Manchester, NH has a thriving coffee scene with many great spots to grab your favorite brew. From cozy local roasters to trendy cafes, there’s something for every coffee lover in this New England city.
You’ll find a variety of unique coffee shops in Manchester offering high-quality drinks and welcoming atmospheres. Whether you’re looking for a quick morning pick-me-up or a relaxing place to work, these local cafes have you covered.
Get ready to explore some of the best coffee spots Manchester has to offer.
1. William & Sons Coffee Co.
You’ll love the cozy atmosphere at William & Sons Coffee Co. This charming spot in Manchester serves up delicious coffee and treats.
The friendly staff always greets you with a smile. They take pride in crafting each drink to perfection.
Grab a seat by the window and watch the world go by. It’s a great place to catch up with friends or get some work done.
Try their signature lattes or freshly roasted drip coffee. Pair it with a homemade pastry for the perfect morning pick-me-up.
Rating: 4.9 (168 reviews)
Location: 489 Amory St, Manchester, NH 03102
Contact: (603) 628-0384
Website: Visit Website
2. The Bridge Cafe on Elm
You’ll love The Bridge Cafe on Elm for its cozy atmosphere and delicious offerings. This downtown Manchester spot serves breakfast all day, perfect for early birds and late risers alike.
Try their seasonal specialties like hot or iced apple cider. For coffee lovers, fall flavors like pumpkin and brown butter toffee lattes are a must-try.
The cafe takes pride in preparing everything in-house with fresh ingredients. Their weekly soup and sandwich specials keep things exciting. You might catch the Thanksgiving Wrap or Firehouse sandwich if you’re lucky.
Catering is another strong point for The Bridge Cafe. They’ve even won an award for best business catering from Hippo Magazine. Delivery is available throughout Manchester and Bedford, making it easy to enjoy their food anywhere.
Rating: 4.5 (1200 reviews)
Location: 1117 Elm St, Manchester, NH 03101
Contact: (603) 647-9991
Website: Visit Website
3. Eighty Eight Coffee Co.
You’ll love Eighty Eight Coffee Co., a hidden gem in Manchester. This family-owned coffee roaster brings a unique touch to the local coffee scene.
As a BIPOC-owned business, Eighty Eight Coffee adds diversity to the city’s coffee culture. Their commitment to quality shines through in every cup they serve.
You’ll appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. It’s a great spot to catch up with friends or get some work done while enjoying a delicious brew.
The coffee shop’s dedication to their craft is clear. You can taste the care that goes into roasting and preparing each drink.
Rating: 4.9 (89 reviews)
Location: 124 Queen City Ave, Manchester, NH 03103
Website: Visit Website
4. Francoeur’s Cafe
You’ll love Francoeur’s Cafe, a top spot for breakfast and lunch in Manchester. It’s been serving up tasty food since 2016 on the west side of town.
The cafe is known for its fresh, hand-crafted dishes made just for you. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday from 6 AM to 2 PM. Don’t miss their yummy mini apple pies and chocolate cupcakes!
Friendly staff greet you with a smile when you walk in. Regulars rave about the cinnamon rolls, so be sure to give them a try. The prices are fair, and the food quality is great.
Rating: 4.6 (444 reviews)
Location: 488 S Main St, Manchester, NH 03102
Contact: (603) 206-5329
Website: Visit Website
5. Hometown Coffee Roasters
You’ll love the hand-crafted coffee at Hometown Coffee Roasters. They roast their beans in small batches right in Manchester. This method lets them perfect each batch for top quality and consistency.
When you visit, you can try a variety of freshly roasted coffees. The shop takes pride in their NH-roasted beans. They put care into every step of the process, from selecting the beans to brewing your cup.
Hometown Coffee Roasters offers a cozy spot to enjoy your drink. You can also buy bags of their coffee to brew at home. It’s a great place to support local coffee makers and taste the difference of small-batch roasting.
You’ll find friendly staff ready to help you pick the perfect coffee. Whether you’re a coffee expert or just starting to explore different flavors, there’s something for you here.
Rating: 4.7 (172 reviews)
Location: 80 Old Granite St, Manchester, NH 03101
Contact: (603) 703-2321
Website: Visit Website
6. Sunny Cafe
You’ll love the cozy atmosphere at Sunny Cafe in Manchester. This charming spot is perfect for catching up with friends or getting some work done.
The cafe takes pride in using local suppliers for their food and coffee. They work with Hometown Coffee Roasters to ensure you get the freshest beans in every cup.
Sunny Cafe offers a wide variety of hot and iced drinks to satisfy your cravings. You can also enjoy tasty breakfast and lunch options if you’re feeling hungry.
Comfort is key here. You’ll find plenty of seating, free Wi-Fi, and outlets to keep your devices charged. For a fun twist, try one of their board games or pick up a book to read while you sip your coffee.
Rating: 4.8 (236 reviews)
Location: 50 S Willow St Unit 2, Manchester, NH 03103
Contact: (603) 935-8658
Website: Visit Website
7. The Green Beautiful
The Green Beautiful is a plant-powered oasis in Manchester. You’ll find delicious food and drinks made with love and care.
This cozy cafe focuses on the power of plants to nourish and inspire. Their menu features handcrafted items that are both tasty and good for you.
When you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm atmosphere and friendly staff. The Green Beautiful aims to create a space where you can relax and enjoy your meal.
Try their creative plant-based dishes and beverages. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and energized by the wholesome ingredients.
Rating: 4.9 (187 reviews)
Location: 168 Wilson St, Manchester, NH 03103
Contact: (603) 606-1026
Website: Visit Website
8. Restoration Cafe
Restoration Cafe is a hidden gem in Manchester that you’ll love. It’s the perfect spot for a quick breakfast or lunch. The cafe offers a menu full of clean, healthy options that will make you feel good.
You can start your day with their all-day breakfast menu. Try one of their tasty sandwiches or power bowls for lunch. The cafe also serves up delicious coffee, fresh juices, and smoothies.
The friendly staff at Restoration Cafe will make you feel right at home. The cozy atmosphere is great for catching up with friends or getting some work done. Keep in mind that they can’t take groups larger than 6 people.
Restoration Cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 am to 3 pm. If you can’t make it in, you can order pickup or get delivery through UberEats or DoorDash.
Rating: 4.5 (423 reviews)
Location: 235 Hanover St, Manchester, NH 03104
Contact: (603) 518-7260
Website: Visit Website
9. Bagel Cafe
Bagel Cafe is a local favorite in Manchester, NH. You’ll find fresh, handcrafted bagels made from scratch daily.
The shop has been serving the community since 1996. They take pride in using only the finest and freshest ingredients for their breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
You can enjoy your bagel with a cup of Peet’s Coffee, a premium specialty coffee brand. Peet’s is known for sourcing high-quality beans from around the world.
At Bagel Cafe, you’ll experience a blend of delicious homemade bagels and top-notch coffee. It’s a great spot to start your day or grab a quick lunch.
Rating: 4.6 (763 reviews)
Location: 373 Hanover St, Manchester, NH 03104
Contact: (603) 647-2233
Website: Visit Website## 10. Aroma Joe’s #34
Aroma Joe’s #34 is a great spot to get your coffee fix in Manchester. You’ll find a wide selection of handcrafted coffee and espresso drinks to choose from.
If you’re looking for an energy boost, try one of their signature AJ’s Rush Energy Drinks. They also offer flavor infusions to add a unique twist to your beverage.
Hungry? Aroma Joe’s has you covered with all-day food options. You can grab a quick bite along with your drink.
The shop is part of a local franchise that takes pride in sourcing coffee from the world’s best beans. You can feel good knowing your coffee is sustainably sourced.
Rating: 4.4 (561 reviews)
Location: 2 S Beech St, Manchester, NH 03103
Contact: (603) 518-5409
Website: Visit Website
Coffee Culture in Manchester, NH
Manchester’s coffee scene has grown from humble beginnings to a vibrant community. You’ll find a mix of historic cafes and trendy new spots serving up quality brews around the city.
Historical Background
Coffee has been part of Manchester’s fabric for generations. Early diners and cafes served basic drip coffee to factory workers and locals. As tastes evolved, so did the offerings.
In the mid-20th century, Italian immigrants brought espresso culture to the city. This sparked interest in specialty coffee drinks. Small family-run cafes popped up, becoming neighborhood gathering spots.
The 1990s saw a boom in coffee chains. But Manchester kept its indie spirit alive with unique local shops. These places focused on quality beans and expert brewing methods.
Current Trends
Today, Manchester’s coffee culture is thriving. You’ll find a range of options to suit every taste. Third-wave coffee shops highlight single-origin beans and pour-over methods.
Many cafes roast their own beans in-house. This gives you the freshest flavors possible. Popular spots like Hometown Coffee Roasters and Flight Coffee draw coffee lovers from all over.
Cold brew and nitro coffee are big hits, especially in summer. You can also find creative seasonal drinks and latte art. Some shops, like Dancing Lion Chocolate, combine coffee with artisanal treats.
Coffee shops now serve as community hubs. You’ll see people working, studying, and socializing over their favorite brews.
Understanding Specialty Coffee Beans
Specialty coffee beans are the heart of a great cup of coffee. They come from top-quality crops and are carefully processed to bring out unique flavors. Let’s explore the types of beans and how they’re roasted to perfection.
Types of Coffee Beans
The two main types of coffee beans are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are known for their smooth, sweet taste with hints of fruit and sugar. They grow at high altitudes and make up about 60% of the world’s coffee production.
Robusta beans have a stronger, harsher flavor with a grainy aftertaste. They contain more caffeine than Arabica and are often used in espresso blends for an extra kick.
Other less common types include:
- Liberica: Woody, full-bodied flavor
- Excelsa: Tart and fruity notes
Roasting Techniques
Roasting brings out the flavors locked inside coffee beans. The process involves heating the beans to high temperatures, causing chemical changes that create the coffee’s taste and aroma.
There are four main roast levels:
- Light Roast: Light brown color, no oil on surface
- Medium Roast: Medium brown, balanced flavor
- Medium-Dark Roast: Rich, darker color with some oil on surface
- Dark Roast: Shiny black beans, pronounced bitterness
Each roast level highlights different qualities of the bean. Light roasts keep more of the bean’s original flavor, while dark roasts bring out a bold, intense taste. The roaster’s skill is crucial in finding the perfect balance for each type of bean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coffee lovers in Manchester, NH have many options to satisfy their cravings. Here are answers to some common questions about the city’s coffee scene.
Where can I find the best espresso in downtown Manchester, NH?
William & Sons Coffee Co. is known for their expertly pulled espresso shots. Their skilled baristas use high-quality beans to create rich, flavorful espresso drinks.
What are the top-rated coffee shops in Manchester, NH, for working remotely?
The Bridge Cafe on Elm offers a spacious layout with plenty of tables and outlets. You’ll find fast Wi-Fi and a quiet atmosphere perfect for getting work done.
Which coffee shops in Manchester, NH have the coziest atmosphere?
Eighty Eight Coffee Co. has a warm, inviting space with comfortable seating. The soft lighting and rustic decor make it a cozy spot to relax with your favorite drink.
Are there any award-winning coffee roasters in Manchester, NH?
Hometown Coffee Roasters has won local awards for their freshly roasted beans. You can try their coffee in-house or buy bags to brew at home.
Can you recommend a coffee shop with the best local pastries in Manchester, NH?
Francoeur’s Cafe is famous for their house-made pastries. You’ll find a variety of sweet and savory options to pair with your coffee.
What are the Manchester, NH coffee shops with the best reviews?
William & Sons Coffee Co. and The Bridge Cafe on Elm consistently receive high ratings from customers. People praise their coffee quality and friendly service.