Starting the day with a good cup of coffee is part of the Block Island experience. Many visitors stop by to refuel before a day of exploring, while others seek a quiet corner to relax or catch up on reading. The island’s cafés provide that welcome pause, complete with sweet treats and strong brews. Here are some of the best spots to satisfy your coffee cravings.
Local Favorites
Block Island’s pride and coffee are rooted in its local businesses. These community-owned shops offer unique flavors that will have you leaving your favorite chains on the mainland.
Aldo’s Bakery is a long-standing favorite, offering fresh and sweet pastries to be paired with their bold and rich brews. The Coffee Place features a broad selection of coffee and cold drinks, along with gelato, sweet treats, and Lotus energy drinks.
Some hidden gems include secluded places like the BI Bodega, located above the Poor People’s Pub, where the laid-back atmosphere makes it an easy stop for grab-and-go coffee and snacks. For a low-key experience, The Cracked Mug serves locally roasted coffee in a casual, outdoor setting near the docks.
Ernie’s is a longtime breakfast staple known for its straightforward menu, early hours, and no-frills charm. Locals and returning visitors often stop in for coffee and a classic diner-style breakfast before heading to the beach or ferry.
Ellen’s At The Airport offers a different kind of morning backdrop. Set beside the island’s small airfield, it combines hearty breakfast plates with the quiet hum of planes taking off and landing nearby. The open view and laid-back pace make it a distinctive spot to start the day with coffee and a bit of island character.
Sip, Sit, & Stay Awhile
Some cafés on Block Island invite more than a quick stop. They’re places where you can settle in, enjoy the atmosphere, and let time slow down a little.
Persephone’s Kitchen remains a favorite for fresh, healthy fare and vegan-friendly options in a rustic, welcoming space. Its smaller counterpart, Persephone’s Petite, extends that same spirit to a more compact café space at the Historical Society Museum, where you can enjoy coffee, baked goods, and light bites on the porch amid a quiet, tree-lined corner of town.
Across from the ferry landing, Old Fellows Cafe is a convenient choice with harbor views and outdoor seating, where the steady rhythm of boats and people creates a lively backdrop. The Surf at Block Island’s Coffee and Cocktails also offers shoreline views and a laidback atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating as you wake up or wind down with your favorite drinks.
The Old Post Office Bagel Shop also remains a longtime favorite for breakfast and coffee, offering a relaxed environment before heading out to the beach.
Plan Your Coffee Breaks
Plan your coffee stops around the island’s pace. Start the morning with a strong cup before setting out on the trails or beaches, then pause in the afternoon for a pastry and a quiet seat in the shade. Each café visit offers a small glimpse of island life: conversations at the counter, familiar faces from the ferry, and the steady hum of a place that moves at its own speed. Now is a perfect time to begin planning your next Block Island escape, coffee included.