Autumn Announcements & Secret Finds at The Poughkeepsie Grind
The Poughkeepsie Grind is primarily known for its fresh, fantastic coffee but they’re also known for taking waffles to the next level. You might also know them for their tantalizing Instagram posts.
“People always menu shop on Instagram,” the store’s owner, Patrick McGuire, said. Other than Instagram, most cafe visitors discover The Poughkeepsie Grind through word of mouth. “We don’t do advertising except occasional ads to support Poughkeepsie schools.”
Why have waffles become the spotlight item of this trendy cafe? Other than the perfect-for-Instagramming aesthetic, it was on a whim. McGuire never had any plans for food, but the cafe’s rental space needed a full kitchen.
“A buddy called me and he knew I was opening a coffee shop. He asked if I wanted a waffle maker.” Thankfully, McGuire said yes. The beloved breakfast item has quickly become a staple, and have since upgraded to waffles you won’t find in your local diner.
The must-try item? “Chicken and waffles is always a favorite. It’s our staple,” said McGuire. “I think our most popular item was probably April’s special, Fruity Pebble Waffles filled with Fruity Pebbles and topped with raspberry whipped cream.”
Some previous wild waffles of the month also include Caramel Apple Waffles on a Stick, Raspberry Mimosa Waffles and the newest Citron Chai Waffle.
In terms of the permanent waffles, the newest Triple Chocolate Waffle and Honey Graham Waffle are set to become permanent additions to the menu, though McGuire has yet to announce it.
“We probably make more than a gallon — probably two gallons — a day of waffle mix for some special waffles,” said The Poughkeepsie Grind chef, Rashon Pittman. “But it’s worth it.”
McGuire and Pittman work together to create all of the wild creations, sharing that their creative process isn’t as intricate as one might think.
“We buy a bunch of stuff, foods and drinks, and ask ourselves — ’Will it waffle?’,” said McGuire. “We always have an arsenal of random stuff on hand to test out.”
The waffle experimentation has led to a lot of tasty dishes and the creation of a secret menu. This secret menu includes “The Jimmy Dean,” a blueberry and sausage waffle as well as Buffalo Chicken Breakfast Sliders, buffalo chicken sandwiched between waffles.
In terms of upcoming autumn plans, McGuire says fans of last October’s Pumpkin Pie Waffle can anticipate its comeback. For November, McGuire and Pittman are experimenting with the idea of a Thanksgiving waffle stuffed with everyone’s favorite Turkey Day dishes.
There’s more than waffles coming to The Poughkeepsie Grind this fall — McGuire plans to debut the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte soon.
“I actually just demoed the Pumpkin Spice Latte to make sure it’s still good,” said McGuire. “You heard it first. We’re launching it this week.”
