Top Recommendations
Tuckerbox Café
If you wantexcellent coffee with the best ambience (relaxing and inviting) Tuckerbox Café in White River, right across from the train depot, is the place to go. People say it can hard to get a place to sitat times, which tells me I should definitely stop by if It’s the local hotspot. I’ll have to time it just right. Since they open at 7 am, but stay open later, I think this would be a great spot to get work done, chat with a friend, or grab a quick drink before work (if you work a 9 to 5 shift). I went there briefly and thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and couldn’t wait to return and savor it a bit more. People say the food is amazing and the staff is great.
Jake’s Coffee
Jake’s across from Longacres Nursery was also highly recommended for coffee. They’re an ideal place to get a coffee if you’re up early or need to grab a quick coffee because they open at 6 am and have a drive through. Want to stay awhile? It’s also a nice place to sit and meet a friend. I love how sunny and inviting their seating area is. Their food is great too.
Dirt Cowboy Cafe
Dirt Cowboy Café in Hanover specializes in coffee brewed to order from 100% Pure Arabica beans. They won the best gourmet coffee shop for seven years in a row, so that’s saying something. People recommend the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Harrare, and Tanzanian Peaberry. There are also small tables to sit at and enjoy your fabulous drink. If you’re a serious coffee drinker, you definitely need to check this place out on the corner on Main Street in Hanover (near the light by the Dartmouth Green).
Other Recommendations for Coffee and Atmosphere
People love Lucky’s Coffee Garage on the green in Lebanon. People also enjoyed the coffee and ambience of King Arthur Flour in Norwich; Pine Restaurant at the Hanover Inn, where you can always find a good spot to relax; Boston Dreams in Windsor, which has an ‘amazing latte menu;’ the Norwich Café; The Skinny Pancake in Quechee; Panera’s in West Lebanon for their relaxing atmosphere by the fireplace; and the Courtyard Marriott in Lebanon for Starbucks coffee and to get some work done or just Starbucks in West Lebanon.
For a wonderful ambience, try sitting by the fire at the Common Man in Claremont, which has great coffee and tea. I love their fireplace there and think they have the best ambience in town. Tucker’s in New London has an extensive menu and great atmosphere and Burdick’s Chocolate in Walpole also has a relaxing atmosphere if you want to indulge in some sweets too. There’s also a sandwich shop in Newport called Zuzu’s someone recommended for their coffee and ambience. People also recommended Cumberland Farms for a good deal on a good cup of coffee. Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s and Jiffy Mart were also recommended for a quick coffee on the go in Claremont.
Try Someplace New for Coffee
If you want to try someplace new, people also recommended the coffee at the Local Buzz in Bradford, S. Woodstock Country Store, Mont Vert in Woodstock, Cumberland Farms in White River for their 99 cent iced coffee, and Phnom Penh in Lebanon for Vietnamese coffee.
Locally Made Coffee
King’s Row Coffee in Hanover distributes its own local coffee but is not a coffee shop. They are nationally recognized as excellent coffee. They offer whole bean blends, nitro coffee cans, and coffee subscriptions.
Beyond the Upper Valley
The Java Cup in Claremont received rave reviews for their coffee and ambience by the locals. It is a relaxing atmosphere and they sell yummy baked goods. I really like the chai tea lattes here. One person said “Jesse is a breakfast master. Ask him to surprise you, you won’t be disappointed!” Wow. High praise!
In the Future
People also commented on wanting a craft coffee shop and a coffee shop with a deli in the Powerhouse mall. Someone said that if there was a place that served excellent coffee and a gluten-free danish they’d be broke. Just something to think about Upper Valley entrepreneurs out there.
Where’s your favorite spot?
