Drift Cafe

Drift Cafe

⭐ 4.8/5 (329 reviews) 💰 $10–20 per person Casual Dining

📍 190 Thames St, Newport, Rhode Island

Restaurant Information

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5.0 • 329 reviews
📍 Address
190 Thames St
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
📞 Phone
🌐 Website
💰 Price Range
$10–20 per person
🍽️ Category
Casual Dining

⏰ Opening Hours

Closed ⋅ Opens 8 am

ℹ️ About This Restaurant

Stepping into Drift Café in Newport, Rhode Island, you're immediately enveloped by a cozy, casual ambiance that sets the stage for a delightful dining experience. The trendy, modern interior, with its natural wood accents and minimalist decor, creates a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to sit back, relax, and savor the flavors of their carefully curated vegan offerings. The café's overall vibe is perfect for solo diners, families, and groups of friends alike, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

The menu at Drift Café is a testament to the establishment's commitment to serving high-quality, plant-based dishes that cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences. From their signature breakfast items like the tofu scramble and avocado toast to their hearty lunch options such as the lentil-quinoa burger and the roasted vegetable wrap, the selection is both varied and enticing. The café also shines in its ability to deliver healthy, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring that each dish is not only delicious but also nourishing. For those with a sweet tooth, the café's selection of vegan desserts, including the decadent chocolate cake and the refreshing acai bowl, are sure to delight.

The service at Drift Café is consistently praised by its patrons, who appreciate the attentive and friendly staff. Whether you're dining in, ordering takeout, or requesting delivery, the team at Drift Café ensures that your experience is seamless and enjoyable. The café's reasonable prices and commitment to sustainability further enhance the overall value proposition, making it a go-to destination for those seeking a satisfying and conscientious dining experience. Overall, Drift Café is a shining example of how a vegan eatery can deliver exceptional quality, variety, and service, all while fostering a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

Features & Amenities

Service options
Has outdoor seating Offers delivery Offers takeaway Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee Serves local speciality
Popular for
Popular for breakfast Popular for lunch Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee Serves comfort food Serves healthy options Serves organic dishes Quick bite Serves vegan dishes Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast Serves brunch Serves lunch Has catering Serves dessert Has seating Has table service
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets Has toilet Has Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly Popular with locals Popular with tourists Popular with university students
Planning
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards Accepts debit cards Accepts NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid parking lot Paid street parking Somewhat difficult to find a space

🏮 Atmosphere & Ambiance

Drift Cafe exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere, with a decor that seamlessly blends modern design elements with rustic, natural accents. The space is bathed in warm, ambient lighting, creating a soothing and relaxed ambiance. Exposed brick walls and wooden beams lend an industrial-chic vibe, while strategically placed plants and nature-inspired artwork add a touch of organic elegance to the space.

The seating arrangements at Drift Cafe are designed to foster a sense of community and comfort. Plush, cushioned banquettes line the walls, offering a cozy and intimate dining experience, while the scattered tables and chairs throughout the space create a more casual, open feel. The cafe's outdoor seating area, complete with string lights and greenery, provides a delightful al fresco dining option for those seeking to enjoy the coastal breeze and stunning views of Newport.

🌿 Dietary Accommodations

  • Gluten-Free Options - A variety of gluten-free baked goods, entrees, and sides made with alternative flours.
  • Raw Food Choices - Selection of raw vegan salads, wraps, and smoothies featuring fresh, uncooked ingredients.
  • Nut-Free Alternatives - Nut-free dressings, sauces, and desserts to accommodate guests with nut allergies.
  • Keto-Friendly Items - Low-carb, high-fat vegan options like cauliflower rice bowls and avocado toast with almond butter.

⏰ Best Times to Visit

  • Weekday lunch - Enjoy a peaceful midday meal in the cozy cafe, with plenty of seating and fast service for a quick yet satisfying vegan lunch.
  • Weekend brunch - Indulge in the cafe's delectable brunch menu, featuring a variety of plant-based options, while taking in the lively atmosphere on a leisurely weekend morning.
  • Happy hour - Unwind with a selection of craft cocktails and small plates at the cafe's popular happy hour, offering a vibrant social experience for patrons.

⭐ What Makes Us Special

  • Commitment to Sustainable Sourcing - Drift Cafe sources all its produce, grains, and other ingredients from local organic farms, minimizing its carbon footprint and supporting the local economy.
  • Innovative Vegan Dishes - The chef, a former fine dining professional, creates unique vegan dishes that reinterpret classic comfort foods, showcasing the versatility and flavor of plant-based ingredients.
  • Cozy Beachside Ambiance - With its warm, inviting decor and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, Drift Cafe offers a truly relaxing and picturesque dining experience just steps from the beach.

📍 Local Area & Neighborhood

The Drift Cafe is situated in the charming historic district of Newport, Rhode Island, just a short stroll from the iconic Cliff Walk and the picturesque harbor. The neighborhood is a vibrant mix of colonial-era architecture, upscale boutiques, and local art galleries, giving it a unique blend of history and modern vibrancy. The area is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to soak up the coastal New England ambiance and take in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Drift Cafe attracts a diverse clientele, from health-conscious locals to adventurous tourists seeking a taste of the region's renowned plant-based cuisine. The cafe's commitment to using locally sourced, organic ingredients and its dedication to sustainable practices have made it a favorite among the community. Whether you're grabbing a quick breakfast before a day of sightseeing or lingering over a leisurely lunch, the Drift Cafe offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that captures the essence of Newport's coastal charm.

💬 Customer Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This was the best breakfast I have ever had in my entire life. I entered the cafe and ordered my food. I ordered the sum..."

— Customer #1
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Drift Café is a must-stop when you're in Newport. Their smoothie bowls are fresh, colorful, and absolutely hit the spot,..."

— Customer #2
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Best place I've experienced in Newport by far. The food was delicious, the people there were so kind, and the place was ..."

— Customer #3