Stories > Coffee Shops in Connecticut that You Must Add to Your List
Coffee Shops in Connecticut that You Must Add to Your List Last Updated: August 2023
Coffee culture is big in Connecticut. And coffee lovers won't want to miss it. From photo-worthy cafes with unmatched aesthetics and latte art to small shops that make high-quality ingredients their top priority, you'll find a wide selection of coffee shops dotting every corner of the state. Here are a few picks to get you started.
Dom’s Coffee, Avon
More than just your average coffee shop, Dom’s Coffee has a unique European style — and one of the most Instagram-worthy aesthetics in the state. Dom’s Coffee is a frequent recipient of Best of Hartford for Local Coffee House and Best of the Valley for Best Coffee. Plus, they recently opened a creamery next door offering delectable ice cream!
Winfield Street Coffee, Stamford & Westport
This family-owned, book-themed coffee shop serves up passion in every sip. Owner Breno Donatti says: "Serving coffee is exciting, but it is a very innate human characteristic to strive for more. And I knew that our “more”, as a company, would be to reach out to our local communities and integrate people that perhaps didn’t have other opportunities. We use our resources to donate meals to local shelters, and we open our space to artists, creatives and entrepreneurs to showcase their art or business. This is part of what Winfield is.”
Birdhouse Coffee, South Windsor
Next time you stop for a beer at Connecticut Valley Brewing, stop for a coffee at this cool spot next door. Birdhouse’s green coffee beans are ethically sourced from a variety of fair trade, women-owned, Smithsonian Bird Friendly, and Rainforest Alliance certified farms across the globe. In addition to great roasts, enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with tasty bites.
Arethusa A Mano, Bantam
Among a wide variety of house made pastries, Arethusa A Mano offers specialty lattes all crafted with house made syrups — from the Iced Cherry Blossom Latte to the Rose Matcha Latte. If you’re in the area, make sure to stop by or plan a visit!
GG & Joe, Westport
GG & Joe is our neighborhood acai and coffee shop located in downtown Westport. This spot elevates the coffee experience with house-made almond milk and guilt-free flavored coffee syrups — plus a great menu with gluten free, vegan, paleo, and dairy free selections.
Sift Bake Shop, Mystic
Sift is an iconic, award-wining French bakery located in historic downtown Mystic. In addition to a full barista menu, enjoy artisanal breads, pastries, desserts, macarons, signature cakes, savory items, and more. Sift is very popular, so beat the line by placing a mobile order online!
Giv Coffee, Canton
Aside from having a delightful ambiance and amazing beverages, Giv Coffee has a mission: use responsible, global ingredients and give back to the community. You’ll feel right at home inside Giv Coffee’s cozy café and may even want to snap a photo of the stunning latte art for Instagram. And across the lot, check out Giv's own historic iron works building to see the roasting operation in full swing.
Shearwater Organic Coffee, Fairfield
At Shearwater, expect only the finest organic ingredients — and a sustainable, low carbon impact business model. Visit Shearwater for a flavorful cup and buy their roasts right in store. Or order online to experience their passion for coffee from home.
Pistachio Café, New Haven
Looking for photo-worthy? This ornate coffee and dessert bar is the perfect backdrop for your next post. With the largest election of baklava, Turkish, and Syrian coffee in town, Pistachio Café goes above and beyond your average café experience. Visit their Instagram (@pistachiohv) to visually experience their specialty coffee drinks, as well as stunning brunch options, and Italian cakes to finish it all off.
Story and Soil Coffee, Hartford
Great coffee for an even better community. In July of 2017, Story and Soil Coffee opened for business with a vision to create a supportive, positive culture and build relationships through coffee. From espresso to specialty drinks, you are sure to find your new favorite coffee order.
Perkatory Roasters, Middletown, Southington, West Hartford, Branford
Perk up and energize your soul at Perkatory Roasters. Intense flavor brings even the deepest sleepers back to life. The punk, Halloween aesthetic keeps the October vibe year-round.
Rebel Dog Coffee Co., Plainville, Farmington and East Hartford
Modern meets rustic at Rebel Dog Coffee Co. Build your own breakfast sandwich and choose between extensive pick-me-up options. Community-focused and always striving for the perfect cup, this spot lets you choose your rebellious side.
Terra Café, Monroe
‘Terra’ = Earth (in Portuguese). Inspired by the owner’s ties to the Azores, Terra Café embraces fresh and local ingredients. After all, the good stuff comes from the source. Whether you’re embarking on, or continuing a wellness kick, Terra Café is your new daily stop.
Toast & Co., Litchfield
Specializing in coffee and lattes, Toast & Co. offers dairy free, gluten free, vegan, and keto options. Enjoy every sip on their outdoor patio alongside avocado toast, smoothie bowls, and more.
Essex Coffee & Tea Company, Essex
Located in the historic Essex Village is a small, independently owned coffee and tea shop offering gourmet coffee, organic loose-leaf tea, and fresh baked goods, including allergen free desserts. Aside from great coffee, the shop is an avid supporter of the local arts and offers monthly displays by area artists and hand-crafted edibles from local vendors.
Lorca Coffee Bar, Stamford
Known for delicious churros and cappuccinos, Lorca is a woman-owned coffee shop in downtown Stamford. Grab a specialty drink and a pastry when visiting Fairfield County — or even make Lorca the venue of your next private party!
Raonjena Coffee and Dessert, Glastonbury
In addition to locally sourced coffee, this spot creatively combines European-style desserts with Asian-style desserts for the perfect bite with your morning sip. Enjoy the flavors while surrounded by a clean, botanical aesthetic that's worth a photo or two.
Saw Dust Coffee House, Putnam
Artisan bliss is all around at Saw Dust Coffee House, from hand-crafted coffee at sunrise to espresso martini affogatos at sundown. The masterful woodwork adds to the atmosphere so you can have good times, with good friends.
BeanZ and Co, Avon
Everyone belongs here! Did you know that 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed or underemployed? BeanZ and Co’s mission is to change this. By employing an inclusive workforce, everyone is welcome here. Enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, tea, or even a freshly blended smoothie on either the indoor or outdoor patio.
Crossroads. Coffee, North Haven
Want to sip greener? This coffee spot is eco-friendly — and offers great flavor too. Expect a rotating menu of creatively themed drinks plus events and partnerships with local vendors.
Koffee?, New Haven
Want good coffee? Try Koffee? — a cool coffee hangout in New Haven. Find fairly traded, locally roasted organic blends in an eclectic interior. Staying late? You'll find live performances and even a selection of wine and beer at Koffee Afterdark.
Walnut Beach Coffee House, Milford
Coffee by the beach — what could be better? Walnut Beach Coffee House is the perfect spot for a caffeine fix between salt water dips. Enjoy coffee, tea, pastries, fresh salads, paninis, and more. Plus, find fun events like game nights and Sip and Paint.
Ashlawn Farm Coffee, Old Saybrook
For most of the 20th century, Ashlawn Farm provided dairy products to many households in Connecticut. Today, they've upped their game to the coffee trade with Ashlawn Farm Coffee. This shop sources the highest grade of specialty green beans from farms in Africa, Asia, and the Americas to create over rich 32 blends.
Popover Bistro & Bakery, Simsbury
Popover Bistro & Bakery has sourced local, healthy, and organic products since 2014. From golden spice lattes and honey matcha lattes to blueberry pie cold brews and Thai cold brews, indulge in signature drinks, plus bakery goods, freshly blended smoothies, and of course, popovers.
J. René Coffee Roasters, LLC, West Hartford
With the mission to pursue a memorable coffee experience, J. René shares a passion for excellent coffee as well as those that worked long, hard hours to produce it. This spot has created an atmosphere for customers to build creativity, culture, community, and to fuel their passions.
Sound Coffee, Bridgeport
At Sound Coffee, the mission is to bring people together over delicious coffee made with socially-conscious beans. Sip on a toasty roast in the coffee shop or even subscribe to enjoy the convenience of having fresh, high-quality coffee beans delivered right to your doorstep.
Frenchies Coffee Bar, Stratford
Frenchies Coffee Bar was designed to give the community a meeting ground to create and showcase their unique ideas. They aim to bring a new experience to the “Third Wave Coffee” by pairing their two favorite things: coffee and dogs. Enjoy your morning cup of joe while your furry friend enjoys a tasty treat in the Doggy Nook!