When driving through Wakefield, many pass by this tiny establishment without even realizing what it is. The small, white, window framed shop is little compared to other well-known cafes. But if you take the time to swing by, you will be pleasantly surprised when walking through the doors. This local gem is the perfect place to sit down, relax, read a book off of their shelf, sip a simply made smoothie, and view the street from either the patio or outdoor seating area.
Upon first glance, the tiny frame of Cafbar sparks little interest in student's looking for something to snack on. But when hungry Rhode Islanders step closer, the adorable, vintage-like charm of the cafe springs to life. When walking in through the sunlit patio, it is obvious that this location has heartfelt work put into it for the comfort of the customers. Heated by the sun's rays shining through the windows, the tiny patio is a perfect place to grab a smoothie, sit, relax, or do homework. It is a nice change to being inside darker spaces with artificial lighting, as the natural lighting manages to make the room seem larger and much more fresh and clean.
A few steps into the patio, customers walk through another entrance into the main shop where wooden decoration and rustic style takes over. Still small, this room has a cute chalkboard with a drinks list, as well as an area to flip through menus, grab utensils, read local flyers, and possibly buy local stickers. Next to the vast salad bar and coffee machines is a adorable book shelf with reads for anyone wanting a break from their phone.
Not only are there options for homemade meals, drinks, salads, and smoothies, but there is a variety of freshly baked goods, as well as a fridge with local drinks, kombucha, and chia seed puddings, all available to buy. When customers are done with their food and drink, there is an area to place dirty dishes as well as a charming red barrel/trashcan for waste.
When Hannah and I came to this cafe, we were both pleasantly surprised by how vintage and adorable the inside was. Upon walking in, we immediately were able to site the smoothie menu on a large chalkboard overhanging the amazing looking salad bar. Cafbar makes everything ordered in a space where you can see the preparation, so it means you are able to make sure everything runs smoothly while waiting. An extremely peppy and kind young woman took our orders and was perfectly fine with substitutions for dairy and specific fruits and vegetable add ons/take outs. Both smoothies ordered were 7 dollars without tax due to the clean ingredients.
Hannah ordered a strawberry banana smoothie (not a special), while I ordered the golden milkshake. All of the smoothies made included fresh, whole fruits/vegetables and were pretty minimalist in terms of ingredients. This was seen in the taste when we tried them. In the strawberry and banana smoothie (fresh strawberry, banana, Greek yogurt, milk) the taste of banana was prevalent, while the golden milkshake (banana, vanilla, turmeric, cinnamon, nut milk) tasted strongly of turmeric. Those who enjoy strong flavors and a lighter smoothies would enjoy this location!
The smoothies were not the only things available to purchase at this cafe, and based on the strong coffee smells and appealing variety of options at the salad bar, it is safe to say that this cafe has much more to offer. Fresh fruits and vegetables by far better than what most high school students eat, so trying out the salad bowls or avocado toasts would be a smart try.
With upbeat music and an extremely kind and fun staff, Cafbar can be considered one of the best in terms of atmosphere. Not only this, but Cafbar is located minutes away from the high school so that students can walk, bike, drive, or get rides with little to no problem. The shop is open from 7 am to 5 pm, and therefore can accommodate students for long periods of time.
With multiple options for healthy snacks and meals, Cafbar is a must visit for students. They can swing by before school for a quick smoothie, juice, or tea to start the day, or come in after for a snack before practice, meal before a big game, smoothie for a smart option, or honestly anything to sit and do homework with!
-Ella Z