The Epicurean

This is a special place. The offerings are of excellent quality and the owner and her staff are attentive and caring way above and beyond what one normally expects from a neighborhood convenience store. Coffees and teas, baked goods from Balthazar; tasty sandwiches and salads made on the premises; fine cheeses, meats, and pastas; irresistible cheese balls and protein bars. A central location in the hamlet where you can sit with your laptop sipping a latte and observing the local four-leggeds with their humans either cozy warm by the window or, come springtime in the outside seating nook.

Perfect spot to have a coffee and wait for the train. I had the most delicious turkey and cheese croissant and cappuccino. Such a wonderful selection of speciality grocery items: preserves, pesto, olive oil, cheeses, etc.

It's a cute shop and I love that they serve Harney & Sons teas -- but the tea they gave me had a coffee taste, as though they used a coffee pot for the water :( Really ruins the taste. I'd love if they fixed this so I could count on a nice cup of tea to take on my travels. IMO you'll always get the coffee taste in your tea water unless you use a totally coffee-free process.

First time I went there was a few months ago, I didn't see a mocha being offered but asked if they could make it anyway. The girl was super nice but wasn't even sure what a mocha was, so I explained to her and she managed to make one for me. It was the worst mocha I've ever tried but this is not what this review is about as they didn't offer it to begin with so I just let it slide. No biggie, not her fault. However, today I went there for the second time and ordered a espresso. What I received was a small paper cup filled to the top (NOT A ESPRESSO SHOT) with extremely hot coffee and a disgusting burnt flavor. Had to throw it away.

I love this little deli. Everything from delicious coffee to locally sourced high quality meat and dairy products. Soup and sandwiches, honey and maple syrup. If you are taking the train or have some extra time to kill while in Rhinebeck, make the trip into this cute deli