by Lily Osgan and Ryan Podber, interns, GHS class of 2022
For coffee aficionados in Greenwich, options abound. Lately it seems like coffee shops have popped up on every corner. Here are five of our favorites.
Gregory’s Coffee is a Manhattan-based chain that is owned by Gregory Zamfotis, with a location on Greenwich Avenue.
We met with Zamfotis at his coffee shop on Greenwich Ave. He explained he was born in Brooklyn and his father was a Greek immigrant who worked in the food industry. Zamfotis originally thought he would do something different, and even went to law school, but in 2006, he pivoted and opened his now extremely successful coffee shop.
The coffee is roasted in-house at the Gregorys New York City commissary and brought to Greenwich several times a week, so it’s always fresh. The cold brew is so popular customers order it all winter long.
He explained that he had a “passion for coffee” and because of his father’s restaurant skill set, he had the knowledge and support to establish his own shop. Upon being asked why the focus on coffee, Zamfotis explained, “Coffee is ritualistic. People choose to make you part of their day.”
Because Zamfotis lives locally, he frequents his Greenwich location, often pitching in to help employees.
“I love interacting with the team,” he explained. “Serving and making coffee…that’s my real passion.”
The coffee shop itself has black and white themed decor and is adorned with plants. There are a variety of seating options in the shop, and it is often populated without being crowded. The coffee orders are taken efficiently and served quickly.
Gregorys Coffee is located at 342 Greenwich Avenue. Tel. (203) 900-4583
Coffee for Good is as a nonprofit coffee shop that operates as a training platform to give people with differing abilities the skills to find competitive employment. In fact, some of the graduates are now working at Gregorys on Greenwich Avenue.
“This is a very unique place,” said Gary Parrino who did his Greenwich High School senior internship at Coffee for Good. “The main purpose isn’t just for you to be served, it is meant for the trainees to be able to cultivate skills to use in life to find jobs.”
When asked about his experience working there, he said, “ I love it here, it’s such an enjoyable place to be, and everyone loves working here, as the main purpose is to help people.”
Located in the charming 1858 Mead House on the campus of Second Congregational Church, Coffee for Good offers ample, free parking and both indoor and outdoor seating.
Hot drinks include coffee, espresso, latte and cappuccino. They also serve cold brew, nitro, good brew and a variety of smoothies. They also offer muffins, scones, croissants, sandwiches and salads.
Coffee for Good is located at 48 Maple Ave.
Joe Studio at 185 Sound Beach Ave in the village of Old Greenwich is in the ideal spot to pick up a cold drink on the way to Tod’s Point or stop for pre-shopping cup of coffee.
Their coffee is roasted in house using “Joe,” their Loring S7 Nighthawk roaster.
Joe Studio is also known for their flaky French pastries, fresh juices, calming teas, and fruity smoothies.
The café has a calm and homey atmosphere, accentuated by comfortable chairs, warm lighting, wood flooring, and myriad books and board games available for customer use. The shop is perfect for studying, working, or just enjoying a peaceful cup of delicious coffee.
Located on the lower level of the Greenwich Library, the Library Café is a great place for caffeine lovers and book worms alike. Whether you’re preparing a presentation or just checking out some books, the Library Café is conveniently located and worth a stop.
The café is very spacious, offering a perfect spot to catch up on your favorite read.
The library cafe sources from Shearwater Coffee Roasters, noted for their small batch, roasted organic coffee.
In addition to great coffee, the café is unique in that it is run by Abilis as a competitive employment program for people with special needs.
As a bonus, the café features prepared foods from popular local restaurants. For example, the baked goods, salads and paninis are from Happiness Is Back Country Market & Café.
The Library Café is located at the main branch of Greenwich Library at 101 West Putnam Ave. Tel (20) 622-7992.
CFCF first opened in Greenwich on Greenwich Ave at the corner of Lewis Street, and recently expanded to add locations on Grigg Street and East Putnam Ave.
We stopped at the Greenwich Ave location which offers a convenient spot to meet up with friends. Although CFCF is always busy, the service is efficient and there are a variety of seating options including indoor and outdoor tables, leather arm chairs and high tops.
We like the exposed brick walls and bags of coffee beans that lend to the appealing aroma. In fact the beans are roasted daily.
Drink options including espresso blends, cold brew, iced teas, single-origin coffees, and other specialty drinks. Our visit was also memorable for the foam art on Lily’s latte.
CFCF also offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and breakfast options including avocado toast, overnight oats, and more.
CFCF has locations at 118 Greenwich Ave, 6 Grigg Street and 1162 East Putnam Ave in Riverside.
