Overview

Nestled in the heart of Essex Junction’s bustling Market Place, The Cup & Leaf stands out as a cafe that blends warmth, craft, and community spirit into every cup and plate. This cozy corner spot exudes a welcoming atmosphere where the love and expertise behind each specialty coffee and fresh pastry become immediately apparent.

Their menu features notable highlights that draw both casual visitors and devoted caffeine enthusiasts. The Valencia and Candy Cane Mocha offer a creative twist on classic coffee flavors, while the Matcha Latte provides a refined alternative for tea lovers. Breakfast offerings such as the French Toast, hearty Breakfast Hash, and savory Omurice showcase a thoughtful balance between comfort and innovation. Fans of sandwiches won’t be disappointed by the well-crafted Chicken Sandwich, and those seeking festive treats can indulge in the Citrus Xmas or the subtly spiced Anise Cookie. The attention to flavor profiles and quality ingredients is clear in every bite.

Patrons frequently praise the cafe for its exceptional baked goods and specialty drinks. Desserts like the carrot muffin have garnered particular acclaim, alongside unique local collaborations such as homemade pop tarts sourced from nearby bakeries, which enhance the sense of community and local craftsmanship. The cafe's friendly staff further elevates the experience, engaging customers with warmth and a genuine passion for their craft.

The physical space at The Cup & Leaf invites comfort and lingering moments but comes with nuances. The ambiance is intimate, though the dim lighting can be less ideal for remote work or extended stays requiring bright environments. Nonetheless, it suits those who come to relax, savor their meals, or connect over shared appreciation for quality food and drink.

The Cup & Leaf’s core audience encompasses locals and visitors alike, drawn by exceptional coffee, thoughtfully prepared food, and a space that feels both inviting and authentic. Whether you're after a morning boost, a quiet afternoon treat, or a flavorful breakfast, this cafe resonates as a gem of Essex Junction’s culinary scene. The blend of innovative menu options, friendly service, and a community-centric ethos ensures that The Cup & Leaf is more than just a place to eat and drink—it’s a destination that captures the essence of Vermont’s cafe culture.


Amenities & Services

Offerings
Coffee

What Customers Say

lisa fargo
Mar 29,2026
5/5
Only baked goods Monday & Tuesday. Great latte! Returned today for Breakfast Hash... deliscious & plentiful... garlic cloves abound topped w/ eggs. YUM!!!
Mercy G
Mar 29,2026
4/5
Carrot muffin was outstanding, tried 2 specialty coffee's and both were fantastic. Bought homemade pop tart that they sell from another local bakery which was delicious. Drawbacks: lighting very dim so not great for working remotely, really wanted to try their breakfast foods and kitchen was closed but nothing posted on website which was disappointing after I drove 30" just to try them out.
Katrina Meyers
Mar 29,2026
5/5
This brand new shop is run by very friendly people! They make an excellent cappuccino and have these amazing ham and cheese buns. I look forward to seeing what their full menu becomes! They're in the corner on the east side of the Plaza.
Hannah Smith
Mar 29,2026
5/5
I work close by and I stop by at least once a week to treat myself, I love the variety of specialty drinks offered and have loved everything I’ve tried so far. Delicious beverages and pastries and the friendliest staff at any coffee shop I’ve ever been to. You can really feel the love that the owner puts into this place and his craft. I recommend The Cup and Leaf to anyone and everyone who will listen!
marcus wilson
Mar 29,2026
5/5
Blown away! As coffee connoisseurs we have grown accustomed to the mediocre offerings available in the area as gap fillers.. This all changed when we made the decision to visit The Cup & Leaf…and this was even before our first sip! The warmth of the atmosphere and sheer knowledge of the staff made us feel as though we were friends from another dimension!! The coffee and baked goods are out of this world. I cannot say enough about this place and space, phenomenal!!!!
M. Kaseweter
Mar 29,2026
5/5
sophisticated and global. gentle and intentional. expertly balanced flavors... you don't experience one flavor and then the other; they're married and intertwined. nothing here tastes like sugar; it tastes like cacao or orange or raspberry or chipotle or whatever the predominant flavor is. the owner is clearly committed to excellence and is always on a journey toward perfection, constantly experimenting and tweaking. heck, there is an appliance specifically devoted to keeping the ganache the correct temp/consistency at all times so the cocoas/coffees are executed as intended. all of this feedback also applies to the baked goods from Feral Gnome. anise cookies? classy. scone? fluffy and fruity, not dry crumbles. staff and atmosphere are approachable and casual. you will feel welcome and acknowledged here.
Bronwen Cobden
Mar 29,2026
5/5
I stopped in for the soft open and was not disappointed! The coffee, baked goods, and hot chocolate are all delicious. I'm absolutely delighted to have a local, non-chain coffee shop in the area where I can get fun, creative flavored lattes.
Laura Kawecki
Mar 29,2026
5/5
I had the garden hash: sweet potato hash, 2 fried eggs, and a house sauce and I think there was a nice addition of black beans in it as well. I enjoyed a small pot of earl grey and it was equally delish. It's a cozy little spot that I would go to again.

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