Best Iced Coffee Spots for the Way to the Beach

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Dean Clarke, GoLocalProv Contributor

Nothing’s better than a freezing cold iced coffee on these hot summer days. Here are some of the top places to stop for one on your way to or from the finest beaches in Rhode Island.

Brewed Awakenings, Wakefield

Being just off Route 1 on the way to Rhode Island’s beautiful southern beaches, Brewed Awakenings offers a wide variety of Iced Coffee flavors. Don’t forget to try the delicious Snickerdoodle Iced coffee while enjoying free Wi-Fi on one of the many comfortable couches Brewed Awakening’s lounge has to offer. Be prepared to pay a little more, but with ample parking, easy access, and delicious Iced Coffee, it’s worth the cost. 60 South County Commons Way, Wakefield, 783-0496.

Coffee N’ Bagel Connection, Narragansett

If you prefer to avoid the highway and the terrible Route 4 beach traffic by taking Boston Neck Road to your favorite beach, the Coffee N’ Bagel Connection is your perfect destination. Offering 6 different flavors of iced coffee, as well as freshly brewed Iced Tea, there’s no better way to help you keep cool. The line is always out the door as Rhode Islanders pack in to get their favorite iced beverages, however the many friendly and

experienced employees make your wait as short as possible. Don’t forget to try their famous Vanilla Iced Coffee! 1175 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 782-9920.

Bruna’s Café, Westerly

Bruna’s offers a delicious Dark Roast Iced Coffee Blend, strong enough to wake up even the most tired beachgoers. With varying combo deals, and their best selling Vanilla Iced Coffee, Bruna’s delivers some of the most enjoyable iced beverages in Rhode Island. Making your trip to the beach, whether you’re headed to Misquamicut or Watch Hill, Bruna’s is the local coffee house for you. 98 Bay Street, Westerly, 348-0103.

Java Madness, Wakefield

If you’re looking not only for a delicious variety of flavored iced coffees, but homemade lemonade, frozen lemonade made to order, and a wide selection of fruit smoothies, Java Madness is the place for you. Bring them an empty cooler, order what you want for lunch, and they will pack your cooler for you, saving you time and getting you to the beach faster on these hot summer days. Not to mention Java Madness is the only waterfront coffee house in South County. Enjoy your beverage or lunch on the deck overlooking Salt Pond in Wakefield. 134 Salt Pond Road, Wakefield, 788-0088.

Jitter’s Café, Wickford

Calling all Iced Coffee Fanatics, Jitter’s Café in Wickford offers a 24-oz plastic iced coffee cup for under $10, which can be refilled for just about $2. They offer the the classic Vanilla and Hazelnut flavors, as well as a wonderful rotation of the “flavor of the day.” Tired of packing lunch for the beach as well? Jitter’s offers a wide variety of sandwiches and lunch sides that are specially packed to keep them fresh and dry in your cooler of melting ice. 530 Tower Hill Road, Wickford, 295-9155.

Ocean Coffee Roasters: Jonathan’s Café, Newport

If you are headed to Easton’s Beach, Second beach or Third Beach, you need to stop at Ocean Coffee Roasters: Jonathan’s Café to pick up your freezing cold, locally brewed iced coffee. With locally roasted beans specially designed for iced coffee, this is drink truly made for the beach. If coffee isn’t for you, be sure to try one of their many other frozen and iced drinks. Manager Bill Lehourites promises “No beans more than a week old!” 22 Washington Square, Newport, 846-6060.