White Electric711 Westminster St., Providence (click for map)(401) 453-3007Open 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. weekdays. Weekend hours vary.
I am tired of commercialized coffeehouses where a cup o' Joe is half my weekly budget. And getting a sandwich to go along with it? Forget it. Refusing to give in to the close proximity of the coffee empires, I spent some time hunting around Rhode Island in search of an appropriately quirky coffee dive in which to satisfy my caffeine cravings and muffin munchies. At last, I have found my saving grace in White Electric Coffee, an eclectic, joyful coffee-shop and café located on Westminster Street downtown.
Walking into the simple cafe, I am immediately hit with the mouth-watering fragrance of fresh coffee. The aroma makes it hard for me to choose between White Electric's drink offerings of various teas, lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and fruit smoothies.
Upon tasting my first White Electric mocha, served just the way I like it (frothy, chocolatey and with a whiff of some mysterious spice - cinnamon, perhaps), I can't help but want to order two or three more.
Instead, I can satisfy myself with one of Electric's yummy ham and cheese sandwiches and nibbles from one of my friend's pumpkin muffin. Other menu item favorites include hummus wraps, croissants, oatmeal and cheese and pesto sandwiches.
To be honest, my favorite part of White Electric Coffee is its cash register. Resembling the old-fashioned cash registers of the 1920s, I think it perfectly complements the laid-back ambience of this caffeine-lover's hidden treasure. Be forewarned, the antique register also means that the cafe does not accept credit cards, so come prepared with cash in hand. Also, don't forget to bring your spare change to play a game or two of pinball in the back corner after your meal.
For those who are looking for more than just a quick caffeine fix, the coffeehouse is a great place to bring your textbooks and computer or to play a game of Scrabble with friends - the available games and novels are just another part of White Electric's charm. The music is not distracting for work or conversation, varying between rock and more indie tunes.
On weekends, the coffeehouse brings in local performers to add some musical flavor to your drink. Also, White Electric has gone green with its use of biodegradable to-go cups and a plethora of plants from every angle of the cafe.
So next time you're thirsting for an intimate spot or a quirky venue, follow your nose to White Electric Coffee - the taste will live up to all your expectations.
