The Cup & Leaf

1 Market Pl UNIT 25, Essex Junction, VT 05452, United States
$$$ Cafe
(29 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Welcome to The Cup & Leaf, a delightful café where every visit feels like a warm embrace. Nestled in the heart of Essex Junction, VT, this charming coffee shop is a treasure trove for both locals and visitors seeking a unique coffee experience. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an atmosphere that hums with good vibes and jazzy melodies, making it the perfect spot to unwind or spark creativity.

The Cup & Leaf truly shines in its offerings, presenting a menu rich with flavor and creative combinations. Customers rave about the distinctively flavored lattes that tantalize the taste buds — who could resist the allure of a cocoa made with rich orange ganache or an espresso infused with zesty lime? And let’s not forget the popular Valencia, which artfully balances sweetness and boldness. The bakery selection is equally impressive, with highlights like the standout carrot muffin and lovingly crafted pastries. Each bite is a testament to the owner’s commitment to quality and creativity.

Customer experiences echo the delightful essence of The Cup & Leaf. One patron, Bronwen Cobden, expressed her enthusiasm for the non-chain vibe, celebrating the delicious coffee and baked goods. She felt a sense of joy knowing there was a local spot dedicated to unique flavored lattes. Another reviewer, Marcus Wilson, described the café as a transformative experience, where the staff's warmth made him feel right at home long before the first sip of coffee. This genuine connection is palpable; it's clear that the owner pours heart and soul into every cup, creating a perfect blend of community and craft.

For those seeking a cozy retreat, The Cup & Leaf offers more than just coffee; it provides a sanctuary from the daily grind. While some customers noted that the lighting is on the dim side for remote work, the uplifting atmosphere and friendly staff more than make up for it. Regular visitor Hannah Smith shares her joy in discovering expertly crafted specialty drinks — it seems each visit brings something new and delightful to savor.

In a world of chain coffee shops, The Cup & Leaf stands as a beacon of creativity and personal touch. Whether you’re grabbing a cup to go or settling in to enjoy the ambiance, you’ll leave with a smile and perhaps a sweet treat in hand. So come, embrace the warmth of The Cup & Leaf — where every sip tells a story and every flavor is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Dessert
Amenities
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Crowd
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
29 Reviews
Bronwen Cobden

24 Sep 2025

I stopped in for the soft open and was not disappointed! The coffee, baked goods, and hot chocolate are all delicious. I'm absolutely delighted to have a local, non-chain coffee shop in the area where I can get fun, creative flavored lattes.

marcus wilson

16 Sep 2025

Blown away! As coffee connoisseurs we have grown accustomed to the mediocre offerings available in the area as gap fillers.. This all changed when we made the decision to visit The Cup & Leaf…and this was even before our first sip! The warmth of the atmosphere and sheer knowledge of the staff made us feel as though we were friends from another dimension!! The coffee and baked goods are out of this world. I cannot say enough about this place and space, phenomenal!!!!

Ryan Merton

02 Sep 2025

This little gem is run by a gentle perfectionist, and this is reflected in the quality of the beverages, baked goods, and bags of coffee/tea available for purchase. Lattes are gently sweet and well balanced. You can get a cocoa made with orange ganache, or an espresso with lime. For the best of both, try the Valencia. The place has an upbeat, jazzy vibe, and stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Hannah Smith

05 Aug 2025

I work close by and I stop by at least once a week to treat myself, I love the variety of specialty drinks offered and have loved everything I’ve tried so far. Delicious beverages and pastries and the friendliest staff at any coffee shop I’ve ever been to. You can really feel the love that the owner puts into this place and his craft. I recommend The Cup and Leaf to anyone and everyone who will listen!

Mercy G

24 Jul 2025

Carrot muffin was outstanding, tried 2 specialty coffee's and both were fantastic. Bought homemade pop tart that they sell from another local bakery which was delicious. Drawbacks: lighting very dim so not great for working remotely, really wanted to try their breakfast foods and kitchen was closed but nothing posted on website which was disappointing after I drove 30" just to try them out.

M. Kaseweter

19 Jul 2025

sophisticated and global. gentle and intentional. expertly balanced flavors... you don't experience one flavor and then the other; they're married and intertwined. nothing here tastes like sugar; it tastes like cacao or orange or raspberry or chipotle or whatever the predominant flavor is. the owner is clearly committed to excellence and is always on a journey toward perfection, constantly experimenting and tweaking. heck, there is an appliance specifically devoted to keeping the ganache the correct temp/consistency at all times so the cocoas/coffees are executed as intended. all of this feedback also applies to the baked goods from Feral Gnome. anise cookies? classy. scone? fluffy and fruity, not dry crumbles. staff and atmosphere are approachable and casual. you will feel welcome and acknowledged here.

Laura Kawecki

15 Jul 2025

I had the garden hash: sweet potato hash, 2 fried eggs, and a house sauce and I think there was a nice addition of black beans in it as well. I enjoyed a small pot of earl grey and it was equally delish. It's a cozy little spot that I would go to again.

Karen Cole

13 Jun 2025

I have enjoyed the atmosphere and coffee so far during my visits. I love that they showcase local artists with a community supporting community vibe! You should go check it out!

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