A caffeinated drink is a must for the lengthy school days, especially with the dreary weather. This past weekend I was given the chance to stroll through town and review a handful of Portsmouth’s most popular local coffee shops. After collecting data from Portsmouth High School students through surveys and interviews, I narrowed down the selection. Below is a review of the top coffee shops in the Portsmouth area and a description of their most popular drink based on the recommendation of the workers:

The Green Room 

Location: 41 Vaughan Mall, Portsmouth, NH

Website: greenroomnh.com

Instagram: @greenroomnh

The most popular coffee at The Green Room is their Iced Coffee which comes in a variety of flavors. I tried the French Vanilla, a classic, and Coconut, my go-to. The French Vanilla was too sweet for me, but the Coconut was just right. This coffee costs $2.79, which is an affordable price compared to other coffees. It is difficult to reach on busy days downtown when there is scarce parking. However, the ambiance is welcoming and bright with plenty of natural lighting. There is plenty of seating for lunch dates or studying in the afternoon. I recommend The Green Room if you’re looking for affordable coffee and an ambiance of snug nooks, a surplus of plants, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee. 

Dunkin’

Location: 5 locations within Newington, Portsmouth, and Rye

Website: dunkindonuts.com

Instagram: @dunkin

Since 1990, the Dunkin’ on Islington Street in Portsmouth has been a comforting retreat for the historic district. The most popular item is a classic Iced Coffee and is a staple when you want your coffee fast. This iced coffee is a solid/reliable choice, nothing flashy, but it will do the job. It is also very affordable with a small costing $2.55 and an extra large only costing $3.29. This coffee is highly accessible with multiple different locations and drive-thru. It is the perfect place to go when you are in a rush and need a wake-up! Portsmouth High School runs on Dunkin’.

Starbucks

Location: 4 locations within Portsmouth, Rye, Greenland, and Newington

Website: starbucks.com

Instagram: @starbucks

The Iced Brown Sugar Oat Milk Shaken Espresso was recommended to me by PHS students. This drink was a harmonious blend of velvety oat milk infused with rich brown sugar syrup, gently shaken with a double shot of premium espresso over ice. This bold, rich, and smooth coffee stood out from the rest. It was creamy and not too sweet. However, the second smallest size costs $5.45 and that is without added flavors. This is much more expensive than the other coffees, and I don’t think it is worth the price. There are many locations and the drive-thru makes it efficient. This is also a place to get a quick coffee, but you have to be willing to spend more. I value the experience as a whole and would prefer an intimate corner to indulge in a book or small talk, while also supporting local businesses.   

Cup of Joe

Location: 31 Market Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Website: cupofjoenh.com

Instagram: @cupofjoenh

The Iced Chai Latte was the drink I purchased at Cup of Joe. This drink was perfectly sweet and the chai was not overpowering. The creamy drink served over ice is my top pick for a radiant day. Nestled in the corner, the cafe swaddled me in warmth as laughter and conversation filled the air. Stepping inside, the scent of freshly baked pastries mingled with the aroma of brewing coffee, inviting me to linger and reconnect with friends. This drink costs $3.50 which is a reasonable price for a Hot Mocha rather than just a plain drip coffee. I would recommend this if you are looking for a cozy getaway to sip on artisan coffee. 

La Mulita

Location: 15 Sagamore Rd, Rye, NH

Website: lamulitacoffee.com

Instagram: @lamulitacoffee

The most popular drink at La Mulita is the cappuccino. This is prepared by the espresso machine and prepared with steamed milk and a layer of creamy milk foam. This is a smooth coffee and the best quality out of all the places reviewed. This drink cost $3.50 which is an appropriate price. The Mule Kick (medium roast) is their special blend with sweet notes of chocolate and is their most popular bagged coffee that can be made at home. Mule Kick costs $16.50 for a bag and is the perfect investment if you’re looking to have coffee at home each morning. There is limited seating, however one of the main focuses is the roastery. La Mulita has been providing Colombian Coffee to the Seacoast since September 2019. The location makes it accessible for Rye residents on their commute to school or for Portsmouth residents as they gear up for a beach day. I would recommend La Mulita if you’re looking for a high-quality coffee or a place to buy bags to make at home. 

Aroma Joes

Location: 3 locations within Portsmouth, Greenland, and Newington

Website: aromajoes.com

Instagram: @aromajoescoffee

The most popular drink at Aroma Joes is their traditional drip coffee which costs $3.25. The most popular energy drink is the Rush which comes in a variety of flavors and is a mixture of a caffeinated fizzy drink and flavor shots. The Rush costs $4.65. These prices are pretty affordable for the quality of the drinks. A Rush is the perfect alternative if you’re not into coffee, but want a boost of energy. Their drive-thrus makes it convenient for students to pick up their drinks on the way to school. There are also multiple locations for people coming from whichever town. I would recommend Aroma Joe’s if you are looking for an energy drink and have a sweet tooth.