Catch a Buzz at These Top Coffee Shops and Cafés in Westchester

Consider coffee a food group? Read on to find out where to get your java fix in the 914.

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Need your daily java fix? Here’s where to go for a dark and steamy cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a rich espresso in Westchester.

By Abbe Wichman and Anthony Tornatore, with additional reporting by Katie Cristiano

— The Super Seven —

Our top picks for county caffeination

Coffee Labs Roasters

7 Main St, Tarrytown; 914.332.1497
483 New Rochelle Rd, Eastchester; 914.840.4106

A second location just opened its doors in Eastchester, but at the original spot in Tarrytown, this small, 19-seat coffeehouse is spare in its looks and expansive in its coffee cred. Owner Mike Love says he spends roughly three months of the year traveling around the world, buying coffee. He employs two roasters and prides himself on having exclusive blends. “We came in right at the time of the coffee explosion and pride ourselves as being a third wave coffee shop.”

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If there are no seats inside, or in nice weather, customers sit outside on the lone bench or stand on Main Street sipping coffee from farms where Love has strong connections. He calls these “relationship coffees,” noting, “There’s a science to coffee, but it’s very much about the people.” Try one of the CBD-infused drinks or the nitro brew.

First Village Coffee

123 Main St, Ossining; 914.236.3765

There’s a Brooklyn vibe here, with a combination of leather and wood chairs, a colorful tiled floor, and an expansive counter selling house-made baked goods (with a great vegan selection). Luis and Kathryn Corena, the local owners behind this venture, are committed both to the community and to featuring roasters who, as Luis says, “offer transparency and fair and direct trade.” Kathryn notes that it also has to translate to “really delicious coffee.”

Their beans come from companies such as Irving Farm and Red Rooster, and they love “engaging with our customers about the product,” Kathryn says. Two of the most popular drinks are the coffee lemonade and an oat churro cortado, made with oat milk and homemade churro syrup. It’s served with a shot of Pellegrino.

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Caffè Ammi Roasting Co.

109 6th St, Pelham; 914.738.2511

As the third generation of his family in the coffee business, Joey Ammirati has coffee running through his veins. He’s taken that passion and opened this lovely space, decorated with black-and-white tiles, tables and chairs, plus a coffee bar where customers can stand and chat with the barista. There’s a nod to the past with old-fashioned espresso makers on shelves and an eye toward the future with the café’s sleek espresso machine.

Ammirati’s passion is roasting (the café also handles wholesale accounts), and his roaster is “one of the, if not the most sustainable and efficient in the world,” he says. Ammirati loves when customers put themselves in the hands of the staff “to have a coffee experience.” He recommends adventurous coffee drinkers try a single-origin espresso or cortado.

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Java-nology

Want to consider yourself a coffee connoisseur? Know these terms.

Cortado: A beverage that mixes equal parts espresso and warm, steamed milk, which reduces acidity. A number of Westchester coffeehouse owners say it’s their drink of choice.

Cupping: The art of learning, through aroma and taste, about coffee. Cupping can teach about a roast’s profile or about the process of creating the coffee. A way to develop a palate.

Extraction: The process of drawing flavor from coffee grounds.

Micro Lot: Coffee harvested from a specific plot of land and processed separately to bring out the lot’s unique geographic characteristics.

Adobe Stock | joelworkman
Adobe Stock | joelworkman

Chemex: (Shown above) A one-piece, hourglass-shaped, nonporous, glass coffeemaker, which uses a specially designed filter, so no other flavors come through the coffee.

Pour Over: Grinding beans for a single cup and using a slow-pouring kettle to customize a coffee’s strength by varying the ratio of coffee to water.

Third Wave: The principally American movement started in the 1990s, favoring high-quality coffee, treated as an artisan product.

Fourth Wave: Now underway, as coffeehouses shine a spotlight on the producers that offer direct-trade, fair-trade, and organic coffee.

Mimi’s Coffee House

37 S Moger Ave, Mt. Kisco; 914.864.1646

A java staple in Mount Kisco, the warmth of owner Selamawit (“Mimi”) Wieland-Tesfaye’s personality comes through in this welcoming, rustic space. A reclaimed-wood counter, rattan pillows on chairs, and art from Ethiopia — representing Wieland-Tesfaye’s heritage — give this café a feeling of tranquility.

“People said I was brave for opening so close to a Starbucks, but I always wanted a comfortable and cozy place like this,” says Wieland-Tesfaye, who supports other locally owned women’s businesses by selling their baked goods at Mimi’s. She wants to educate customers on the various coffees served here and introduce them to some new ones. Try the Ethiopian pour over or a Prana chai drink. Not only can you get a cup of joe, but you can also enjoy some delectable soups and salads.

The Peekskill Coffee House

101 South Division St, Peekskill; 914.739.1287

A bright-red counter, Formica tables with mismatched chairs, and a tin ceiling are among the myriad charming touches you’ll find in this sprawling, multiroom space. Owner Sunny Cover says the coffeehouse has served Peekskill’s changing community: “We’ve been here since 2003 and are a part of this town’s history.” As the town has evolved, so has the coffee culture and the menu here.

Since 2019, the Peekskill Coffee House began roasting its own coffees (which are available here) to go with some of the delicious crepes and panini on offer. Cover is always looking to “bring in relevant products,” so she’s even added “super-food” lattes without caffeine. And when it comes to coffee, Cover looks to tell customers the story behind what they’re drinking. “People lose sight of how many hands it really takes to make one cup of coffee,” she notes.

(*Currently under renovation. Operating out of food truck (same location): Peekskill Coffee Side Show)

 

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The Black Cow Coffee Company

4 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson; 914.271.7544
7 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville; 914.495.3153

In owner Michael Grant’s words, a “homespun vibe” is what you’ll find at both locations. The (original) Croton spot is the larger of the two — yet both have mismatched furniture, plenty of black-cow-themed merchandise, and a large coffee menu. “My wife and I wanted to create a place where when you enter, you feel a little calmer. There’s always good music playing, and we encourage customers to make a little time for themselves to sit with their drinks,” Grant says.

The Croton location has a roaster as its centerpiece, and the coffee hails from Central America, South America, Africa, Asia, and the U.S. But don’t be fooled by Grant’s whimsical product names: He is dead serious about his coffee. “In the culture of coffee, there’s a science to a good cup,” he says. Try either the Black Cow (espresso and steamed chocolate milk with whipped cream) or Cow Whip (espresso chocolate milk blend with ice).

Slave to the Grind

58 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville; 914.961.7777

Slave to the Grind is a combination of “cozy and a little bit kitschy,” according to owner Carol Marshall. This coffeehouse can be considered the mother of the independents that followed. As befits being in a “college town” (Concordia College and Sarah Lawrence are nearby), Slave to the Grind is nothing fancy but definitely welcoming. Customer-donated magnets from all over the world decorate the walls, as does a mural of a tree thanking patrons for their business.

Coffee beans are sold from dispensers in the front of the store. Marshall says, “I’ve always loved that coffee represents hospitality in so many cultures.” The bestsellers here are flavored iced coffees, such as banana cream pie and oatmeal cookie, and the Brain Freeze, a frozen espresso drink.

New and/or Noteworthy

Bougie Brews

52 Main St, Yonkers; 914.410.4439

Relatively new to downtown Yonkers, this artisan coffee shop made a name for itself even among the chaos of the pandemic. There is a variety of breakfast, lunch, and snack options to choose from, such as banana bread and marble loaf cake, sandwiches and soups, grilled cheese and quesadillas. And don’t forget about the specialty coffees and teas, like the affogato, cortado, or cold brew, and the matcha, chai, or peach iced tea. Delish!

*Temporarily closed for renovations

 

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BreadsNBakes

73 Westchester Ave (Scotts Corners), Pound Ridge; 914.488.6855

Located in the center of Scotts Corners, this delightful café has a little something for everyone. Thursday through Sunday service means that trips to this shop are a special treat of the week and ensures a steady in-and-out flow of devoted patrons. From delicious jam-filled donuts and crisp, buttery croissants to freshly baked loaves of bread and frosted cinnamon buns, every item is made with precision and care, and is provided with the friendliest service. Pair your pastry with a hot cappuccino or an iced mocha latte, and you’ll be ready to start your day.

 

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G.E. Brown Fine Foods & Provisions

652 Old Post Rd, Bedford; 914.234.3185

This Fine Foods eatery is a great stop-and-go place for a quick pick-me-up during the day. Grab a prepared meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a nice snack (vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options available), and a coffee or tea of your choosing at this shop. At the counter, you can pick from beautiful pastries or sandwiches to go with your macchiato, latte, or iced coffee. G.E. also offers provisions for the home and unique gifts for any occasion.

 

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Katonah Reading Room

19 Edgemont Rd, Katonah; 914.334.8019

What goes better with a great book than a hot beverage and a sweet treat? This coffee shop/bookstore is perfectly stocked with splendid new reads and a lovely café and perfectly located right across from the Metro-North train station and minutes off Route 684. Freshly brewed coffee and barista drinks are served with ice cream or candy, special salads or avocado toast, and pastries like croissants and scones. On top of the varied genres offered, from children’s literature to creative nonfiction, the Reading Room also boasts a multitude of professional art supplies, little gifts for all, and toys or games for a fun time.

Laughing Horse Coffee & Tea Co.

6 Purdy St, Harrison; 914.688.6848

This idyllic coffee shop is a 2023 Best of Westchester winner for Westchester’s Premier Specialty Coffee and Tea Shop. They pride themselves on sourcing organic, fair trade coffee and tea and working exclusively with local dairy owners and bakeries to supply fresh baked goods and ingredients. The large outdoor patio offers a great space to sit back, sip coffee, and enjoy the sun, but it’s not to be outshone by the comfy indoor seating with free Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets to go around. This Harrison establishment serves hot and cold drinks, including matcha, americanos, cold brews, and fresh iced teas, as well as sweet and savory bites (with gluten-free and vegan options) like muffins, Danishes, cookies, and croissants.

The Pamplemousse Project

124 Mamaroneck Ave, White Plains; 914.829.4736

“Coffee for the Community” isn’t just a slogan for this White Plains-based specialty coffee shop. On top of providing ethically sourced coffee and hand-crafted drinks, the Pamplemousse Project commits 100% of its profits to local charities and nonprofit organizations. Try the specialty roast for a classic coffee experience or a caramel macchiato for a little more flavor. Partner your iced or hot drink with a cinnamon roll, yogurt parfait, or breakfast burrito to complete your café trip.

Related: Coffee Labs Roasters Celebrates 20 Years in Tarrytown

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