A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Eastern Connecticut

If you are a coffee lover but also into locally sourced, fresh ingredients, then this is your place. Dexter’s serves locally made Craftsman Cliff Roasters, roasted just two miles down the street. They also sell bags of fresh beans that come in cheekily named varieties such as Thinker, Umama, and Hondusaurus. Dexter’s operates out of a fabulously crafted outdoor takeout window. If you want a coffee drink that’s “a little extra,” try the Dexterccino, which features Craftsman Cliff Roasters coffee and warm and frothy chocolate milk from another local favorite, Woodstock Creamery. As their name implies, they also serve fresh and flavorful smoothies. For a real treat, try their healthy but no less tasty version of an Orange Creamsicle, made with carrot, mango protein powder, OJ, and yogurt.

Photo credit: dextersvault

Putnam undoubtedly has one of the cutest main streets in Connecticut, and lining it are some great spots for food and drink, case in point, this adorable coffee shop that also serves up lunch, delicious desserts, and late night cocktails. If you're looking for a cozy spot to post up with your laptop and get some work done, Saw Dust fits the bill with their free wi-fi and plenty of seating. In addition, they host some of the best live music around every Friday and Saturday night, and feature a local artist every Sunday. Come for the coffee, stay for the good vibes!

Photo credit: Saw Dust Coffee House

What started as a donut pop-up inside the beloved Vault Coffee has now become the perfect merger of both entities. Located in Olde Mistick Village, Deviant makes small-batch, from-scratch donuts daily and serves them alongside some of the best coffee around. Their donut menu changes weekly and is often seasonal or themed including a Harry Potter menu. All donuts start with their long-perfected brioche or cake base and then the sky is the limit in terms of filling, toppings and flavors. Stuffed Cookie Dough or Pineapple Orange Mimosa anyone? They also carry gluten sensitive and vegan varieties, along with the elusive Crö-dö (a croissant-donut hybrid). While their donuts may get all the glory, their coffee deserves some recognition too. Offerings include decadent seasonal lattes, cold brew creations and traditional espresso drinks.

Photo credit: deviantdonuts

Have you explored downtown New London recently? If not, a visit to Muddy Waters Café is a great excuse to do so. A favorite of locals and celebrities alike, Muddy Waters is truly a community gathering spot for the diverse and vibrant city. Their coffee, baked goods, sandwiches and the famous “Love Salad” are all freshly made. Whether you are grabbing something to-go before boarding the ferry or hoping to cozy up on a comfy couch and sip a latte, you will find just what you are looking for. During the warmer seasons, their back deck is open and has some splendid views of the Thames River.

Photo credit: muddywatersnewlondon

Between their imported Columbian coffee and their REAL New York bagels, Macondo takes the cake (or bagel?) for many people's go-to spot. They proudly serve fair-trade Columbian coffee brand, Devoción, which they have shipped directly from Columbia to New York City, and then roasted in Brooklyn for the freshest tasting cup of coffee around. The space itself gives off a modern, eclectic and cozy vibe, and makes you want to sip your coffee ever so slowly. They serve a variety of specialty beverages, including Aromáticas, which are Columbian teas infused with fruit. They also source their baked goods from some of the best local places, including Pain D' Avignon, Zest and the holy grail of bagels, Ess-A-Bagel.

Photo credit: welcometomacondo

Silk City Coffee is an independently owned coffee shop settled in downtown Willimantic - their newest location! This spot offers traditional drinks like Americanos, drip coffee, and cortados, but also switches it up with specialty drinks like strawberry iced tea, sparkling cider, and other seasonal drinks. And one of the best parts is that Silk City gives back to the community. Every month, the shop hosts a give-back to a non-profit organization in the area, featuring a specialty themed cookie where one dollar per cookie sale is donated to the organization.