NEW BEDFORD — Dunkin’ recently released a new coffee blend called Dunkalatte, which mixes their signature espresso with Rhode Island’s beloved coffee creamer. While this version has a creamy, latte-like texture, several New Bedford-area cafes are already offering their own unique takes on the espresso-and-creamer combo.
Clearly, Dunkin’ is late to the game here.
The Northeast
The Nor’Eastah, a coffee drink invented by New Bedford firefighter Brian Gallant, has a rich, irresistible flavor reminiscent of coffee ice cream, according to an earlier article in the Standard-Times. Gallant runs his business primarily by fulfilling orders for his signature half-gallon and 16-ounce bottles of the Nor’Eastah, personally delivering them to customers.
The popular 16-ounce bottles can also be found at The Rescue Cafe in Fairhaven, located at 414 Main St. Gallant uses the cafe’s commercial kitchen to make both the regular dairy and oat milk versions of Nor’Eastah.
Chippi
Mirasol’s, with locations in Dartmouth, New Bedford and now Fairhaven, is home to the famous Chippi drink. This revitalizing iced coffee is like sipping on a creamy, melted coffee popsicle. And don’t let the sweetness fool you — it packs a serious punch of caffeine.
More: Mirasol’s Cafe is opening in Fairhaven. Here’s what to expect from the new spot.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Chippi Lite, made with skimmed milk and Splenda. And even kids can enjoy the taste with Chippi Jr., a caffeine-free version made just for them.
The local buzz
The Local Buzz, located in The Nook at 58 Washington St, Fairhaven, is a coffee lover’s paradise. This heavenly beverage, according to their website, has delicious notes of honey, maple, vanilla and an abundance of coffee that has been the talk of the town.
According to the website, the secret behind this sensational creation is their own coffee syrup, made from a premium Costa Rican blonde roast. By seamlessly blending flavors, each sip of this delicious treat, whether hot or iced, offers a unique and indulgent experience for your taste buds. After three months of perfecting their recipe, The Local Buzz is the epitome of a dessert coffee with its perfect balance of sweetness and richness, accompanied by a bold caffeine kick.
Elevator
In addition to its many coffee drinks and food options baked in-house, Ground Floor Coffee also has an espresso drink with coffee creamer called Elevator. Located at 61 Merrills Wharf in New Bedford, with a perfect blend of house-roasted espresso and a proprietary blend, as the name suggests, it raises the bar for traditional coffee drinks and transports the taste buds to a place where productivity and function reign supreme, according to the owner.
X-Factor
The Donut Factory, located at 7 Howland Road in Fairhaven, offers a unique iced coffee option known as the X Factor. This refreshing and energizing beverage is reminiscent of the beloved New England classic, coffee creamer, and comes in a variety of flavors, including Java, Mocha, Oreo, Vanilla, and even Strawberry Banana.
Ice Cold Coco Loco
At Tia Maria’s, the Iced Coco Loco is a refreshing drink made with their version of iced coffee, with the addition of an espresso shot for an extra caffeine kick. Tia Maria’s European Café is located in the National Historical Whaling Park, behind the Whaling Museum. Established in 2013, this Portuguese family restaurant is known for its delicious food and cozy atmosphere.
Bonus: The Jitterbug
If Warren, Rhode Island is worth the drive, Tracy’s Cream & Sugar on Main Street has a delicious selection of coffees, espresso drinks, donuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches. Tracy’s is known for their signature Jitterbug, which puts a unique spin on the classic latte by infusing it with a house-made “adult” coffee creamer. With its sweet and nostalgic flavor, this drink is sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings.
For those looking for a lighter option, the Jitterbrew offers the same great taste, but with reduced sweetness and calories due to the use of cold brew.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@st.com. Learn more about him at sethchitwood.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared in the Standard-Times: Chippi vs. Dunkalatte: New Bedford-area cafes serving coffee milk drinks
