Best Coffee Shops & Cafes in North Conway

North Conway is a working mountain town, and its coffee culture reflects that: a mix of specialty roasters, local bakeries, and neighborhood cafes that fuel hikers, skiers, and weekenders alike. We filtered out the chains and ranked the top independently operated coffee shops and cafes using Google review data from our verified directory listings.

Best Coffee Shops & Cafes in North Conway

1. Frontside Coffee Roasters

4.6★ · 940 reviews · Specialty coffee roaster

The most-reviewed independent coffee shop in North Conway, and the clear leader in the specialty coffee category. Frontside Coffee Roasters earns a 4.6-star average across nearly a thousand reviews — a consistent signal of quality and repeat visits. A go-to for visitors who care about their espresso and want something beyond the chain options on Route 16.

2. The Metropolitan Coffeehouse

4.5★ · 808 reviews · Neighborhood coffeehouse

A North Conway staple with a 4.5-star average across more than 800 reviews. The Metropolitan Coffeehouse is a comfortable, café-style space well-suited for longer stays — good for a morning work session or a relaxed post-hike coffee. The Met also has an outpost at Settler's Green (see below), giving it two convenient locations in the valley.

3. Bagels Plus

4.6★ · 625 reviews · Bagel café & coffee

Coffee-and-bagel done right. Bagels Plus earns 4.6 stars across 625 reviews as a fast-casual café that combines a full bagel and deli menu with solid coffee. A strong value option for a morning meal, and one of the better-reviewed quick breakfast stops in the valley. Takeout-friendly and opens early.

4. Cafe Italia

4.8★ · 357 reviews · Italian café

The highest-rated café in North Conway by star average. Cafe Italia earns a 4.8-star rating across 357 reviews — an exceptional score that reflects a tight, high-quality operation. Italian-style espresso, café food, and a more intimate atmosphere than the high-volume coffee chains. Worth a visit if you want the best-reviewed cup in town.

5. The Met at Settler's Green

4.4★ · 357 reviews · Coffeehouse at Settler's Green

The Settler's Green location of The Metropolitan Coffeehouse — convenient if you're combining a coffee stop with outlet shopping or heading to Mountain Moose Noodles for lunch. Same reliable quality as the original location, with a 4.4-star average across 357 reviews.

6. Mystic Sugar Bakery

4.9★ · 261 reviews · Artisan bakery & café

The second-highest-rated café in town by star average. Mystic Sugar Bakery earns a 4.9-star rating across 261 reviews — an outstanding score that makes it arguably the best bakery experience in North Conway. If you're looking for a pastry or baked good alongside your coffee, this is the first stop.

7. Old Village Bakery

4.8★ · 228 reviews · Village bakery & café

A neighborhood bakery café with a 4.8-star average across 228 reviews. Old Village Bakery is a quieter, local-feeling option compared to the higher-volume spots on Route 16. Strong for breakfast pastries and a relaxed morning coffee — particularly appealing if you want to avoid the tourist-corridor crowds.

Quick Guide

Best specialty espresso: Frontside Coffee Roasters — the most-reviewed independent roaster in town.

Highest-rated cup: Cafe Italia at 4.8 stars or Mystic Sugar Bakery at 4.9 stars — both exceptional small operations.

Best bakery with coffee: Mystic Sugar Bakery (4.9★) or Old Village Bakery (4.8★).

Most convenient for outlet shopping: The Met at Settler's Green — inside the outlet complex.

Best for a quick breakfast and coffee: Bagels Plus — fast, well-reviewed, and early-opening.

Insider Tips

• Skip the chains: North Conway has a McDonald's, Dunkin', Starbucks, and Walmart — all with higher review counts due to volume, not quality. The picks above are the independent options worth your time.
• Morning hours: Bakeries and small cafes in North Conway often open at 7–8 a.m. and sell out of popular items by mid-morning on peak weekends. Arrive early for the best selection at Mystic Sugar and Old Village Bakery.
• Weather check: If you're planning a hike after coffee, check forecast.weather.gov before heading out.

Plan Your Visit

North Conway's coffee shops are spread across the Route 16 strip and the village center. For a full dining guide, see our best restaurants in North Conway. For a complete area guide, visit the North Conway town guide.