Amherst Coffee + Bar
Ahhh, nothing like my favorite cup of coffee. A light roast, single origin, Kenya AA is in my opinion the best. Very excited to see my first single origin and Barrington Coffee delivered big time. Similarly to Cushman, which I reviewed less than a week ago, this café is also in Amherst, about a ten minute drive south. If you can handle the caffeine, I would definitely suggest visiting both.
In contrast, the vibe is very different from Cushman and that is why I decided to visit both. While Cushman is a very eclectic spot with a vintage hippy feel, Amherst Coffee is very chic with an almost “art deco” or restored mill atmosphere. There is a large selection of Japanese and single malt whiskeys as well as an oyster night on Thursday. Expect to walk into a welcoming café with great baristas who know their coffee.
The only real negative here is no wifi is available, so if you decide to get work done here prepare to use your cell phone’s hotspot.
Overall, I would rate Amherst Coffee a 4.7 out of 5
28 Amity Street, Amherst, MA 01002
Cushman Market & Cafe
This is the kind of place that really feels like you’re in a hippie version of the past. Cushman Market & Café is just far enough away from the campus of Umass Amherst that it is a little hard to find. But wow, is it worth the extra few minutes of a drive. The Market side of Cushman showcases local products including a nice selection of local beers and wine. While most cafés in the area go for the modern vibe, Cushman Market & Café feels like home from the time you enter to the time you leave.
This Café offers WiFi and a huge selection of breakfast and lunch options. The house coffee is a nice medium blend of a well rounded roast. Something all coffee drinkers can enjoy. There is ample seating most of the time, although I arrived at a peak hour and had to wait around for a few minutes.
The town of Amherst has much to offer as well. From Puffer’s Pond right down the way, (well within walking distance) to the downtown strip with plenty of shops, restaurants, and of course Antonio’s Pizza, which is a favorite among locals.
Overall, I rate Cushman Market & Cafe a 4.6 out of 5
491 Pine Street, Amherst, MA 01002
