With fall weather in full swing, there's truly nothing in the morning quite like a piping hot jolt of sleep's most exalted antidote. In just the past few months alone, Northern Westchester, once an ostensible wasteland for devout java junkies, was lucky to gain three third wave perk points that take their coffee very seriously. Stop in one of these new nearby spots to procure a perfect cuppa.
Eric Gabrynowicz, the Danny Meyer alum whose pioneering Restaurant North across the street took farm to table to new heights in Westchester, has done it again with his latest endeavor, which boasts a bold coffee program that's equal parts refreshing, serious and hyper-local. The curated local marketplace spotlights Port Chester-roasted Path Coffee, served off the pour-over bar or a royal blue La Marzocco GB5, which is sure to pop in the eyes of any devout caffiend the moment they walk in the door. For the full effect, enjoy over an entire meal: there's indoor and outdoor seating (and really, it's hard to go wrong with that poached salmon quinoa bowl).
Market North — 387 Main Street, Armonk, NY
Taking its name from a historic mercantile found on Bedford's Village Green in the 1890s, this visually striking gourmet shop is the retail outpost for Greenwich locavore caterer Maison Privé, who serve up everything from gourmet take-out dinners to exciting snacks with standards. With 7am-7pm hours seven days a week and beans from Coffee Labs Roasters in Tarrytown, it's never the wrong time to drop in for an almond milk latte or simple unleaded cuppa (capped off with resiliently spill-proof lids). Their savory pastry game is on point—and a bacon, egg and cheese danish is rarely a wrong pairing.
G.E. Brown — 652 Old Post Road, Bedford, NY
Before this market-cafe moved into the longstanding garden center on Bloomer Road and Route 121, North Salem was hardly the place you'd generally expect to see out and about. But drive past Hayfield's on any given day and you'll realize why this fast-embraced addition became an instant community meeting place. Roll-up doors reveal a wonderland that's part-general store, part-farm stand and part-cafe where you can grab everything from a breakfast burrito and cappuccino with Italian Illy beans to an unusual green-thumbed gift you can't find anywhere else. It's convenient on the fly, but locals are finding it hard to resist taking it slow on the outside picnic tables or community table inside. (Gearheads won't want to miss "Cars and Coffee" days).
Hayfield's — 1 Bloomer Road, North Salem, NY