I know I’m feeling better when I start craving my morning cup of coffee. Whether you refer to it as liquid gold, morning motivation, or just regular old joe, I’m sure you have a favorite coffee house that you frequent, or perhaps a brand that you brew and enjoy at home. For me, Starbucks has always been my company of choice, but after spending some time in California and seeing the array of kitschy coffee houses I couldn’t help but want to explore more local options. So I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite haunts and preferred beverages.
Starbucks
I’ve been frequenting Starbucks for longer than I care to admit. At my local joint, I know most of the baristas by name…and even know the names of some who worked at the one near American University in Washington, DC. For as long as I’ve been going to Starbucks, my drink has always been a grande White Chocolate Mocha — with whipped cream, of course! This past summer, I started indulging in their iced coffee. But now that it is October, I’m all about the Pumpkin Spice Latte.
Southdown Coffee
I found this place through a follower on Instagram and after one visit I could tell it was just the type of establishment I wanted. Nestled in Huntington Village, New York, this small, quaint coffee house makes a mean cappuccino and offers freshly made breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. It has become a regular stop on the days I spend in my old hometown!
Hampton Coffee Company
Their coffee wins my award for most delicious…as in, I’m glad there are no locations near me because I would be there every day kind of delicious. I first tried their coffee in August when I was out at the Hampton Classic Horse Show. It was a hot day on the show grounds and an iced latte sounded like the perfect cure. Luckily, Hampton Coffee had a mobile coffee truck at the event. If you head to the East End of Long Island you can find their stores. But for those who like to make their morning coffee in their pajamas, you can order from them online.
Golden Pear Cafe
Another establishment I’ve found while trekking out to the Hampton’s is the Golden Pear Cafe. With both indoor and outdoor seating and a full breakfast menu, this is a great place to stop and grab your morning cup of joe. You may even see a celebrity walking down the streets of Southampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, or Bridgehampton, which is where they are located. I’ve ordered a cappuccino and an iced coffee from them (on separate occasions), and left feeling well-caffeinated. If you stop here, try their scrambled eggs and aged New York cheddar cheese on a freshly baked croissant. It’s one of my favorite items on their menu.
Dunkin’ Donuts
I was never a real fan of their coffee until recently…when they were giving away a medium dark roast coffee for free on National Coffee Day. I hadn’t had their coffee in a while, but I was surprised and pleased with how good it was. And since it was much cheaper than Starbucks and twice the size of my normal coffee, Dunkin’ Donuts has redeemed itself, in my opinion.
Where is your favorite place to get coffee? Do you prefer to make it at home or stop at a coffee house?
This post makes me hungry and want some coffee♥♥
summerdaisy.net
Glad you enjoyed the post, Summer!
Coffee is a definite must for me first thing every day. I love my Starbucks and Dean & Deuca but when I’m home, I opt for a Kona blend. (Love your leopard flats!)
Taffeta & Tulips
Whenever I go into NYC I always stop at Dean & Delucca! It seems a lot of people like that Kona blend, so I’m definitely going to give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion!
I definitely turn into a total coffee fiend once fall hits! 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
With a Pumpkin Spice Latte on the menu, it’s hard not to turn into a coffee fiend in the fall!
Ha, great minds think alike! As a committed Starbucks attendee myself, it’s always great to check out what the smaller haunts offer. 🙂
xo, Jessica
http://www.semisweettooth.com
I admit that I am a fairly loyal Starbucks drinker, but I love the feel of small cafés!
It’s a funny thing do need and want something as soon as your feet hit the floor in the morning, but I’m right there with you! My fav home brew is Kona coffee, try it!
xo, Jill
http://www.BornFancy.com
Thanks for the suggestion, Jill! I’m adding that coffee to my list to try. I never used to crave coffee in the morning, but as I’ve gotten older I definitely need a cup to help get me started.
This is so funny to read right now, as I’m brewing my Starbucks coffee, haha! You know, I’ve learned that there isn’t too many of us, Vanessa. A lot of people I talk to say that they don’t like Starbucks because it’s too strong. My answer is always then you’re not a real coffee drinker and then the debate begins, lol! However, I do agree that the coffee is strong and you either love it or you don’t. I worked at Dunkin Donuts my early years of college and I never really was a fan of their coffees, but their espresso, for some reason, I LOVED!
I need to step out of my coffee zone and try some other coffee shops, especially in Williamburg, Brooklyn, where they didn’t allow a Starbucks to come through for years because they take pride in their small shop coffees! That is how Starbucks got started after all!
This was such a great post; it was great getting to know you a little more 🙂
Have an amazing day, beauty!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
I’m glad we share a love of Starbucks, Jalisa! It took me a while to get into coffee, but now that I have, I fear it owns me. Actually, this morning I tried an iced Pumpkin Spice Latte and it was soooo good. That’s very interesting about how Starbucks got started. I’ll have to try some coffee houses in Brooklyn — I love those small neighborhood places! Hope you have a great week!
Yessss!! A good ole’ cup of coffee can do wonders every morning! I’ve been buying a coffee every morning before work between DD and Starbucks for a long time, however my bf and I recently moved in together and he started making it every morning for me! When he makes homemade coffee, he adds cinnamon to the grinds and it makes a huge difference and tastes so much better!!
Loved the post girl! 🙂
xo, Sarah
http://www.thekissingboothblog.com
Thanks, Sarah! Stopping at Starbucks is my morning ritual, but occasionally I will vary my routine and go to Dunkin’ Donuts. On days when I make coffee at home, frothing the milk and adding cinnamon makes me feel like my own barista. Thanks for visiting Living in Steil and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Now I am hungry and want to go downstairs to get starbucks!!! Yummy!!! Love all of these pics!
Danielle
http://www.blushblossom.com
Thanks, Danielle! It would be dangerous if I had a Starbucks “downstairs.” I commend you for exercising such restraint!
YUMM you just made me so hungry
Emma | With A City Dream
Glad you enjoyed the post, Emma!
coffee is definitely one of my weaknesses! hehe
When I was pregnant, it was tough at the start to give up on coffee, but I soon found that I could still function without it haha.
I’m back on coffee now and enjoy the local joints. Living in SF, there are a lot of trendy/hipster spots that make great coffee. I’ve become a bit “snobby” about coffee now. Hate to sound like that person, but a good cup sure makes a difference! haha
xo,
nancy
http://www.adoretoadorn.com
I’m with you, Nancy! You can’t put a price on a good cup of coffee. LOL. I’m slightly jealous that you’re in SF with all those great coffee houses. I love SF and can’t wait to visit again. Thank you for visiting Living in Steil and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Aaaah! That croissant with cheese and ham, I’m dying. You’re making me miss American cafe breakfasts, gah…. 😀
http://www.MarinaSays.com
It’s so good, Marina! Thank you for visiting Living in Steil and I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
Perfect article to read right as I’m running out the door–to Starbucks!!! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com
That is great timing, Caitlin. I hope you enjoyed your Starbucks. Thanks for visiting Living in Steil!
I confess I’m a huge Starbucks fan too, and I (usually) live in the state with the most coffee stops in the US. It’s great to have a variety of favorite places. Also where are those leopard flats from??? They are amazing!!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
I love having different places to get my coffee fix from. That way I never get bored with the same old cup of joe. My flats are Adrienne Vittadini and from DSW. I bought them last year, but they’re so comfy and I just love them.
White chocolate mocha is my Starbucks drink of choice too! I love it iced. You should try it. In the winter I like a chai tea latte. I’ve tried DD coffee, but it’s too strong for my stomach. Love the nickname liquid gold! Never heard of that 🙂
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
I love the iced White Chocolate Mocha, too. I only cutback and switched to iced coffees this summer to reduce my sugar intake…but of course, I cheated and ordered the iced WCM from time-to-time.
This post makes me want to go and order some coffee! Love the picture with your leopard flats – so cute.
stay styled,
Lindsey
IG: stay_styled
Blog: http://staystyledblog.com/
Thanks, Lindsey! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for visiting Living in Steil!
Yummy! So much coffee <3
-Adi xxo
http://www.fancycorrectitude.com
Thanks, Aditi! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Wow!!! I’m craving for some Vanilla latte right now. I love Starbucks so much! Great post!
http://www.lenparent.com
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
I have the same addiction 🙂 loving your leopard flats!
Wishes & Reality
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Adore your photos!
God bless,
Xo, Claire
http://www.littlemissfashionqueen.com
Thanks, Claire!
Total coffee addict over here! I actually prefer Dunkin Doughnuts to Starbucks.. and I love that they offer almond milk now!
Glad we have a love of coffee in common! I’ll have to give the almond milk a try.
Love this post very much because I love coffee!! haha 🙂
Hugs,
Love from http://www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Thanks, Trang. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!
I don’t drink coffee often but it’s interesting to note that Dunkin’ Donuts serve good ones!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com
Yes, Dunkin’ Donuts is a good option. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for visiting Living in Steil!
yummy you made me hungry 🙂
https://notsohardtobepretty.wordpress.com/
I’m glad you enjoyed the post and thank you for visiting Living in Steil!
I love coffee! I buy local brands to prepare coffee at home. In cafes here, we usually all drink espresso or cappuccino European style.
I love espresso and cappuccino’s! Small cafés that have these drinks on the menu are my favorites.
Well, This post made me want to go to Starbucks….see you later! 😉
-xo, Shell
http://acourageousbeauty.com/
Sorry, Shell! I don’t need much of an excuse to grab a cup of coffee these days. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and it inspired you to get a coffee!
A good cup of coffee is more than just a drink! I use a Nespresso machine at home and always go for something simple at cafes – a cappuccino or variations of black coffee (americano, allongé, café crème…)
P.S. Love your shoes!
Mari
http://www.randomstein.com
Thanks, Mari! I need my morning coffee and enjoy going out to get it. But I do want to start making it at home more often. I’m going to look into the Nespresso machine.
Keep in mind that it’s addictive as hell haha! You’re welcome 😉