Let me tell you, Yelpers, there's a reason why Carol's has a rare nearly 5.0 rating from 70…read morereviewers as of today. Or perhaps I should say "reasons" why. To start, this place has such a genuine small-town vibe, it's almost surreal. Live music, artwork from locals, the hand-lettered signs on the bakery items on display. I've made it a custom to stop in Owego about once a year, although I missed it last year. This year, I went about 20 miles (each way) out of my way to visit this gem of a coffee, sandwich, and bake shop. I found a parking space right in front, and immediately the live singer/guitarist could be heard from a speaker at the front door, but unobtrusively, delivering a very professional sounding "Brown Eyed Girl." I think that was the same song he was singing when I last visited two years ago. I was greeted by the staff like I had only been away two days, and the singer glanced my way and nodded a welcome as though he, too, remembered me. The coffee mug is perhaps the largest I've ever seen, and the DaVinci egg salad sandwich was also generously executed (recommendation: spring for the olives for an extra 25 cents). On the way out, I picked up two Dream Bars (a peanut butter and a coconut) to prolong the Carol's experience for just a bit. Yes, there's a reason, too, why they're called Dream Bars.

Stopped by Carol's Coffee & Art Bar as part of a recent visit to Owego. I'm definitely a fan any…read morecafe or similar space that integrates art into their environment, and there were quite a variety of lovely pieces at Carol's - many by the owner, but also included are other local artists. The menu, of course, also has "Carol's Favorite 'Comfort Food' Sandwiches" on the menu, all named after famous artists. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm a huge Van Gogh fan, so I ordered the "Van Gogh" sandwich that comes with oven roasted turkey breast layered on sourdough bread and lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The sandwich was good, but I have to say that proportions of the ingredients felt a bit off. I also noticed during the prep of my plate that the chips came from opening a bag (a bulk version similar to ripple chips you'd just buy at the store). In a cafe space like this, you can't necessarily expect people to be making everything from scratch... but I think it's just helpful to note to keep expectations in line. The drink that I ordered was made well (their beverage selection is at the very back of the menu). You can definitely tell that this is a community space, and it seemed like a number of locals filtered in throughout the lunch. There are notes on the tables that advise of a 90 minute limit for sitting at the table (not something I've ever actually seen before), and there's wifi available for use by customers. Perhaps an awkward experience was just related to the overall service? You grab a menu and choose your table if you're dining in, but you end up paying at the counter. Personally, if I'm going to sit down to eat then I'd prefer to have the check brought to the table and pay that way. The space is a bit cramped by the counter, so it seems like it'd benefit to minimize the foot traffic that has to wait there. And perhaps this is silly, but upon paying for the lunch, the server handed me my receipt and said "Just sign here", and then seemed to be somewhat... abrupt? I feel like I'm pretty low maintenance when dining out, but it just left me going "OH. Okay. Time for me to get out of the way" (it's worth noting that at the time, there was nobody waiting around, or to get to, the counter). Still, it was enjoyable to stop at Carol's Coffee & Art Bar. It's a more unique space with nice offerings.

What a cute little shop offering a wonderful array of treats and coffee. The lady behind the…read morecounter was very friendly. They have a few seats and a big menu. So glad I stopped by with my little.

I love Paula's Coffee House! It has an amazing and welcome atmosphere, and the employees are…read moreamazing! I've gotten tons of things from Paula's ranging from Double Chocolate Muffins and bagels to drinks like hot chocolate. I would 100% recommend! Everyone at Paula's is so kind and always ready to help, and it's somewhere we go almost every weekend. It's super cute and has a cozy vibe. I also love they welcome everyone as a human, and not just like "What can I get you?" It's more like "Good morning/afternoon! How are you? What can I get you? Oh, I recommend the _______" It's an amazing place and go check it out if you haven't already :)

Fantastic service and atmosphere. I adore this witchy, bookish tea & coffee shop. The background…read moremusic is on point and made me feel like my junky laptop and I were plunked down in the middle of a Jane Austen novel. The employee was so affable and sincere with every customer even when it got crowded and hectic, giving the kind of service one sees only in cozy, fictional small towns of long ago sitcoms. This whole place was the perfect autumnal treat i needed. Onion garlic cream cheese on a breakfast bagel hit the spot and the Pumpkin Hot Cocoa as well as Iced Lavender Vanilla Latte are both to die for.

I had no idea how badly I need this charming spot in my life. First off, bookstore AND coffee??? Is…read moreit Christmas??? And then I chose the 'barista' favorite 'Mocha Pistachio Latte' - oh boy! Talk about 'spellbound' - that coffee is magic! Charming server behind the counter. And did I mention the craft room for special classes? I may be in love. I will definitely be back!

I stopped by Roasted Coffee Bar after breakfast nearby in search of an espresso drink. The cashier…read morewas immediately so friendly, and I always appreciate a place that will make your drink in your own mug rather than force disposables on you. They also have a whole menu of seasonal drinks (about 10), including chai and matcha lattes, which is so fun. I got a white chocolate strawberry drink called Ballet with AJ in honor of next weekend's town strawberry festival. Roasted Coffee Bar also sells local products, including candles, honey, earrings, and of course, coffee beans/ground coffee. Finally, instead of calling my name or drink, the barista, clearly a fellow fan, just yelled, "Who's got a Harry Potter mug?" Love the staff, decor, and ambience, which was otherwise quiet. I look forward to returning if I'm ever in town again.

This place has a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The food is so yummy and the drinks too. I had a Danish…read moreand an ice coffee. The ice coffee was so yummy!! I ordered Sarah's sunglasses. The staff is super friendly and inviting.

I'm baaaack with an update. Wow. The menu has blown up since I first came here. Right now it's…read morelimited for this week and it's still great. Had the quesadilla with avocado and it was yummy! Be back again soon!

I was in the area visiting a customer for a quick sales meeting, and I ended up arriving a little…read morebit early. Therefore, I went to search for a coffee shop and came across the wakeman coffee. I am extremely happy that I was able to find this Jenn. The service was absolutely amazing and the entire vibe of the spot was great. I love the fact that it was in a old firehouse. My coffee was on par with what I expect from a coffee shop of this caliber. Now the food, was surprisingly good because it's hard to find a coffee shop that has great coffee and good food. Whenever I'm back in the area, I will be stopping by.

Holy Grounds is a great locally owned coffee shop! The shop itself is so cute, and a great space to…read morerelax and sip your coffee. It also has. Convenient drive thru, just in case you need a quick caffeine fix. I tried one of their winter specials, a Winter Swirl Latte and it was DELICIOUS! They also brew Recess Coffee, another local business from Syracuse. They're super committed to locally owned, and that's amazing.

My husband and I have been looking for a locally owned coffee shop in the Elmira area for quite…read moresome time. We decided to give this place a try, and it was totally worth it! Although it's not near the hustle and bustle/shops, it's definitely worth the short trek off the highway! We absolutely loved our lattes (we each got the pumpkin cloud, one hot and one iced). The flavors were so good! The baristas were so friendly and the vibes were immaculate! Oh and there's a drive thru! We will def be back!!

We needed a strong cup of Java for the road and Seneca Sunrise Coffee delivered. They had a wide…read morevariety of coffee beans and local honey and cheese. Wish we had more time to sit and enjoy. Maybe next time. We will definitely be back.

The seneca Sunrise Coffee is a quaint place and a popluar local spot. The store has a great…read moreselection of merchs, bags of coffee, cold bottle drinks in fridge and a nice choice of menu. I was able to walk about 3 blocks from my air BNB to the coffee shop and its a well kept outdoor seating space. The store staff are welcoming and attentative service! I grabbed some bags of coffee as gifts; plan to visit again when I am in the area in the future!

Food service ambiance will be returning soon for another ham wrap and latte. Nice Christmas programread more

The Mommy and Me Tea Party for Mother's Day was so much fun with my little one. From the entrance…read morewith a place for photos to commemorate the event, to delicious finger sandwiches cut into hearts and flowers, to the Ruby Sipper tea, to the rotating multiple mini desserts served table side, to the kids crafts of cupcake decorating and Mother's Day card making... All the details were considered. I hope that this event is offered every year. We would book in advance to reserve our spot. We left there feeling warm and fuzzy! Thanks again for creating a special event for the holiday.

Cute little coffee shop in a church from the 1800s. It seems they sell vintage items too, I saw a…read morelot of old woman's clothing on display. The coffee was good, and the inside of the church is so cool! Plus they are open on Sundays (till 2) unlike the other coffee shops in the area. It's a little bit away from the "downtown" are but worth the short drive!

The most wonderful little cafe! I stumbled upon this in the middle of a very long drive-and how…read moreglad I am! The atmosphere is impeccable. Situated in an old church building which also hosts artist workshops, one is greeted by smells of incense and coffee and the sight of racks of curated vintage clothing for sale. I was lucky enough to get to try a new sandwich they're rolling out, berries and brie on sourdough, which was delicious. This cafe is operated by a mother-daughter team, the latter of whom was in during my visit and was very kind. Can't recommend Bloom Sum enough!

Come down to the New Milford Coffee Shop. Food service was…read moreamazing, always delicious meals.

A good little small town breakfast spot! Good food! Friendly wait staff! Tucked just a bit from the…read moreMain Street.