New restaurants, coffee shops and juice bars add to city’s many options - by Frank Picozzi

Along with beautiful beaches and parks, Warwick is known for our myriad of dining options, from American fare, to classic Italian entrees, local seafood, mouthwatering breakfast and lunches, delicious pizza, and all culinary points in between. In recent weeks, more restaurants have found a home in Warwick.

Coffee connoisseurs who also enjoy a sweet treat will want to stop by Café Namaste. The cozy shop in quaint Conimicut Village offers delicious coffees, freshly-made bagels and baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and more. The husband-and-wife owners take great pride in their made-from-scratch offerings. Stop in for a bite, or grab something to go for a picnic at scenic Conimicut Point Park.

At Red White & Brew Coffeehouse, the family-owned shop serves up more than specialty coffee, employing people with developmental disabilities and encouraging community engagement. Their coffee is roasted in New Hampshire, and their menu also includes muffins, pastries, calzones, and more. Customers are also enjoying browsing The Budding Violet, a unique gift shop filled with items from local artists that’s located inside the coffeehouse.

Rhode Island-based T’s Vault Smoothie & Juice Bar in the Warwick Mall opened with a mission of offering fresh, nutritious, made-to-order homemade juices, smoothies, bowls, and more that taste just as good as they make you feel.

Those keen on Asian cuisine will want to be sure to check out Little Thai Corner and experience the liveliness of their exhibition kitchen. Gopchang Story is another new arrival, offering Korean BBQ in a variety of dishes just a stone’s throw from RI T.F. Green International Airport.

Chef’s Oakland Beach Diner is owned by a JWU culinary school graduate who long dreamed of his own diner. Serving traditional fare at affordable prices, it’s the perfect place to enjoy an excellently-prepared bite before heading out for a day at the seawall. Or pop in on your way home from the beach for dinner and a cold drink!

Antojitos Taqueria, a family-owned, authentic Mexican restaurant, prides itself on a menu that is freshly prepared in-house. They have a full liquor license and offer a kids’ menu as well as catering options.

After a busy summer day exploring Warwick, what’s better than topping off the day with a cold, refreshing treat? The Daily Grind is an ice cream shop also offering a variety of coffees, lattes, chai, cider, tea and lemonade, along with specialty beverages and 28 drink flavors. Stop by and cool off with a cone, sundae, shake, or another ice cream specialty!

Or, if nightlife is more your style, plan a visit to The Social House, an upscale tapas and cocktail lounge in the heart of Apponaug Village. Offering an intimate atmosphere, playful drinks, opulent details, and a share plate menu, The Social House is fast becoming a go-to place in Warwick’s culinary landscape.

With these new restaurants, along with nearly 200 more dining options around town, one thing’s for sure – whatever you’re craving, you’re sure to find something here in Warwick to make your taste buds sing!

Frank Picozzi is the mayor of the city of Warwick, R.I.