I’ll Have S’more, Please!

Concorde Espresso Bar’s travel-inspired coffee by day, espresso martinis by fireside nights are the perfect cozy escape

By Madison Bailey  »  Photos by Matt Ray

If you haven't been keeping up with the cocktail and coffee scene, you might be surprised at how much it has evolved. It’s transformed into a full-blown art form, with bartenders and baristas showcasing their creativity and craftsmanship as what we now call “mixologists.” Today, both cocktails and coffee focus on innovation and artistry.

A perfect example of this is at the Concorde Espresso Bar. Located inside the Front Street Inn, it has quickly become a favorite among coffee lovers and visitors alike. “We wanted to do something different,” says owner Jamie Alfalla. “After traveling and exploring NYC’s cocktail lounges, where every concept had its own energy and cocktails to match the space, the idea of combining coffee and cocktails here just felt like a no-brainer.”

They're mixing things up with a variety of espresso-inspired cocktails, putting unique spins on the espresso martini (their menu boasts over 20 different ones) and other classic lattes. I had a chance to visit this fall and ended up relaxing by the fire in their outdoor space while trying some of the bar's best drinks. The spot has this cool aviation vibe inspired by the Concorde jet, with walls full of memorabilia, artwork, and books that make it feel nostalgic. 

“The Front St. Inn was already being transformed into a travel-themed hotel, so it made perfect sense to choose a theme that reflected travel, and that’s how Concorde Espresso Bar was born,” Alfalla explains.

When you arrive, the host will lead you to your table or one of the cozy fire pits. They have indoor seating, but honestly, grabbing a fireside spot outside is the way to go to fully soak in the atmosphere. And with their new savory s'mores launching in November, it’s the perfect spot to warm up on chilly nights. If you prefer sitting inside, no worries — both areas have fire pits and blankets to keep you cozy. Plus, they offer dog beds and pup cups, making it a great hangout for everyone.

Once I was seated by a communal table, which had a comfy couch and a controllable fire pit, I pulled out my phone and used the bar’s online ordering service to place my order and build a tab. I started with the Espresso Martini Flight, which featured three cocktails: In Flight Snack, On Standby, and the Classic Espresso Martini. I mean, anything with espresso is perfect for fall and winter, right? In Flight Snack is a mix of Tito's Vodka and Amarula, sweetened up with a shot of espresso. It’s topped off with a cookie butter smudge, making it taste like dessert in a glass. On Standby, though, is for when you’re craving something more indulgent. It blends Tito's Vodka, chocolate liqueur, and espresso liqueur, and you can even throw in a scoop of cookie butter gelato. It’s rich, creamy, and just what you want if you love those over-the-top flavors.

If cocktails aren’t your thing, or if you're looking for a cozy non-alcoholic option, there’s a daytime menu with tons of seasonal treats such as chai, matcha, and more – but any latte you order will be delicious, thanks to the quality of their ingredients. 

“We tasted a lot of amazing espresso. We ultimately decided to go with an oak-fired roast because it brought a unique, new flavor to our espresso that we hadn't experienced before,” says Alfalla.

Then, I moved on to the fall-inspired drinks and couldn’t resist ordering the S’mores kit, which came with homemade marshmallows, a selection of rich chocolates, and graham crackers right at the table. The S'mores Martini delivered all the coziness of a campfire, crafted with chocolate liqueur, vanilla vodka, spiced honey liqueur, and oat milk, then topped with a toasted marshmallow and a graham cracker rim—definitely my favorite of the night. Next, I tried the Apple Cider Margarita, a gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free option that balanced the warmth of fall spices with a bright, tart edge. It's clearly a staff favorite at Concorde: “It could be the only drink I have for the rest of my life, it's that good,” says Alfalla. Made with tequila, lime, cinnamon, and pumpkin syrup, it had just the right amount of zing.

With cozy fire pits and seasonal offerings, Concorde Espresso Bar has become a favorite place for grabbing cocktails with friends or coffee with my furry companions. As the holiday season approaches, I can’t wait to see how it becomes even cozier. There’s something special about hanging out by the fire, sipping a tasty drink, and finding a way to enjoy the winter weather.