Food News

Deja Brews: Two New Local Coffee Shops on the East Bay

New shops, same old Rhode Island caffeine buzz

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The coffee game is strong in the East Bay. We’ve got local roasters, espresso on point and cafes on par with Central Perk. While we all have our favorite spots, two more have recently been added to the mix. Formerly located in Pawtucket, Borealis Coffee Company has moved its operation to Riverside, and Empire Tea and Coffee has opened its fifth location in Bristol.

Borealis started as a wholesale coffee roasting company. Although folks could stop by for a cup of joe or a cortado, the space had a more industrial feel to it as opposed to a cozy cafe. In response, they’ve moved into a historic train depot in Riverside. Built in 1850 for the Providence, Warren and Bristol Railroad, the space is big enough to accommodate the roasters, a cafe and a seating area.

Look forward to espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, cortados and their pour overs. Their traditional drip coffee changes day-to-day depending on what’s been recently roasted, and they also do cold brew. This fall season they’ve even got some specials up their sleeves, like the Maple Leaf Latte and Carda-yum! Latte.  


They also offer sweet and savory baked goods from The Illuminated Oven, a local East Providence bakery, Sacred Cow Granola, Leah’s Recipe and Nutty Mamas Cookies, with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and low sugar options.

“We founded Borealis to share our passion for good coffee with others,” says owner Brian Dwiggins. “We love the educational aspect of what we do, teaching people about the process from farm to cup. Coffee is more than just a caffeine boost to us; we love finding the right roast to showcase the bean’s best flavors. It’s a science and an art. We believe coffee is an experience worth sharing.”

Empire Tea and Coffee is continuing to build their, well, empire. They’ve recently chosen Bristol to open their fourth location, and added a few new things to the mix. Ever hear of an espresso tonic? It’s made by adding gin’s best friend to espresso, resulting in a bubbly caffeinated drink.

This new location offers newly constructed seating areas complete with electronic charging stations (take that Starbucks) but the best feature of all may just be its proximity to Bristol Harbor. Now it’s easier than ever to grab a cup to go and stroll along the waterfront. Because really, what’s better than brews with stellar views?

Borealis
250 Bullocks Point, Riverside. 
401-919-5779, 
BorealisCoffee.com

Empire Tea and Coffee
251 Thames Street, Bristol.
401-619-1388
EmpireTeaandCoffee.com

empire tea and coffee, borealis, coffee, coffee drinks, sacred cow granola, leah's recipe, nutty mamas cookies, illuminated oven, pawtucket, riverside, bristol,

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