Nestled in the heart of Middlebury, VT, Royal Oak Coffee stands as a beacon for coffee enthusiasts seeking not only expertly crafted beverages but a genuinely inviting atmosphere. This cozy coffee shop at 30 Seymour St delivers a thoughtfully curated selection of drinks that delight the senses — from the rich, velvety Flat White and well-balanced Espresso to the frothy, comforting Cappuccino. For those craving something a touch more inventive, their Spanish Latte is a must-try, perfectly complemented by a Blueberry Crisp for a harmonious sweet-and-savory pairing. The Iced Coffee offers a crisp refreshment on warmer days, while the Vegan Pop Tart is a testament to their commitment to inclusive, quality bites crafted by local bakers.
What truly sets Royal Oak Coffee apart is the heartfelt passion radiating from the owners and staff, whose warmth and genuine care have clearly forged a close-knit community hub. Elisabeth Waller’s praise highlights not just the outstanding quality of coffee — “some of the best in the state” — but also the exceptional environment made all the more comforting by vegan and gluten-free options that don’t compromise on flavor. Jimmy Lehman’s appreciation for the staff’s friendly approach and attention to detail captures the essence of what makes this small space so perfectly suited as a neighborhood retreat, whether you’re savoring vinyl tunes at the counter or grabbing a cup to fuel your downtown adventures.
From Tyler Day’s enthusiastic endorsement of the cardamom vanilla and brown sugar spice lattes to Harry McEnerny V’s heartfelt affirmation of Royal Oak’s authenticity and elevated coffee experience, customer voices consistently echo a profound connection to this unpretentious yet inspired shop. Even the minor critique offered by What Typeofmonster — noting the lack of caffeine-free options — underscores the shop’s rich variety and the visual appeal of their decadent hot chocolate and mocha, painting a vivid picture of indulgence.
Walking into Royal Oak Coffee, you don’t just get a caffeine fix; you step into a space that feels like an extension of your own living room — warm, genuine, and brimming with passionate people who truly care about every cup they pour. This is more than a coffee shop; it’s a destination where quality, community, and creativity converge to create an experience that nourishes both body and soul.
Some of the best coffee in the state and by far the most comfortable environment to enjoy it in. Vegan and GF bites from a local baker are all superb. The owners are genuinely open and friendly people with a real passion for what they do.
Plenty of coffee options with a bit of a twist, but more importantly, just done well. The staff is very friendly and thorough with your order. The place is small but fits perfectly as a coffee house worth your visit. Sit inside at the counter and enjoy their vinyl tunes or take your order downtown to explore, either way, you'll be satisfied.
Both the cardamom vanilla latte and the brown sugar spice latte were fantastic. Highly recommend stopping by for a well made and extremely tasty coffee.
Crowded location that doesn’t really make me want to sit down and enjoy. Their selection is varied and delicious. My only complaint is the lack of caffeine-free drinks and their hot chocolate and mocha is gorgeous.
I honestly do not believe you can find a more genuine place filled with great people and even better coffee. It’s a different level and we all know it.
This local independently owned coffee shop is a new favorite of mine. Their mocha is one of the best I've had, and I loved how the coffee art stayed & didn't disappear too quickly like many designs can. Their service is always quick & friendly, making the price worth it.
Best coffee, really attentive to details. Great quality for a good price!! We are a fan.