6 Places Springfield-Area Coffee Lovers Need to Check Out
There’s a lot of differences when it comes to the lifestyles of stay-at-homers, nine-to-fivers, night shifters, swing shifters, salaried workers, and on-callers. Regardless of the demands on our time, attention, and the jobs we’re required to get done on a daily basis – there is one (almost) universal constant: the appreciation of a good cup of coffee.
Coffee may not be everyone’s lifeblood, but here in New England, naysayers to magical bean juice tend to be the exception and not the rule. Especially as the clocks fall back and colder months cover us in darkness, most of us demand (if not require) the sacred caffeinated life juice to keep us moving. And while we have it in our homes and workplaces, most of us are always looking for another great place to score a cup that we didn’t have to brew ourselves.
Fortunately, Springfield and its surrounding areas offer plenty of options – regardless of whether you’re looking for something unique and flavorful or a simple cup of black coffee. And those options extend beyond the Dunkin’ on every corner, or the ever-expanding number of Starbucks to be found. After all, we’re in Western Mass, so we’re going ‘homegrown’ with this list of 6 places Springfield-area coffee lovers need to check out.
Mocha Emporium (Springfield)
Back in 2016, downtown Springfield became home to the third location of the family-owned Mocha Emporium. Straddling the space between Union Station and the financial district, Mocha Emporium has been praised for its selection of coffee, tea, specialty drinks, pastry items, competitive pricing, attentive service, and decor. If you’re looking for a place to sit and chill, Mocha Emporium is a great choice. The only downside (and it’s a small complaint, considering its downtown location) is that it’s only open from 7 AM-5 PM. Then again, most of the places on our list will have similar hours – but they make a great alternative to Dunkin’s.
Cerrato’s Pastry Shop (West Springfield)
If you’re anything like us, there are times when you have a taste for something rich. And when we need to ‘scratch that itch’ we visit Cerrato’s. In addition to being accomplished cake makers, you can stop in whenever you feel the need to treat yourself to delicious tarts, cakes, or pastries (be they breakfast pastries or something more of an afternoon pick-me-up). In addition, Cerrato’s serves up some of the tastiest Italian coffees around. Espresso. Cappucino. Latte. Americano. Mocha. Black Eye. Whatever your guilty pleasures are, treat yourself by visiting Cerrato’s.
Memo’s Restaurant (West Springfield)
Fancy coffees and pastries are wonderful, but sometimes you’re craving a back-to-basics breakfast option. And for our money, Memo’s Restaurant in West Springfield is one of the best options out there, considered by many to be a “must visit” location. A diverse menu of breakfast favorites complemented by big portions, a relaxed and fun atmosphere, and a great service are just about the best recommendations we can provide.
Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters (Almost Everywhere)
If you’re from around here, you’re no stranger to Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters. With locations in Shelburne Falls, Greenfield, Hadley, Easthampton, Northampton, and Longmeadow, they’re basically the Berkshire’s answer to over-complicated and industrialized coffee making. No matter how many locations they’ve added on after almost three decades, SFCR manages to maintain their artisanal sensibilities and stay true to their original mission – to share their love of coffee. That said, we highly recommend their selections of fresh-squeezed juices, blender drinks, pastries, and sandwiches.
Pan’e Dolcetti (Wilbraham)
Much like Cerrato’s (which we mentioned above) Pan’e Dolcetti offers an alternative to modern coffee houses and chains that echoes the classic old school Italian cafe. It truly is a hidden gem, garnering praise from almost everyone who partakes in their selection of coffees and delectable menu items. To quote one Yelp user, “I’ve been here a few times and haven’t taken a picture yet, because I can’t wait to eat it.”
Goodworks Coffee House (Chicopee)
Fairtrade and locally sourced, Goodworks is a family-owned business built around the idea of offering the local coffee shop experience to the community of Chicopee. It’s a great place to find a modest priced Latte, Cappuccino, Coffee, Hot Chocolate or Tea, or to enjoy the simple delights of a croissant, muffin, bagel, or cookie. More importantly, it’s an extremely warm and welcoming environment for individuals and families alike. Highly recommended for those who like to support family-owned establishments.
This is just OUR quick list…
If you had to make a list of your own, would any of these places make the cut? Maybe you have your own recommendations of places that you think we need to check out. So, hook us up with your recommendations. Like you, we’re always in the market for a good cup of coffee!