We’ve gotten pretty lucky with winter weather this year, but today’s conditions are not exactly idyllic. If you’re fortunate enough to be holed up on your own couch, we envy you. And for the rest of the folks who are forced to be running about town, we encourage you to make the most of this lousy day, too — though things are unfavorable outside, it does make for the perfect time to check out a cozy local coffee shop.
Need a recommendation? Here are our favorite spots to stop in, fuel up, and veg out when we have to be out of the house:
Haven Coffee & Espresso Bar, Newburgh
This Town of Newburgh cafe has everything we crave on murky days (okay, let’s face it, everyday): comfy booths, homemade meals and baked treats, and coffee a-plenty. They have free WiFi, so bring your work with you — if you must — while you set up shop in their homey 9W nook.
5462 Route 9W, Newburgh
845.561.9685
The Poughkeepsie Grind, Poughkeepsie
Put a pause on your daily grind and head to The Poughkeepsie Grind for a cuppa locally roasted joe. Easily found on Main Street, coffee snobbery is non-existent here and the decor is clean and pared down, so nothing gets in the way of your midday caffeine. Hungry? Order the Wednesday waffle special — you can thank us later.
107 Main St, Poughkeepsie
845.345.9588
Underground Coffee & Ales, Highland
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On any other (sunny) day, we love this place because of it’s proximity to the Walkway Over the Hudson, but right now, the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and stellar coffee drinks cause this community cornerstone to top our list of rainy day hangouts. As an added bonus, they’re food is also excellent, and they have an extensive menu of craft beer, wine, and cider (in case you find yourself in need of a different kind of pick-me-up).
74 Vineyard Ave, Highland
845.834.3899
Moto Coffee Machine, Hudson
Characteristic of it’s Warren Street location, this spot is ultra hip and often buzzing with inspiring artistic ideas. The skilled baristas and spotlight on bean to bar chocolate bars are enough to set them apart, but the biggest difference between Moto and any ordinary shop? It doubles in motorcycle and gear retail.
357 Warren St, Hudson
518.822.8232
The Pantry, Cold Spring
This Putnam County apothecary features specialty roasts of coffee (some of which are made in-house!) and the staff here is known to devote extra attention when creating each cup. If you don’t end up spending the whole day in their cute cafe, make sure to check back in upon nightfall: a social scene and killer craft beer menu takes precedence, with the option to fill up a growler to go.
3091 Route 9, inside Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center, Cold Spring
845.265.2840
Have a restaurant, bar, bakeshop, or other foodie-find worth writing about? Tell me in the comments below, connect with me on Instagram — @little_honey_dee — or email me at sdaniels@hvmag.com. I wanna know!