Rite Rite (Formerly Trade and Lore)

Trade and Lore Coffee - Good Coffee, Doing Good
Local Expert's Rating:
4.5 / 5
The Bottom Line:

Rite Rite serves up artisanal coffee beverages in a welcoming space that’s open to everyone. The lattes here are excellent, and the vibes are perhaps even better.

- The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

Rite Rite (Formerly Trade and Lore Coffee) serves up “experimental” (read “artisanal”) coffee in a space that’s welcoming to all. The food options are limited, but this is the place to go for a latte that’s as delicious as it looks.

WhileRite Rite is a quintessential third-wave coffee shop that hand-crafts great drinks, the motivation behind this shop began with something much bigger than coffee. The owners behind Rite Rite decided to establish a place that’s committed to social justice. The cafe itself is run as a typical coffee shop, but it serves as an inclusive space where people from the community can meet and regularly works with area nonprofits.

As for the coffee itself, the baristas here know how to craft a latte (or any other coffee beverage). The espresso shots are pulled precisely, and the milk is steamed until its silky smooth. Choose whatever milk you like, including oat milk, and enjoy. Just take a moment to admire the latte art before you take your first sip.

The other beverages here are what you’d expect to see at an artisanal coffee house. There are cappuccinos, mochas, americanos, teas and drip coffees, as well as many other drinkable selections. Everything’s made to perfection using local, wholesome ingredients, including farm to home milk, freshly roasted coffee beans, and gourmet teas. There are even beer selections from nearby Salud Cerveceria for when you want something a little less stimulating.

For food, baked goods are offered all day and lunch entrees are available after the morning rush. Lunch selections include salads, breads and pastas, and range from $6 to $13 in price.

Although not the cheapest coffee shop in town, Trade and Lore Coffee offers some of the most beautiful and tasty beverages you’ll find in the area. Get something to eat if you must, but come here for the beverages.

A few of our menu favorites at Rite Rite include:

Latte
The classic coffee shop selection made to perfection. Watch the shot get pulled, the milk be steamed and the two be combined in a beautiful work of art. Take some time to enjoy the beauty, and then indulge your tastebuds.

Mocha
Perhaps the only way to make a latte more delicious is to add chocolate. Go for a mocha, and taste the silky-smooth chocolate and coffee combination that’s so beloved.

Pour-Over
If a simple cup of plain coffee is your preferred beverage, ask for a pour-over of one of the currently available selections. The freshly roasted coffee will “bloom” as your barista pours water over the grounds in concentric circles. Part science, part art and full of aroma.

Pastry
Recommending a single baked good is difficult, because everyone has their own personal preference. Peruse the selection of freshly baked items, and pick out whichever one looks tempting.

Handmade Pumpkin Ravioli
For something more filling, go with the handmade pumpkin ravioli. An Italian classic tossed in sage brown butter sauce and parmesan.

Insider Tip:
Need a coffee but in a hurry? Go to the self-serve drip coffee so you can skip the line. Just be sure to bring single bills so you can pay the $2 price and run.