If there is one thing we love almost as much as finding a hidden gem, it’s finding two hidden gems that are polar opposites of each other.

On our recent trip to the Finger Lakes, we realized that "coffee shop" can mean two very different things depending on which end of Keuka Lake you’re standing on. We’re calling this The Tale of Two Coffee Shops.

We visited one on a busy Saturday morning and the other on a lazy Sunday morning. Both gave us fantastic coffee, but the vibes? Completely unique. Here is where you should go, and exactly what you should expect when you get there.

Part I: The Saturday Session at Amity Coffee Co.

Location: Penn Yan, NY

The Vibe: Historic, Period Chic, & "Proper Coffee Shop"

We kicked off our weekend in Penn Yan at Amity Coffee Co. (3 Main St.), and friends, this place is a mood.

Walking in here feels like stepping into a warm embrace from a very stylish friend. It’s located in a historic building that just oozes charm—think warm wood tones, polished details, and a "period chic" aesthetic that makes you want to sit up a little straighter and write a novel. It is bougie in the best way possible—warm, comfortable, and inviting.

What to Expect:

The Serious Coffee: They roast their own beans (we saw the bags of "Brazil Cerrado" and "Colombia Sierra Nevada"), so the coffee here is the main event. It’s smooth, rich, and made with serious craft.

The "Good Will" Mission: Their motto is "Good Will x Good Coffee," and you can feel it. It’s designed as a gathering space where conversation flows as easily as the espresso.

The Food: We spotted fresh in-house baking. It’s the kind of place where you pair a delicate pastry with a perfectly poured latte.

The Verdict: Go here when you want to feel sophisticated, catch up with an old friend, or just enjoy a "proper" coffee shop atmosphere that feels timeless.

Part II: The Sunday Morning at Babe's & Bud's Coffee Lounge

Location: Watkins Glen, NY The Vibe: BOHO, Kitschy, & Totally Laid Back

Fast forward to Sunday morning. We were in Watkins Glen, a little sleepier, and stumbled into Babe's & Bud's Coffee Lounge. If Amity is the sophisticated older sibling, Babe's is the fun, artistic cousin who wears tie-dye and gives the best hugs.

This place is low-key, BOHO, and gloriously kitschy. It’s not trying to be a museum; it’s trying to feed you and make you smile. The atmosphere is colorful and relaxed—the perfect antidote to a long week.

What to Expect:

• The "Build Your Own" Adventure: The menu here is fun. We’re talking "Build Your Own Breakfast Sandwiches" piled high on toasted NYC bagels (fresh from Brooklyn!).
• Signature Sips: They have a whole list of "Signature Iced Lattes" and hot drinks that feel like treats. It’s less about the roast profile and more about the joy of the drink.
• The Menu: It’s huge! From "Babes Bagel Special" with avocado and tomato to "Old Fashioned Subs," this is the spot if you are hungry.
• The Service: Their website promises "superior service and personalized attention," and they delivered. It felt like walking into a friend’s kitchen.

The Verdict: Go here on a Sunday when you want to wear your comfy pants, eat a massive bagel sandwich, and soak up some eclectic, artistic vibes.

The Final Pour

Both of these spots are totally worth the visit, but for completely different reasons.

• Amity Coffee Co. is your go-to for atmosphere, history, and a refined coffee experience.
• Babe's & Bud's is your destination for fun, hearty food, and a relaxed, BOHO morning.

Why choose? Do what we did—visit both!

Until the next cup, your Four Fine Friends