I know this is a blog for a wedding photography business, and you might be thinking “why are you talking about Connecticut coffee shops?”. If you have read my bio on my about page or if you follow me on Instagram, you may have learned I am somewhat of a coffee snob. Growing up in CT in the ’90s my only options for coffee were Maxwell House from the can or Dunkin Donuts…
When I moved to Seattle for college I was opened up to a whole new world. When I moved back there were a couple of Starbucks but nothing like we have in CT now… Now that there are a plethora of options I thought I would share my favorite Connecticut coffee shops.
Disclaimer: I love a good latte from Starbucks but I will only share my favorite small businesses
Things that helped me in my decision:
- Local to my neighborhood (gas is not cheap these days)
- I have been more than three times
- Must have food options
- Consistancy
- Must have free Wifi
Table of Contents
My Favorite Connecticut Coffee Shops
1. Giv Coffee – Canton
This charming little coffee shop is a great place to get work done by yourself. They are so friendly every time I go to work there for the day when I am tired of the look of my office. They are a fair-trade company, which means they pay the farmers a fair wage for their crops and labor. My favorite thing is their iced lavender latte during the spring months.
2. Dom’s Coffee– Avon
Anytime I have a wedding in the Avon/Simsbury area I have to stop by Dom’s Coffee. So if you see me with a coffee while shooting at the Riverview it is probably an iced honey latte from Dom’s. They use coffee beans from J.Rene Coffee Roasters another popular Connecticut coffee shop.
3. Silk City Coffee Shop– Manchester
Now I love their coffee and food, but I love this place more for what they stand for and support. They have countless give-back events for their community. Most importantly proceeds of their Love Coffee Love People Fund go to sponsor survivors of human trafficking at the Amirah House. I always change up what I get because their seasonal drinks always interest me.
Fun Fact: I had my headshots/branding photos done there
4. Fussy Coffee– New Haven
New Haven being a big college city in Connecticut, it is only natural that it would have many coffee shops. I actually have Fussy on my list not because of the coffee, but they have a great Thai iced tea. The iced chai is also a fave.
5. Rebel Dog– Plainville/Farmington
If you know me, you know that I visit this place quite frequently on errands days. It is where I meet up with couples (now that’s a thing again), have family breakfast once a month, and my go-to destination for gift cards. Not only is the coffee good but so is the food. My typical order is the bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll with a vanilla latte.
Connecticut Coffee Shops Honorable Mentions
Blue State Coffee– New Haven
Koffee?– New Haven
Harborview Market– Bridgeport
Cafe Busy Bean -Berlin
Perkatory Coffee Roasters– Southington
I am always looking for new places to try so if you have any faves I haven’t mentioned please leave your suggestions in the comments below.
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Til Next Time
Raina
