2021 Guide To Great Coffee In Connecticut

April Guilbault
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September 29th is National Coffee Day. Coffee addicts unite. Or those who just love a good cup o’ joe, stand up. Love learning about coffee and trying new varieties? Raise your hand (or mugs). Coffee is here! Connecticut is happily strewn North to South, East to West with roasters, cafes and lots of folks who know a whole lot about these little beans that captivate our attention. There are roasters who have subscription services, cafes with drink lists a mile long and honestly, many happy and caffeinated faces to go with each. You could spend all of next year jumping around the state and trying each one of these…hey, why not start now? And psst-if we have missed any places you love, please let us know in the comments section!

Dom's Coffee-Avon

www.domscoffee.com

Dom's Coffee is a unique European style coffee shop located in Avon, CT, the heart of the Farmington Valley. Founded in 2015, Dom's has become an integral part of the local coffee community, working with other cafes to establish a Connecticut home for the coffee industry. At Dom's you'll find informed baristas offering a variety of coffees on a rotating basis from the best roasters, both locally and from further away; the coffee always comes first, and the Dom's staff consistently goes above and beyond to ensure a great visit for every customer. Alongside their popular lattes and mochas, Dom's also offers a curated menu of made-to-order lunch and breakfast options, as well as a robust selection of house-made pastries and baked goods. Stop by and see why Dom's Coffee has won Best of Hartford's top spot in the Local Coffeehouse category three years running!

Craftsman Cliff Roaster-Norwich

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www.craftsmancliffroasters.com

Nearing it's fourth year, CCR is joyously becoming a living room/kitchen table favorite, being shared with family and friends. Home baristas alike are choosing these coffees to create their masterpieces. With a rich crema and deep flavor, CCR offers Fair-Trade and Organic seasonal micro-roasts with the mission "Craft Create Community". A Cacao roaster as well, they produce their own chocolate-covered espresso beans and ceremonial drinking chocolates. You are welcome to visit the Roastery Outlet at 34 Broadway Norwich, CT, or visit CoffeeCliff.com to find a market near you or choose home delivery and subscription service.  

Rebel Dog Coffee Co.-East Hartford, Farmington, Plainville

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www.rebeldogcoffeeco.com

With three locations, Rebel Dog Coffee Co. makes it easy and convenient to enjoy a great specialty coffee experience—and more. Their craft coffees and alternatives are thoughtfully made for everyone, from dark roast drip coffee drinkers to connoisseurs of light, bright single origins to herbal tea sippers, and everyone in between and beyond. So many of Rebel Dog's staples, from their popular cold brew, chai, and flavor shots to sandwich breads, soups, and pastries, are made fresh in-house. All locations have extensive breakfast and lunch menus; plus, you can visit them at the Tavern at their Plainville location for weekend brunch, dinner, and drinks so you can make a seamless transition from breakfast and coffee to wood-fired pizzas, steaks, and cocktails under one roof. At their East Hartford location, you’ll find a mix of menus from both the coffee shops and the Tavern, with everything from seasonal lattes and various Eggs Benedict to wine, beer, and wood-fired pizza. Get all the details you need at rebeldogcoffeeco.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for all the latest specials and updates @rebeldogcoffeeco. 

Allora Coffee & Bites-Norwalk, Stamford

www.alloracoffee.com

Step into an Italian coastal oasis when entering Allora Coffee and Bites, a specialty coffee shop located in Norwalk, CT. Allora’s signature espresso, 7 Knots, as well as its house brew are from Redding Roasters out of Bethel, CT. At Allora, every cup of coffee is served with fresh ground beans and they offer an array of seasonal specialty drinks that rotate throughout the year. Allora offers various toasts (served on Flour Water Salt sourdough) and paninis with seasonal specials. If sweet treats are your thing, take a peek into the pastry case for tempting croissants, scones and cookies. Open 6 days a week located at 515 West Ave, Norwalk (find them on Orchard street with the bright orange awning), they look forward to welcoming you person or online orders via their website.

Ashlawn Farm Coffee-Old Saybrook

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www.farmcoffee.com

Ashlawn Farm Coffee, one of Connecticut's very first specialty coffee roasters, is celebrating its 20th year anniversary in spring 2022. A vibrant yet homey, cutting edge but traditional roaster, Ashlawn Farm Coffee offers artfully-roasted, specialty-grade coffee, with a focus on exemplary service in their cafe. When you enter the Old Saybrook cafe, a soft glow, teasing aromas, and a warm woody atmosphere immediately transport you to an old fashioned, welcoming New England barn. Inviting sounds of a steaming and hissing La Marzocco espresso machine, an array of house-made grab-and-go baked goods (including their famous cheddar chive biscuit with maple sausage and egg), and a gaggle of happy baristas behind a beautifully well-lit barn-board coffee counter populate the space. Ashlawn is always well-staffed, which means that the (often long) line is constantly moving. These guys are pioneers in forming relationships with local producer partners, and they were a first in the Connecticut cafe scene to use biodegradable and recyclable serving vessels. Always with an eye on the environment, they just converted the mothership farm to solar electricity. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Ashlawn has created a safe and comfortable experience and they have made their outdoor seating weatherproof and comfortable in every season. As soon as you try them you'll likely be converted to a regular. 

Espresso 59-Litchfield

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www.espresso59ct.com

Espresso 59 is local coffee shop located on the Historic Litchfield Green. They proudly feature LaVazza coffees and look forward to preparing you a perfect espresso, cappuccino, hot or cold latte or maybe a fresh cold brew. They also feature a variety of hot and cold teas along with the house Masala Chai that can be enjoyed hot or cold. All your selections can be enjoyed in their bright, clean and friendly Cafe’. Espresso 59 is open Wednesday - Saturday 12;00 noon until 9:00 pm and Sundays 10:00 am - 7:00 pm. 59 West Street, Litchfield  860-361-6038.

Greiser’s Coffee & Market-Easton

Photo: Stella Mirwald

Photo: Stella Mirwald

www.greisers.com

Greiser’s Coffee & Market opened 3 years ago in a 220-year-old building next door to the post office in the quiet farm town of Easton. Brewing La Colombe Coffee in a charming antique environment, it quickly became a buzzing community hub. Breakfast is served all day in the form of a killer BEC panini with local eggs, and the house-baked croissants are Champs-Élysées authentic. In addition to a simple sandwich menu that changes daily and a carefully curated selection of specialty groceries, you’ll find a beautiful assortment of handmade gifts from local potters, woodworkers, and other artisans. Seating indoors and out. Open Tue-Fri 7am – 5pm, Sat & Sun 7am – 3pm. Closed Monday. Located at 299 Center Road, Easton. 203.220.9424

Klekolo World Coffee-Middletown

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www.klekolo.com

Klekolo is from the Minyanka language of Mali and it translates to “ A system of rules to live by for peace and harmony in the world”. The doors opened in 1994 and have been serving the nectar of the Gods ever since. The wide selection of coffees from Sumatra, Tanzania to the high caffeine Pony will defiantly appeal to your palate. Klekolo sources through a variety of award-winning roasters and focuses on organic fair-trade beans. Pastries from local bakers, including vegan options, are available daily. More than a place to get the finest coffee and espresso, but a community of coffee lovers, professional business folks, court house employees, police officers, firefighters, retirees, Wesleyan professors, students, artists, veterans, and local homeless run through to get their cup of joe or stick around to engage in discussions of current events.The walls feature a monthly rotation of local artists' work, crafters sell their wares, and pre-Covid, was a regular venue for local musicians. Klekolo World Coffee is open seven days a week, rarely closing for snow storms, hurricanes, or pandemics. Located at 181 Court Street Middletown CT.

Lorca Coffee Bar-Stamford

www.lorcacoffeebar.com

Lorca has been a staple of downtown Stamford for over 8 years and has become a community gathering place welcoming to all. At the helm is Leyla who grew up in Spain, which is why you'll see Spanish inspired staples on the menu like fresh-made churros, empanadas, and alfajores. They sling everything from a Cortadito to a Tres Leches Latte all made with local organic milk and direct trade coffee from 49th Parallel. Their creative food menu changes seasonally and uses local vendors such as Flour Water Salt, Longford's, and Arethusa. Open 7 days a week from 7:30-4 on weekdays and 8-7 on weekends at 125 Bedford Street in downtown Stamford.

Perkatory Coffee Roasters-Middletown, Southington, West Hartford

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www.perkatoryroasters.com

Perkatory Coffee Roasters is a family-owned, small batch, specialty coffee roaster with cafes in Middletown, Southington, West Hartford and Branford (coming soon!) Perkatory was developed by a husband and wife team raised on skateboarding and punk rock who wanted to create a fun and unique coffee experience. All beans are ethically sourced and roasted weekly in Middletown to highlight the complex tasting notes in each sip. Coffee by the pound can be purchased in the cafes as well as online. A wholesale program is also available. When you come to Perkatory you can expect a variety of lattes, cold brew, coffee sodas and more served up with a smile from rad baristas who are so stoked to caffeinate you!

Roost Kitchen & Coffee-Darien, Greenwich, Stamford

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www.heyroost.com

At Roost, they are passionate about providing delicious, scratch made and locally sourced food, and artisanal coffee and teas to their local community. Sister-store to Ada's Kitchen + Coffee in Riverside, CT, all of the locations offer a seasonal menu crafted by Owner and Chef, Mike Pietrafeso. Roost coffee is provided by good friends at Kestrel Coffee Roasters, who roast their beans in small batches weekly and then they grind every cup to order. If you are looking for healthy and convenient food or just a caffeine fix, Roost is here for you! Open 7 days a week in GreenwichDarienStamford, CT. The newest location will opening on the Post Road in Cos Cob, CT very soon!

Sacred Grounds Coffee Roasters-Sherman

www.sacredgrounds.coffee

Sacred Grounds Coffee Roasters is a small-batch roaster located in Sherman, CT, the northern-most town in Fairfield County. They roast only certified organic, fair trade certified, specialty-grade coffee! Sacred Grounds aligns with the Third Wave of Coffee movement but has, since its launch in 2015, adopted stronger principles to focus on sustainability and ethical trading. These are now being loosely defined as the Fourth Wave of coffee. Quality of roasting and bean selection is paramount to what makes Sacred Grounds coffees stand out from other conventional roasters. They also sell their fresh-roasted coffee and espresso drinks at the shop. Be sure to stop by!

Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House-East Haddam

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www.twowrasslincats.com

Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House and Cafe resides in a beautiful blue and green circa 1784 house in the bucolic community of East Haddam, CT. Its mission is to build a community asset that welcomes everyone and provides unmatched customer service while serving outstanding fresh food, and coffee! This unique coffee house, which bears the names of wrasslin’ companions, Bruno and Larry, is a space where every customer is made to feel “at home” amongst a vast assemblage of adopted cat kitsch. The quirky establishment is the creation of a retired Molecular Biologist, coffee school graduate, and perpetual dreamer whose goal was to create a business that transcends the typical community coffee house. Welcome to Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House and Cafe where everyday is Caturday!    

Winfield Street -Westport, Stamford

www.westport.winfieldcoffee.com

Winfield Street Coffee is a community-oriented coffee place where guests can find a warm smile, excellent coffee, and creative food at all seven locations. Their flagship store is right on Broad Street in the heart of Stamford. They have it all! A quad shot espresso so you can cram for finals? You got it. A great atmosphere that you can post your “coffee of the day”? Winfield has that too. Whether it is a Pumpkin Spice Latte, Nitro Cold Brew on tap, or a fully catered breakfast, they are here to serve all your food and caffeinated needs. It is about creating a good relationship with our customers and the community through the ‘Giving Back’ program. With the help of partners at Inspirica Housing, DOMUS Kids, and Pacific House, for every check of $20 or higher,  a meal is donated! So come on in and feel good about getting that quad shot espresso, and know that while you are being served you are also helping the community.  

Fairfield County

Beanz & Co-Avon

www.beanzandco.com

As they like to say “Where Everyone Belongs”. Beanz & Co. is an inclusive coffee bar, employing people both with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is truly a gathering spot where everyone is welcome. Big menu of coffee and pastries (try the Duffin, a donut muffin) and more (p.s. Every purchase helps them employ people with disabilities)

BonJo Coffee Roasters-Stamford

www.bonjocoffee.com

With goals to duplicate Italian espresso right here in our backyard, they source high quality beans and roast until they hit the perfect notes. By design, the cafe is not huge and is modeled like a European café.

Cafe Aroma-Norwalk

www.facebook.com/CafeAroma55

Tiny and neighborhoody, nestled on Wall Street in Norwalk, get a coffee to go or linger on their comfy seats outside. Plenty of hot or cold coffee beverages and a great array of pastries to go with them.

Cafe Dolce-Norwalk

www.cafe-dolce.com

It’s a little piece of Europe (more specifially, Hungary), in Norwalk. All the coffee you could dream of, alongside a fresh panini, crepe and fresh made killer desserts and pastries. Don’t miss their Almond Croissants and Tart Cherry Strudel.

Candlewood Coffee-Brookfield

www.candlewoodcoffee.com

Family-owned roaster, sourcing and roasting the best. Order online or check websites for local retailers where they are stocked.

Coffee For Good, Greenwich

www.coffeeforgood.com

Not your ordinary high-end coffee shop, it is a self-sustaining, nonprofit organization, to serve as a training platform and employer for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can also grab yourself a perfectly pulled shot of espresso or latte c/o their well trained baristas and the fine roasters at PATH Coffee in PortChester.

GG & Joe-Westport

www.ggandjoe.com

Bustling, social vibe among a cozy but cool atmosphere complete with a seasonal outdoor patio.  Their menu is small but packs a punch. They even make their own almond milk fresh daily as well as all coffee syrups using only whole ingredients and unrefined sugar.  

The Granola Bar-Fairfield, Greenwich, Stamford, Westport

www.thegranolabarct.com

Full roster of coffee drinks from drip to Cortado, iced and hot, or as they call them “liquid pick me ups”. You might want to make a few trips to try out their Turkish (vanilla, cardamom, cinnamon), Nutella and Turmeric (turmeric and ginger) lattes. Pair it with one of their Muffins of the Day or Energy Bites.

Grounds Donut & Coffee, Danbury

www.groundsdonuthouse.com

Aside from the soft serve ice cream injected donuts (whaa?? yep!), stop by for a coffee, which, er, goes well with those DONUTS. They’ve got hot and cold brews, lattes, Shakeratos, Cappuccinos and even a box of joe.

Honey Joe’s Family Coffeehouse-Stamford

www.honeyjoescoffee.com

A cafe catering to all ages! Serving La Colombe coffee as well as a variety of other drinks, Honey Joe’s also has pastries and more. In addition to a spacious seating area, the play area and private room can be reserved for events, meetings, and parties.

Humbled Coffee House-Stamford

www.humbledcoffeehouse.com

Cool vibes, comfy seating, and eclectic decor, as well as serving up Bonjo Coffee with a range of espresso drinks, drip coffee and locally sourced pastries.

Kneads Bakery and Cafe-Westport

www.kneadsbakerycafe.com

Irving Farm Coffee (NY) is on tap here with drip, Americanos, lattes and more. So convenient the they serve all-day breakfast and killer breads and pastries to go with that java.

Molten Java-Bethel

www.moltenjava.wordpress.com

Arts of all sorts, community support and involvement, an accepting environment and on top of that, they roast their own coffee. All this for almost 20 years! Go on by and try their fabulously named coffee drinks, you won’t be disappointed. Iced, hot, dairy free, sugar free, you name it.

Mothership on Main-Danbury

www.mothershipbakeryandcafe.com

You can’t pass through Mothership without learning a little bit about Danbury’s history. Their walls pay homage to the town while filling your belly with some of the best freshly made baked goods and organic, house-roasted coffee. The beans are even roasted in -house in a 100-year old roaster. 

NEAT Coffee-Darien

www.neatcoffee.com

Serious about all things coffee, Neat will not only give you a delicious cup of high quality coffee, they will tell you everything there is to know about how it got to your cup. Buy a pound or grab a cup.

Patisserie Salzburg-New Canaan, Stamford

www.patisseriesalzburg.com

Pop by for some of their freshly brewed Illy coffee fresh daily or a cappuccino and enjoy alongside any of their European desserts, pies, tarts, cookies and pastries.

Pour Mikey’s Coffee-Trumbull

www.pourmikeyscoffee.com

Still searching for just the right taste in a coffee? Well, they can and will custom roast your beans! Personalized coffee? Get out! We love that. You can also order by the pound online, or you might also like to seek out some of their new collabs with Skygazer Brewing. Coffee Maple Milk Stout, anyone?

Proof Coffee Roasters-Stamford

www.proof.coffee

You want proof of good coffee? We will give you proof! Located in the pavilion in Common Park in Harbor Point, Stamford (in the old Walter’s Hot Dog spot), Proof is a family-owned, organic specialty roaster-organic, sustainably sourced, with attention to detail. 5% of proceeds to go to mental health charities.

Raus Coffee Company-Online and Pop-ups

www.rauscoffee.com

Known for their Cold Roman, which is a hot brewed espresso combined with some raw sugar and their own magic touch. Use it straight, iced, neat or in some memorable cocktails this holiday season.

Redding Roasters-Bethel

www.reddingroasters.com

Roasting since 2004. Tucked behind another building off Greenwood Ave in Bethel, they roast every day that that scent floats through the air! Try some samples, and then enjoy brewing the pounds you take home.

Rumors Coffeehouse-Danbury

www.facebook.com/rumorscoffeehouse

Very cozy, set in a little cottage off a main road, Rumors has a fun and funky selection of creative coffee drinks using CT’s own Saccuzzo coffee. If you need a jolt, their Dead Eye should do the trick: a cup of coffee with 3-count ‘em, 3-shots of espresso.

Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters-Fairfield, Westport

www.shearwatercoffeeroasters.com

Family owned, sustainably focused, and 100% organic. Shearwater Coffee Bars offer customers a warm and inviting contemporary environment, where you are served your perfect latte, cappuccino, nitro or pour-over coffee.

Source Coffeehouse-Bridgeport

www.sourcecoffeehouse.com

Sleek and welcoming community driven coffee shop located in Bridgeport’s Black Rock neighborhood. Plenty of coffee, epresso, Not Coffee drinks and some pretty inventive seasonal specials (Honey Lavender Latte or an Aromatic Espresso Tonic, anyone?). Lots of plant based yummies, too.

Tazza Cafe-Ridgefield

www.tazzacafeny.com

The classic roster of coffee drinks, both hot and cold, along with non-coffee libations such as hot cocoa, Chai, teas, milk steamers and smoothies. They also have a serious breakfast menu with protein shakes and Acai bowls..

Terra Cafe-Monroe

www.terracafect.com

Vegan and veggie options for breakfasts, salads and pastries, right down to their coffee drinks, which can be made with a variety of non-dairy milks. The coffee is organic and you can even branch out from coffee and try their Mocha 6 Mushroom, which has powders of six different mushrooms and cocoa (hello, immunity boost!).

Terrain Cafe-Westport

www.shopterrain.com

From bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out, you go to Terrain almost as much for the ambience and decor as you do the great treats and drinks. Their coffee menu ranges from a simple cup of well poured coffee to Blueberry Oatmilk Lattes and French Press. 

Turning Point Coffee & Wine Bar-Stamford

www.turningpointcoffeeroasters.com

In-house roasted coffee and an extensive list of coffee drinks exotic teas and swoon-y seasonal drinks (eh-hem, Cookie Butter Latte).Turning Point is a place to stop all day long for a little lift. Go later in the day for wine, cheese and charcuterie boards...and HELLO, Prosecco on tap!

Tusk and Cup-Ridgefield, Wilton

www.tuskandcup.com

Cozy, artsy, and oh so Italian, Tusk & Cup is the place to go for an espresso con panna or gelato. They take care with their coffee and their process to make it sure it smacks of all-things-Italian.

Wake-Cup-Coffee-Fairfield

www.wake-cup-coffee.com

Bright and airy with lots of seating, belly up to their bar and dive into a cup of espresso, Nitro infused coffee (foamy! creamy!), a treat called a Hot Nutella, pour-overs, drips, lattes and more. So. Much. Coffee. If this isn’t enticing enough, they also have scratch-made Bavarian pretzels and pastries, a la across the pond.

Zumbach’s Gourmet Coffee-New Canaan

www.facebook.com/zumbachscoffee

Since 1992, Zumbach’s has been roasting coffee in-house, selling and also simply enticing the community with the heady scent of coffee beans that spills out of the quaint store. They stock over thirty types of beans for purchase along with a good list of coffee drinks. 

New Haven County

Blue State Coffee-New Haven

www.bluestatecoffee.com

Blue State has a big mission and great tagline, “Beans to an End.” Since 2004 they’ve given away $1,000,000 to local nonprofits. Grab one of their vibrant blue bags of coffee to go and know you’re one step closer to positive change in your community

Cafe Atlantique-Milford

www.cafeatlantiquemilford.com

Maple Spice Latte, yes please! For over 16 years, serving up sweet and savory crepes, paninis, pastries and lots of coffee drinks like Bulletproof, Nitro Cold Brews and lattes.They have a good motto: “A little fancy, a lot of delicious”.

Cheshire Coffee-Cheshire, Waterbury

www.cheshirecoffee.com

A long list of seasonal coffee drinks, in addition to their regular brews. This is also a great spot for homemade scones, pastries and granola. You’ll get n the autumn mood *fast* when you sip on their Caramel Apple Latte or Maple Spiced Latte.

Coffee Pedaler-New Haven

www.facebook.com/thecoffeepedalernewhaven

Get the best of both worlds in this vibrant New Haven cafe with quality coffee and wined-after-5 in a relaxed setting. Keep an eye out on their menu but they even have treats like lox bagels or wild boar paté!

Fussy Coffee-New Haven

www.drinkfussycoffee.com

Gorgeous New Haven shop and one of the most clever coffee menus around; Hibiscus Coffee Soda, Mocha Mole, Grapefruit Espresso Tonic, Mango Lime Cold Brew. If you aren’t adventurous in the realm of caffeine, no need to fret, they have the classic stand-by too.

Koffee?-New Haven

www.koffeefamily.com

Yummy bites, freshly prepared, come out of this proud nut-free cafe and coffee must. Gluten-free options are on the rise, too. So many fun combos like the Ginger Snap and, are you ready? The 747: it has 7 shots of espresso, 4 shots of cream, and 7 teaspoons of sugar…along with a liability waiver. Buckle up.

Oxford Baking Company-Oxford

www.oxfordbakingcompany.com

In a vintage building that has been lovingly restored, you’ll be visiting for their ambiance as much as for their goodies. Serving Saccuzzo coffee, they will whip together hot and cold brews, lattes and cappuccinos with care. Fresh pastries and breads will go well with that coffee on their porch-just an idea.

Willoughby’s-Branford, Madison, New Haven

www.willoughbyscoffee.com
Roasting beans and educating about coffee for 36 years, Willoughby’s offers a long list of varieties for sale by the pound, and plenty of coffee drinks and pastries at their cafes. Coffee accoutrements can be purchased online to up your coffee game.

Hartford County

Big Up Brew, West Hartford

bigupbrew.com

Big Up Brew is a West Hartford based roaster with an online retail store at bigupbrew.com. They also operate via pop up shops around the Hartford area. Big Up Brew was inspired by the owner's mother, who is an immigrant from Portland, Jamaica. “Big Up” is a Jamaican expression that translates to congratulating and honoring yourself.

Birdhouse Coffee, South Windsor

www.birdhousecoffee.com

Situated in the heart of the Connecticut Valley along the eastern bank of the Connecticut River, Birdhouse Coffee roasts their own beans with a broad array of global flavors. Grab one of their four blends, espresso based beverages, cold brew, Matcha lattes, Chai lattes and more.

Coffee Trade-Avon

www.thecoffeetradect.com

Part coffee house and roaster, antique store, and tea house, Coffee Trade has been enchanting Nutmeggers since 1989. Eighty varieties of coffee is just the start of what you will find here, among the pastries, coffee and tea supplies, candies and gifts.

Daybreak Coffee Roasters-Glastonbury

www.daybreakcoffee.com

Since 1989, Daybreak is no stranger to fueling the community. Not only have they been putting smiles on Glastonbury faces for many years, but this is the spot for coffee related gifts, from subscriptions to charming, bountiful gift baskets, and other coffee related merchandise.

Giv Coffee-Canton

www.givcoffee.com

Underscored by philanthropy and fair trade, this is certainly a spot to feel good about while enjoying truly fine coffee. Take a peek inside their roasting room or grab a light bite with your coffee, which you know has been responsibly sourced, making it all the more tasty.

Hartford Baking Company-Glastonbury

www.hartfordbaking.com

Despite first being known for their breads and baked goods, they haven’t forgotten what we want to wash that carb delights down with: Coffee. With a growing list of classic and clever brews, this is certainly a stop for quality everything. 

J. Rene Coffee Roasters-West Hartford

www.jrenecoffee.com

From their Espresso bar to the countless pounds they roast, these folks are uber-serious about coffee. Milk is carefully measured and their espressos are prepared to standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association. ‘Nuff said.

Popover Bistro & Bakery-Simbury

www.popoversimsbury.com

Extensive menu of delicious coffees and treats that are local, organic and fresh. As a matter of fact, they’ve won Best Gluten Free menu more than once, and best Brunch. And as their name suggests, creative Popovers feature prominently. 

The Roasted Bean-Bristol

www.theroastedbeanct.com
Coffee from small batch artisan roasters, along with cafe nibbles of bagels, pastries, Macarons. Add dairy-free milks or CBD to your drinks to make it just how you want or need. 

Story & Soil-Hartford

www.storyandsoilcoffee.com
Frog Hollow in Hartford, this adorable, emerald green little shop will perk you up with its community spirit and really, really good STRONG brews. Espresso tonic, Spanish Latte, Flat Whites and more will get you revved.

Victus Coffee-West Hartford

www.victuscoffee.com

Pledging $2 from each bag of coffee sold to both local and global causes, you can feel good about sipping Victus, as they support a wide array of wellness initiatives. Purchase online by the pound or subscription, along with gift packs and merch.

New London County

Deviant Donuts-Mystic

www.deviantdonuts.com

Sip on New Orleans and Honey Vanilla Cold Brews, classic cafe drinks and dress them up with your milk of choice. And hello, coffee must have a donut sidekick, and their Sugared Peach, Flan and Luck of the Irish donuts would work well.

Indulge Coffee & Sandwich Co.-Stonington

www.indulgecoffeeco.com

Casual and welcoming, Indulge has become a place where community comes together. They sell coffee by the pound or in the form of one of their many coffee drinks, along with creative sandwiches. You’ll always find something that begs you to stay and linger.

Macondo-Stonington

www.welcometomacondo.com

A full roster of Columbian coffee and you can order online to-go! Iced, hot, matchas, lattes, Cafe con Leche, Cortados, in addition to bagels and croissants. They have a good ol’ cup of joe, too. Macondo just made your mornings really easy.

Mystic Depot Roasters-Mystic

https://www.mysticdepotroasters.com/

Located in what once was The Mystic Depot train stop that dates to 1905 (psst-the station was used as the model for the American Flyer toy train station beginning in the mid 20th c.), it is now a charming, homey and convivial cafe. Take the Red Eye, grab a cold brew or coffee and have a light bite.

Sift Bakery-Mystic

www.siftbakeshopmystic.com

Start with an expertly crafted coffee drink made with New Harvest coffees or a Harney & Sons tea at this French focused bakery. Then, travel down the counter and add a fabulously flakey croissant, sweet or savory, breads (oh, the breads!), ginormous cinnamon buns, huge cookies, and desserts and macarons the likes of which you have never seen. 

Social-Groton, Mystic, Stonington Borough

www.facebook.com/socialcoffeeroastery

Black and white and green all over, both in coffee, decor, and eco-friendliness. This sleek and curated yet cozy spot serves up brews made with organic and pesticide-free beans, like there Cold Brews, Turkish coffee, Roasting starts at 3:30am each morning!

Middlesex County

Brew Bakers-Middletown

www.mybrewbakers.com

Cafe eatery serving coffees, breakfast and lunch with a European flair. Brewing Saccuzzo coffee, they have some pretty creative caffeinated libations-The Devil’s Advocate (espresso, French Vanilla, chocolate, caramel and cocoa), the Berry White, Island Steam, Silly Melilli…we will let you have the joy of discovering those yourself. 

Deep River Roasters-Deep River

www.deepriverroasters.ecwid.com

It started with roasting for friends and local markets, and now they have a full-blown micro-roastery, where they use an award-winning San Franciscan roaster to create the best beans for you. Offering almost two dozen varieties of coffee, you can also get your caffeine hit from their coffee syrup (hello, any Rhode Islanders out there looking for coffee syrup??) or a delivery service for your favorite brews.

ECO Coffee House-East Hampton

www.facebook.com/ECOCoffeehouse

Organic, Fair Trade espresso bar and tavern serving craft beers and cool cocktails. Stop in the morning, circle back after work! Pumpkin Pie Ice Latte for these warm fall days, velvety Nitro Cold Brew pulled right from the kegerator, and a bevy of espresso drinks that give you that caffeine hit when you need it.

Higher Grounds at 32 Main-East Haddam

www.facebook.com/HigherGroundsat32Main

“A Coffee House Gallery”, with both a coffee house and and art gallery under one roof. Breakfast all day, art, live music, and coffee-what is not to love here?

Julie’s Cup of Joe-Westbrook

FB:Julie’s Cup of Joe

Only 3 years old, but loved a lot by the locals. Classic coffee drinks, served with lots of spunk and heart. Grab a (Julie’s) Cup of Joe and maybe a last minute gift of their merch or woodcrafts by local artisans.

The Nest Coffee House-Deep River

www.thenestcoffeehouse.org

Nest Coffee House, part of the A Little Compassion program, is a place where young adults with disabilities can gain valuable work experience, acceptance, encouragement and support. They also hold sensory-friendly events like game, trivia and art nights, which have been met with great enthusiasm by the community. Stop by, get a delicious coffee drink and know it helps support a great organization.

Windham County

Baker’s Dozen-Pomfret and various locations

www.bakersdozenct.com

When you don’t want Dunkin and you don’t have time to plunk on a couch at a cafe, this is your good go-between. Grab a dozen, or a Baker’s Dozen of donuts and one of there coffee drinks, hot or cold, tailored to your taste.

Chubby Dog Coffee Roasters-Putnam 

www.chubbydogcoffee.com

Enjoy creative coffee drinks from beans that they roast in-house or even subscribe to their Coffee Cup Club, just to your morning java all the more convenient. In case you are wondering, the cafe is named after their own chubby dog, Bella the Pittie, but fear not, they love their customers and four-legged friends equally!

Grounded Coffee-Willimantic

www.groundedcoffeecompany.org

Sourcing from domestic and international roasters, Grounded Coffee aims to introduce their customers to a variety of styles and flavors. The space is airy and inviting and they hope you will feel…grounded. Sit and enjoy their creations, from Flat whites to Honey Lattes to Babyccinos (how cute is that?).

The Vanilla Bean Cafe-Pomfret

www.thevanillabeancafe.com

If you are cruising through the Quiet Corner, be sure to stop in at The Vanilla Bean. Sit outside and people watch or head inside and hunker down with a book or newspaper and a coffee. Life is a little different in the lovely Quiet Corner, but it’s not to be missed. Coffee drinks and good pastries (and more) abound here at this town fixture that’s been around since 1989.

Victoria Station-Putnam

www.victoriastationcafe.com
In the most adorable corner building, in the also adorable town of Putnam, Victoria Station Cafe has a treat for everyone, even your pup! Known for hosting popular local musicians in their loft, they have delicious coffee, pastries, other bites, including ice cream.

Litchfield

Arethusa A Mano-Bantam

www.arethusafarm.com

From the great farm that brings you milk, ice cream and oh, so much more deliciousness, stop in at their Cafe, which features classic cafe coffee drinks to go with their scratch made pastries and seasonal muffins, breakfast and lunch items.

Batchy Brew-Torrington

www.batchybrew.com

When a mechanic and a barista hatch an idea, you get a mobile coffee truck! Rolling through Northwestern CT, they serve local roasted coffees, quality ingredients, and happily accommodate vegan-friendly, gluten-free and keto-friendly requests.

River & Rail Cafe-New Milford

www.facebook.com/riverandrailcafenm

Small and charming, with the prettiest wallpapered wall (you’ll understand when you see it) and best Parmesan Scones ever to be tasted. Sit by the window and watch the passers-by in quaint New Milford with a carefully brewed and delicious coffee drink.

Toast & Co.-Litchfield

www.toastandco.com

Avocado toasts (hence the name) and more, along with, of course, coffee drinks to perk you up! Long shots, Quad Shots (2 long shots of espresso), Lattes and Cappuccinos  with all the flavorings to make it expressly your own.

Something Extra…

Be a part of a Monthly Coffee Club!

Beacon Falls Public Library, Beacon Falls

www.eventbrite.com

Every 4th Thursday of every month, Aug-January

Sample and learn about origins and tasting notes.