by Lily Osgan and Ryan Podber, Interns, GHS Class of 2022
For coffee lovers in Greenwich, the options are endless. Lately, it seems cafes have popped up on every corner. Here are five of our favorites.
Gregories
Gregory’s Coffee is a Manhattan-based chain owned by Gregory Zamfotis, with a location on Greenwich Avenue.
We met Zamfotis at his cafe on Greenwich Ave. He explained that he was born in Brooklyn and his father was a Greek immigrant who worked in the food industry. Zamfotis originally thought he would do something different and even went to law school, but in 2006 he pivoted and opened his now hugely successful cafe.
The coffee is roasted in-house at Gregorys Commissariat in New York and brought to Greenwich several times a week, so it’s always fresh. Cold brew is so popular that customers order it all winter long.
He explained that he had a “passion for coffee” and that thanks to his father’s restaurant skills, he had the knowledge and support to start his own shop. When asked why the focus is on coffee, Zamfotis explained, “Coffee is ritual. People choose to make you part of their day.
Because Zamfotis lives locally, he frequents his Greenwich location, often pitching in to help out employees.
“I love interacting with the team,” he explained. “Serving and making coffee…that’s my real passion.”
The cafe itself has a black and white themed decor and is adorned with plants. There are a variety of seating options in the store, and it’s often populated without being crowded. Coffee orders are taken efficiently and served quickly.
Cafe Gregorys is located at 342 Greenwich Avenue. Such. (203) 900-4583
coffee for good
Coffee for Good is a non-profit coffee shop that functions as a training platform to equip people with different abilities with the skills needed to find competitive employment. In fact, some of the graduates now work at Gregorys on Greenwich Avenue.
“It’s a very unique place,” said Gary Parrino, who completed his graduation internship at Greenwich High School at Coffee for Good. “The main goal is not just to serve you, it is for the interns to be able to cultivate skills to use in life to find a job.”
Asked about his experience working there, he said: “I love it here, it’s such a nice place and everyone loves working here because the main purpose is to help people.”
Located in the charming 1858 Mead House on the campus of the Second Congregational Church, Coffee for Good offers ample free parking and indoor and outdoor seating.
Hot drinks include coffee, espresso, latte and cappuccino. They also serve cold brew, nitro, good brew, and a variety of smoothies. They also offer muffins, scones, croissants, sandwiches and salads.
coffee for good is located at 48 Maple Avenue.
Joe Studio Cafe
Joe Studio at 185 Sound Beach Ave in the Village of Old Greenwich is the perfect place to grab a cold drink on the way to Tod’s Point or stop for a cup of coffee before shopping.
Their coffee is roasted in-house using ‘Joe’, their Loring S7 Nighthawk roaster.
Joe Studio is also known for its flaky French pastries, fresh juices, soothing teas and fruity smoothies.
The café has a calm and warm atmosphere, accentuated by comfortable chairs, warm lighting, parquet floors and a myriad of books and board games for the use of customers. The shop is perfect for studying, working or just enjoying a peaceful cup of delicious coffee.
Greenwich Library Cafe
Located on the lower level of Greenwich Library, the Library Café is a great place for caffeine lovers and worms to read. Whether you’re preparing a presentation or just checking out some books, the Library Café is conveniently located and well worth a visit.
The cafe is very spacious, providing a perfect place to catch up on your favorite read.
The library cafe sources its supplies from Shearwater Coffee Roasters, renowned for their small amount of roasted organic coffee.
In addition to great coffee, the cafe is unique in that it is run by Abilis as a competitive employment program for people with special needs.
As a bonus, the cafe offers prepared meals from popular local restaurants. For example, pastries, salads and paninis are from Happiness Is Back Country Market & Café.
The library cafe is located in the main branch of the Greenwich Library at 101 West Putnam Ave. Tel (20) 622-7992.
CFCF
CFCF first opened in Greenwich on Greenwich Ave at the corner of Lewis Street, and recently expanded to add locations on Grigg Street and East Putnam Ave.
We stopped at the Greenwich Ave location which offers a great place to meet up with friends. Although CFCF is always busy, service is efficient and there are a variety of seating options, including indoor and outdoor tables, leather chairs, and high tops.
We love the exposed brick walls and bags of coffee beans which lend to the appealing aroma. In fact, the beans are roasted daily.
Beverage options including espresso blends, cold brews, iced teas, single origin coffees and other specialty beverages. Our visit was also memorable for the foam art on Lily’s latte.
CFCF also offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and breakfast options, including avocado toast, oatmeal, and more.
CFCF has locations at 118 Greenwich Ave, 6 Grigg Street and 1162 East Putnam Ave in Riverside.