Coffee. Adobe Stock/Nomad_Soul
The First State is bursting with local coffee shops offering on-the-go breakfast items, savory pastries and numerous options for coffee.
By Sydney Kerelo, Kaydee Jones and Cam A. Johnson
Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or your morning cup of joe, the First State is bursting with local coffee shops primed for fulfilling your caffeine or pastry fix. Also, browse the list below for places that are community staples and new hot spots.
New Castle County
Hockessin
The Perfect Cup Café
This spot in Hockessin offers a wide variety of hot and iced drinks, as well as an array of sweet and savory food options. Sip a cup of organic, fair trade tea or coffee on the patio or indoors with free Wi-Fi at this local coffee shop.
7460 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin • 239-9118
Newark
Bing’s Bake & Brew
Delaware’s most iconic bakery opened it’s very own coffee shop at the end of 2019. Above all, Bing’s Bake and Brew grinds its own coffee beans, provided by award-winning Crimson Cup of Columbus, Ohio.
57 S. Main St. Suite 101, Newark • 751-3177
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Little Goat Coffee Roasting Co.
University of Delaware students often frequent this local shop thanks to its calm atmosphere and tasty caffeinated beverages. So, expect plenty of espresso drinks like cappuccinos and cortados. However, if customers end up loving the coffee, they have the option to purchase coffee beans to make their own blend at home.
16 Haines St., Newark • 455-1040
Whereabouts Café
Whereabouts Café is a local coffee shop in Newark that offers amazing coffee and food to their customers. While there, try the Mexican Hot Chocolate or the Caramel “Faux” Macchiato.
214 Peoples Plaza, Newark • 836-3365
Wilmington
I.M. Coffee
I.M. Coffee opened on Market Street in the spring of 2019 with a diverse menu including organic smoothies, craft coffee, prepared sandwiches, salads and wraps made fresh daily.
1105 N. Market St., Wilmington • 300-4935
Legal Grounds Café
At Legal Grounds Café, there’s a little bit of everything for anyone. So, grab a drip or cold brew coffee or choose a cappuccino, specialty latte, shakerato, smoothie, affogato or another drink option. Curb your hunger with a bite to eat; the menu ranges from panini to salmon avocado toast to homestyle PB&J and beyond.
1208 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington • 543-7350
Loma Coffee
Known for tasty, handcrafted beverages and fresh food made daily, Loma Coffee is the place to be for commuters, downtown college students and neighborhood locals.
239 N. Market St., Wilmington • 384-8494
Milk & Honey
The Milk & Honey Coffeehouse offers customers a space to gather, work and grab a cup of coffee while they’re at it. In addition to its delicious coffee, their menu includes espresso, tea smoothies and juice along with breakfast and lunch items.
807 N. Union St., Wilmington • 654-3738
Pinji’s Café
Choose from healthy to-go options, all day breakfast and an array of sandwiches and wraps. Additionally, this stores drink options range from espresso, coffee drinks and tea.
1428 N. Clayton St., Wilmington • 654-3738
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Sleeping Bird Coffee Co.
This Wilmington-based coffee shop transformed from a food truck to a brick and mortar store. Sleeping Bird Coffee offers something for everyone featuring breakfast sandwiches, salads, lunch dishes and more.
3111 Miller Rd., Wilmington • 570-7358
Sweet Nel’s
Sweet Nel’s serves up coffee, crepes, sandwiches, waffles, ice cream and more. Try the Corsica blend or cold brew. If you have a sweet tooth, try the double chocolate chip espresso.
3901 Concord Pike, Wilmington • 256-0599
Kent County
Dolce Bakery and Coffee Shop
Downtown Milford’s Dolce Bakery and Coffee Shop strives for three things: tasty pastries, coffee and a cheerful customer experience. Above all, chow down on baked goods—made fresh every day—and wash them down with locally roasted coffee.
36 N. Walnut St., Milford • 422-5760
Governor’s Café
Although the expanded menu and wine options at Governor’s Café surpass a standard coffee shop, they do have some delicious caffinated options, including standard brewed coffee, iced latté, espresso, cappuccino, chai latté and more.
144 King’s Highway, Dover • 747-7531
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The House of Coffi
Known for its creative caffeinated drinks, this local coffee shop is located right in the center of Dover an easy drive for morning commuters.
14 E. Loockerman Plaza, Dover • 672-0059
If Heaven Had A Flavor
This coffee shop is a Clayton hot spot for a hot cup of joe and a pastry before heading out to conquer the day. Most importantly, the shop’s specialties are their homemade coffee and bakery options. If Heaven Had a Flavor serves all-day brunch, lunch and numerous homemade ice cream options. While there, try the macchiato, americano or café mocha.
314 Main St., Clayton • 471-3087
Sussex County
Amity Coffee Roasters
Although currently closed due to a fire, this coffee shop brings high-quality brews and made-from-scratch, freshly baked goods. In spite of this, check out their Instagram page for updates on their storefront hunt, when they’ll reopen and more.
13 W. Market St., Greenwood • 495-7291
Cafe a Go-Go
During the day, Cafe a Go-Go serves breakfast, lunch and coffee, Cafe a Go-Go has served up coffee blends and espresso drinks to the Rehoboth community for years. However, the longtime local spot recently moved locations to North First Street from Rehoboth Avenue.
3 N. First St., Unit 3, Rehoboth Beach • 227-1099
RELATED: 6 Trendy Coffee Shops to Visit at the Delaware Beaches
The Coffee Mill
The Coffee Mill boasts more than 80 selections of organic, fair trade coffees by the cup, whole bean or ground to take home. Enjoy breakfast or a light lunch out on the patio at this iconic spot, which has been open for over 25 years.
127 B. Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach • 227-7530
Laurel Coffee Shop
Two words: Fresh. Donuts. During the day, enjoy all-day breakfast, homemade soup, New York-style bagels, fresh coffee and donuts, tea, lattes and more at Laurel Coffee Shop. During lunchtime, enjoy it delicious chicken salad, cold cuts, salads and more.
217 E. Market St., Laurel • 875-5299
Various Locations
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Brew HaHa!
With multiple Delaware locations, these local coffee bars are a favorite amongst locals because of their in-house roasted coffee which comes from Brandywine Coffee Roasters. Additionally, they offer various flavored syrups to go with each cup. But, if you aren’t a coffee fan, they even offer tea or cold drink options. Plus, while there, try the Bagel Gone Bananas or the Rest Stop Breakfast Sandwich with a cup of their speciality lattes. brewhaha.com
Drip Café
Drip Café puts their customers first and makes sure to provide delicious menu items and wonderful drinks. Most importantly, they are extremely welcoming to any customers dietary needs, so ask about their vegan/vegetarian and even gluten-free options. dripcafede.com
