Valley Girl

Joseph Putrello Barista Bar

I first encountered Joseph Putrello Coffee at the Café at Stone Mill in Little Falls, NY. The coffee was delicious, and I asked if it was locally roasted. I learned that not only was it locally roasted, but the roaster was right there.

Fast forward to November 2020, when I saw on Facebook that Joseph Putrello was opening a Barista Bar on Genesee Street in Utica. I recognized the building as one of the cool urban structures with which Utica is blessed. I was anxious to check it out.

The first time I went, I got a straight cup of coffee. That is pretty much what I like, although I sometimes wonder if I should expand my horizons. I also got a croissant with prosciutto and cheese. Yum!

I sat on the mezzanine and looked out at Genesee Street while I sipped and nibbled. I love the big city feel of downtown Utica. What a great setting!

A few days later I was talking to my Mom about my weekend plans. I was getting together with my friend Kim and hoped to go someplace I visit for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.

“There’s this great café,” I said. “Only it isn’t called a café. It’s something that begins with a ‘b’.” All I could think of was bistro, but I knew that wasn’t right.

Mom did not have any ideas. However, when I logged onto my WordPress account to make that day’s blog post, I saw a picture I had taken when I was there: “Joseph Putrello’s Barista Bar.” Owner of Joseph Putrello Barista Bar in Utica, Joseph Putrello himself.

A chocolate dipped cannoli–the taste of Utica!

Cafe with a view! Customers enjoy looking over Genesee Street while sipping coffee.

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“Barista bar!” I exclaimed, startling my husband, although he ought to be used to me by now.

That Saturday, Kim and I stopped by my parents’ house for a short, socially-distanced visit. Mom asked if we were going to the bistro. We were.

I had seen on Facebook a fancy drink in a martini glass. I have no idea what it was, but I like drinking out of a martini glass. It feels so sophisticated. However, when I went to order, I decided on a Hot Chocolate Juliet. I also picked a chocolate cannoli, because, well, chocolate. Kim got a double espresso and a gingerbread cookie.

Once again, we looked out on Genesee Street. Kim spied on some people in an office across the street as well as offering commentary on pedestrians.

Our beverages and snacks were delicious. My hot chocolate came in a tall glass that was almost as fancy as a martini glass. I did not even ask which drink came in the martini glass. I shall have to return and investigate the matter. For one reason, it would make a good blog post. For another reason, martini glasses. •

Joseph Putrello Barista Bar 268 Genesee Street, Utica 315-219-5519 • Open Mon-Fri: 7am to 6pm, Sat & Sun: 8am-4pm

Cynthia M. Quackenbush, a.k.a. “Mohawk Valley Girl,” writes a daily blog about her everyday adventures in the Mohawk Valley. Follow her frugal fun at: mohawkvalleygirl.wordpress.com Kim Darling enjoys coffee and the view at Joseph Putrello Barista Bar Is this not the fanciest hot chocolate ever?

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