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FALL RIVER — When it comes to local coffee hot spots, one Spindle City destination is giving folks a “latte” to talk about.
For good coffee, good food, and good vibes, follow your nose to Choco-Latte Cafe, a downtown fixture serving up all three — and then some — and earning it a top spot in The Herald News’ recent online reader poll.
Your votes for favorite Fall River-area coffee shop poured in, and in the end the 40 Sixth St. cafe topped off the must-try list at No. 1.
Choco-Latte Cafe — formerly known as the Sixth Street Cafe before new ownership dubbed it Choco-Latte about a decade ago — is a “hidden gem” that’s brewing something special for javaphiles and coffee connoisseurs, or those simply looking to take five from the daily grind.
“We have a very unique relationship with our customers. People call it the ‘Cheers’ of Fall River,” said Jose Rosas, who co-owns the cafe with wife Catherine.
The Fall River couple took the reins at Choco-Latte a year and a half ago. Jose Rosas, who also owns a construction company, had been eyeing the purchase of another local restaurant at the time, when he spotted the cafe space.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and the opportunity was there, so I grabbed it,” said Rosas.
Rosas noted his love of hosting and getting the community together, which is a cornerstone of his cafe business.
So upon learning that Choco-Latte earned high praise from that community, Rosas said “it’s the best compliment I could have.”
Among the ingredients that make Choco-Latte a standout coffee shop are its array of tasty fare and cozy, sit-and-stay awhile atmosphere.
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When it comes to the menu, one particular beverage takes top billing — their signature drink dubbed the Choco-Latte (iced espresso mixed with chocolate sauce, cinnamon and milk topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle).
“It’s like a dessert,” he said. That and their variety of cold brews are Choco-Latte’s biggest hits on the beverage side.
Other specialty drinks include the S’More Please, Peanut Butter Cup Frenzy and Mocha Mint Mania. And they’ve got your caffeine fix covered with an array of hot and iced coffee, espresso, lattes and cappuccinos, teas and more.
Hungry for more than a quick pick-me-up? There’s a full menu of delicious breakfast and lunch offerings.
At Choco-Latte breakfast is served all day, with specials typically offered Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays. Popular picks include the breakfast burrito, breakfast quesadilla, and bacon, egg and cheese hot honey sandwich.
Their lunch menu features soups and salads, as well as a large selection of sandwiches. The Cuban is a top seller, as well as their Reuben and pot roast grilled cheese.
And don’t forget to check out their sweet treats — from malassadas to pasteis de nata, muffins, cookies and cheesecake squares — courtesy of Rosas’ wife Catherine, who does all the baking for the cafe.
According to Rosas, their beverage menu will soon be expanding, as they await approval of a wine and beer license expected within the month.
Future plans also include the addition of Sunday brunches.
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While crave-worthy food is their main focus, ambiance and atmosphere also play a role in building Choco-Latte’s customer base.
With a modern but homey new look, tables, a couch, window seating, a faux-fireplace filled with candles, shelves filled with books to peruse as you sip, Rosas said they aimed to create “a quaint, cozy little spot to hang out, have some good conversation, listen to music.”
Choco-Latte hosts book socials every few months, drawing both new and familiar faces, and have a following of regulars that keeps growing everyday, including many area businesses who pop in.
“It’s a good little community we have,” Rosas said.
Choco-Latte Cafe is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; closed Sundays. Extended hours are expected with the approval of the wine and beer license.
From a field of 14 local java houses, Choco-Latte Cafe garnered 38% of readers’ votes, earning its place at No. 1 in Herald News’ best coffee shop poll. Following close behind in second is a killer pick – Miss Lizzie’s Coffee at 242 Second St. with 23% of the total votes. In third was New Boston Bakery, 279 New Boston Road; fourth place went to Coastal Roasters, 1791 Main Road, Tiverton, and Pink Bean Coffee, 202 Slades Ferry Ave., Somerset, took fifth spot.
