I’m a matcha enthusiast to my core. Born and raised in one of Connecticut’s many quiet, Hallmark-esque farm towns, my friends and I spent the majority of our high school days searching for anything to do that wasn’t walking through Target, drinking root beer floats at the Vernon Diner, or eating Auntie Anne’s at the dying Buckland Hills mall. In an attempt to escape the occasional horrors of living in an almost ghost town, we adopted the world’s most expensive hobby: trying different coffee shops.
Now, after four years of experience in spending all of my money on what some write off as “dirty grass water,” I think it’s safe to say that when it comes to matcha, I’m a professional. Written in the quiet corners of my favorite coffee shop (don’t worry, I won’t gatekeep), here are five of the best cafes in my corner of Connecticut:
#1: Shop Two CoffeE – marlborough
Starting off with my favorite, Shop Two Coffee is perfect in every sense of the word (…and I’m not just saying that because they have Clairo on their playlist!). A beautiful mix of sweet and earthy, their vanilla matcha latte cannot be beat! As for the cafe, Shop Two’s laid-back feel and warm atmosphere have made it my go-to spot for when I’m looking for the ultimate matcha date, a quiet place to study, or somewhere to have a quick read! The best part? Everything is made from scratch: their bagels, their coffee, and even the ceramic mugs that they serve their drinks in! If I were you, I’d get their iced vanilla matcha and everything bagel with garlic herb cream cheese. Thank me later.
#2: Birdhouse coffee – south windsor
Birdhouse Coffee has got to be one of the most creative coffee shops that I have ever been to. Chocolate-covered strawberry, apple chai-der, banana bread — their seasonal latte options are endless and ever-changing! Having tons of comfy seating and flexible hours (a cafe open until 8 p.m. should be treasured), Birdhouse has become my favorite place for when I’m locking in on some assignments and need a fun drink in my hand. Always smooth, rich, and creamy, their matcha pairs beautifully with any syrup and is made right every single time. In my opinion, get an iced white chocolate matcha and a lemon poppyseed muffin. You won’t regret it!
#3: Silk City Coffee – manchester
Ranked as the 67th best coffee shop in the world, Silk City Coffee is absolutely a Connecticut staple. Located in the heart of downtown Manchester, Silk City is without a doubt the drink you’ll want in your hand while exploring the beauty of Main Street! Known for giving back to their community and true to their “love coffee love people” slogan, Silk City’s charm makes it stand out amongst the rest. As for their matcha, their specialty lattes always pass my test, with the cafe constantly finding new flavors that wonderfully elevate its already buttery and rich notes. If you get the chance to go, get a hot peppermint white chocolate matcha with a cinnamon roll!
#4: The Firestone cafe – Manchester
The Firestone Cafe is so much more than just a coffee shop. An art studio on Main Street in downtown Manchester, Firestone is the place to be for creating or painting pottery while also sipping on high-quality lattes! Though making art is not required to enjoy the beauty of the cafe, there is something truly special about the full experience (it’s also a great date idea!). Simple yet timeless, their vanilla bean matcha is subtly sweet and refreshing, making it one of the best I’ve tried in the area! Best enjoyed with a paint brush in one hand and a friend across the table, I can attest that an iced vanilla bean matcha latte from Firestone will solve almost all of your problems.
#5: VErnon Coffee roasters – Vernon
True to my roots as a Tolland County resident, Vernon Coffee Roasters couldn’t be kept out of this list (even though their online presence is lacking any pictures of actual matcha…). Their matcha lattes are otherworldly, and their seasonal specialty flavors are constantly being updated. Full of smiling faces and genuine staff members, Vernon Coffee Roasters is the place to go when you need a barista to seriously answer, “What do you recommend?” After going through many trials and tribulations to find the ultimate drink, I can confidently say that their strawberry matcha with strawberry cold foam will leave you speechless (just trust me on this one!).
After living in the quiet, grassy hills of northeastern Connecticut for my entire life, I have to say that I have so much love for these five local shops. Always an escape from my high school boredom and home to way too much of my money, I can attest from one matcha lover to another, these cafes are worth the drive off campus! Make them your next side quest, study date, or rainy day away from home…and remember, I’d never steer you wrong!