If you live in Westchester County and Starbucks is the only coffee joint you frequent, you're doing something wrong. No offense to Starbucks, which is still my go-to for something warm when i'm running around in NYC, but there are a ton of better, (and cheaper) "mom-and-pop" options available. Westchester is chock full of cozy, local coffee shops. Here are a few of my fav:
1. Slave to the Grind, Bronxville NY
What I love: Slave to the Grind is undoubtedly my number 1 java stop. They boast dozens of flavors of coffee, from oatmeal cookie, to red velvet, to coconut cream. What makes Slave unique, however, is that unlike many places, their coffees are not flavored with syrups. Instead the beans are flavored, creating a much more natural, lighter flavor - and with a much lower calorie content than syrups have.
You must try: Coconut Cream iced coffee, Smores Hot Chocolate and a piece of their coffee cake
2. The Peekskill Coffee House, Peekskill NY
What I love: I first started spending time at The Peekskill Coffee House in high school when I spent my weekends hopping around Westchester performing in open mic nights. Not only do they host monthly amateur nights, but the PCH also welcomes different locally known musicians and artists year-round. In the past few years, the space has expanded, which has allowed for a number of new menu items, including crepes, paninis, and Belgian waffles.
You must try: The Frozen Hot Chocolate and an "Early Bird" crepe (Bacon, Egg, and Cheese)
3. The Black Cow Coffee Company, Croton on Hudson, NY
What I love: The black cow, founded in 1995, recently relocated to a larger space in the middle of Croton to accommodate their huge rush hour crowd. (They also have a smaller location in Pleasantville, NY, if that's closer to your neighborhood.) The new space allows them to host music shows comfortably, while still leaving room for their in-house bean roaster. The Black Cow was recently named "Best Coffee House" in the Best of Westchester 2014.
You must try: The Cow Whip (ice, chocolate, milk, espresso blended) - and any of their "Baked by Susan" treats.
S'mores Hot Chocolate at Slave to the Grind in Bronxville, NY. Photo: Zoe Halpern