If you're looking for great coffee and heading out of Newport, seriously recommend Simple Merchant Coffee. It's only about a 5-minute drive from the Wharf, so it's an easy stop if you're staying downtown. We stopped here right before Sprout & Lentil, and again as we were leaving Newport on our last day. The first day I had the espresso + citrus soda, while hubby had an Old Fashioned. The next day I tried the espresso tonic, which works so well--it's almost like magic. Truly coffee wizardry. Husband got the Old Fashioned again because apparently you don't mess with a good thing. It's dog-friendly with plenty of outdoor seating, plus indoor seating, Wi-Fi, and parking. They also have both Just Egg and Impossible sausage, which is great for vegan options. If you're vegan, ask about the cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, and other toppings to see what's vegan or if they have vegan substitutions. We only ordered coffee here. The space also has a fun community feel, with Magic: The Gathering events hosted there. Great coffee, creative drinks, excellent service, and a relaxed atmosphere. Definitely worth the quick drive from downtown Newport! read more

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2.5/5 I ordered a mix of drinks to get a solid feel for the menu--overall, there's clear potential here, but execution needs tightening. Ordered 1&1. Espresso (straight + mini cortado) The straight was under-extracted, resulting in a noticeable sourness and lack of balance. Not undrinkable, but it lacked the smoothness and depth you'd hope for. The cortado, however, improved the experience--the milk helped round out the acidity and made it far more approachable. Espresso Tonic: This ended up being the standout. It's definitely an acquired taste, but if you enjoy bright, citrus-forward drinks, this works. The subtle sweetness and orange notes complemented the espresso nicely, creating something refreshing and unique--perfect for warmer weather. Reminds me of a Matcha Milkis but with espresso instead. Iced Caramel Latte: A bit too milk-heavy for my preference. The espresso got lost, and while there were faint crème brûlée-like notes and a touch of caramel, the overall profile felt muted and underwhelming. Service: Excellent. One of the drinks was initially forgotten which resulted in me waiting several minutes, but the staff handled it well--quick apology and a complimentary drink chip. That level of accountability goes a long way and stands out compared to many other shops. Ambiance: Relaxed and inviting. The space has a fun, casual vibe with merchandise ranging from hoodies to cards, giving it some personality beyond just being a coffee stop. Overall: There's a strong foundation here. With more consistency in espresso extraction and slight adjustments to drink balance, this could easily be a solid spot. read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Espresso Tonic - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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Got my cappuccino and it was delicious! This place is very interesting based on its location and the fact that it is inside a building. The staff are a friendly bunch. read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Interior - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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Delicious latte and a quirky little coffee spot away from all the crowds and the hype of a touristy weekend in Newport. I cannot emphasize enough how good their hot maple latte was. It comes in one size and paired with their cinnamon + croissant pastry, I was shocked how few of a crowd there was. The staff works fast and are so friendly behind the little coffee bar! read more

Just get here! And make sure you get a punch card. You'll be back. Love love love!!! read more

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Delicious coffee and chill vibes. I had the maple iced coffee and I've been dreaming about it ever since! Definitely do yourself a favor and stop by! read more

Love the vibe of this place! It has outdoor sitting for a sunny day and long indoor tables for game of DnD or getting to know a complete stranger- make a new friend! The lovely barista made a honey cinnamon latte that truly the best comfort drink - it was like a warm cozy blanket. Highly recommend it! read more

Amazingly busy for a Friday mid morning. The latte comes in one size that tastes authentic and delicious. Limited food menu but excellent. Ample street parking when we arrived. I'd go back and have a leisurely morning again. read more

Thank you "Simple Merchant Coffee" for the service and yummy vegan breakfast burritos and lattes for my family and I. Super delicious! It was noon and I hadn't had my coffee yet so this was the place. Vanilla latte for me with oat milk. My wife had a blonde espresso and my son a fruity concoction lol Either way he said it was good. The ambience was new age / hipster with a touch of touristy yuppie. Best way to think of it. It was some hustle and bustle; just what one would expect from the tourist town of Newport. Was my latte aesthetically pleasing? Absolutely! Was it the best I've ever had? Ummm, maybe not. However, I was treated kindly and nicely. Always appreciate when I frequent an establishment. Very friendly staff. read more

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Absolutely love this place. If I lived here I would be here daily. Always welcoming, great atmosphere. Coffee is delicious no matter what you get. Love all of the things you can purchase. Love that they have a Pokémon stamp card. This really is a great place. read more

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I got a small iced latte and a double espresso shot on the side. I paid $7 for the two shots of espresso, which is crazy. Overpriced and the coffee tasted burned. The barista there was really sweet and nice though, just didn't think the coffee was good. read more

Maybe one of the best Cafés that rhode island has to offer these days. We frequent providence for cafés but we wanted to drive up to Middletown today *gasp* not very rhode-islander of us. I'm glad we did or else we'd be robbing ourselves of the best coffee I've had in a long time and the best latte I've personally ever tasted. I'm not a big latte guy but I always try my wifes when she orders. They're typically too sweet and feel like a meal. This one was hands down, one of the best I've tasted. The sweetness came predominantly from the steamed milk, as it's supposed to be. The texture of the milk, the espresso still shining through and the undertones of cinnamon. Just so good. The drip coffee they had to offer was equally, maybe even more impressive. They have a house blend and a single origin, I always opt for single origin offering typically because it's roasted lighter than most house blends and that's my preference. Today they were offering a watermelon coferment and let me tell you, it tasted like a liquified watermelon jolly rancher was in my cup of coffee. It was weird, it was funky, and I loved it. Be sure to let it cool, at first the watermelon flavor feels like it's disjointed from the coffee itself. Best analogy I could give is it is almost like a Snake Bite beer, where the angry orchard beer and guiness aren't blended but you get distinct flavors of both. As it cools, the watermelon flavor mellows out a little and it really melds in was with the rest of the cup and becomes very smooth. Still strongly flavored, but the mouthfeel and tasting notes are cohesive at this point and really enjoyable. Try it for something different. You might love it like me, but I could see it not being for everyone. Regardless, they have their brewing ratios locked in. This cup was fantastic. First time here but won't be the last. When you come, keep in mind if you go up the stairs and out the back doors there is additional seating. read more

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We came here on two separate occasions and really enjoyed their high-quality coffee. The first time I came here, I had a double espresso. The double espresso had a bitter fruity flavor with a high level of acidity. They also give you a complimentary white tea as a palate cleanser. I had an ice caramel latte on my second trip. It was smooth, moderately sweet, and had just the right amount of a caffeine jolt! The staff here is very knowledgeable about coffee and generous with communicating that info to their customers. Their building is a multi use building. You could come here and work, but it's not the coziest of settings because of the foot traffic. I can't quite remember the name of this chocolate pastry they have, but please try it because it is AMAAAAAZING. This spot is definitely worth a try if you're on Aquidneck Island :-) -ODL Connect with me! IG & YouTube: @AOEAT read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Vanilla Iced Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Great coffee and bagels! Only thing is it takes 15-20 mins to get your coffee and the heavy metal music is annoying; serious drawbacks. Other than that, I would've rated it at five stars. read more

I am pretty sure that the espresso citrus is a tonic of salvation, a must try. I love this place, wonderful coffee, amazing staff, and a music selection that constantly resets my mood in a carpe effing diem kind of way. Keep rocking simple merchant, you are loved. read more

10/10. GREAT coffee (and trust me, we're picky). Homemade syrups. Had a delicious everything bagel and was impressed by the food menu (not just pastries). Not a ~ton~ of indoor seating as it's in the front of a co-working space, but plenty available when we went. read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Two vanillas lattes and everything bagel - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Two options for coffee, either what they have on house blend or the rotating espresso bean, which is why we tried. It was a delicious coffee profile with a nice aroma. Good options for flavorings, and seasonal drinks. Indoor and outdoor seating in the first floor of an office building. read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Flat White - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Simple Merchant Coffee is hands-down one of the coolest and most unexpected spots in Newport, RI. Tucked away in the Innovate Newport center, this place isn't just a killer cafe--it's also a full-on magic shop! Run by the incredibly friendly and welcoming Jordan, this shop is bursting with good vibes, creative energy, and a whole lot of heart. The coffee? Phenomenal. You can tell a ton of care goes into crafting each drink--the flavors are thoughtful and unique, and everything we tried was seriously delicious. Even the sandwiches and decor are clearly made with intention and style. But here's the twist: it's also a fantastic magic shop! Totally slept on. We were blown away by the selection of singles, gear, and accessories. Whether you're a longtime MTG player or just getting into the scene, this place has something for you--and the community vibes are just as magical as the merchandise. We're already looking forward to our next visit. Can't recommend Simple Merchant enough. Don't miss out on this cozy, creative haven! read more

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I am so happy that we decided to stop by Simple Merchant! The bagels and drinks were so good, the staff were so kind, and it was a chill atmosphere! I love the patio seating just out front. If I'm ever back in RI, I will be making a point to come back! read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - everything bagel, scallion and chive cream cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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I rarely get a chance to stop in here, but I am so glad that I did! Simple Merchant provided high quality small batch coffee and snacks in an industrial-chic setting on the ground floor of a shared office space building a relaxing ten-fifteen minute walk past the hustle and bustle of Downtown Newport. If you have a lazy afternoon, I'd recommend making the walk or short drive to try them out (and there's free onsite parking!) The menu is bespoke, so they really aim for quality over quantity here. I loved how they had a few specialty drinks named for Magic the Gathering mana types (LOL at the "Mountains" named for the red mana - with house strawberry peppercorn syrup, makes sense!) They did take my favorite Orange Poppyseed Latte off the menu, I think that's more of a spring offering, but I look forward to what their fall offerings have in store. The Mountain Latte wasn't as good as that incredible Orange Poppyseed (the flavor could have been more fruit-forward), but it was tasty enough. I might try a different specialty drink next time. Service was friendly, knowledgeable, and quick. There's plenty of seating, and books to borrow if you're a coffee and a novel kinda person like me. I'll be back for sure! read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Menu AUG 2023 - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Super cool place, and excellent coffee! A great place to hang out and enjoy a caffeinated drink with friends. Good friendly service, too. Highly recommended! read more

Simple Merchant serves wonderful coffee & food. it's also in an old school, so I like the vintage appeal. It's also really easy to get to because it's farther down on Broadway, away from the tourist areas. You can park easily. read more

Love love love!! Spacious coffee shop that is perfect to do some work inside or on their outside area. Employees are super accommodating and friendly! Most important of all, drinks are delicious! Go for their espresso tonic drink. Refreshing and packs a caffeine punch. They have a punch card loyalty card thingy where you'll get a free drink/discount if you fill it up. This coffee shop is hands down the best I've been to in the area around Newport. Check em out. read more

I paid my first visit to Simple Merchant Coffee recently, and I am already planning my next trip back! This coffee shop, located in Newport, RI, is such a cool spot. It's clean and industrial with an added nerdy touch. The storefront is spacious with a good amount of seating for a café. And the staff here was SO friendly! That's part of what made my visit so enjoyable. Chatting about the types of coffee, local roasters, and the 35 minute drive it took to get there started the experience on a high note. I ordered a hot Honey Cinnamon Latte and, oh my goodness, I cannot say enough great things about this latte! The milk texture was exquisite, the flavor was perfectly balanced (not too sweet), and the art was beautiful. They also included a little animal cracker to munch on. This was honestly one of the best lattes I've ever had, and would gladly make the drive back again to savor their carefully crafted coffee creations! read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Honey Cinnamon Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

This is a great place for all occasions--reading, working, or catching up with friends. I love the spacious area both indoor and outdoor. The quality and taste of the coffee was strong just as I like it. The just egg sandwich and burrito were delicious and satisfying. The baristas here are friendly and helpful. I would recommend this cafe! read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Great service, Great coffee and an amazing ambiance all the guys there make it so welcoming and the Magic The Gathering draft and commander nights are always an awesome touch. Love Simple Merchant Coffee Ps the T-shirts and stickers are badass read more

Awesome place, great atmosphere and friendly helpful staff. Excellent coffee with fun unique flavors.

Brought our local ladies group for our coffee meet up to Simple Merchant Coffee and we were pleasantly surprised! In the entrance of an old school building, you'd never know this cute little cafe existed! It was like a hipster crossed with working professionals vibe. I had a salted caramel and a vanilla latte- both wicked good! I like bougie coffee and the coffee here fits my standards!‍ There's plenty of seating, staff and the owner were great and coffee is excellent- what more could you ask for? How about the food? I didn't have the grilled cheese- my friend did and she mentioned that it's delicious so you're welcome! I will be back for sure! read more

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My first time trying Simple Merchant and...wow I was not disappointed at all.... I got the maple sea salt and it was INSANELY DELICIOUS. Hands down one of the best coffees I've ever had (and I'd like to believe I'm a coffee connoisseur lol) the service was so great too, the staff was so nice and really put craftsmanship into making my coffee look just as great as it tasted. Such a chill experience here I highly recommend making this your new favorite coffee shop. read more

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Truly a hidden gem in Newport! My wife and I are constantly on the search for a new coffee shop to relax at. We came across this shop by accident and what a wonderful surprise it was. Although a bit steeply priced, the coffee was some of the best Ive had in the state. The day we visited they were serving Little Wolf, a coffee roaster on the north shore (also worth a trip!). I had a plain black and my wife a latte along with a knead donut. Everything including service was top notch. The best part, they allowed our dog! Cant wait to return! read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - a cup of coffee and a book on a table - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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This place is awesome! Coffee is delicious and they sell Magic the Gathering product! The owner is super chill and made a deal with me. I traded in a Cyclonic Rift for drinks and food for my friends and I. I don't think I could make that deal anywhere else lol. read more

Delicious coffee - great space and friendly baristas. I am a sucker for good latte art and they did well! Can't wait to go back. read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Delicious maple seasalt latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

This spot is super cool and I love the unique drinks they have. Always love when I can get there!

Located in an old repurposed building, it's a surprisingly modern looking place, with an unusually high ceiling inside and outside seating that makes you feel like you are in a high school courtyard. Ambiance is not particularly warm but modern. The sale of things like Magic Gathering cards and merch as well as a few hot sauces seems a little random. Coffee is EXCELLENT though with strong espressos and nicely frothed cappuccinos. Egg sandwich was cooked behind the counter, on a grill - and was good. Service is a little slow only because there were 2 people at the counter for an entire line of customers. However, the drinks were worth it. read more

I haven't had a better coffee or overall coffee shop experience anywhere in the US or abroad. The service is top notch with friendly, helpful staff - one of the baristas gave my son some Pokémon cards and he was over the moon. Both the food and the coffee is perfection and the overall ambiance is very comfortable and unique. read more

I finally got to try the Simple Merchant Coffee in Newport. Got the espresso tonic lemon drink and a burrito. The drink was alright, not sure what I was expecting but I should've just gotten a regular drink like a latte. The burrito was quite good; it had a bit too much cheese maybe. It was filling and came with a packet of chips. Overall good experience, would def come back and try their other coffees. The ambiance is warm and inviting and the service was great. read more

It was alright. Expensive coffee for such small cups. I ordered a maple latte with oat milk, which was messed up twice before finally getting it right. Interesting spot though, located below an old school. Staff were really friendly. read more

Very cool building. Dog friendly (leashed of course!) and a really nice cup of coffee - had a vanilla latte and grabbed some Liquid Deaths to go. read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Got an iced vanilla latte and maple sea salt. Awesome DnD vibes in the place and really good coffee. read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Food is so yummy, coffee is well made aswell. Such a cute place with a friendly atmosphere and great staff! read more

Simple Merchant Coffee - Everything bagel with chive cream cheese - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

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