a vegan version of double-crusted apple. similarly, unique flavors signal the changing of the seasons, like floral lattes in spring and raspberry iced teas in summer.

rockland county

boxer donut and espresso bar

17 n franklin st, nyack drink: espresso shot

formerly gypsy donut, boxer donut serves delicious freshly fried donuts and hot coffee. the flavors change daily, keeping things exciting at this iconic nyack spot. vegan delights include the one-of-a-kind kiwi hazelnut donut and a cranberry walnut scone. Wash these decadent desserts down with cortados, spicy chai lattes, or nitro ice cream. Plus, the Boxer Donut Mobile Bus travels throughout Rockland County serving espresso at weddings, bar mitzvahs, and more. soon, boxer donut will introduce their new space across the street, offering live music and outdoor seating.

bunbury cafeteria

460 piermont ave, piermont drink: wet cappuccinos

Of course, the hudson valley bookworm dream cafeteria takes its name from an oscar wilde play. Bunbury’s curates a collection of novels, mugs, cards and “whimsical items” for customers to discover. roasters from coffee labs in nearby tarrytown power the beverage program in piermont. The baristas specialize in European-style drinks and serve precise 1-ounce Ristretto espresso from a top-of-the-line La Marzocco line. this results in more powerful shots. lattes are served smooth, and cappuccinos are served “wet”, with a higher proportion of steamed milk and froth. Bunbury’s bakes rolls and scones in-house, and hosts a book club every Monday (starting January 2022).

java love

50 lafayette st, long-suffering drink: cut off

this wonderful women-owned coffee shop was born in bethel, the site of the original woodstock festival. Java Love opened in Sullivan County in 2011, and has since expanded to two locations in New Jersey and one here in the Hudson Valley. the former capital one bank in sufrén now functions as the company’s main roastery, providing especially fresh java. So Java Love tastes just as good at home. however, that doesn’t mean you should skip the panoramic outdoor seating. Breakfast burritos, salmon benny tostadas, and a smoothie bar ensure no one leaves hungry. Above all, the creative specials are Java Love’s biggest draw. For example, Julianna’s Flurries on the Moon infuses a chai latte with pistachio, rose, and black pepper, while Raven’s Winter Wake Up pairs a triple cut with a dark mocha.

salonniere cafeteria

79 south broadway, nyack drink: iced coffee

nyack revives the European tradition of salons. salonniere coffee bar is more than just a hudson valley coffee shop, it’s a place to share ideas. Owner Marcella Mazzeo, La Salonniere, brings Sicilian tradition to Rockland County. When the weather is nice, you have to try the signature granita, a popular morning treat in Sicily. The lounge roasted coffee, the base of most drinks, is a unique blend of Costa Rican, Guatemalan and Colombian coffee. It’s a smooth, elegant roast that Mazzeo calls “double French.”

the mixture of the people

86 orange turnpike, sloatsburg drink: latte

Three generations of women run the village mix in sloatsburg. Located right on the edge of Harriman State Park, this Rockland County coffee shop offers plenty of feel-good vibes. From instagram-worthy runny egg avocado toast to paint-and-drink-perfect parties, there’s always an excuse to hang out at this gem. Order lattes, cortados, and toffee lattes. then stay for lunch and enjoy sandwiches like crème brie and crispy turkey with apple or cranberry-walnut chicken salad.

ulster county

half moon rondout coffee

36 broadway, kingston drink: black coffee (with a donut)

what better way to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a donut than with a view of the hudson? half moon rondout cafe makes that dream a reality in kingston. The made-to-order donut bakery and cafe opened in late 2020. Seinfeld fans can take their pick which crescent babka is best, as the shop makes cinnamon and chocolate in-house. Head to the community-oriented Java restaurant for an ever-evolving barista menu, including unique drinks like the Roohafza latte, bourbon draft coffee, mint mochas, and plenty of top-notch espresso.

joe monkey roasting company

478 broadway, kingston drink: jazzy joe

Monkey Joe Roasting Company roasts single origin specialty grade coffee. Their small-batch approach means each cup showcases distinctive flavors and aromas from around the world. Jazzy Joe, one of the signature flavors, has a unique profile of cinnamon and maple, perfect for drinking at home. however, the full-service cafe in kingston is certainly worth a visit for macchiatos, breves, and other classic espresso drinks. In addition, the roasting company also serves scones, bagels, pies, and other locally prepared treats.

coffee roasters and mudd puddle cafeteria

10 main st, new paltz drink: red eyes

For nearly 20 years, mudd puddle has fueled new paltz with freshly roasted coffee. this ulster county mainstay has a family-friendly atmosphere and serves a wide range of affordable paninis, wraps and other lunches. take home bags of home-roasted beans to make at home, or hang out and try the espresso for yourself. The mochas are extra delicious, due to the mudd puddle’s homemade cocoa. If you need something with a bit of a zipper, try a red eye. In addition, the store also showcases coffee-infused beers through its sister business in Gardiner, Yard Owl Brewery.

old-fashioned: an old-fashioned cafe

314 wall st, kingston 26 downs st, kingston drink: purple potato latte

This isn’t exactly a coffee shop (you should seriously consider stopping by for breakfast or lunch) but seriously, the organic and fair trade coffee will bring you to life. Specialty treats like carrot cake pancakes, tempeh reubens, and kimchi grilled cheeses demonstrate the elevated concept of old-fashioned comfort food. In addition to the variety of cappuccinos, cortados, and cold beers, Old also offers coffee refreshments and makes smoothies to order. Seasonal drinks like the Maple Charcoal Latte, Vanilla Rooibos Chai, and Beetroot Latte will keep you coming back again and again. pick up a homemade jalapeno bun and browse the wide selection of antiques for sale. Also, stop by outdated cafe lite for convenience.

underground coffee and beers

74 vine ave, highland drink: cappuccino

Underground has something of a cult following in the Hudson Valley, and for good reason. With a mix of coffee, tea, beer and wine, the space has a thirst-quenching drink at every hour of the day. Whether you go for oatmeal and a latte in the morning or beer and a burger at night, you can’t go wrong here. keep an eye out for events like brewery features and other underground happenings.

westchester county

the black cow coffee company

4 old post rd s, croton-on-hudson 7 wheeler ave, pleasureville phelps hospital, 701 n broadway, sleepy hollow drink: maple spice latte

la vaca negra is one of those hidden places that locals love for its cozy atmosphere and simple menu. If you love the foam, try the vanilla latte for a cup of caffeine made to savor. Of course, there are also tremendously ingenious and delicious alternatives. Strawberry rose, maple spice, cinnamon bun, guava, and even a sugar free caramel round out the long list of latte flavors that make the trip to the Lower Hudson Valley worth it.