Dirt Cowboy is the local java joint that has done well over the years because - let's face it - they've long been the only show in town. Coffee is filter brewed by the cup and, by most people's standards, they sell a pretty decent cup of coffee. But as some have pointed out, they've also been without serious competition for a long time. Being the only 'serious' coffee joint has given them some leeway in how they run their operation and that has meant for a long time they closed up shop and called it a day at 6pm. In a small college town with limited retail opportunities that's kind of a bummer. Now comes Starbucks with later closing hours - 10p and 11p depending on the day - and they've got that world-famous Clover brewing system [not available in every Starbucks] which if you're not familiar with it you will be once you go and check it out. In other words, Dirt Cowboy has got itself some serious competition and they'd best respond. Starbucks also has a bigger store, free wifi, lots of AC outlets and a lot of other stuff. I don't think this going to kill off Dirt Cowboy but it's not going to help them either. Starbucks is going to do very well in this affluent well-educated town with folks who have been off the farm and know a thing or two. Where are the parents visiting from California, Connecticut or China going to stop in for coffee? You got it. And they won't be the only ones. DC is expanding hours, staying open later and promising to focus on customer service. Here's a friendly tip: a little remodeling and deep-cleaning wouldn't hurt either. Really. read more

So, this is a lovely coffee shop in a beautiful town. They're a local business that advertises in the front window that they pay their staff a living wage. They serve a great cup of coffee, feel a great deal more personable that your usual chain, and their baked goods are made on site. However, there are two major omissions here. First, there's no wi-fi. I was told that if you sit in the right place, you can pick up the Hanover Public Wi-Fi link, which is at some distance. Second, they also seem to be placed in a dead zone for cell reception (at least AT&T). So, even if you can run a hot spot through your cell, you can't get data that way either. This is a place I'd love to love, but in this day and age, it's simply substandard to run a coffee shop without access to the internet. I'm afraid I'm down the block at the Starbucks right now, typing this review. read more

It's really expensive.. because this place understands the basic laws of economics of supply and demand. There's not much in Hanover, and honestly I wish I ate here for dinner instead of the very mediocre establishments around it. While the cafe may be pricey especially on Main St of a college town (Dartmouth is just across the street), I had one of the most interesting desserts ever. This Boston girl got a taste of heavenly mousse in an edible chocolate bowl. Did you hear that, an EDIBLE chocolate bowl !! The mousse is homemade, and just the right consistency of thick and smooth. The dessert overall isn't too sweet, and finished off with some fruit. I took a photo and wish I could post it! If this cafe moved to Boston/Cambridge, it will become popular with the Southend and Hipster Collegiate crowds. read more

I'm surprised to say this, though perhaps I shouldn't be, but Dirt Cowboy actually has really good coffee--they definitely make a better latte than Starbucks. Obviously Dirt's popularity has significantly declined since the entrance of Starbucks into the Hanover market. The effect is so apparent that to give you a bit of a juxtaposition, the first time I got into Hanover, I grabbed a sandwich from Dirt because it was the fastest and first place that I saw open so late. Fast forward to modern day Dirt and the places apparently closes at 2:30pm which is ridiculous. They open at 6am though, but why would you close at 2:30pm on a college campus? Coffee aficionados will love this place--I'm not nearly qualified enough to tell you about the actual coffee, but I can tell you that they make a pretty good latte. You order by the size of the shot, and the price is pretty reasonable and definitely cheaper than getting it at KAF which is where most Dartmouth students go. Their pastries are good, and I hear their breakfast selection is not too bad either, though I haven't personally tried. I do have to admit that I don't love the atmosphere at Dirt though. The tables are really crowded and I definitely get a claustrophobic vibe when I'm there. It's a bit cramped in the back seating area... but otherwise, if you just grab and go, the coffee there is astounding. Such a local business too lol. You get a small surcharge for credit card purchases when it's under $5 or something. tldr; really good coffee, though I'm definitely concerned about their business operations if they're closing at 2:30pm on weekdays read more

Food: good smoothies, okay coffee. Ambience: like a factory Service: slow read more

We were in town to visit the Dartmouth campus and made a stop here for a quick lunch since it is right across from the campus and we were pressed for time. Upon entering, it was a bit of an odd set up. There is a cash register in the front and larger seating area in the back separated by coffee bean containers. The folks in front of us weren't sure where to order since the menu behind the counter and on the top of the wall is somewhat obscured. After the confusion was resolved, we ordered some sandwiches and smoothies and grabbed a table in the back. Despite a sign promise fresh made baguettes, my ham and cheese came on what appeared (or at least tasted like any ordinary store bought roll). The sandwich was ok, not terrible, but not anything beyond average. My banana, mango and pineapple smoothie tasted far more like a plain yogurt shake instead of a fruit shake with some yogurt to bind it together. It was bland enough that it might have been any fruit as it didn't carry any flavor of any of the three fruits. My biggest critique of this place was its cleanliness (or lack thereof). It was quite dirty, there were several lights with hanging dust cobwebs, the tables hadn't been cleaned, one of the pipes was missing a big chunk of foam covering and there were a range of excess metal gelato containers stacked in the eating area in the back. Others comment on the great coffee, but the overall feel of this place is of somewhere that has seen its best days and is living on reputation only. The owners or workers certainly don't take much pride on keeping it clean and up to date. I'd recommend several of the other options in town. read more

No room to stand, chaotic Bad wobly small tables Pastries are meh Closes early Overall trumped by Umplebys, Starbucks read more

To be fair, I've had a handful of truly great lattes from Dirt Cowboy, but the inconsistency is just too high and those great cups are few and far between. Many times, I end up being disappointed at having paid $4 for a relatively small cup of burnt coffee. It's also the only place i've ever been to where I have to put together my soy au lait myself, which is kind of a hassle. (Why do they serve the coffee separate from the milk?) I think Dirt Cowboy could really benefit from a re-design and changing around the circulation inside the coffeeshop so that people waiting for a to-go cup aren't all bunched together, chaotically wondering who's waiting and who's in line. And the round tables and chairs are all squished up against one another in the seating area. Who wants to move their chair so that someone can access the bathroom? Eh. read more

Pros: 1. The best coffee in Hanover/Upper Valley (but they don't have much competition) 2. Pour-over coffee by the cup 3. Fresh roasted beans 4. Lots of bean options Cons: 1. Closes at 6pm 2. No wireless; few outlets 3. Small, cramped 4. My clothes smell funky if I linger too long 5. Kind of pricey 6. A little grimy read more

So much better than the chain coffee shops! Tremendous selection (almost overwhelmingly so) if you just want a cup of coffee. Try the almond croissant - you won't be disappointed. My only gripe is the lack of seating, with only a handful of tables on the sidewalk. read more

I really like the Dirt Cowboy Cafe. We make pretty decent coffee at home and I try not to spend my money on something I can do as well, or better, than a restaurant. When I do decide to splurge, Dirt Cowboy is my go to place for a latte. It's always fresh and delicious, not burnt tasting like the "S" place down the street. The pasties are soooo tempting and never disappoint. This is a local establishment, they've had some bad reviews and have taken those to heart. They are working hard to earn your business. Stop in, you'll be glad you did. read more

This has always been one of my go-back-to places when I'm in town. Feels like they're in a rough patch just now. My bear claw basically lacked the delicious almond filling that made the Dirty Boy famous. Be forewarned if you're a nostalgic alum. read more

The racks of Putomayo CDs for sale made it feel a bit corporate and Starbucks-y. The window tables especially need to be cleaned a bit more regularly, considering the masses of students that seem to gather here. Otherwise this was a cute little place, many varieties of decent coffee, and averagely priced for the local-independent-yuppie-cafe impression they're trying to give. All of the aforementioned considered, this place is very "Dartmouth." read more

Very clean bathroom, but no soy milk when i was there. I was stuck with bitter tea. But the place was cute and spacious. Its nice but its not amazing the locals drool over this place. Take a walk down to the darmouth bookstore ad grab a cup from Starbucks, im sure they have soy. read more

The lemon cheese danish and wild berry smoothie were good but as someone with a nut allergy when you ask a worker if there is any nuts in the coffee cake and they say no, you would think there's no nuts in the cake. WRONG, I came close to death. read more

Friendly service, really good coffee and neat place to sit down and read a paper. I did not eat the baked goods or shakes but they looked like they would be yummy. I will certainly stop in again and try some of their food and report back. read more

Here are a few tips about navigating Dirt Cowboy. Before sidling up to the cash register, know what you want, or at least narrow down your choices. Don't stand there ogling the board with your mouth hanging open. Don't say "I'll just take a cup of coffee." That will not work here. The barista will talk you through the various varieties. It's actually kind of cool to consider how different coffee tastes depending on the region. If you're a coffee drinker, you'll like the offerings at Dirt Cowboy. Every cup is brewed fresh. The blueberry muffins are half blueberry, I swear to god. So heavenly. Unlike some of the previous reviewers, I find the Dirt Cowboy to be a decent place to get some work done. But I am aggressive about finding a place to sit next to an outlet. I picked up Dartmouth's free public wifi for a while, then ended up purchasing an hour of Boingo or whatever service was available. Well-worn coffee shops like Dirt Cowboy are some of my favorite places. read more

Great coffees and espresso drinks. My favorites are the hot chocolate with homemade marshmallows and irish cream latte with cinnamon and nutmeg. All coffees are individually brewed when you order....so very fresh. This place always seems to be crowded and seating is scarce / crowded. If they improved the seating situation I would give this place 5 stars. (5 star beverages, 2 star seating/layout) read more

Was visiting a client up in Lyme and decided to grab a quick lunch in Hanover. I wandered into Dirt Cowboy and was pleased to see that they had french bread sandwiches, so I ordered a turkey and swiss with spinach and mayo. It was very effective in satisfying my mid-day hunger. The huge display of pastries caught my eye and I just couldn't help myself so, I also ordered a big chocolate chip cookie and an almond croissant (my fave). I ate half the cookie after my sandwich and found it quite bland. It was edible, but it was just missing something (salt, maybe? high quality chocolate, perhaps? more butter?). Then today, I had my almond croissant for b-fast, but I also found it to be quite unremarkable. To be honest it was a day old at this point, but I didn't really like the overly sugary almond paste on the inside. Oh well. Can't comment on the cafe beverages, but it looked like they have an extensive offering of teas and coffees. I'd definitely come back for a chai latte or something, because I'm sure that's what they do best being a cafe and all. Service and ambiance were pleasant. Would be a good place to hang with a good friend or a good book. read more

This was my first memory of Dartmouth - a cozy, WARM cafe across the Main Street that served the most delicious beverages and snacks ever. I would frequent the Dirt Cowboy almost every week during my college career. I never appreciated their dedication to making each coffee by the cup until I moved away and had to drink cafeteria-style coffee. The Jamaican Blue Mountain got me through my senior year. The Ethiopian was also a hit. And their chai is fantastic. Well worth every cent. When I return to Hanover for a visit, this will be the first stop. read more

Dirt Cowboy is a staple for Dartmouth undergrads. However, as of late, they have been challenged up against Starbucks, the big bad wold of the coffee shop world, ever since it came to town. Dirt Cowboy's hours are short and they do not offer WiFi - two big disadvantages compared to Starbucks. However, I'd say they're on par with pricing. I love the juices here; they're freshly made to order and I have let to find another place quite like it. I haven't gotten the food here, but I hear it is good. Don't try to sit down and eat. The seating area is small, cramped, and usually full, so get your order to-go. read more

I graduated from Dartmouth a few years ago, and I can't visit Hanover without visiting Dirt Cowboy. I *love* the mocha latte and I'll try to have one for every 12 hours I'm in town. The atmosphere inside and out is delightful. The tables outside are the best spot in town to appreciate the Dartmouth Green and its intersection with town. Lovely at any time of year. But thinking of that coffee at those tables makes me want to jump on a bus north immediately. read more

The lucky students at Dartmouth have a fine coffee joint to come to. I recommend the hot chocolate with their home made marshmallows and whipped cream. It hits the spot on a chilly evening. A great place to wrap up our leaf peeping trip. read more

It is very nice that there is a coffee place that isn't commercialized here. Pretty much what I'm saying is, we have a choice other than Starbucks. What is especially nice is that the barista who made my drink knows the difference between a cappuccino and a latte because for once in a long time since leaving Los Angeles, I ordered a cappuccino and got a cappuccino instead of a sorry excuse of a latte. The one complaint I have is that the foam did not quite have the right consistency, too many large bubbles disrupts the "mouth feel" that makes a cappuccino so special. Just needs a little work on the technique . Edit: After coming here more regularly, I stick with my original opinion of the product which is definitely inconsistent. Also, some of the workers (not all) are a bit rude. They didn't give me a receipt and I asked for clarification of the price because the price wasn't on the menu and she gave me a very matter-of-fact attitude about the price and very impolite, even as I explained that the price wasn't listed and I wasn't trying to argue with her, I just wanted to know why the cost was so much higher than similar items on the menu. I've worked in cafe's before, a little customer service goes a long way and a smile would be nice. read more

I like this place. I used to go here 5 years ago when I was in grad school, and when I came back for Thanksgiving, found it to be better than I remembered. Folks were seated at the many tables in the back. While there was free conversation, it was not a din. There was plenty of light, but it was warm, not stark like a grocery store. Just right, in fact. I think it would be a good place to read a book, provided it wasn't some heavy tome. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time. I ordered a chai latte and, unlike so many respectable cafes, they made it from actual tea and milk instead of from a mix. Oh, and it tasted good too. The service was attentive and quick, but also very friendly and good humored. This is a swell place to spend an hour after shopping Main St., or catching a movie at the nugget. Of course, parking was a hassle, but that's Hanover. read more

Quite a variety of coffee and baked goods right off the green. With tables outside and a cozy setting inside, this is a great place to grab drinks and hang out with friends. read more

Dirt Cowboy Cafe - Patio and Storefront - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hanover, New Hampshire

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Dirt makes some really great drinks that are impossible to get anywhere else in town. I am particularly fond of the granitas (try a lemon and raspberry one on a hot day sometime) and soymilk steamers with whatever syrup strikes my fancy. If you're looking for a quick bite along with your beverage, the bagel sandwiches are quite filling -- I'm fond of a mustard, cheese and spinach combo. If you're just ordering for yourself, you're probably well-served paying in cash, as there's a surcharge on credit and debit transactions below $10. An aside: I'm told that the owner is kind of a jerk to his employees, which is the reason for the sometimes erratic hours here, which is a little unfortunate. read more

Why are there no coffee shops in this area? Or are they hidden from the outsiders. I may be rating this place a little high, but it is by far the best cup of coffee I have had since arriving in New Hampshire. I had a double americano and it was delicious. Although slightly expensive. Great location for people watching. I mean right across from Dartmouth, come on. read more

Great location and decent prices. It's also for people who want to support the local coffeehouse instead of patronizing the Starbucks inside the Dartmouth Bookstore. The mochalatte and chai are good. They're pretty flexible with customizing your coffee. If you're ever in there for more than 5 minutes, your clothes will carry that coffee smell until the next wash. The place could be cleaner too. read more

Options are so abundant for coffee and tea. And bakeries taste delightful. The environment either inside or outside is too pleasant. I especially like its location--so convenient for afternoon break with friends, walking no longer than 5 minutes from the dorm. read more

Dirt Cowboy Cafe - Brazil - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hanover, New Hampshire

Decent coffee and lattes but I'm originally from where coffee is a real art. (You get a little spoiled.) Also, why is it a Mocha Latte? There is a thing called a Mocha and a thing called a Latte, so why the redundancy? Stop trying to be fancy. The place is usually very crowded and picking up your order can be rather confusing because everybody is grabbing for the same cup even if its not their own. (They need louder shouters... or quieter customers). There is a "room" behind this display case of goods which serves as the sit down area. Its usually too loud in there for my tastes and the area does not have much to dampen the sound. I would not go out of my way but for Hanover, it seems to be the only place I can find which is even in this genre of coffee shop. (Yes I know they just put in a Starbucks... but Starbucks are a dime a dozen except over priced...) read more

Cool, old-fashioned vibe with good coffee and pastries. I was a little nervous for my Bumble Bizz meet-up, but the atmosphere made the encounter super comfortable and easy-going. Overall, great place to study or meet up with people! read more

My friends and I live 30 minutes away from this gem in the heart of Hanover, but we frequently make the trip to Dirt Cowboy just for the excellent Coffee. They have a huge selection of fresh roasts from all over the world as well as a wide variety of flavorings for those that like something a little sweeter. My personal favorite is the Vienna roast, but I have been pleased with everything I have tried there. The baristas are very friendly and knowledgeable and can easily help you find the roast you are looking for. The shop offers sandwiches, smoothies and baked goods as well. I have yet to try any sandwiches, but the chocolate mousse and bread pudding were phenomenal. Prices are far better for the quality of Coffee you are receiving than the Starbucks down the street. Another thing Dirt Cowboy has going for it over Starbucks is the ambiance. It's a quaint smalltown shop, and although it can get busy during the day, it turns into a quiet place for conversation in the evening where you can enjoy a quality Coffee or tea at a table lit by candlelight. Definately the best Coffee shop in the area! read more

Dirt Cowboy Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Hanover, New Hampshire

The best coffee around. Coffee beans from all over the planet and each cup is made fresh in front of you. Too many kinds for me to list. What more can you ask for? They also have fresh local delicious pastries, super fresh juices and great iced coffees. Did I mention the sandwiches? They're terrific. The juicer/smoothie machine is quite loud when they use it which is often and there's quite a few people there most of the time having conversation so it's not the place to write The Great American Novel unless you bring headphones, although many Dartmouth students study in the back especially on sat and sun mornings. The best of what's around no question. read more

This is one of my favorite spots on campus! Their drip coffee is delicious (shoutout to the Ethiopia harrar blend) and their pastries are delicious. It a tiny quaint space but it is cozy. I am so sad I never got the chance to go to Dirt one last time before my graduation. I miss getting my coffee there almost every morning. read more

I'd like to give this spot a nice review because I've been here before and the coffee is good. But I just left without ordering anything because they were short staffed and the staff members (3 that I saw) didn't even have the courtesy to acknowledge me or the other patrons who were waiting quite patiently to place their orders. Hard to know if the coffee is still good when the service is nonexistent. A smile and a friendly "just a moment, we'll be right with you" means the difference between a customer staying and leaving. read more

Today I had the third disappointing experience at Dirt Cowboy. I am unwilling to continue purchasing coffee from them. While they have an interesting selection of coffees, the service and cleanliness of the place are terrible. This morning, there must have a considerable amount of unrinsed detergent in the skimmed milk jug (self-service area), which I added to my coffee. I was literally preparing myself a "cafe au detergent." I returned the coffee, explaining the situation, and I was received with an unpleasant attitude and NO APOLOGY whatsoever. It is the third time in the past weeks that I receive a poor service and I am made to feel as if I am the problem. This place has potential, but it has lost my business. read more

This eve is my 3rd attempt to visit this elegantly comfy gem. A closing time of 6 is surprising in a college town, albeit small, and a bummer for traveling aficionados of cafes who prefer to relax and loll about outside of a hotel room in the evenings. Whining about business hours aside, I was served a perfect individually brewed cup of French Roast and a decadent almond croissant. The pastry assortment is well-varied and all looked delectable. I took a stroll with my treats down Main Street, wondering if I should have tried a handmade dark chocolate truffle.... An hour later, five minutes prior to close, I stood in a rather lengthy line to obtain that truffle and another cup of coffee. Espresso con panna was the choice. As I write this from my blackberry, sitting parallel-parked across the street with no room to vacate, I am content and unfussed because this coffee and truffle are among the most perfect I've had the pleasure to taste anywhere. My mouth is all velvety joy. Thanks, Dirt Cowboy. read more

I went in for coffee and snack midday after a few months of not being in the area. I've always regarded the tight seating and less than focused staff as an acceptable part of the "charm". What I am absolutely not cool with is the switch to paper cups from ceramic and plastic ware from silver . And they were playing the John Tesh radio hour. Really disappointed. John Tesh radio hour. 5yr old fergie songs. Soppy paper cups. Eating utensils that bend when you use them to cut up the food. I should have gone to panera, or for that matter, starbucks. read more

Great variety of coffees to choose from.. this is probably the most popular place on campus to go for coffee but it didn't feel too crowded b/c of the plethora of tables/chairs. The window seats looked pretty good for people watching/studying. read more