The best coffeehouses on Long Island
Bellmore Bean
WHERE: 2718 Grand Ave., Bellmore INFO: 516-804-4624, bellmorebeancafe.wixsite.com VIBE: Musical instruments, vintage items and framed photos hang on the walls in this casual coffee spot BEYOND THE JAVA: Mondays feature an open comedy mic at 7:30 p.m. (with poetry night in its place every third Monday), Tuesday is art night (5 p.m.-9 p.m.), Thursdays are the open mic night (7:30 p.m., pictured) and live music plays Fridays and Saturdays (at 8 p.m.).
Sip This
WHERE: 64 Rockaway Ave., Valley Stream INFO: 516-341-0491, sipthisny.com VIBE: an artsy feel, but offers an inclusive personality BEYOND THE JAVA: Its event calendar is often busy; watch for live music Sunday afternoons, magic shows Wednesday evenings 7 p.m.-10 p.m., and trivia nights during the colder months of the year.
The Cup Coffeehouse
WHERE: 3268 Railroad Ave., Wantagh INFO: 516-826-9533, thecupcoffeehouse.com VIBE: A relaxed bohemian-style coffeehouse, resembling a local downtown bar BEST CUP:The Shakey Tracks ($5.95), a frozen hazelnut coffee concoction with a scoop of ice cream). Or the Mundy Pants ($6.50), a vanilla and caramel ice cream shake (order it "with shoes" for a kick of caffeine ($6.75). House-made hot chocolates ($4.95) are both decorative and decadent, served in a chocolate-rimmed glass with a scoop of fluff at the bottom and topped with homemade whipped cream BEYOND THE JAVA: Wednesday is open mic night. The sign-up sheet goes out at 8:15 p.m., performances begin at 9 p.m.
The Witches Brew
WHERE: 311 Hempstead Tpke., West Hempstead INFO: 516-489-9482 VIBE: An iconic gothic vibe with a sense of mystique BEST CUP: The Black Cat ($5.25), a chocolate peanut butter espresso, served hot or iced. There's also a Sleepy Hollow Pumpkin Chai ($4) BEYOND THE JAVA: Cinnamon Bun Sundae ($8.50), drizzled with maple syrup and cinnamon, is comfort food for the coming cold weather.
Crazy Beans, Stony Brook
WHERE: 97 Main St., Stony Brook INFO: 631-675-6964 VIBE: Retro coffeehouse, inspired by the '50s and '60s BEST CUP: The Foxy Fall ($4.55), made with cinnamon, brown sugar, pumpkin flavor and real maple syrup. The Cupcake Latte ($4.55) has a sweet, familiar taste of rainbow sprinkles BEYOND THE JAVA: Cowboy Chili ($6.95), topped with Cheddar cheese and served with a side of tortilla chips. The Hercules Sandwich ($9.95), served on seven-grain toast with grilled chicken, bacon, Brie, avocado, herb mayo and honey mustard.
Roast Coffee & Tea Trading Co.
WHERE: 41 E. Main St., Patchogue INFO: 631-312-5027, roast.coffee VIBE: Urban college hangout BEST CUP: French Toast Cortado ($3.75) is an 8-ounce drink amped with two shots of espresso, steamed milk, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. The Maple Mocha ($4.50) is made with maple syrup and real pumpkin. BEYOND THE JAVA: Open mic night runs every Friday from 7:30 to 11 p.m. and gives high school students a safe place to come and hang. Poetry night, held the first Saturday of every month, is a place where seasoned poets or first-timers can come and read their work.
WHERE: 242 E. Main St., Port Jefferson INFO: 631-331-6860, toastcoffeehouse.com VIBE: Eclectic hipster BEST CUP: The house blend is Vermont Maple Nut Crunch ($2.69), or try one of the (many) flavored cappuccinos ($3.95), such as caramel, mocha or hazelnut BEYOND THE JAVA: Friday and Saturdays, it's fondue night from 6 to 11 p.m. Patrons choose from various cheese blends or between milk and dark chocolate ($25 for two; $10 each additional person).
WHERE: 17 Fire Island Ave., Babylon INFO:631-587-7729, thebabylonbean.com VIBE: Old English, with a dash of modern BEST CUP: Cold Brew Vietnamese coffee, with a secret twist ($4) and a Cuban latte, Cafe Con Leche ($4.50) BEYOND THE JAVA: Open mic night every Wednesday, 8-11 p.m. There's live music Friday and Saturday nights along with psychic readings at 3 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays COMING SOON: Babylon Bean's sister location in Bay Shore.