Underground Coffee & Ales

Imagine a place where the morning aroma of freshly roasted beans seamlessly transitions into the evening vibe of a craft bar—that is exactly what Underground Coffee & Ales is. This unique multi-format venue is located in the picturesque hamlet of Highland, right next to the city of Poughkeepsie in the USA. It harmoniously combines a coffee shop, a stylish bar, and a rare beer store.

Owners Erin and Jeremy Intonti have created a truly family-friendly and welcoming space. The interior impresses with its high ceilings and cozy bar counter, creating an environment where students with laptops and retirees coming in for their daily espresso feel equally at home. Despite the compact kitchen, they prepare an impressive variety of dishes that complement the extensive drink menu.

One of the main features is the focus on local products: the 10 taps constantly rotate the best craft beers from local producers. Thanks to its proximity to the famous Walkway Over the Hudson, this spot has become a favorite rest stop for tourists looking to refuel after a long walk.

For your convenience, we have gathered current contact information to help you quickly find this cozy spot and book a table if necessary. The establishment is popular with both locals and tourists, so bookmarking these details is a good idea before your walk through Highland.

Below are the main ways to get in touch and the exact address of Underground Coffee & Ales:

At Underground Coffee & Ales, everyone will find something to enjoy. Coffee lovers can appreciate the barista's skill by ordering specialty coffee, espresso, or fine teas. For those who appreciate a brew, it's a true paradise: 10 rotating taps offer the best examples of local brewing. You can not only enjoy a pint on-site but also fill your growler or choose a unique bottle from the shop's selection to take home.

The venue is known for its active community life. It regularly hosts trivia nights, beer tastings, and film screenings. You can often catch performances by local musicians who add a special charm to the evening. The owners frequently organize themed parties, such as pig roasts or new beer releases in collaboration with Hudson Valley breweries.

If you're hungry, be sure to try dishes from the local menu—most of them are available for takeout. The staff is always ready to offer free drink samples to help you make your choice. This place is ideal for both productive work in a quiet daytime setting and fun gatherings with friends in the evening.

Underground Coffee & Ales is located in the hamlet of Highland on Vineyard Avenue, right along the busy Route 9W. This location makes it easily accessible for both those traveling by car and hikers exploring the area.

A particular advantage of the location is its proximity to popular hiking trails: the cafe is just a two-minute walk from the famous Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge and the Hudson Valley Rail Trail. It is an ideal stop for cyclists, who often leave their bikes right in front of the entrance, locking them to trees or mailboxes.

For those traveling by public transport, the most convenient way is to take the train to Poughkeepsie station and then use a taxi or local bus to cross the Hudson River. Parking is also provided on the premises for visitors with private cars.

The history of Underground Coffee & Ales began in October 2015 thanks to the efforts of a married couple—Erin and Jeremy Intonti. The spouses grew up in Highland and, although they left their hometown for a while, they returned with an ambitious idea to combine their main passions: quality coffee and craft beer. Before opening their own venue, they successfully organized a large-scale beer festival in Beacon, which allowed them to study the industry deeply.

The opening happened quite spontaneously and was timed to the local Harvest Fest. The owners decided to meet the numerous requests of residents who were eagerly waiting for such a format in their area. Interestingly, there was never an official grand opening—the establishment simply started working and became popular immediately.

The project's journey wasn't always easy: in the summer of 2023, the venue temporarily closed for several months for internal reorganization and team updates. However, in October 2023, the doors reopened to visitors, presenting a refreshed approach to service and selection. The success of the concept in Highland inspired the owners to expand, and soon a second Underground Coffee & Ales location opened in nearby New Paltz.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere of Underground Coffee & Ales, a typical visitor is recommended to plan for 1 to 2 hours. This time is quite enough to slowly enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee or taste a couple of local craft beer varieties.

If you plan to attend one of the regular events, such as live music or trivia night, it's worth staying longer. The establishment is conducive to long relaxation, so many guests spend entire evenings here in the company of friends or with a book.

The establishment is open to visitors daily, offering guests everything from early breakfasts to cozy evening gatherings. From Monday to Wednesday, Underground Coffee & Ales is open from 08:00 to 20:00. From Thursday to Saturday, hours are extended until 21:00, and on Sunday, the cafe closes a bit earlier—at 18:00.

Since the schedule may change depending on holidays or special private events, visitors are recommended to check the current schedule on the official website before visiting.

A visit to Underground Coffee & Ales can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the region. The surroundings of Highland and neighboring Poughkeepsie are rich in historical monuments and scenic parks that will give you plenty of new impressions.

Walking through these locations will allow you to better feel the atmosphere of the Hudson River Valley, get to know its history, and enjoy its natural beauty. Below is a list of nearby attractions: