Beautiful hiking trails, world-class trad climbing, and a mere hour’s drive from New York City make the Shawangunk Mountains—or, “the Gunks,” as they’re affectionately known—an incredibly popular spot to spend the day or the weekend outdoors. The nearby village of New Paltz, nestled between the Gunks proper and the New York State Thruway, is the gateway through which most folks access the area and is replete with restaurants, pubs, and—most importantly on long days out—coffee shops. So, whether you’re looking for an early fix to get you to the front of the line at High E or you’re in need of a boost for the ride home, New Paltz has got your coffee fix covered.
Village Grind, New Paltz
In the far corner of the Trailways bus station, right on New Paltz’s main drag, is Village Grind Bakery and Café. Village Grind serves up a fine selection of coffee and baked goods fit to fuel a day of climbing and its quick service and location are ideal for a quick stop on the way to the cliff. Fire up one of their enormous croissants and a cold brew and you’ll have all the carbs and caffeine you need to tackle Carbs and Caffeine.
Lagusta’s Luscious Commissary
Lagusta’s Luscious Commissary, tucked away on Church Street in the heart of New Paltz, not only slings some A+ coffee, it puts its money where its mouth is. Everything they sell is not only delicious, but it’s also ethically sourced, responsibly produced, and completely vegan—from the café food and drinks to the chocolate and grab-and-go products. It doesn’t open as early as some of the other joints, but it’ll fit perfectly into your plans if said plans call for an easy afternoon of top-roping at Peterskill.
Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters and Café, New Paltz
Perched above the Wallkill River in New Paltz’s Water Street Market, Mudd Puddle Coffee Roasters and Café is an excellent spot to unwind after a day out. The coffee is excellent, as is the selection of snacks—both savory and sweet—and the outdoor seating just screams “post hike chill.” That Mudd Puddle is owned by the same folks as Yard Owl Craft Brewery and serves cans of beer to-go is a pretty great bonus.
The Ridge Tea and Spice Shop, New Paltz
And now for something completely different: a cup of tea. Enter The Ridge Tea and Spice Shop on North Chestnut Street. In a small town with an abundance of coffee shops and breakfast joints, The Ridge shifts gears a bit offering a staggering variety of teas should you find yourself seeking a change of pace. I mean, after a scorcher on the rock, what’s better than an ice cold Arnold Palmer? Oh, and if you still are seeking that jolt, they have locally roasted coffee too.
Wallkill View Farm Market
Past the relative bustle of New Paltz, Wallkill View Farm sits right on NY-299 in the middle of the bucolic valley separating the ridge from the Wallkill River and town. If the name weren’t enough of a giveaway, Wallkill View Farm Market is more of an all-around market than a café, but its coffee and its bakery are worth a stop alone. In the early and late seasons, it’s hard to top a hot cup of coffee and an apple cider donut.
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