Coffee Exchange

Category:	Coffee Shop
Address:	207 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Phone:	+1 401-273-1198
Site:	thecoffeeexchange.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM 6AM–9PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Allison W. Cone

In explanation of my rating the Food as Very Good - understand that I personally mean that their FOOD is very good - I dont include their house brewed coffees in the same category. I just dont get the appeal - I really dont. I think their house brewed coffee (hot and iced) are even worse than 7 Stars. I dont even like their espresso drinks - seriously. But, I do know a whole lot of folks who absolutely LOVE Coffee Exchange so I will extol what I find are its virtues: They have a WIDE selection of coffee beans and roasts for sale; they will grind them to your specification (which can really be important if youre a coffee snob like me); and, when I brew Coffee Exchange coffees at HOME, theyre good! - go figure!; they sell coffee and tea accessories (pots, presses, etc.) of a much wider and better quality than Starbucks; I dont know where they get it but their spinach pies are the bomb; I suspect some of their other pastries may come from 7 Stars - regardless, they are great; and, the staff is pleasant and most of them have good taste in music which played in the cafe. And yet, when folks suggest we go to Coffee Exchange, honestly, while I will accompany them, Im thinking, "Coffee Exchange?!?! Ill be EXCHANGING my Coffee for water and nosh."

Natasha Franks

Coffee Exchange is a true neighborhood watering hole. No matter what time of day or night you come here it is packed with students, artists, ex professors, and neighbors that have lived there for 20 years. If youre coming here for the first time I highly recommend buying a pound of beans- they roast them in house and each pound comes with a free cup of coffee. Because its so popular on the weekends, they have limited hours for their wifi Saturday & Sunday so that seats rotate fairly and more people can stay for food. If youre hungry for something savory theres not much for you to order but their Portuguese baked goods are exceptional (Id try the popover). They also have a small deck that opens up in warm weather which is great with an iced coffee and a good book. If you cant find parking on Wickenden st there is a free lot right behind it which always has space unless the nearby church is having mass.

David LeClear

This is a cool place with a good vibe. Had a good talk with the coffee roaster (as I am a roaster myself). He was very nice. Everyone was nice and helpful. I ordered a single origin macchiato. It was OK. It was pulled a little long. I think if they used scales they could fix that. I could tell that the Costa Rica espresso itself was good. It seems as though they still cater to the masses and provide the large, dark roast, half caf, soy latte with two pumps of peppermint and mocha. I would call this a part 2nd part 3rd wave coffee shop. Hence the 4 stars in my book. I think that this is a good place for even a coffee snob to get a fix that will satisfy there need for good coffee. Just dont expect pure 3rd wave.

Greg Buffum

I have yet to find a better tasting Café mocha. Most coffee shops I visited use chocolate syrup bottles, producing a telltale "chemical" taste. Coffee Exchange baristas grind chocolate chips directly into your Cafe mocha, producing a rich, pure chocolate flavor. It is a VERY crowded place (claustrophobics beware), and a bit expensive, but Im giving them 5 out of 5 stars, for incredible quality coffee (they roast their beans in-house), friendly baristas, and consistently excellent service. One of my other favorites: They sell dark-chocolate-covered espresso beans in baggies, which make an excellent snack or gift!

A Private User

I got a double decaf espresso. It was thick, rich, almost syrupy, and I could watch the timer for two shots on the machine which is great for a coffee nerd. This was amazingly balanced, powerful, and not bitter or burnt tasting. I dislike that the place is so cramped, the baked goods selection is confusing, and theres no place to stand to make a decision (or to wait for your coffee). They should knock down the wall that almost cuts the place in half. Also, although I didnt try any food items, they didnt look that appealing. That said, in my opinion this is the only place in Providence for serious coffee lovers.

A Private User

Great coffee selection. But with the crowded line and odd configuration I always feel too uncomfortable and rushed to try to enjoy the place. Except the one time I managed to score a seat outside on their deck during the summer, Ive always felt too cramped when sitting down there. Though Im not claustrophobic, sitting in there, I imagine how claustrophobes must feel. Despite the merits of the coffee, and the mini cupcakes which are out of sight, its generally too crowded to grab and go or sit and enjoy. If youre more into scene (and being seen) then go for it. Hope you find a table.

A Private User

people who love the ambiance, i dunno what to say, because its dark and may be to camouflage the cobweb thats everywhere in the ceiling including the downlights at the cash register. coffee is great so its packed with customers, i dont mind great tasting coffee, but i ordered the cookies and saw atleast two flies hovering around it, eventhough it was enclosed with the glass shelves so you can probably tell by that how below they are in terms of cleanliness. i wouldnt go there again and dont recommend this place to anyone.

Kelly Teves

If I could rate The Coffee Exchange 100 stars, I totally would!! Between the amazing mocha blanca made with the richest of white chocolate and tastiest of espresso, as well as the incredible staff and ownership of The Coffee Exchange, plus the free Wi-Fi, its raised the bar to the highest possible level when it comes to cafes, in my opinion <3 This is my go-to place to work, study, read a book, schedule meetings and interviews, and socialize with the regulars :-)

Alec Loudenback

This is everything you want in a coffee shop and more. Almost any kind of coffee brewed in any way, this is the place to go. That includes coffee grear and accessories. I think the prices are a little high, but that is probably needed to pay for the big place and spacious patio where you can sit for hours. I think the food selection is pretty weak, though they try to feature adobe locally sourced pastries. I prefer New Harvest for the quality of their treats.

Reza Behrouzi

I live in Boston and Im still trying to find a daily roaster here that comes close to this place. as of now been unsuccessful. Yes I have tried George Howell and Mystic Coffee roasters (Medford). Theyre both great, but still dont have the characteristic freshness that comes with small batch roasts here. Its not easy finding roasts that are less than 3 days old. Wonderful place, great vibe, lovely staff. Wish it could be less crowded on weekends, but I know...

A Private User

On my way to the Cape and was in the mood for a cup as I drove through Providence. Did a quick search and this place showed up right off the Interstate. Found the coffee shop of my dreams. Rich full-bodied complex cup of straight house blend. The granola scone was nirvana. Naturally, had to stop again on my way home a week later. Even better the 2nd time. I wonder if people in Providence know how good this place is.