When I take a trip, the first things I’m looking for at my destination are coffee, bookstores and food – in that order. Well, okay, and stores. In any event, I wanted to be the first to point you in the right direction to the best coffee shops in eastern Connecticut.

I’ll admit to being a coffee snob. I like it dark, bold and hot. I like shots of espresso, and lattes, and flavors. Sometimes, I like the option of a chai tea latte. And I love atmosphere. When I think coffee shops, I think small, eclectic places on a street in Boston’s Harvard Square, with music and people and laptops and books and newspapers and acceptance, no matter who you are or what you’re doing. Everyone’s family in a coffee shop. And in New London County, you’ve got some great choices.

New London, being the funky, artsy place it is, has good coffee. Muddy Waters on Bank Street is one of my personal favorites. I will go out of my way and take a chance on no parking and having to hike it to get one of their fancy lattes. Their food is excellent, too, and they have a nice deck out back.

Also on Bank – the Passion Coffee House & Restaurant, great coffee and great food.

Bean & Leaf on Washington Street has exactly what I’m looking for when I just want a cup of strong, black coffee. They offer brews from Brazil, Sumatra, Tanzania (my favorite) and Peru, to name a few. They also have an exquisite selection of teas – green, black, white, botanical, rooibos, and more. Sometimes I just have to bypass the coffee for the tea here because they all look so delightful – and the taste never disappoints.

New London also has Thames River Greenery, a totally unique concept to me – it’s a flower shop that sells coffee along with magazines and a variety of items in a really funky atmosphere. Who would’ve thought?

If you’re heading to Mystic, the Village Beanery in Olde Mistick Village is my first choice. Great flavors and fun drinks (the Nutty Irishman should definitely be a must-try) and they sell their flavored coffee, either beans or ground. I highly recommend the Apple Strudel (coffee, that is).

Barteby’s Cafe in downtown Mystic is a great stop on the Main Street as is Green Marble on Steamboat Wharf (down an alley off of Main) a spot that’s a bit of a throw back to coffee culture gone by. After your coffee break stop into Mystic Disc next door for another flash back in time. This spot does a thriving business in vinyl records and turntables. Oh yes, bookstore alert (Bank Square Books).

Up in Windham County? Not to worry, there’s great coffee up that way too. In Danielson, the Central Coffee Company is fabulous. Lattes, creative drinks and yummy pastries – what more can you ask for?

Putnam has Victoria’s Station, an artsy coffee house with bands and open mic nights – the perfect place to settle in on a Friday night with an eclectic crowd.

And Willimantic’s newest addition, Cafemantic, is a complete treat. This cafe is the beginning of downtown’s revolution. With local, organic food, delectable coffee, WiFi, and entertainment available, Cafemantic is putting Main Street on the right path. Make sure you pop in and check it out.

Yeah we’ve got Starbucks but if you are into exploring, check out our local selection for something unique.

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