Savor Crepes Day and Night at Cafe Water Street

A visit to Warren promises plenty of surprises these days, with recently opened spots like cheese shop Wedge, the Bakeshop at Bywater, and CHOMP Kitchen and Drinks’ newest location all in close proximity. A stone’s throw away is Trafford Restaurant for seafood, and nestled among the emerging foodie destination is a prime example of a “small” business – in both its square footage and personalized service – Cafe Water Street.

The petite shiplap shack close to Town Wharf specializes in made-to-order crepes and cafe drinks, along with small-batch scones, muffins, cookies, and even the occasional fudge – all of which pair well with a salty breeze if you’re seated on their outdoor patio in the summer. Owner John Valerio is no stranger to seaside snacking. “I started out serving ice cream as a teenager at Sunshine Creamery in Rumford,” he says. “After 25 summers there, I decided to set out on my own.”

Swapping frozen dessert for buzzy beverages, Valerio found his calling in coffee. “Our drink menu centers on fantastic locally roasted coffee from Coastal Roasters,” he explains. “All of our coffees and espresso drinks are made from their beans. We make our iced coffee from specially roasted beans in small batches, which we also sell by the bag.”

Crepes are customizable, but the classic Nutella and Strawberry is Valerio’s most consistent fan favorite, with the subtly sweet Brie, fruit, and honey crepe taking a close second. Though easy to assume Cafe Water Street is just a breakfast spot, it’s open until 10pm every day to satiate crepe-for-dinner cravings (the savory egg, mushroom, and Swiss combo can’t be beat) during a night on the town. “Since we opened our doors in 2013, we’ve watched Warren evolve and grow,” Valerio reflects. “We are proud to be part of a vibrant community of small businesses, including eateries, boutiques, antique stores, and so much more.” 279 Water Street, Warren, CafeWaterStreet.com