Hi there NCECA Friends!
This will be the first of several installments that will focus on several places to enjoy a great coffee or tea beverage and something sweet on the side. They will be arranged by in how close these establishments are to the convention center. (closest to furthest) Providence had a great number of coffee and tea shops that are sure to impress your tastebuds.
Ellie’s Bakery
Located around the corner from the convention center at 61 Washington St, Ellie’s is known for their ice cream macaroon sandwiches in the spring months, they make a great cappuccino, double mocha with a daily selection of iced teas. Ellie’s has a vast selection of sweet treats – french macaroons, brownies, and cookies. My favorite cookie is their homemade Oreo. It’s thin, crunchy, and packed with a lovely vanilla frosting. The bakery is also a fun stop for breakfast sandwiches such as homemade english muffins packed with eggs, cheese and bacon. They also are a great stop for lunch on the go, or to stay with limited seating. Their lunch menu has a variety of sandwiches for both gluten-free, vegetarians and meat eaters. Most sandwiches are pre made, but they can customize if there is something you may not favor in the sandwich. Overall Ellie’s pricing is moderate, and great for all.
Coffee King
Coffee King is located at 66 Fountain St. This local spot is known for their breakfast wraps, hot dogs, sandwiches, strawberry milkshakes and of course COFFEE. Happy to say this little spot won’t break the bank with their inexpensive menu. On a side note Coffee King offers student discounts! Good for groups, quick service and great conversations with the owner who is happy to help with your menu selection!
New Harvest
This little sweet spot is located near the Hampton Inn, over by The Arcade at 130 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903. They’re located inside the Arcade, with access from both Weybosset St and Westminister St. From the convention center it’s roughly a 1-15 minute walk across the bus terminal and only a street or two over from there. The best part about New Harvest is not only do they serve great mochas, but they also offer some nice harder beverages as a coffee and spirits shop. New Harvest also has you cover on the pastry front as they also sell Seven Stars Bakery items – scones with a variety of flavors (Cheddar is my favorite), cookies, and pretzels. They’re open rather early until around 10 pm most nights. There’s enough room to have groups, or small meetings if you’re looking for a fun spot to meet up. Pricing is moderate average price for a tea $2.50, for coffee $3.50, and pastries around $2-$4. If you have a hankering for Seven Stars there are several locations in Providence, you can walk but it’s a bit far… find a friend with a car.
Steven Stars Bakeries
Steven Stars; where do I begin… you need to go. It’s a Providence staple of pastries, great ice teas, sandwiches and great cups of cappuccino. I’m thankful they aren’t too close to campus, sometimes. But other times not so much. First off they have several locations. The closest to the convention center is the one on 342 Broadway. When you get there you may feel overwhelmed by the long case of scones, cinnamon rolls, cookies, brownies, almond croissants, chocolate almond croissants (amazing), and other treats.
They also have a fantastic variety of breads from Baguette, French Rye, Pumpkin Seed Bread, Cheddar and more. More importantly, they’re happy to cut a slice, toast/warm it and spread some great local jam for you. Sandwiches are pre-made, and delicious. My personal favorite is the peanut butter and jelly on sunflower bread. If sweet, salty and crunchy is your weakness this is the sandwich for you. Peanut butter is all natural, and the jam is local and unsweetened. They also have ham and cheese, and more savory sandwiches as well. Pricing is moderate, and completely worth the trip.
