The coffee connection, where to go for a cup of joe.

Over the past decade a cup of coffee has transformed to a “Grande Cinnamon Dolce Latte” and a cup of unleaded is now a “half cup of decaffeinated half caf“. There are still some solid places to get a good cup of coffee in Salem. Putting restaurants and breakfast joints aside for today I will focus on those that focus on coffee.

• Starbucks Coffee
  211 Washington St
  978.825.0824
  Many people gravitate towards this monolith of evil because they enjoy spending up to $8 for a cup of coffee. What a waste. Hold on to your cash and buy yourself 4 better cups at a local establishment.
• Dunkin’ Donuts
  • 152 Washington St
    (978) 744-9888
  • 282 Derby St
    (978) 741-4062
  • 31 Bridge St
    (978) 741-1353
  • 105 North St
    (978) 745-5658
  • 68 Boston St
    (978) 741-8658
  • 272 Highland Ave
    (978) 744-6003

  D&D are everywhere, which is to be expected since this is Massachusetts. They are less evil, easier on the wallet and the Washington Street location across from the Post Office and the Salem News building is open 24 hours for when you get a late night craving.

• Fuel Coffee & Juice Bar
  196 Essex St
  (978) 741-0850
  Not overly impressed with Fuel, the few times I’ve been in there the counter help was not very helpful, but the coffee was adequate. They get bonus points for longevity and being an independent (sort of, they are a sibling to the Front Street Cafe). Outside seating on the pedestrian mall is available in the good weather.
• Front Street Coffeehouse
  20 Front St
  (978) 740-6697
  By far the best of the bunch. Front Street has a great variety of coffees and teas but you can still get a small coffee for $1.25. Service is usually friendly. Of special note, if you pick up a Front Street card (near the register and free) they will stamp it each time you buy something there. When the card is full you get a free coffee. Salem Insiders know about this wonderful bonus and use it to their advantage.
• Honorable Mention
  New Civilitea
  318 Derby St
  978.740.2832
  While not a coffee shop New Civilitea is relatively new in town and is a Tea house. You can have a cup there or buy a wide variety of teas to bring home.
• Honorable Mention II
  Gulu Gulu Cafe
  247 Essex St
  978.740.8882
  I realize that Gulu Gulu is not a coffee shoppe but for anyone who wants a bit of zip in their caffeine these guys have a rather large menu of coffee cordials. I recommend the Barrier Breaker, its just what you need to warm up on a chilly autumn/winter night.

Update

• A&J King Bakery
  48 Central Street
  978.744.4881
  Primarily a bakery recently A&J King have added a coffee bar which serves up a variety of coffee, latte, tea and hot chocolate. While the coffee is okay, their baked goods are to die for.
• Jaho Coffee & Tea
  197 Derby Street
  978.744.4300
  Jaho offers a huge selection of coffee and teas along with some light fare. They remind me of a “starbucks light” with less attitude and more affordable coffees.