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

Was looking for a quick coffee stop after walking around town. There weren’t many options nearby, so we ended up here, which was conveniently right across from the parking lot. The place was packed when we came in around 1 p.m. Not sure what was going on, but they were closing early that day. After about a 20-minute wait, we got their signature maple latte, maple lemonade, and a maple cream cone. To be honest, the drinks were pretty underwhelming. The maple latte tasted like a regular latte, and the lemonade barely hinted at maple. Just an extra touch of sweetness buried under all the lemon. I tried to convince myself I could taste it, but no. The maple cream cone, though, was good. Strong aroma, clear maple flavor, and exactly what I was looking for at a coffee shop in Vermont.

Every time I’m visiting Vermont, I stop by a Black Cap cafe for a maple latte and maple croissant! I stopped by the Stowe location last week and noticed they’d updated the porch. Highly recommend on your trip if you need a place to work or a breakfast/lunch. Such a cute spot with a view of the Stowe’s famous church steeple. Love supporting local!!!

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!

I love this place! It’s so Vermont-y. It’s great to go to and support a local shop that has terrific coffee and pastries to die for. Wished I could have sat on the great front porch to drink my latte but it was too cold today. Loved the cozy interior though!

As a Stowe local, Black Cap Coffee is one of my go-to spots. Their cappuccino is consistently excellent, and they truly make the best handmade pastries in town. All of the pastries are made in-house at their Waterbury location, and it shows in both the quality and flavor. The space is cozy and charming, with a view of Stowe’s iconic white church, making it the perfect place to settle in. It’s also a favorite spot to meet friends, catch up, and enjoy really good coffee in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. A true Stowe staple. ☕️🥐

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.

Carrot cake was sensational. Top tier. Also the maple syrup coffee was nice, although I would probably opt for a normal latte in future. Service was great and friendly on 11.08.2025 at 2pm.

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.

I will start by saying this has been one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. We had the Vermonter. I wasn't too excited about it at first because I don't like fruits in my sandwiches, but the apples in this sandwich blended in so perfectly. We ordered two lattes. One was iced and the other was hot and both had the maple syrup flavor. I wasn't a big fan of how the coffee tasted, but it could have been the flavor I got. I did go to Stowe the first week of October, which might explain why so many people were inside the coffee shop, and why we had to wait 45 mins for two coffees and a sandwich. It was $36 for the three things ordered. I did think it was pricey, but the sandwich was worth it. The inside is pretty spacious with lots of seating and there's also seating outside. It's located right across the Stowe community church and it's surrounded by cute shops. The staff was friendly and tried their best to accommodate the large crowd and worked as fast as possible. If I am ever in Stowe again, I would come back here!

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.

The hot chocolate was good. I had asked for only marshmallows and no whipped cream but I got it anyway-tasty though. The sandwich was meh. It supposed to be warm but only the bread was toasted. The turkey and ham were cold. It wasn't bad just not what I was expecting. Tables weren't really clean. Signs on doors talking about what employees had gone on strike-weird. Place could be much better-needs fixed up and a bit of a cozier vibe for a coffee spot.

Delicious maple latte! Charming little spot in the center of town. Would I say it's as standout as The Roastery nearby? Not totally, but it's such a good fix in the morning when you want something convenient. Homemade baked goods made each day, and their maple bun is really good, especially when they warm it up.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

Place is pretty pricey so don't be surprised when you walk in. However that's not even the issue. It might be the SLOWEST business in the world. They appear to move backwards at times. If you just want to walk in and grab coffee and there is anyone else there be prepared to wait quite a while

The folks at the shop are the most humble people I have met. So helpful and kind. Being a vegan, I tried the coffee cake, it was good! The view of the mountains was amazing too.

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.

Ambiance is really cute, great menu, service was subpar, drinks tasted water down and it was overpriced. $31 for 2 coffees and a pastry.

Been here twice and it is truly astonishing how slowly this place moves. They can have a line of 8 people and it will legitimately take 20+ minutes to even get to the front to order (ignore then how long it takes to get your food / coffee). They need to add someone behind the counter or teach their staff how to move more efficiently. That said, the food and coffee is very good (maple croissant especially).

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.

The cashier wasn't friendly to start. I wanted a small iced latte but they only had one large size available which was a ridiculous price so I opted for the small black coffee which wasn't great. I also got a trail mix bar that wasn't priced, dated or list ingredients but I was starving so got it. It ended up being over $7 which is ridiculous considering its packaging. When I opened it, it all fell apart in the car so it was hardly edible.

The blueberry cheese danish was the best thing we had here. The breakfast burrito was not good, neither was the latte. The latte milk was foamy like a cappuccino not like a latte and the espresso was weak and not tasty, and I could not taste the maple syrup at all.

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.

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.

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.

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

Quick service, decent prices. Hubby had the strawberry cheese Danish and he devoured it. Cute coffee shop appeal, free wifi.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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!

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

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