GREAT TASTES

The Poughkeepsie Grind sets eye on coffee lovers

Geoffrey Wilson

Poughkeepsie Journal

Patrick McGuire sits inside his soon to open coffee shop, Poughkeepsie Grind in the City of Poughkeepsie on Thursday.

The weary eye of Pat McGuire's "coffee Illuminati" logo hangs over the City of Poughkeepsie's Main Street.

The Queen City will soon boast a new option for those hoping to wake up with a cup of joe — The Poughkeepsie Grind.

The Poughkeepsie Grind boasts an artistic vibe, with pieces by Shepard Fairey adorning the walls of the 15-seat coffee shop. It's located at 107 Main St., the former site of Soul Dog.

"I'd say it's a blend of modern and homegrown," said McGuire, owner of the coffee shop. "I'm a do-it-yourself guy, and I love to build stuff. It's my temple, almost."

The coffee shop is planning a soft opening in the coming weeks before opening on Memorial Day weekend.

The facade of The Poughkeepsie Grind on Main Street in the City of Poughkeepsie on Thursday.

The Poughkeepsie Grind was designed with a mixed crowd in mind, McGuire said. The menu offers both basic coffee options for those looking for a pick-me-up and more fanciful drinks, such as the caramel macchiato or the white chocolate mocha.

"I think we struck a good balance of regularly available coffees," McGuire said.

Coffee will be sourced locally from North River Roasters in Poughkeepsie.

Patrick McGuire preparers a cappuccino at the Poughkeepsie Grind on Main Street in the City of Poughkeepsie on Thursday. McGuire plans to open his new coffee shop over Memorial Day weekend.

More than just coffee, The Poughkeepsie Grind also offers a breakfast and lunch menu, including basic breakfast sandwiches and a variety of specialty waffles.

"The other day we tried our bacon waffle, which was amazing, and we're also planning to do a chai waffle," McGuire said.

Opening in the City of Poughkeepsie, McGuire said Main Street has seen growth in the variety of dining options, from cheap eats to high-end, reasonably priced restaurants. It's the revitalization of the area that drew McGuire to open in Poughkeepsie.

"This block is really rounding itself out," McGuire said.

Patrick McGuire outside his soon to open coffee shop, Poughkeepsie Grind in the City of Poughkeepsie on Thursday.

McGuire envisions the coffee shop as a hangout for people looking to grab a drink while doing work as well as customers specifically seeking out a casual dining experience.

Geoffrey Wilson: gwilson@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4882, Twitter: Geoff_LW