Just when you think you have the inside track on all the terrific places in Little Compton, someone throws a curve ball.

I say this because a friend of mine (we used to see one another in person for coffee or lunch once in a while before the pandemic) and her husband recently checked in from this great looking little place called The Art Cafe and I just knew I had to do some digging.

And unpack details here on the blog.

Open since approximately 2012, The Art Cafe is not fancy schmancy. It is a quirky roadside spot, located on the Town Commons, with plenty of character. Yes, the locals adore it and they also want very much to keep it on the down low because they don’t want it being overrun by out of towners and lookie-loos.

First of all, let’s talk about their fire pit. It doesn’t get more Rhody rustic and authentic than a real live (open) fire in a ginormous concrete bin. Stained glass, twinkle lights and local art on the walls of the adjacent gallery space only add to the homey (down home?) allure.

Regulars rave about their iced coffee (I don’t know who would be drinking anything on ice right now with the deep freeze but whatevs ), tea, and coffee. They also usually have a small, curated selection of snacks and baked goods on hand.

It’s an ideal stop if you’re out for a morning spin in the next day or two and need a hot drink to warm you up during this wretched cold snap. Also, keep it on your radar for this spring and summer when you can sit outside without shivering and take snaps for IG til your heart’s content.

*The Art Cafe is located at 7 South of Commons Road in Little Compton.