Black Cap Coffee & Bakery - espresso, lattes, sandwiches, pastries

The coffee here is excellent, and the croissant is absolutely delicious — probably the best I’ve ever had! The staff was friendly and the place has a cozy atmosphere. The only downside was the long line and waiting time, but it was definitely worth it. Highly recommend this spot in Vermont!

Welcoming, cozy and warm atmosphere. Staff was super friendly and knowledgable. Great selection of milks and coffees. Maple latte was perfection (not overly sweet, and paired with oat milk to add an oaty and smooth flavor). One of the best maple lattes I’ve had. Line was roughly 7 large groups deep and back to the door, yet the wait was exceedingly fast/minimal! Exceptional experience all around. Seating was abundant. Was able to immediately get a table for 4 on a bustling Friday morning. Visited on Sep 26th. Highly recommend.

We were staying in the area and came into Stowe to look around and anywhere we go we’re always sure to support local independent coffee shops. We stopped in here to see what they have and I got a medium roast Colombian on drip that was quite good. I got a bag and look forward to brewing it at home. My wife got a decaf oat latte and said it was ok. Their coffee is from a roaster in Vermont called Brave and they seem to be doing good work. I’d certainly recommend giving this place a try.

Amazing staff, so friendly. Went out of their way to make a birthday breakfast special even as a takeaway. Travelled from Scotland last year and my husband has spoken of the coffee and maple croissants as the best anywhere! So on his birthday there was nowhere else I could get breakfast for him. YUM!!

Stopped here for my coffee every day that I was visiting! Quick in and out between 7-8am, gets busy after 9am from what I noticed. BEST hot, almond milk latte I’ve had (and I’ve had my share). Indoor & Outdoor dining, complementary water, fresh food and friendly service.

Great coffee, ok food but would love to see the GF overnight oats with dairy free milk, and a few more Gluten free options. Coffee was great though! My husband loved his Sunrise Gouda breakfast sandwich and maple croissant.

Best coffee in town. We were in Vermont and driving to Ben and Jerrys. One cannot miss this coffee shop if you are in Stowe. They have the best staff who know their job and always wearing a smile on their face.

The pecan coffee crumb cake was AMAZING The English muffin sandwiches were edible, made with premade eggs (yuck). I saw them using a microwave to heat up a burrito. The coffee was good. The waitress forgot part of our order. The water I got from the fridge was expired. The paper towels in the bathroom were empty. I like to support small businesses but with the quality of food, you might as well go to the Starbucks across the street.

Trendy spot with a cool, laid-back vibe and a steady flow of customers -- even a bit of a line. Lots of coffee options. I had a black coffee with a shot of espresso -- good, but not the best I've had. Still, it had a unique flavor. We tried the pecan cake, which was fresh and tasty. The chocolate croissant looked great too, though we didn't try it. Food is deli-style -- simple but appealing, and others seemed to be enjoying it. Plenty of indoor seating and a few chairs outside. Some people were working on laptops, giving it a bit of a Starbucks feel. Free WiFi is a plus. Overall, a great place to chill or grab a bite.

There are two bistro tables out on the porch for alfresco coffee enjoyment. Service staff are friendly and able. Americano was terrific, overall quite pleased, not to be at Starbucks almost directly across the street. Love the knotty pine flooring, especially because as a Californian, we don't see much of this.

P.S. Overall a bit expensive. $7.80 for a maple latte!!! Plus there is a water for drinking.

Great job people! Service great coffee and breakfast sandwich perfect, the place is impeccably clean and everyone seems to be happy to be there on a Sunday morning!

The food was incredibly tasty and the service solid. The staff seemed well-trained and professional, and the space itself is open and inviting. That said, it does get quite busy and noisy--sometimes overwhelmingly so. All it takes is one loud talker, and that's all you'll hear. (During my visit, a woman on a business conference call basically became the soundtrack of the place. Big entrepreneur energy, but apparently too cheap to rent an office... but I digress.) Prices are steep for what you get--classic Vermont, I suppose. A small muffin (very good, Starbucks-level quality) and a small black coffee set me back $16 before tip. I didn't notice the 10% mandatory service charge already included (they keep quiet about that), so seeing the tip jars (yes plural), I tipped on top of it--double-whammed. It feels like a deceptive tactic that works because most customers are just passing through. BUT REALLY... THE OWNERS SHOULD TRY PAYING THEIR STAFF, instead of passing the cost of operating their business directly onto unsuspecting customers on top of their already super-premium Vermont prices and state taxes. That said, this spot easily outshines Cafe on Main. No contest.

Sneaky business Mid coffee Service they are nice but have one person making a bunch of drinks. The ambiance was the best thing about this place but prices aren't listed on expensive coffees or dessert. If you are will to spend $10 on a single coffee then this is the place for you.

Overall solid experience here! Definitely a cute downtown spot in Stowe, great for grabbing a coffee or a quick bite before perusing nearby shops. There is a good amount of seating as well which made it easy to sit down and warm up for half an hour before facing the cold! We ordered a large coffee, large Maple latte, and a cinnamon bun roll. The coffees and pastry were delicious -- no complaints about taste at all. The cinnamon bun was thick and the frosting was a perfect balance of sweet and flavorful. I will definitely be ordering it again when I return. My only critique is that the latte price was very steep compared to other local spots. A latte is nearly $10 if you add a flavor or milk alternative. The latte tasted great, but I don't think it warranted a $10 price tag. I would suggest the coffee shop either adjust the price, or for patrons to consider a regular coffee instead. Other than prices, I would definitely recommend!

Love love love this place! The iced coconut latte is my most favorite and compare all others to theirs. It's well known in my family that when visiting Stowe, I budget minimum one coffee a day from Black Cap. So glad they are in the heart of downtown and also a few locations. They recently renovated their space and I can't wait to check it out...I'm sure it will be just as cozy and inviting as it was previously. Highly recommend this above all other coffee shops in Stowe.

Employees are friendly and service was fast. Plenty of seating in this cute cafe. The breakfast burrito was excellent and my wife loved her Chocolate Croissant. I hope to be back next time we're in Stowe.

I wish this place was a little cozier, but over all pretty good, and was open later than other coffee shops. I got the almond joy latte which was good.. it's a little pricy but so are most things in Stowe.

The Maple Croissant tasted like a flakey pancake, it was out of this world! The line to get up to order was less than ideal, waited almost 30min just to order and then it took about 10-15 to get our coffee and food. If it's not busy, I recommend going but it wasn't worth the almost 40min wait time.

Awesome coffee, awesome vegan friendly breakfast - with just egg, and chorizo. Looooong lines, so timing it is very important.

The food was okay but the wait was a lot. Went once during the weekend and once during the week and it just was very busy and a long wait. I got a sandwich the first time and drinks. The price seemed pretty high and not much seating, or waiting area. Got a smoothie the second time which was great, but they forgot to give it to me. I realized people that ordered after me were getting their drinks so I went up and said something and they brought me my smoothie right away. The interesting thing was my smoothie had apple cider in it, which I was scared of but was amazing. The berry berry.

I heard that the lines are crazy, we must've came at the right time because there was only 2 people ahead of us. We got the French Kiss Latte loved it. The spinach feta croissant was amazing. I'm not even a real croissant type of person but it was really good. The people were nice as well. It's a cozy cafe that looks like a house.

Stopped by for coffee and was happy we did. Very nice place, very much a small town coffee shop, with great service. Several of the specialty coffees were named after candy bars. I tried the Snickers and my wife opted for the Milky Way, both were very good. All of their pastries are made in house. I had a piece of the cinnamon coffee cake and it was great. I certainly recommend Black Cap to anyone visiting Stowe.

Half of the prices are not on the menu, and the specialty lattes just so happen to be over $2 more than a plain latte ($7.80 before the 10% service fee) which comes out to over $18 for two drinks after tax. Maybe i'm just an ignorant tourist but i'm not accustomed to that kind of pricing when prices are not listed. But the drinks taste pretty good and the baristas were nice. Wouldn't go back unless I got a fat paycheck.

These guys charge a mandatory 10% service fee on the bill. I asked what it was for and they said the bakers and other people who need to get paid. The coffee is $7. It's not my responsibility to pay your workers. YOU pay them. Customers should never tolerate this nonsense.

I've visited the Stowe location twice now, whereas my parents have visited the Waterbury one and both places offer great food and beverages with ample seating. I've ordered their tropical smoothie and their berry berry smoothie, plus cannolis, chocolate croissants and ham and cheese croissants. Nothing has been a disappointment. The lamination on the croissants is perfection: layers of flaky, buttery goodness. They're amply sized, too. You're getting what you pay for. Please note they're very popular, so be patient as lines can be long.

A decent breakfast spot, nothing special. My latte supposedly had some flavor to it, but not sure I could really tell. Cute latte art though. Got The Dope, which was solid - a little bit of tartness, creamy cheese, and crunchy bread. Not a bad way to start the morning

Why display a tip screen if service fee already included? Customers may mistakenly double-tip.

This place has the most amazing coffee!! If you are in Stowe you have to stoop there! All of the food is absolutely amazing as well! Maple latte and maple overnight oats are my absolute favorites

In downtown Stowe. The staff are great... friendly and they speak with you not AT you... The food was great. I had a simple grilled cheese sandwich... it was marvelous. Had an iced raspberry mocha coffee... wow... it was smooth, with equal tastes of the coffee, chocolate and raspberry... YUM. If you are downtown, I highly recommend stopping in for a coffee to enjoy or to go. This place is a local winner and hope it has a very long stay in Stowe!

Bustling coffee shop and bakery in the center of Stowe. While you may have to wait a few minutes to place your order and get your goods, it's worthwhile. The sandwiches are solid. Pastries are good. Plenty of seating unless it's a really busy time. Why no 5 star review? Well it was close, because this place has a few real baristas, and a legitimate espresso machine. Had the Expediter/ barista taken a few extra seconds to pour my cortado with skill rather than dump it in the cup, five stars it would be.

Cute place, lovely pumpkin cheesecake during fall, and good drinks. Nothing blew my mind but it was cozy and nice and a great staple of the block while walking among shops so you can grab a warm drink.

My first time in. Ordered a large maple latte. My jaw nearly fell on the floor when the barista said it'd be over NINE dollars. $9+ for a latte?!?! You can't even get a latte that expensive in Boston or Seattle if you try. One and done - will not be back. Update 10/23/24 after owner's rude response: Please see original review - my order was in fact just a maple latte as originally stated. I paid $9.43. No speciality milk (just skim, in fact). And unfortunately it was not "full of flavor." Honestly pretty mediocre. So just a cheese pizza on the regular crust? Seems like they can't even believe their own prices

Black Cap is a cozy coffee shop with lots of fun items and trinkets to explore inside. There are a few designated parking spots in front of the shop. The barista was welcoming and we had a good conversation about the city. There is a large selection of homemade pastries and baked goods. I was pleasantly surprised to see gluten free and vegan options! Their portions are great and I was able to inhale a tiny flourless chocolate cake and a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. Black Cap has plenty of seating and is the perfect study spot. A few customers were even having online meetings. Near the front is a large selection of souvenirs, merch, and random practical items or gifts that catch your eye. I loved the quality food and modern yet quaint vibe I experienced at Black Cap.

My husband and I decided to come here . My husband got an iced coffee, and I decided to get a can kobutcha. My husband's coffee tasted really good and had a lot of flavor to it. I really didn't see anything that appealed to me for me to get it and eat it. It seemed this place was a hang out spot to go to. It was really packed and barely any seats left. Everyone was really nice.

My husband and I visited Stowe on our honeymoon and we just wanted a nice breakfast and coffee to start off our day. The place was Very crowded!!! Only one person working register with a line all the way out the door. About 20 mins to order. And It barely hit 11:30 and I couldn't order a breakfast sandwich. 8$ for a chai! It took another 20 mins to make my chai! We left disappointed and irritated. Definitely not recommending this place.

Not very friendly..product ok. Cup seal leaked when drinking. Starbucks prices without quality of product and service..

This felt a little bit like Starbucks trying to be cool. Nothing special. Warm up front we're the bistlong coffee line is and cold in the back. Bring your own cozy. Great gifts. Good coffee. Constant flow of traffic. Kids working that don't smile. Excellent location.

This place makes Boston and NYC coffee shops look affordable. If you enjoy waiting half hour for a mediocre overpriced $9.00 latte with rude customer service than this place is for you. If you don't than do yourself a favor and take your business to Woodland Baking Co, Girakofi, Cafe on Moscow or dare I say it, Starbucks across the street all for a far superior product and customer service with even better pricing.... Need a great breakfast or breakfast sandwich in a cozy surrounding? Then Round Hearth is the place for you. Many more businesses to support in Stowe than one that doesn't appreciate its customers. Update After Owner Response: Impressions and facts are different. I have given this business much of my time and $$ to know this wasn't a one off day or season but rather what has become the norm. Many reviews support this sentiment both on pricing and on treatment. The owners response to myself and others indicates there is no intent on providing a better customer experience. Nonetheless, I appreciate the response and wish the best of luck but I still recommend locals and tourists alike try other shops with superior product that are a bit more appreciative and supportive of their customers. :)

Recently I had lunch at Black Cap with a friend. The Vermonter panini was good but the overall experience was less satisfying. I waited in line to order behind someone putting in a big order. Meanwhile a couple of employees were hanging out chatting in front of the counter. As I was paying, the screen asked me how much I wanted to tip. (Nothing but then there's that twinge of guilt because I worked at a cafe and know employees work hard... but) After ordering, I was instructed to stay around and wait for my order so I looked at the small and uninspired gift selection. I was left thinking that Black Cap could be so much better, the main thing being that customer service should come first. To be asked to tip when there's so little attention given to customers felt odd. I waited in line, put In the order, payed, waited for the order, delivered the food and bused the trash after eating.

Nice little walk from green mountain inn. Lots of desserts on display that make you salivate! Cozy couch , small quiet back room. Went with my kiddo and enjoyed it. The only thing is it was pricey.... Coffee and croissant should not be 17 bucks.

Perfect grab and go spot for fresh brewed coffee and pastries on Main Street. The lattes and cappuccinos are very good. Try the maple latte. Service is friendly and fast Sit out front and watch passers-by and the lovely community church across the street. **small gifts and micro brews are available for sale** Thank you

From the West, and taking a road trip across the East Coast. BEST flat white that I've had across the entire trip so far! From Connecticut, to Massachusetts, to Vermont - this is the best flat white with oat milk I've had, and can't wait to come back. Espresso is balanced and the milk was CREAMY, frothed so well. Thank you Black Cap for doing yourselves a favor by hiring Abby!

We got into the shop at 11:05am. We were able to order at 11:40am. We ordered 3 basic breakfast sandwiches and 1 coffee. We got our coffee at 12:00pm and finally got our sandwiches at 12:17. There was 1 person making sandwiches and 2 people making coffee. From the reviews it seems they need way more staff, or have more things prepared. If you looking for a quick breakfast of coffee place instead of going out to a sit down like we did. I DO NOT recommend coming here.

Awesome food and matcha! The staff was accommodating and kind. A little pricy but every coffee shop is

Not worth the trip. Waited over 1/2 hour for 2 breakfast sandwiches. They indicated there were issues with the toaster. When this happens give a credit or refund. From Iowa, remember this pigs get feed and hogs get slaughtered. Be a pig not a hog. Here for a week, not going going back nor should any one else.

Roasted: coffee shop right in downtown Stowe across from the church. Pretty big coffee shop with lots of seating. They offer a full coffee line up, bakery items and breakfast sandwiches. The drink menu is pretty extensive with good syrup offerings and lots of fun drinks like an almond joy mocha. Service was fine. Not overly friendly but enough. We ordered our drinks for here and still got paper cups even though they have for here mugs visible to customers. No latte art and my cup had coffee spills all over it. Latte was good though, not great. Espresso quality and milk was spot on, way too much foam for a mocha - it came across more like a cappuccino and it was a bit too hot to enjoy at first. I'd come back as the latte was tasty enough. Unroasted: coffee shop in the middle of downtown Stowe across the street of the big white church. The location is superb with plenty of parking. Walking in you get the general store vibe with local artist offerings. The staff was okay didn't really greet but had help when we asked a question. They have a full menu for breakfast and great looking pastries. Ordered the regular sf latte and even though she did ask for here or to go, she grabbed a white to go cup for our drinks. Latte was done under 5 min. Their was an attempt at the latte art but failed Miserably. The taste was fine nothing spectacular but not the worst. I would come back if I lived in this town. With some minor tweaks this could be a stellar shop.

This is my absolute favorite place to get breakfast and coffee! All of their food is fresh/local, and the baked goods are baked fresh in house every day! (They also have GF, Vegan, and DF options!!) They have the best coffee/lattes I've ever had, and so many different toppings and flavors! It's one of the cleanest cafes/restaurants that I've ever been in, and the staff are very friendly. I highly recommend this place! :)

Excellent coffee. Excellent pastry- croissant was our favorite. So was danish oastry, Wonderful sunny spot on the side to enjoy your breakfast.

A Must stop in Vermont. Love the Maple Latte and Broccoli Cheddar soup(comes with delicious roll).

Food is super delicious and super high priced. They might have some of the best tasting pastries in town, but when I'm buying for a group of 8-10 for a couple days it might not be the best choice.

Best lattes and breakfast sandwiches we have had on our road trip through Vermont! Very busy spot, limited seating inside and outside.

Super cute place in Stowe with good eats. I had the Vermonter which was good but I wish my cheese was melted more, still cold on the inside. My husband got the smokehouse which was cooked great and tasted amazing. Almost stole his! Maple latte was a good addition.

A+++ Service! Shout out to Cal! On 9/20 my husband spilled his drink on the table and floor. When I notified an employee (Cal), he quickly wiped up the table and asked if he could get a replacement drink for my husband! After bringing back a full drink, Cal got a mop and cleaned the floor! Two of the other employees that day were very nice as well. Large table space. They also have sell nice gifts and cards.

Love BlackCap Coffee in Stowe! The coffee is terrific (and I'm extremely picky!) and the maple croissant, made from scratch on the premises is out of this world. You've got to try it. The atmosphere is very warm and cozy. There was a line out the door to get in but it moved it very quickly. We'll be back (a lot) during our visit to Stowe.

All this goodness should be unlawful. I live 3 hours away and am seriously considering moving closer just for their maple croissants.

Best breakfast I had all vacation!! I ordered the baker's special which was a puff pastry filled with maple sausage, peppers, onions, and mozzarella. It was divine!!!