Providence, Rhode Island is known for being a place for foodies. You can sample incredible cuisine from seemingly any corner of the world, above all Italian food. There’s a whole neighborhood all but dedicated to Italian restaurants.

But the creative capital also has an incredible local coffee shop scene. Yes, there’s multiple Starbucks stores, but it’s the locally owned, built from the ground up (no pun intended) places that really shine here. After three years living in the creative capital, I’ve narrowed down my favorites.

1. Small Format

Small Format is an employee-owned shop that doubles as an LGBTQ+ art gallery. Not only are the vibes hip, gorgeous and amazing, but the menu is unlike anything I’ve seen anywhere else. They are constantly reinventing the standard coffee shop menu, offering sweets and drinks that experiment with flavors and make you think “how’d they think of this?!” My personal favorite in the colder months is the Lavender London Fog. Not only is it visually stunning, it tastes fantastic. Small Format is also very involved in the community, hosting speaking events, fundraisers and groups for the LGBTQ+ community, like their Queer Knitting Circle.

2. The Coffee Exchange

A couple blocks down from Small Format is The Coffee Exchange. It’s a more “traditional” coffee shop, in a sense, but it’s also a storefront. They sell all their own beans, and as you wait in line you can watch the cold brew…literally brew…in a big funnel sort of machine right in front of you. The dining area is two floors and is always almost full (though I believe they have a one-hour limit on tables). It’s simple and cozy and they make a great iced chai.

3. The Nitro Bar

The story behind the Nitro Bar is awesome. Audrey Finocchiaro started the concept as a cart that she and her now-husband would pop up at farmer’s markets, festivals and other spaces. That blossomed into a brick and mortar shop in Newport, and she now has multiple locations across Rhode Island. The Providence location in on Broadway, and it’s connected to a bicycle shop, giving very cool vibes. They serve one of the best chai lattes I’ve ever tasted. On her social media, Audrey talks about being a less than stellar student who people said wouldn’t go far, and becoming the successful business owner she is now. She is constantly giving advice and cheers to other women entrepreneurs.

4. Madrid European Bakery and Patisserie

This was my absolute favorite coffee shop in Wayland Square. Madrid was founded by an immigrant family who wanted to bring “an authentic piece of Madrid to an unexpected corner of Rhode Island.” The aesthetic of the place is bright and clean and very European. I absolutely love it. When you walk in, you’re faced with a delectable pastry case that’s just as appetizing to the eyes as I’m sure it is to the tongue. The staff is always so friendly. While you wait for your drink and pastry, you can sometimes watch the chef, whose photos are on the wall, make the pastries by hand through a small window. There’s plenty of seating, though during the school year they’re often taken up by students. I liked that though — it made me feel like I was back in college myself.

If you give one or all of these places a try, let me know what you think!