Hudson Roastery | Photo by JD Urban / Visit Hudson NY
Look no further than these comfy coffee shops for delicious cappuccinos, espresso, lattes, and cold brew along the Hudson River.
By Raphael Beretta and Sabrina Sucato
Coffee is magic. Every morning, it transforms us from zombies into honest-to-goodness people. It is just as wonderful piping hot in the early sunlight as it is sipped slowly in the middle of the afternoon. Better yet, there are a seemingly endless number of ways to enjoy a jolt of java. From espressos and straight blacks to milky lattes, punchy macchiatos, and foamy cappuccinos, the perfect caffeinated—or decaffeinated—beverage exists for everyone. Of course, there are also plenty of refreshing delights to try, whether they be fizzy nitro cold brews or frozen European-style specialties.
Are you craving a tall cup? Head out to these Hudson Valley coffee shops and roasteries for some of the tastiest brews the area has to offer.
P.S. Are we missing a spot? Email us at edit@hvmag.com so we can add it.
Capital Region• Columbia County
Dutchess County• Greene County
Orange County • Putnam County
Rockland County • Ulster County
Westchester County
Capital Region (Albany and Rensselaer County)
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Jacob Alejandro
274 River St, Troy
Drink: Fruition Mocha
This fairly new addition to the Capital Region has deep ties to the Hudson Valley. Owners Alejandro and Jake Griffin-Diaz are passionate about coffee culture, with the latter CIA grad bringing experience from Irving Farm Coffee. Stained glass windows and stunning interior lighting set the scene for exceptional espresso. Seasonal drinks range from creme brûlée lattes and strawberry cold brew mojitos to cranberry white mochas and apple crumble lattes. Follow the shop on Instagram for previews of the endlessly unique caffeinated creations.
Stacks Espresso Bar
260 Lark St, Albany
Drink: Espresso Frizzante
Espresso purists will adore the selection at this Lark St coffee shop. Stacks showcases a rotation of guest roasters and regularly hosts tastings, classes, and latte art competitions. The store’s passion is connecting the greater Hudson Valley community with interesting and complex cafe. Explore nuanced flavors through hand-brewed pour-over coffee, or opt for a customizable frappe. For something especially crisp, try the espresso frizzante, a shot over sparkling mineral water with a dash of brown sugar and vanilla syrup. In addition, snack on bagels from Troy’s own Psychedelicatessen or donuts from Cider Belly, among other locally made treats.
Columbia County
Hudson Roastery
4 Park Pl, Hudson
Drink: Dirty Chai Latte
Are you the type to spend all day hanging out at a local café? If so, you’re in luck. Hudson Roastery turns into a chic wine bar in the evenings, staying open as late as 11 p.m. on the weekends. Try the Rip Van Winkle house blend, a light-medium roast with nutty and cocoa undertones, or Catskill Campfire, a medium roast with single-origin Ethiopian beans swimming in citrus notes and chocolate finishes. Seasonal syrup flavors and teas make Hudson Roastery a must for anyone who likes a chai latte spiked with espresso. Pair any amount of java with a delicious pastry.
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Moto Coffee Machine
357 Warren St, Hudson
Drink: Cappuccino
Whether you live in Hudson or take an upstate day trip, be sure to make a pit stop at Moto. The too-cool café serves a stellar breakfast with pastries galore. Order a single, perfectly brewed espresso to go with your meal, then follow it up with a foamy cappuccino for further sipping. Hot mulled ciders, crunchy croissants, and cute latte art sweeten the deal at Moto. Plus, take a look at the Warren Street coffee shop’s impressive motorcycle collection.
Dutchess 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, All That Java’s micro coffee shop model has spread throughout the Valley. What started as one pint-sized operation in Rhinebeck has expanded to Tivoli, Millbrook, and Kingston, with the possibility of new locations down the road. Baristas use a Simonelli machine to pour consistently exceptional espresso. Steamed lattes with seasonal flavors are always a hit, like peppermint mocha and pumpkin spice. Above all, All That Java’s true magic lies in its delicious—and convenient—simplicity.
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Bank Square Coffeehouse
129 Main St, Beacon
Drink: Traditional Macchiato
Bank Square Coffeehouse rests at the very start of Main Street in Beacon, which means it is a hub for train travelers, community members, and everyone in between. Stop in for a coffee before you window-shop through town, or pack your laptop for a day spent nestled in one of the café’s cozy chairs and couches. Explore the ever-expanding coffee menu, which regularly features Vietnamese and Kyoto iced coffees, caramel lattes, and espresso con panna. Then, in warmer weather, sit outside and enjoy a tall pint of beer or cider.
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Beacon Bread Co.
193 Main St, Beacon
Drink: Crème Brûlée Latte
Beacon Bread Co. is a classic brunch spot in the Hudson Valley, featuring fresh daily bakes and tons of house-made delights, ranging from cured salmon lox to pickled vegetables. Of course, the dedicated team puts just as much effort into their coffee program. High-quality coffee roasted at the pantry in Cold Spring and manual-pull espresso shots form the foundation for a consistent and creative café experience. On a chilly day, few things soothe the soul like one of their signature lattes. Rose-vanilla, mocha, and caramel are a few of the menu mainstays. However, limited-release house syrups are always worth a try. Crème brûlée, cardamom-almond-rose, French toast, and pumpkin spice round out a few former favorites.
Beans Cat Café
325 Main St, Beacon
Drink: Cat lattes
In Beacon, Jessica and Justin Strika opened Beans Cat Cafe on Main Street as dedicated place to sip cappuccinos while cuddling up with sweet four-legged friends. After ordering coffee-based drinks like black and white lattes, seasonal macchiatos, and cold brews, visitors can pop into the cat lounge for a pet session. (Of course, cat-themed latte art is always a treat!) A partnership with Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary in Poughkeepsie helps place countless kitties into new, loving 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.)
Big Mouth Coffee Roasters
387 Main St, Beacon
Drink: Kenya Riakiberu
Big Mouth Coffee Roasters is the best of both worlds. Black coffee drinkers, get excited! Ethiopian, Brazilian, Kenyan, Costa Rican, Sumatran, and Colombian beans offer nuanced flavors and bold aromatics on the nose. Kenya Riakiberu, for instance, features crisp grapefruit and blood orange flavors with deep, complex sweetness reminiscent of mulling spices and dried dates. All of the roasting is done in-house, and Hudson Valley java junkies can purchase fresh roasts online. For those seeking a more colorful start to the day, opt for matcha lattes, dirty chais, and macadamia milk cappuccinos. If that wasn’t enough, vegan bakes are always available at Big Mouth (and next-door at Peaceful Provisions.)
The Crafted Kup
44 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie Galleria Mall, 2001 South Rd, Poughkeepsie
Eastdale Village, 48 N Eastdale Ave, Poughkeepsie
Drink: Café Miel
Located a short stroll away from Vassar College, The Crafted Kup is a go-to location for students, professors, and community members. Whether you swing by the original shop or visit the newer spaces in the Poughkeepsie Galleria and at Eastdale Village, do yourself a favor and order one of the signature lattes. The Café Miel and the matcha latte are top picks for frothy, creamy, cozy sipping.
Irving Farm Coffee Roasters
44 Main St, Millerton
Drink: Cold Brew Coffee
With multiple locations in New York City, Irving Farm is a mainstay for Big Apple residents. Yet the Millerton outpost is the one to bookmark for a local visit, since it sits just a mile away from the company’s roasting facility. As the weather gets warmer, treat yourself to a hipster-chic glass bottle of cold brew coffee that is just as strong as it is smooth. Real coffee fanatics 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 the 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 shop stocks both Harney and Sons Teas and Irving Farm Coffee from Millerton. 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 winning choice, with espresso, steamed milk, and bay leaf essence.
Kitchen & Coffee
193 Main St, Beacon
Drink: Cold Brew with Hemp Milk
Kitchen & Coffee continues the gluten-free baking tradition that Ella’s Bellas started in the same space. In addition, their coffee and tea menu serves the local vegan and non-dairy community well. Choose between oat, almond, hemp, and soy milk for macchiatos, cappuccinos, cortados, and iced coffees. Plus, they source single-origin coffee from fellow Beacon business Big Mouth Coffee Roasters. Similarly, North River Roasters in Poughkeepsie provides their espresso, and Ready Coffee contributes to the drip selection and a cold brew rotation.
Little King
199 Main St, Beacon
Drink: Alpha Cappuccino
Beacon’s newest coffee shop has a few surprises up its sleeve, namely a line of joy-inspiring kitchenware, homegoods, toys, cookbooks, and more. Little King highlights special single origin coffees through a seasonal “drip program.” Little King makes its espresso from Alpha, 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: Colombian Medium Roast Coffee
Just up the street from the Poughkeepsie train station, the Grind delivers a necessary jolt of caffeine to early morning commuters and Walkway Over the Hudson visitors. They’ve roasted their own high-quality fair trade coffee since 2017 (as Illuminated Coffee Co.) The staff is especially friendly, inviting coffee drinkers back for repeat visits. 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 (filled with bacon and ham) with a strong cup of joe. Talk about the perfect pairing!
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 quite complete without Ready. This homegrown brand features drive-through locations in both Wappingers Falls and Newburgh. Every trip to Ready Coffee comes complete with friendly interactions with the energetic staff, plus run-ins with dogs and their pup cups! Of course, the drinks are truly the stars of the show. Flavored lattes delight, like the Mac Daddy (nutty chocolate macadamia) or the Storm King (chocolate hazelnut). Pumpkin spice reigns supreme in the autumn, while eggnog and gingerbread dominate the holiday season. Fresh espresso graces all coffee drinks, getting you ready for whatever challenges the day may bring.
Trax Espresso
1 E Main St, Beacon
Drink: Vanilla Maple Latte
If the name proves anything, it’s that Trax Espresso takes caffeination seriously. The Brooklynesque shop roasts the beans that power its numerous coffee concoctions. Order a plain black coffee to experience the small-batch roasting process at its finest. It doesn’t hurt that the muffins and croissants are delectable either. Seasonal specials like gingerbread, vanilla maple, and, of course, pumpkin spice lattes are pretty sweet as well.
Greene County
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Greater Things Roasters
10 Hope Plaza, Coxsackie
Drink: Lavender Latte Con Miel
Since opening in early 2021, Greater Things Roasters strives to elevate the standard for coffee in the Catskills. From nutty Brazilian beans to citrusy Ethiopian styles, there’s always something interesting and delicious to try. If you take your coffee black, you’ll love the complexity of these single-origin roasts and exotic blends. On the other hand, Greater Things inspires curiosity with its eclectic specials menu. For example, the shop’s take on the Spanish café con miel blends honey, espresso, and whole milk, with a hint of lavender and a dusting of cinnamon. Pistachio-matcha lattes, chocolate stout cold brews, and raspberry white mochas are just a few of the tempting specials you may encounter.
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HiLo Catskill
365 Main St, Catskill
Drink: Cinnamon Dulce Latte
Housed in hip Catskill, HiLo is a café, bar, and hanging art space that attracts creative java lovers. The hotspot has evolved several times over the years, with an emerging digital arts program. Small plates include mushroom sandwiches, veggie frittatas, and Catskill Bread Co. bagels piled high with the works. Unique syrups made in-house and a vast assortment of non-dairy milks spice up any latte or macchiato order.
Twin Peaks Coffee & Donuts
5950 Main St, Tannersville
Drink: Black Coffee
Takeout-only temporarily
Any David Lynch fan needs to check out this Tannersville joint and enjoy a black cup of joe alongside a delectable pastry. The atmospheric Twin Peaks makes donuts hot and fresh to order. Look out for the limited edition varieties, like mint cookie crumble or warm apple pie. For breakfast, order bacon-egg-and-cheese sliders on a donut, or indulge in the pecan praline French toast. In colder months, the soul-warming snacks are the perfect end to a day on Hunter Mountain.
Orange County
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2 Alices Coffee Lounge
311 Hudson St, Cornwall-on-Hudson
117 Broadway, Newburgh
Drink: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte
With two locations in the Hudson Valley, 2 Alices is a local staple. The laptop-friendly venue serves up an extensive selection of lattes, including ginger spice, vanilla mint, and brown sugar cinnamon. Order a bagel with cream cheese to go with your drink, and you have everything you need for a productive café day. For more adventurous palates, try the spicy Mayan mocha latte or rose petal apple cider. The lounge even offers a noncaffeinated butterbeer steamster.
Blacc Vanilla
197 South St, Newburgh
Drink: Blacc Vanilla Latte
The welcoming addition to Newburgh’s dining scene serves snazzy lattes, coffees, and breakfast sandwiches that will have you thinking about a return trip before you even exit the threshold. Plan to visit for weekend brunch, and browse the shop for beans and merch. Good music, thought-provoking art, and exceptional coffee mark the experience at this cozy Orange County spot.
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Cornwall Coffee Co. and Mercantile
310 Main St, Cornwall
Drink: Pistachio Latte With Italian Foam
Open seven days a week, Cornwall Coffee Co. explores the roots of artisanal coffee-making. It all starts with exquisite espresso and a very tasty house blend. The former achieves perfection via an Italian manual-pull La Victoria Arduino lever machine, while the latter is roasted by Red Hook-based J.B. Peel. When the base is this good, the sky is truly the limit for what Cornwall Coffee’s baristas can concoct. Once you’ve had your caffeine fix, check out the coffee shop’s diverse selection of vintage tools, traditional apothecary goods, and homeware.
Foundry42
2 Front St, Port Jervis
Drink: S’mores Latte
Foundry42 is more than just a coffee shop. The lifestyle brand makes furniture from reclaimed materials, curates an art gallery, and crafts some of the most over-the-top caffeinated beverages of any spot on this list. Its coffee bar menu features a long list of flavor shots, ranging from the familiar (vanilla, hazelnut, pumpkin spice) to the experimental (elderflower, lavender, maple spice). Though the London Fog is especially popular with Port Jervis patrons, the s’mores latte must be tried to be believed. Personable baristas serve every macchiato, matcha, and “filthy” chai latte—which gets two shots of espresso—with a smile.
Valkyrie Coffee Roasters
23 Main St, Chester
Drink: Vietnamese KaPhe
Chester’s ever-popular Valkryie Coffee Roasters entices coffee aficionados with beans from all over the globe. Valkyrie’s husband-and-wife duo have sourced beans from—and visited—Kenya, Tanzania, Sumatra, Brazil, Honduras, and several other countries. Instead of using store-bought syrups, they make sauces and confections in-house. Comforting brick walls, vegan bakes made in-house, and a slew of rotating special drinks make this one of the coziest stops in the Valley. Past specialty drinks include a s’mores-inspired Campfire Mocha and the Bleedin Sweden Latte, a drink that features a lingonberry and cardamom brown sugar sauce. You’ll have to try the KaPhe, a creamy Vietnamese drink made from egg yolks, during your visit.
Putnam County
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Cold Spring Coffeehouse
92 Main St, Cold Spring
Drink: Iced Mocha Latte
Carefully sourced and locally roasted, Cold Spring Coffeehouse’s beverage lineup knocks it out of the park. Pair any caffeinated fare with beautifully decorated sugar cookies, vegan croissants, and jalapeno popper pretzels. The baristas take special pride in their espresso, so be sure to try some on its own or in an iced latte. Also, during the holidays, patrons can order specialty treats like pecan agave pie or a vegan take on double crust apple. In a similar vein, one-of-a-kind flavors signal the changing of the seasons, like flower power lattes in the spring and iced raspberry teas in the summer.
Rockland County
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Boxer Donut and Espresso Bar
17 N Franklin St, Nyack
Drink: Espresso Shot
Formerly Gypsy Donut, Boxer Donut serves up delicious fresh-fried donuts and hot coffee. Flavors change daily, keeping things exciting at this iconic Nyack spot. Vegan goodies 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 iced cold nitro. Plus, the mobile Boxer Donut bus travels around Rockland County and serves zippy espresso at weddings, bar mitzvahs, and more. Soon, Boxer Donut will unveil its new space right across the street, offering live music and outdoor seating.
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Bunbury’s Coffee Shop
460 Piermont Ave, Piermont
Drink: Wet Cappuccinos
Of course the coffeeshop of Hudson Valley bookworms’ dreams takes its name from an Oscar Wilde play. Bunbury’s curates a collection of novels, mugs, cards, and “whimsical items” for customers to discover. Coffee Labs Roasters in nearby Tarrytown fuel the beverage program in Piermont. Baristas specialize in European-style beverages, and pour precise 1 oz ristretto espresso from a top-of-the-line La Marzocco Linea. This results in more potent shots. Lattes are served smooth, and cappuccinos are served “wet”—with a greater ratio of steamed milk to foam. Bunbury’s bakes muffins and scones in-house, and hosts a book club every Monday (starting January 2022).
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Java Love
50 Lafayette St, Suffern
Drink: Cortado
This groovy 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 New Jersey locations and one right here in the Hudson Valley. The former Capital One bank in Suffern now serves 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 out on the scenic outdoor seating. Breakfast burritos, salmon benny toast, and a smoothie bar ensure no one leaves hungry. Above all, creative specials are Java Love’s ultimate draw. For instance, Julianna’s Flurries on the Moon infuses a chai latte with pistachio, rose, and black pepper, while Raven’s Winter Wake Up blends a triple shot cortado with a dark mocha.
Salonniere Coffee Bar
79 South Broadway, Nyack
Drink: Coffee Granita
Nyack revives the European tradition of salons. Salonniere Coffee Bar is more than just a Hudson Valley coffee shop, but a place for sharing ideas. Owner Marcella Mazzeo, the “salonniere,” brings Sicilian tradition to Rockland County. In warm weather, you have to sample the signature granita, a popular morning treat in Sicily. The Parlor Roast coffee, the base for most drinks, is a unique blend of Costa Rican, Guatemalan, and Colombian coffee. It’s a smooth, elegant roast that Mazzeo dubs a “double French.”
The Village Blend
86 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg
Drink: Café au Lait
Three generations of women run The Village Blend in Sloatsburg. Nestled right at the edge of Harriman State Park, this Rockland County coffee shop provides plenty of feel-good vibes. From Instagram-worthy avocado toast with runny eggs to perfect paint-and-sip parties, there’s always an excuse to spend time at this gem. Order café au laits, cortados, and toffee lattes. Then, stay for lunch and enjoy sandwiches like crème brie and crisp apple turkey or cranberry-walnut chicken salad.
Ulster County
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Half Moon Rondout Cafe
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 turns that dream into a reality in Kingston. The made-to-order donut bakery and coffee shop opened late in 2020. Seinfeld fans can choose which Half Moon babka is best, as the shop makes both cinnamon and chocolate in-house. Head to the community-oriented java joint for a constantly evolving barista menu, featuring unique drinks like the roohafza latte, bourbon barrel coffee, peppermint mochas, and plenty of top-tier espresso.
Monkey Joe Roasting Company
478 Broadway, Kingston
Drink: Jazzy Joe
Monkey Joe Roasting Company roasts single-origin, specialty-grade coffee. Its small-batch approach means every cup showcases distinctive flavors and aromas from around the globe. Jazzy Joe, one of the signature flavors, has a unique cinnamon-maple profile perfect for home sipping. However, it’s certainly worth it to visit the full-service coffee bar in Kingston for macchiatos, breves, and other classic espresso drinks. In addition, the roasting company also serves locally made scones, bagels, pies, and other coffee-friendly goodies.
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Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters and Café
10 Main St, New Paltz
Drink: Red Eye
For nearly 20 years, Mudd Puddle has fueled New Paltz with freshly roasted coffee. This Ulster County mainstay has a family feel, and serves a wide assortment of paninis, wraps, and other approachable lunch fare. Take home bags of house-roasted beans for home brewing, or hang out and sample the espresso for yourself. Mochas are extra delicious, due to Mudd Puddle’s homemade cocoa. If you need something with a little zip, try a red eye. Plus, the shop also showcases coffee-infused beers through its sister business in Gardiner, Yard Owl Brewery.
Outdated: An Antique Café
314 Wall St, Kingston
26 Downs St, Kingston
Drink: Purple Potato Latte
This isn’t exactly a coffee shop (you seriously should consider stopping by for breakfast or lunch) but, real talk, the organic and fair trade coffee will give you life. Special goodies like carrot cake pancakes, tempeh reubens, and kimchi grilled cheeses demonstrate Outdated’s elevated comfort food concept. In addition to the array of cappuccinos, cortados, and cold brews, Outdated also stocks coffee soda and makes smoothies to order. Seasonal drinks like the maple charcoal latte, vanilla rooibos chai, and beet lattes will have you returning again and again. Pick up a house-made jalapeno scone and browse through the vast for-sale antique selection. Plus, stop by Outdated Café Lite for additional convenience.
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Underground Coffee and Ales
74 Vineyard 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 drink to quench your thirst at every hour of the day. Whether you head over for oatmeal and a latte in the morning or beer and a burger at night, you can’t go wrong here. Stay tuned for events like brewery features and other happenings at Underground.
Westchester County
The Black Cow Coffee Company
4 Old Post Rd S, Croton-on-Hudson
7 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville
Phelps Hospital, 701 N Broadway, Sleepy Hollow
Drink: Maple Spice Latte
The Black Cow is one of those hole-in-the-wall spots that locals adore for its cozy atmosphere and down-to-earth menu. If you love foam, try the vanilla latte for a cup of caffeine that is made to savor. Of course, there are also wildly inventive 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.
