Cafe at Phoenix



The Cafe at Phoenix

Did You Know...?
The Cafe at Phoenix welcomes group reservations.  Find out More.

Phoenix Books
at the Essex Shoppes & Cinema
21 Essex Way, #407
Essex, VT 05452
802.872.7111

Extended Store Hours:
(through December 23rd!) 
Mon-Fri 9 am-7 pm
Sat 10 am-7 pm
Sun 11 am-5 pm


An Authentic Espresso and Wine Bar

With a winter chill in the air, all those hot, comforting beverages and foods you missed over the summer are back on the menu.  So whether you're craving a latte in one of our seasonal flavors (like Gingerbread or Peppermint Mocha), hot chocolate, or hot, local apple cider, we've got a custom-crafted beverage to satisfy your thirst.  Soups are also back on the menu, so stop in for a cozy cup today.  And remember, we're open bright and early Monday through Friday, so you can start your day with a fortifying coffee, tea, or mocha from the Cafe at Phoenix.

Our frothy cappuccinos, hot lattes, and rich mochas are available traditionally or with a wide array of flavor options. These beverages - as well as our creamy, dreamy hot chocolate and our warming, aromatic chai - are made to order with real Vermont milk from Sweet Clover Market.  Find out more about the local businesses we support by clicking here.

Need time to slow down for a while? Sit a spell and linger over a personal tea-for-one pot. Or meet a friend for a relaxing glass of wine or beer; we often update our choices, so ask to look at a wine list when you stop by! Whatever you choose, don't forget to take a deep breath, a long sip, and enjoy.

Savory Eats

Sandwiches: Toasted for melty-hot deliciousness!
  • The Plump & Perky Turkey: Oven roasted turkey, Cabot sharp cheddar, tart cranberry spread, baked sweet potatoes, and lettuce. Oh yes, you must!
  • That's Some Pig: Tender ham, baby Swiss, mayo, raspberry-honey Dijon, crisp lettuce, and juicy red tomatoes.
  • The Veggie Monster: Fresh avocado, juicy red tomatoes, lettuce, sweet onion, melted provolone, with a thin layer of cream cheese. Eat well, feel better!

Crockpot Selections: Vary weekly and include a wide variety of flavorful soups & chili's.

Sweet Treats

  • A warm, rich, chocolate brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with Ghirardelli chocolate sauce. Just do it, you know you want to!

Also, a daily selection of baked goods, baked right here!

  • Scones: Cranberry-Orange with citrus glaze, Traditional (plain) with almond glaze, Raspberry with peach melba glaze.
  • Cookies: Buttery cinnamon oatmeal-raisin, old fashioned chocolate chip, double chocolate (chocolate cookie w/ white choc chips), and a variety of beautiful sugar cookies!

Keep an eye out for these cooked-from-scratch goodies made by one of our very own booksellers:

  • Lemon bars, Vermont granola bars, and morning glory muffins.
  • Cupcakes that we like to refer to as "buttercream frosting delivery devices." Fresh out of The King Arthur Flour Baker's Companion, these cupcakes are slightly oversized so you can share - but not so large you'd feel guilty keeping one all to yourself. 

Cold Drinks
(Custom-crafted blended bevvies, with local milk.)

  • Espresso Frappes:  Made with real espresso and available caf or decaf, traditional or with a shot of flavor.
  • Mocha Frappe with Ghirardelli Chocolate
  • Milkshakes (Vanilla, Chocolate, Blackberry, Strawberry or Maple)
  • Smoothies (Strawberry or Mango):  Loaded with real fruit, our smoothies are delicious, refreshing, freezing, and fantastic!

Hot Beverages
(available with flavor shot(s), whipped cream, &/or on ice)

  • Coffee (Light, Dark, or Decaf)
  • Crema Coffee (Espresso Roast)
  • Latte (steamed milk & espresso)
  • Cappuccino  (foamed milk & espresso)
  • Mocha (a latte with Ghirardelli chocolate)
  • Espresso (single or double)
  • Chai (sweet spiced tea in steamed milk)
  • Tea to Go or Tea for One Service (black, green, and herbal  Republic of Tea blends available)
(Food/beverage selection subject to change.)