Retriever Roasters
Real Coffee for Real People

“For many folks, a cup of coffee is the liquid version of fast food--a mundane morning eye-opener wolfed down with a commercial donut or such. Not at Retriever Roasters. We are real coffee people who select the highest quality coffee beans from the best suppliers and hand roast them on our premises in small quantities. We grind fresh beans for each carafe of coffee we make and only sell coffee that’s fresh brewed. We do these things because we believe that a cup of coffee, espresso, cappuccino, latte or other espresso drink is more than beverage—it’s an experience to be savored.”

Who we are and what we do best

Robert Lugo, Retriever Roasters’ proprietor and roastmaster, is not just a coffee expert and connoisseur. His fascination with coffee began early--he started roasting coffee beans and drinking coffee at the tender age of 4 (!) under the tutelage of his Hispanic grandparents, who regularly roasted coffee beans in a cast iron pan. “We now use a classic batch roaster that’s on working display at Retriever Roasters to roast over 20 different varietals and blends, and I can explain the precise characteristics of each,” he notes with pride. “I can even match the type of beans or blend to your specific taste!  Every cup of espresso we serve is fresh ground and prepared in Italian-made Rancilio machines—the finest in the world.”

The results of Robert’s caring and diligence are outstanding—genuine European cappuccinos, lattes and other espresso drinks, plus flavored lattes. Mochas, and Italian sodas, all made with top quality, imported Torani syrups. “Our focus is on exceptional coffee, as well as a comprehensive selection of fine teas, served in a friendly hometown atmosphere, with good music, good talk, and a knowledgeable staff of coffee experts,” says Robert.

What goes with great coffee? Great food!

“Coffee is what we’re all about, but we also complement our beverages with great food. Our homemade specialties are all prepared on the premises with the loving help of Janice, my wife and business partner. They include rolls, streusel cakes, carrot cakes, biscotti and brownies. And while we don’t have a complete breakfast menu, we do offer hearty homemade soups, weekend frittatas, a variety of quiches, and vegetarian rice and beans that are delicious at any time of day. We also have a few popular items we buy from outside reputable vendors, like bagels and croissants.”

“The best cup of coffee in Catskill
—maybe even the Hudson Valley”

Coffee as an educational experience

Robert and Janice Lugo not only make great coffee and talk great coffee, they’re also committed to educating their customers about the incredible facts, folklore, and subtleties of this universally acclaimed beverage, and turn them into coffee connoisseurs. “Both Robert and I are educators—certified special-education teachers as a matter of fact,” notes Janice, “so it’s not too surprising that we value and promote education in our authentic specialty coffee shop just as we did when teaching school. That’s why we feature regular demonstrations of coffee roasting, and “cupping” events, the coffee equivalent of wine tastings. You really do get a lot more out of the coffee experience when you learn all about it and can appreciate the differences.”

Where we got our name: The canine connection

Where did Retriever Roasters get its name and why does the logo depict a Golden Retriever cozying up to a cup of coffee? “That’s an homage to our other passion—you guessed it, Golden Retrievers,” says Robert. “Our two dogs, Jasper and Tamar are members in full standing of the Lugo family and we decided to name our coffee shop in their honor. It may be a bit unconventional, but these dogs are the real deal--fine examples of good breeding, just like the coffee you get at Retriever Roasters.”