Craft coffee is not just a reason to get up in the morning, but more of a lifestyle for some. Think — where would our work, play and day-to-day addictions be without our beloved caffeine addiction to fuel them?
Here on the East End, we have a couple of hot spots that are sure to tickle your taste buds right into a caffeinated heaven — sorta like your local bar would at happy hour, only with less directionless shouting and less patrons falling off stools.
- Left Hand — What used to be Coffee Tauk, Left Hand is a great spot to explore your inner craving for artisan coffee, much like NYC’s best coffee shops are serving up, and c’mon, it’s within walking distance of the beach. The espresso bar offers eclectic driftwood for a reclaimed feel gathered straight from the local beaches. The rich and organic atmosphere matches the richness of the artisan brews from around the world, with a Montauk twist.
- Montauk Bake Shoppe — Cookies and cupcakes and coffee oh my! One of the oldest in town, the Bake Shoppe continues to wow us with one-of-a-kind treats and coffees that keep the morning buzz going through the afternoon. When you stop in don’t forget to try a jelly croissant. Get there early because they sell out quickly.
- The Golden Pear — They say everything is better in gold. Get the true taste of the Hamptons at Golden Pear’s several locations, or just follow them on Instagram at @goldenpearcafe. Grab a latte and take a seat at a table outside to enjoy a nice view of the town.
- Hampton Coffee Company — Lucky for you, these guys know exactly what we want when it comes to the pour over mania. One of the first micro roasteries on the east coast, the Hampton Coffee Company is a coffee and espresso bar that roasts its own coffee in small batches of 50-70 lbs. The craft of small-batch roasting is crucial to taste and the overall experience, according to Owner Jason Belkins.
As consumers, our generation demands higher standards, richer flavors and authenticity. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, the retail value of the U.S. coffee market is estimated at $30-32 billion dollars, meaning we have the consumer right to demand whatever we please.
No matter what your style, iced honey latte, Ethiopian cold brew or a simple black, cream or sugar, coffee is and will always be a part of our lives. Whether you arrive by private helicopter or take the Long Island Railroad east-bound, the East End is waiting for your refined coffee drinking palate.
Original words by contributor Brittany M. Edwards, retouched by the caffeine-fueled Whalebone Team.
