Emerson Ave Coffee is a cozy cafe nestled in the center of South Utica. It is a laptop friendly space and offers an assortment of flavored coffee, drinks and sweet treats. For the past two Saturday mornings, I have enjoyed visiting the coffee shop to spend a few hours studying without feeling like I was overstaying my welcome.
Emerson Ave Coffee is special because it aims to foster community. Guests are encouraged to linger and converse with each other. There are shelves of well-used board games and books for all ages, and a piano for the public to use. The inside of the cafe is lively—where customers engage in long and intimate chats over coffee and take pleasure in the books on the shelf. The architecture of the shop is unique as there are four rooms that are visible upon entrance. Two upstairs sections overlook the rest of the shop. A colorful built-in den under the stairs is home to a plush grizzly bear, “Grizzles. t. Bear” and his unnamed pelican friend, bringing cozy and cheerful delights. Inside their mini room, the toys sit on wooden rocking chairs.
The cafe offers drip coffee, cold brew and espresso. You can choose from a variety of housemade syrups, including dark chocolate and lavender. Emerson Ave Coffee also serves loose leaf tea, tea lattes and hot chocolate. Their pastry and food options are slightly limited, so if you are planning to go for an extended period of time, I recommend packing a snack with you.
I have tried their matcha latte, masala chai and chocolate croissant. I would definitely recommend the matcha latte. My matcha had a beautiful flower on top that the worker insisted I photograph, and which I captured beautifully on my cellphone.
I was lucky enough to be accompanied by my dear friend, Lucy Leness ‘26, both times I have visited Emerson. When I asked her about her experience, she said, “I knew from the moment I walked through those doors that my life would never be the same. Erin and I arrived at Emerson Ave on a sunny Saturday morning, and immediately, I felt at peace. I ordered a cold brew with oat milk and honey—quite possibly the most delightful cold brew I’ve ever had in my life. The cold brew was smooth and intense without being overly bitter, and the barista put the perfect amount of honey and milk. At this point, we’ve sat on both sides of the shop—in the back corner near an old piano, and by a big picture window near the front of the shop—and anywhere you sit in their space is lovely. We plan to sit in the cozy nook at the top of the stairs the next time we get the chance to visit!”
At Emerson Ave Coffee, local produce, merchandise and artwork including prints from children’s book illustrator Phoebe Wahl are available for purchase. If you are more interested in viewing artwork, the shop features several pieces of art displayed throughout the space. Moreover, Emerson Ave Coffee is not just committed to serving great coffee but also strives to celebrate the arts. The cafe does hospitality at its finest: a blend between an art museum, social scene and eatery. Emerson Ave Coffee thus attracts a diverse group of people.
Emerson Ave Coffee is a woman-owned business, run by Becca Gleason along with the help of her husband, Neall. Their coffee shop has been serving the local Utica community since May of 2024.
If you are looking for a pleasant place to spend a quiet morning and get work done or just want to feel the warm hug of a delightful cafe, be sure to drive over to Genessee St and check
out Emerson Ave Coffee.
