![\"connecticut](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_guide_hartford_capitol_building_anne_mercer-150x150.jpg\")
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As one of the smallest states in America, Connecticut is often a state traveled through<\/em>, not to<\/em>. Connecticut\u2019s quaint towns, beaches, and sights along the Appalachian Trail are often overlooked by the bright lights and appeal of neighboring metropolises New York and Boston.<\/p>\n But something big is brewing, literally, in the Nutmeg state.<\/p>\n Coffee in Connecticut was once reserved for early morning and late night diner visits, along with those with a sworn allegiance to Dunkin\u2019. After all, the quick-service titan still reigns supreme in New England, with Hartford\u2019s minor league baseball team, the Hartford Yard Goats<\/a>, playing in Dunkin\u2019 Donuts Park.<\/p>\n In recent years, however, specialty coffee shops and roasters have enchanted residents with a steadfast dedication to a well-made cup of coffee, hospitality, and a sense of community. Changing the palate and understanding of strongly formed coffee habits one cup at a time, Connecticut\u2019s coffee community is energized and poised for growth.\u00a0Several shops and roasters are laying the foundation for Connecticut\u2019s thriving specialty coffee community, prompting new cafes to join the ranks every day. With a heavy concentration in Central Connecticut and along the coastline, it\u2019s easier than ever to access the state\u2019s growing number of coffee shops.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Giv Coffee <\/strong><\/p>\n What began out of a way to help others through roasting coffee grew into a thriving business supplying many of the state\u2019s cafes and consumers. Jeff Brooks began roasting coffee after a trip, where he and his wife returned with 80 pounds of green coffee to experiment with. As a result, Giv Coffee<\/a> was born with the goal of utilizing coffee for community growth by giving a percentage of proceeds to charities and organizations assisting those in need.<\/p>\n After years of farmers markets and late-night roasting work, the couple purchased and renovated an old home in Canton and opened shop. The warm, welcoming cafe is filled with globally-inspired decor and reclaimed wood, with multiple seating options from a bar to a cozy corner chair. Giv\u2019s in-shop menu ranges from espresso drinks, seasonal specials, and pour-over selections to the food program, featuring raved-about waffles.<\/p>\n Giv\u2019s focus on positive changes in the community is evident throughout all of its business and roasting practices, including fostering lasting relationships with farmers and continuing to educate Connecticut\u2019s baristas through in-depth training opportunities.\u00a0Due to the company\u2019s high standards and ongoing farmer relationships, Giv Coffee is also a popular wholesale choice for many of Connecticut\u2019s top coffee shops and restaurants.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n RaonJena Coffee & Dessert<\/strong><\/p>\n In Glastonbury, just southeast of Hartford, RaonJena Coffee & Dessert<\/a> is among the newest shops to open in the state. Born from a twin passion for specialty coffee and baking, the husband and wife team Do Kim and Hanna Park\u2014who you\u2019ll regularly see in the cafe itself\u2014are unwavering in their dedication to their respective crafts.<\/p>\n As you enter the shop, \u00a0you\u2019ll have a moment to take in the stark white walls lined with finished wood, tastefully placed succulents, and photos of New England\u2019s natural beauty before your eyes are drawn to the case of desserts (including colorful macarons with playful flavors such as cookies and cream, strawberry, and tiramisu.)<\/p>\n The bar houses a La Marzocco Linea Classic<\/a> churning out a traditional lineup of espresso drinks, a Mahlk\u00f6nig<\/a> grinder, and the latest array of offerings from Giv Coffee Roasters available for pour-over and batch brew. To all that inquire, Do explains how his take on coffee is inspired and influenced by Japanese methods, leading to a tea-like cup full of expressive flavor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Story and Soil Coffee<\/strong><\/p>\n Story and Soil Coffee<\/a> serves up a focused menu of espresso beverages and light food in the Frog Hollow neighborhood in Hartford, filling the previous specialty coffee void in Connecticut\u2019s capital city.<\/p>\n The multi-roaster shop is owned by Michael Acosta, Michael McCoy, and Sarah McCoy, who together have created an inviting atmosphere with records always spinning and a cheery greeting from whoever\u2019s working the bar.<\/p>\n Although a small space, the shop instantly makes customers feel at home with the lavender and floral print walls, hanging plants, and artwork.\u00a0As for the menu, the Spanish latte is a must. For those more interested in the pour-over and drip selection, Story and Soil offers a local and international selection with past and present roasters including Giv Coffee, Passenger Coffee<\/a>, La Cabra Coffee<\/a>, and Methodical Coffee<\/a>.<\/p>\n When Connecticut\u2019s gloomy winter season is finally over, grab a seat at the outdoor picnic table and enjoy the buzz of the busy city streets and a glimpse of Hartford\u2019s Capitol Building.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n J.Ren\u00e9 Coffee Roasters<\/strong><\/p>\n J.Ren\u00e9 Coffee Roasters<\/a> holds a special place in the hearts of Connecticut\u2019s coffee shop community. Many of the state\u2019s coffee shops are owned and operated by former J.Ren\u00e9 Coffee baristas, a testament to the shop\u2019s dedication to coffee education and leadership.<\/p>\n Located on Park Road in West Hartford, J.Ren\u00e9 Coffee Roasters provides an \u201cartisanal coffee gathering place\u201d for residents. This sense of place is physically achieved through ample seating and an appealing shop decor featuring exposed brick, wood elements, and a touch of industrial design.<\/p>\n As you make your way to order, you\u2019ll pass the Diedrich<\/a> roaster and wealth of in-house roasted coffees lining the shop\u2019s retail shelves. The bar prominently displays various brewing methods behind its glass barrier\u2014as a result, siphon pot coffee is a top menu item due to its intriguing brewing process and strategic bar placement.<\/p>\n J.Ren\u00e9 Coffee\u2019s influence on Connecticut extends far beyond the physical shop. J.Ren\u00e9 also boasts mobile coffee trailers in the Connecticut Science Center and Clinton Premium Outlets. Each trailer provides everything necessary to replicate the coffee shop experience, including\u00a0Victoria Arduino<\/a> ATHENA and White Eagle two-group Leva espresso machines.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Rebel Dog Coffee Company<\/strong><\/p>\n Rebel Dog Coffee Company<\/a> began out of a humble food truck in Plainville prior to establishing its flagship location in the same city, about 20 minutes from downtown Hartford. The brainchild of business partners Harrison Poltorak and Peter Lemnotis opened in February 2017 in the former Confetti restaurant space. With much of an emphasis on grab-and-go coffee in the area, the pair sought out to create a local spot for not only an excellent coffee experience but also a meal.<\/p>\n Connected to the JV\u2019s Taproom<\/a> restaurant, the cozy shop is adorned with a giant latte art logo mural, checkered floors, and stunning pallet artwork by The Pallet People<\/a>. Their expansive breakfast and lunch menu includes items such as eggs benedict, an assortment of soups and sandwiches, along with potato pancakes and pierogies.<\/p>\n While the bar serves up traditional and seasonal espresso beverages on a La Marzocco GB5 and offers pour-over coffee, the cold brew and nitro coffee are the hot ticket items at Rebel Dog. The custom-made tap system from Tapped in Hudson, NY also houses drinks including Jet Fuel (a cold brew concentrate), kombucha, and cold brew iced tea.<\/p>\n Due to the success of its Plainville shop, Rebel Dog was recently able to expand into the neighboring town of Farmington. The brand new cafe expands upon the atmosphere of the original location with a sprawling mural featuring Rebel Dog\u2019s logo along with characteristic coffee beans and plants, created by local artist Jaime La Jones.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grounded Coffee Company<\/strong><\/p>\n Grounded Coffee Company<\/a> in Willimantic keeps the eastern side of the state caffeinated in its historic shop on Main Street. Inspired by their coffee shop experiences in Australia and New Zealand, Steve and Victoria Bachiochi paired their desire to open a welcoming coffee spot with the expertise of Nick Bentley to form Grounded.<\/p>\n As a multi-roaster in Connecticut\u2019s quiet corner, Grounded keeps the coffee flowing thanks to ongoing relationships with roasters in the New England and Tri-State areas such as Sey Coffee<\/a> in Brooklyn, Little Wolf<\/a> in Ipswich, MA, and Brandywine Roasters<\/a> in Wilmington, DE. Connecticut roasters Giv Coffee and NEAT<\/a> are also regulars on the drip and pour-over coffee menu.<\/p>\n In addition to espresso drinks cranked out on the reliable La Marzocco Linea Classic, Grounded\u2019s tea menu is also a big draw. While there, try the Mate, an Argentinian tea cut with a splash of apple juice.<\/p>\n Silk City Coffee<\/strong><\/p>\n On the far interior wall of Silk City Coffee,<\/a> you\u2019ll find a large board with the mantra, \u201cLove Coffee, Love People\u201d noticeably displayed above. On this board are pinned requests, wishes, prayers, and needs from members of the community. Customers can add their requests or help fulfill as many needs as they like. This drive to serve the community is what fuels the team at Silk City to create a space where all are welcomed to enjoy specialty coffee in Manchester.<\/p>\n Found by the stark \u201ccoffee\u201d sign on Main Street, Silk City Coffee is housed in an old optometrist\u2019s office in a historic downtown building. As the team of co-owners was getting ready to build out the space, they ripped down the existing materials to discover the exposed brick, high-detailed ceilings, and hardwood floors the shop boasts today.<\/p>\n As another multi-roaster shop in the Connecticut coffee community, Silk City rotates Giv Coffee and NEAT Coffee roasters on the batch and pour-over menus. The shop also offers a variety of baked goods made in-house, paired perfectly with the solid coffee menu.<\/p>\n As part of their goal to give back to Manchester, the shop stays open late each Friday for live music performances, several of which donate a portion of proceeds to a local non-profit or organization.<\/p>\n NEAT <\/strong><\/p>\n Over in Southwest Connecticut, NEAT<\/a> serves Darien residents and commuters single-origin coffees from their quaint shop on Grove Street. With ample outdoor seating in the summertime and selection of grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items, NEAT Coffee has become a community gathering place for those who live and work nearby. The sparkling clean shop with subtle blue and green pastel walls houses family-style tables, bar seating, and a large world map.<\/p>\n The focused menu lists traditional coffee and espresso drinks along with a variety of teas, hot cider, lemonade, and seasonal beverages. If you\u2019re looking for something new, try the \u201cNot So Neat,\u201d a twist on an iced latte using cold brew coffee instead. NEAT\u2019s bar houses a multitude of equipment, from the La Marzocco Linea PB to the mesmerizing BKON craft brewer<\/a> used for teas and other beverages. And, for a refresher, pick from a selection of tap and sparkling waters located next to the bar.<\/p>\n Owner Rachel Haughey opened NEAT more than 10 years ago after noticing a great cup of coffee required a train ride to New York City. As one of the first members of the state\u2019s coffee community, the shop began as a multi-roaster but transitioned into a successful roasting operation after a desire to engage in specific roasting and sourcing practices.<\/p>\n Anne Mercer is a freelance journalist based in Connecticut. This is Anne Mercer\u2019s first feature for Sprudge.<\/em><\/p>\n RaonJena photo by Do Kim. Story and Soil photo by Sarah McCoy. J. Ren\u00e9 photo by Ren\u00e9 Martinez. Silk City photo by Sarah May. All other photos by the author.<\/em><\/p>\n The post A Coffee Drinker\u2019s Guide To Connecticut<\/a> appeared first on Sprudge<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source: Coffee News<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As one of the smallest states in America, Connecticut is often a state traveled through, not to. Connecticut\u2019s quaint towns, beaches, and sights along the Appalachian Trail are often overlooked…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[63,45,65,47,61,49,59,55,57],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2160"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2160"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2160\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2288,"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2160\/revisions\/2288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecurbkaimuki.com\/rest\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_Guide_giv_coffee_interior_2_anne_mercer.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGiv Coffee is located at 194 Albany Turnpike, Canton<\/a>. Visit their official website<\/a> and follow them on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/div>\n![\"connecticut](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_guide_raonjena_owner_interior_do_kim.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nRaonJena Coffee & Dessert is located at 39 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury<\/a>. Follow them on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/div>\n![\"connecticut](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_guide_story_and_soil_interior_bar_sarah_mccoy.jpg\")
<\/p>\nStory and Soil Coffee is located at 387 Capitol Avenue, Hartford<\/a>. Visit their official website<\/a> and follow them on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/div>\n![\"connecticut](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_guide_jrene_coffee_interior_seating_rene_martinez.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nJ.Ren\u00e9 Coffee Roasters is located at 320 Park Road, West Hartford<\/a>. Visit their official website<\/a> and follow them on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/div>\n![\"connecticut](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_guide_rebel_dog_coffee_bar_anne_mercer-1.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nRebel Dog Coffee has multiple locations in Connecticut.\u00a0Visit their official website<\/a> and follow them on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/div>\n![\"connecticut](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_guide_grounded_coffee_company_bar_interior_anne_mercer.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nGrounded Coffee Company is located at 869 Main Street, Willimantic<\/a>. Visit their official website<\/a> and follow them on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/div>\n![\"connecticut](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_guide_silk_city_interior_sarah_may.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nSilk City Coffee is located at 763 Main Street, Manchester<\/a>. Visit their official website<\/a> and follow them on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/div>\n![\"connecticut](\"https:\/\/sprudge.com\/file\/2019\/04\/connecticut_guide_neat_exterior_anne_mercer.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\nNEAT is located at 20 Grove Street, Darien, CT<\/a>. Visit their official website<\/a> and follow them on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/div>\n