The Coffee Exchange

Coffee Shop July 7, 2018
Coffee Exchange

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The Coffee Exchange

The Coffee Exchange is one of my favorite coffee shops in Rhode Island and a great place to start this coffee journey!

ticket

Equipped with the first Food Fights coupon I journey in. By the way if you don’t know what RI Food Fights is, one, you didn’t read my first blog post (you rapscallion!), and two, I highly recommend you check them out! I don’t get any affiliate kickback but they’re pretty great and worth sharing: rifoodfights.com.

barista

I’m greeted by very friendly staff. They offer small or large options for the food fight coupon. I get the large of course.

iced coffee

The iced coffee here is very good. Definitely above average. I put almond milk and a splash of cream as well as a bit of simple syrup. So delicious! As you may have noticed, I’m not a coffee purist. I don’t usually drink my coffee black. With hot coffee I tend to enjoy a little bit of cream and some sugar in the raw. Unfortunately, it is pretty much the most annoying thing ever to to mix sugar in the raw into an iced coffee, so little dash of simple syrup saves the day in this scenario.

For additional info check out their website: thecoffeeexchange.com

The Coffee 401 Verdict
  • 8.5/10
    Iced Coffee - 8.5/10
  • 8.5/10
    Atmosphere - 8.5/10
  • 10/10
    Place to meet a friend - 10/10
  • 7.5/10
    Place for a coffee date - 7.5/10
  • 8/10
    Place for a work session - 8/10
8.5/10

Summary

  • The coffee is very good and almost all of it is organic and fair trade. It has a slightly fruity finish that is pleasant. It isn’t my favorite, but it is still well above average.
  • The atmosphere is fun woodsy and cozy. There are two sides inside, and on a nice day sitting on the deck is especially nice. You’ll also likely be able to find the latest happenings on one of the events boards.
  • This is one of my favorite places to meet a friend. Sitting outside is great, and the tables are basically meant for two people to meet up.
  • That being said, it is a bit tight quarters for a date. Also there aren’t any relaxed lounge spots (no couches), and sometimes it gets very busy so it isn’t quite as conducive for a first encounter.
  • Coffee Exchange is a great place to work, depending on what you’re doing. One of the big drawbacks is the tables are very small, so if you like to spread out, this isn’t the place for you. Also they tend to be busy and thus, a bit loud. Not the best for some people. Also, during the school year this place can get packed, so you’ll often find yourself arriving to a completely full house. I guess that’s what you get for such a popular place.

Overall I love the Coffee Exchange, and while some will like their coffee more than me and other less than me, I think we can agree that it is a coffee connoisseur’s type of brew. Couple that with an authentic down to earth homey vibe and it’s no wonder it is so popular. Unfortunately, that popularity can be one of it’s biggest drawbacks if you’re looking to stay. For many it is THE local spot in Providence, and I have on several occasions come in only to find all the tables are full. But don’t let that stop you. This is a must visit coffee shop on any RI coffee enthusiast’s list.

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