In a post last week I mentioned Rockport’s lack of year-round restaurant options, especially downtown, so it was exciting to walk along Main Street just a few days later to see that a new coffee shop has opened up in the location of the old Rockport standby, The Coffee Shop. (I was always so impressed that the owners of The Coffee Shop had the gumption to give their business that name, as though it was the ultimate coffee shop – which actually was the case for many locals and visitors – that I always referred to it as The Coffee Shop).
The new coffee shop on Main Street is named Brother’s Brew Coffee Shop, and is owned by a member of the Brackett family, who have a seasonal restaurant next door. The highlights about Brother’s Brew, besides the fact that it is extremely charming?
- The very cool chrome-and-vinyl-stools and laminate counter are still there.
- The menu includes many old favorites and has expanded.
- The business is open on Sundays.
That last one is big news y’all. Locals and visitors can wander in throughout the entire weekend, which is a big deal for anyone paying attention to the dining options downtown, and an expansion of the hours that the previous coffee shop kept. And there is even the possibility of opening at night when an event is taking place at the Shalin Liu Performance Center a few doors down. While this won’t solve the problem of lack of adequate places to dine in the evening (or in the daytime), it will at least contribute to a culture of liveliness downtown, with a few places keeping the lights on, so to speak.
Oh – and before you go there in person to buy some coffee and a treat for yourself, be sure to head over to the Brother’s Brew Coffee Shop facebook page and connect with them online. The page posts daily specials and other coffee shop news, so you’ll be the first to know when the doughnuts are fresh and the soup’s on.
Good Morning Gloucester 
Great news Sarah! Mary & I will make our inaugural visit in the A.M. Can we look forward to the same OUTSTANDING homemade doughnuts we got from the old coffee shop???
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Word on the street is that they are they are using the same delicious doughnut recipe but this is as yet unconfirmed. Does anyone reading this know for sure? We can only hope, Tom!
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I hear a rumor that other folks who see opportunity in Rockport are looking for space as well!
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Alright! Hope that rumor pans out!
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What about the Norwegian Coffee Bread? Do they still have it?
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Mary, I’m pretty sure they do. I think they kept our old favorites, doughnuts and Nisu!
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I was there on Saturday. Great coffee & they DO still have the Norwegian bread :). I was told they’re using the same recipe for donuts too. The place looks great, and looks like some nice additions to the menu. Prices are still fair too.
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Sara- is it true that these two brothers are the grandsons of Phyllis, the previous owner? And will I still be able to get great grilled Nisu? I used to love sneaking a quiet moment in there!
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Sandy, I know the families are related, exactly how, I’m not sure. And I think you can still get your Nisu fix there. If not, I’m hoping someone will let GMG readers know the scoop on where to get Nisu, grilled or otherwise. Good to hear from you on this post!
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Their donuts are the best anywhere—such a “homemade” taste! AND they weigh about 2 lbs. each!!! LOVE them!!!
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HOw exciting that people are getting a clue as to what Rockport could be. I love it here and have grown up here. But the unused potential of downtown continues to bother me! I would love to walk downtown and get a bite of something good to eat, in all seasons. Having just visited the new Cape Ann Brewery, I hope Rockport starts competeing a little more for locals attention!
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