For this edition of Guide to Greenwich, I visited three coffee shops to determine which sold the best iced pumpkin chai latte. I judged these flavorful fall drinks based on their taste, price, and proximity to Sacred Heart Greenwich.
CFCF
My first stop was CFCF on Greenwich Avenue. The café’s ambiance set a quintessential tone for a fall day. The staff greeted me with warm smiles when I entered, and the service was efficient. Customers quietly worked on their laptops in the café while the subtle aroma of spiced lattes filled the air.
When ordering, the staff allowed me to choose my preferred milk option. I purchased a small iced pumpkin chai latte for $7.89. CFCF served a delicious iced pumpkin chai latte. The drink balanced pumpkin and chai spices perfectly, offering a refreshing yet flavorful taste. Although it was pricier, the quality made up for it. The café is a 14-minute drive from the Sacred Heart campus, making it an ideal spot for a quick, seasonal treat.
Gregorys Coffee
After visiting CFCF, I walked further up Greenwich Avenue to my next stop, Gregorys Coffee. Despite the welcoming staff and short line when I arrived, the baristas worked slowly. Gregorys offered a wide selection of drink and food options. The café had high ceilings and an open layout with plenty of seating, creating an inviting atmosphere. Many customers were either working on their laptops or meeting with friends over coffee, fostering both a productive and social atmosphere.
Although customers know Gregorys Coffee for its coffee, the iced pumpkin chai latte was full of flavors. The drink had a rich pumpkin flavor with strong chai notes. However, the iced pumpkin chai latte was dense, and after a few sips, I found the pumpkin overpowered the chai flavor. I purchased the drink for $6.01, making it more affordable than CFCF. Gregorys Coffee is also a mere 14-minute drive from campus. Despite its less expensive price, the strong flavor of the iced pumpkin chai latte did not satisfy me.
Starbucks
My final stop was Starbucks in Rye, New York. I placed a mobile order ahead of time. By the time I walked in, the staff had already prepared my iced pumpkin chai latte, and it was waiting on the counter. It was a convenient experience, especially considering how busy the shop was that day. People lined up to order while others sat at tables, working on their laptops or catching up with friends. Despite the crowd, the efficient mobile order service allowed me to walk in and out of the shop quickly.
Starbucks’ iced pumpkin chai latte offered a unique twist, featuring sweet pumpkin cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice on top. The drink had a smooth consistency, and the flavors were rich but not overwhelming. The cold foam and pumpkin spice topping added an extra layer of flavor. Nonetheless, after the first sip, I found the cold foam spice a bit too much for my taste. I purchased the drink for $6.45, not too pricey but not exactly affordable. Starbucks is a 16-minute drive from Sacred Heart, making it a longer commute than the other shops.
Winner
After tasting three iced pumpkin chai lattes from three different locations, I determined that CFCF sold the best one. Despite the higher price, the friendly atmosphere and the balance of pumpkin and chai flavors make it worthwhile. The blend of rich and balanced flavors, combined with its close proximity to campus, make it the ideal fall treat to pick up after school.
Featured Image by Caitlin Leahy ’25
