What a neat coffee/bake shop. We stopped in after having a lunch across the street and was very pleased with our dessert. The decor is pretty simple and clean but it works! The baked goods are all displayed as you wait in line. Gets the juices flowing as you wait. I had the hazelnut apple coffee cake with a shot of espresso. The coffee cake was so fresh and tasty. Unfortunately I was not to pleased with the espresso. Not sure what was wrong with it , but it just did not go down right. They also offer several types of paninis which seemed to look pretty good. Maybe next time. read more

Arethusa A Mano - Dessert after an amazing lunch - Bakeries Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

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I absolutely love this little spot-great customer service, plenty of seating, always super clean & inviting with really yummy treats! They have a long list of hot & cold beverages all made to order in addition to their food & dessert menu. I was a bit taken a back by their lack of hot tea selection. The brand they use is phenomenal and I do it love as I can't find another location in CT that carries it but to only have a handful of flavors in the fall/winter months was a bit miss for me. Now the mini brioche donut-holy moly you better run as I've never had another so delicious just melt in my mouth! read more

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The food was absolutely delicious, the staff welcoming, but good heavens, somebody needs to get in there and do a proper clean. Honestly, it was so grubby we will not return. What a shame! read more

Rude customers and overpriced menu. For one, I don't enjoy Karen's and Ken's. If you like them go there and spend $20 on a coffee and bagel. FTP read more

Really great lox bagel and paninis. Fresh ingredients and good service to match. Definitely opt for the pretzel roll for the panini. read more

Arethusa A Mano - Lox Bagel - Bakeries Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

The cases were sparse and very very limited. Staff buzzing around but not sure as to why as there were only 4 of us. Vaulted ceiling with the reoccurring modern farm house theme. Limited retail. Purchased a cruller which was oddly eggy?? We did not enjoy that. A surprising selection of Portland's own Stumptown coffee of which we bought two pricy packages. May give it another try should we be in the area. read more

It was delicious! Nice ambience, great options. Fresh ingredients Abs freshly prepared food.

Best lunch spot!! The curry chicken salad on greens was so fresh and delicious. I'm craving it as I write this review. The macaroons and the cranberry almond cookie were divine!! Highly recommend this spot for lunch! read more

Came here to grab a quick bite to eat for lunch on a Sunday. It's right across the street from the Arethusa restaurant and the ice cream shop. This is definitely the one to go to if you're looking for quick breakfast or lunch options. They're following all the covid guidelines and had some outdoor seating that was spaced apart. I got a coffee and their Reuben which was delicious. They did have very limited options for gluten free. When we asked the cashier said they had no options and didn't even try to come up with something when a salad would actually be GF. Was also really surprised that they didn't have any gluten free bread. So the gluten free family member ended up just getting a salad which wasn't super impressive. For how much the salad was $$ it didn't have very many toppings and just came with a small side of grapes. I think it would be advantageous of them to have at least some GF options or maybe make their salads a little more exciting. I'll definitely be back to try the pastries and have more coffee and hopefully will then be able to update my review and increase the rating! read more

Quick service, quality food, clean and sophisticated atmosphere! It's a must try if you are in the neighborhood.

My go to coffee spot for over a year now. Baked goods are delicious, coffee is always consistent & the syrups are house made

This is the place to go for a Sunday drive breakfast. It's int the middle of nowhere but it's worth it. If I'm not mistaken, the majority of what they make comes right from their own farm and EVERYTHING is delicious. I'll have to try their creamery and restaurant next. read more

Arethusa A Mano - BEC on a cinnamon raisin bagel - Bakeries Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

Arethusa Farms are a well-known staple to any Litchfielder and their dairy is hands down, the best. The adage of happy cows from California is only true if they've never met these beautifully glossy pampered calves! Their dairy and gentleman's farmyard chic comes into play at this beautiful coffee shop, surrounded by their gourmet farm-to-table restaurant and ice cream parlor across the way. I had an amazing pumpkin spice latte with homemade whip cream that left all others in the dust, and my cousin's pumpkin tarlette was incredibly smooth and creamy. The salads and sandwiches I also saw on the menu looked equally luscious. New York foodies, take note: brunch doesn't have to come from Dunkin if you're close to Arethusa. This spot also has wifi and looks to be a common laptop spot if you're a digital nomad, as well. The only sorrow: they close at 4pm! read more

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The Arethusa brand is what keeps this place in business because it is not the atmosphere, the service, the food/coffee or value for cost. The service is hit or miss but there is a aurora of malaise to those who work there. They get quite bored when asked how to use the point of sale iPad etc. overall not interested in the customer experience. The selection of the bakery goods is limited. The ones that are there look like they are from the land of misfit macaroons. The display does not reflect a pride in the products. The coffee has no legs to it, it might as well be a cup of Folgers. Forget the iced coffee. I ordered a iced Americano today and it was a tepid and watery concoction. I threw into the trash after few sips. The interior looks like a worn down and dated West Elm show room. Tables feel sticky. The area to add what you like to your coffee is just awkward, and 50% of the time the milk/creamer is empty. The parking is ridiculous. You might want to put your insurance company on hold because there is a high probability for a fender bender. For an overall better experience I recommend Espresso 59 on the green in Litchfield... you will not be disappointed. read more

Five stars for the Arethusa trio transforming Bantam. It was always a special little enclave but these establishments kicked it up several notches so thank you. A Mano is too cold feeling for me. Icy. Marble. Cold, so I don't stop often. But the treats are lovely and something you'd find in Manhattan. I can't think of anywhere else in the region to get a delicious . My last visit I had a delightful muffin, which satiated me. I appreciate Arethusa being here. Thank you. read more

Absolutely amazing sandwiches! Got an order for 2 sandwiches on a Friday for lunch to bring to a nearby vineyard. My husband and I split the vanderpoel and the roast beef sandwich. The bread was UNBELIEVABLE to start off. The vanderpoel had a delicious turkey, bacon, camembert cheese and the roast beef sandwich had perfectly sauteed onions on it. Will definitely be back if in the area! read more

Food price / quality rating 9. Atmosphere is like a contemporary bakery. We split a Vanderpoel sandwich (basically a grilled cheese, turkey, and bacon). Home made bread and cranberry dressing. Excellent! Also shared a strawberry oatmeal cookie - also excellent . Prices are a little steep, but the quality is tops. read more

This place is like Rose Apothecary and I hope you all understand my Schitts Creek reference there.. All 3 buildings have a cute aesthetic but are spot on in terms of quality. I heard about this place in passing and stopped for a cup of coffee and went across the street to bring cheese to my parents house. Would come back again! Amazing cold brew. read more

A nice little cafe with a comfortable environment featuring great pastries, coffee and light fare. The donuts were fresh and light with a rustic appearance. I was especially pleased with the pumpkin panna cotta, which was light and packed with flavor. It had a silkiness with the right balance of sweetness and fat content. The coffee was brewed well and they offered alternative milks. The only drawback was the price but in Litchfield I would say they are comparable to other local places. The interior is small but allows for space due to COVID restrictions. I look forward the next time I am in the area to try their sandwich options. Stop in to give this cafe a try. read more

The best cheese bagel I ever Ate!!!! Wife Quiche was delicious Coffee freshly brewed was really good VERY CLEAN Staff -pleasant ,efficient,respectful A little pricey, but worth it A Great addition to. Beautiful downtown Bantam Helps to add To Bantam's GENTRIFICATION. We shall return read more

Arethusa A Mano - Bakeries Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

Great quality with friendly and helpful service. The Croissants can match with anyone/anywhere; especially the chocolate and almond. Stumptown coffee, brewed or in bulk and good cappuccino round out the offerings. It's not your corner bakery, but the quality of ingredients and skill of the bakers provide, for me, more than fair value. A comfortable eating area complements the setting. read more

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Awesome place for coffee and breakfast with friends. Love to meet here on a weekend for a casual brunch. Only issue is the prices. Location is beautiful (inside), limited seating and it is on a busy road. Parking lot can be a challenge on a Sunday morning. Great coffee and baked goods! read more

My morning stop. Fabulous staff, wonderful food and coffees. Love their curried chicken salad on a croissant. A must try is the Bantam crème donut. read more

What a disappointment! Given what we'd heard about A Mano, we expected much better than we received. Tuna sandwich was unexciting, no flavoring with a leaf of Romain on flavorless white bread which was described a "Pan Au Lait," i.e., milk bread. Arethusa touts its cheese, so we decided to order a three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich with tomato slices for $9.25. The best description would be "bland." Again, it was presented on Pan Au Lait, not a crusty French pan. A small clutch of red grapes (about 5 each) accompanied each plate. We'll drive by next time. read more

I'm usually more generous with my stars and I would give Arethusa a Mano a 5 star review. The cafe is beautiful and open, the pastries are delicious, and so are the sandwiches, the staff is friendly....but we paid $30 for 4 tiny, lukewarm lattes and a single muffin. The cinnamon roll lattes would have been great, except they were almost cold when we got them. We hoped for better. It's worth trying and I hope you have a better experience. However, I cannot justify a rating above 3.5 stars for ours. read more

Great breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Absolutely devastated they are no longer serving cheese bagels-these were the best! Very busy on the weekends, make sure you get there early to ensure a full selection of pastries and cookies. read more

Everything about Arethusa is overrated. The products are average at best, cheese, ice cream, etc. The breakfast sandwiches are way overpriced. I get sandwiches out of convenience on occasion. It never fails they always get the orders wrong. ALWAYS! How?? Why is it so difficult to make sandwich consisting of 3 ingredients. Or ask for a bagel and get cream cheese or nothing. I'd rather have a gas station sandwich. read more

Ok, they have fixed their dry pastries, still overkill on price, but very delicious. Their coconut donut is to die for. The cake part has a lot of flavor and the light glaze and coconut flakes gives it just enough sweetness to leave you wanting more. It is not so sweet that it makes your teeth hurt. I also had their lox and cream cheese on an everything bagel. The salmon was a generous serving which justified the 7.00 price. Very good as well. The coffee on the other hand is not my "cup of tea", I mean coffee- has a very distinct flavor that maybe will grow on me. They also have a seasonal pumpkin snickerdoodle cookie that also is scrumptious. Already drooling thinking about it. It's huge with probably 3 servings worth of calories, so I nursed that sucker for a couple days! Not necessarily a bad thing. read more

Arethusa A Mano - Bakeries Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

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Wow what a glowing star in the hills of Connecticut! Came here a few times as I was teaching at a camp about 15 minutes away in Washington, CT, but it was totally worth the drive. Perfect lattes with almond milk and the most delicious yogurt parfait with tangerine slices, blackberries, house made granola and fresh yogurt topped with a scoop of honey. Delicious! Definitely make this a stop even if it's a bit out of the way. Worth it! read more

Specially nice excellent food but pricey but worth every penny nice outside seasonal seating - small bar with seating

Locals know that any product with the arethusa brand name is comically over priced. That's not my complaint. I knew going in how much breakfast sandwich was going to cost. For ten dollars for bagel with the works you would think the bagel would be half way fresh. Not here. Everything bagel was super stale. When I went to complain all I got was a blank stare. Never again. read more

Having loved Arethusa for a long time coming here made me fall in love even more. The lovely friendly staff, the delightful choices and the ambience was all amazing! We ordered on purpose many choices. Chai latte, coffee, many donuts, croissants, muffins. All wonderful! We came on a Sunday day at 11 am and it was packed! The parking lot was full and the place was too. We did get lucky and get a seat. Everything was delicious and fresh. I highly recommend this place. I only wish it had more seating and more parking. read more

Arethusa A Mano - Bakeries Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

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Food and coffee are delicious! Everything is so fresh. Would have given 5 stars but there was a very long wait for 2 breakfast sandwiches even though it wasn't crowded. read more

Might be my favorite place in the world! Cappuccinos are perfect, donuts are yummy and not too sweet. We just moved to Litchfield 6 months ago and "thusa's" is our favorite hang out! We go once a week at least :) everyone is super friendly and made us feel welcome in our new town. It's such a great addition to the community and has improved our quality of life. Anyone saying the prices are high should visit arethusa farm down the road and see the dairy cows. It's a lovely ethical farm where cows aren't abused to pump out milk full of hormones. You pay for what you get and vote with your dollar. We vote for delicious humane food and small business; and don't require giant American portions to be satisfied :) Our favorite things are: the crullers, chocolate donuts, croissants, cappuccinos, grilled cheese, bistro salad, and the macaroons! read more

great coffee spot to meet a friend to catch up. Not a lot of seating but generally fine (avoid busy weekend mornings if you can). Great baked goods and the best coffee in town. The venue itself is so beautiful - bright and updated and welcoming. Prices are very high, but worth it. read more

I had an outstanding roast beef sandwich with their Camembert cheese while my friend had their lentil soup. Their food is incredible--their cheeses are freshly produced at their neighboring farm and this cafe is also an outstanding little bakery. I also had a cappuccino and it was strong and made with care. The spot is cozy and the staff is friendly. read more

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I hate hate hate writing bad reviews. In fact, I barely write reviews but I want this place to succeed. The bottom line is this, it is way to expensive for sub-par food they serve. I spent 26 bucks for 2 egg sandwiches, 2 donuts and 2 coffees. My mortgage payment is lower. I was excited when they introduced a bacon-egg sandwich as there are not many options in town for a good one. Well, cross this off the list too. It was 6.50 (or about 4 bucks more than the deli near Waramaug) for a mess of a sandwich. A tasteless English muffin, and by tasteless...I'm talking Howard Stern level tasteless, stuffed with an egg that was running all over my hand and arm. Gross. Zero flavor or presentation. I also had 2 donuts (and have had before) that always seemed like they need a few more minutes in the fryer. I sound like an ass...and I don't mean to be...they are close...but someone should be tasting the food and doing a reality check on the prices. To paraphrase Crazy Eddie - Thier prices are insane. The cow pictures on the wall are nice though. read more

Arethusa A Mano, Dairy Bar & Al Tavolo have proven great in the small town of Bantam. The business has helped the other businesses in the area and bring more people around. The pastries are delicious, the bagels are fresh and fluffy (although once in a while you will get a dud) and the decor is so fun! The small and slight details bring it all together. I'm not a HUGE fan of their espresso, I think it's weak and if you get a flavored latte the amount of flavoring they add is a little much. Regardless, they will add less for you if you ask! Although pricey, you get what you pay for. Homemade goods come with the price. I wish they had a better flow to the line. Sometimes people don't know who is in line waiting to order or who has ordered. Several times I have been pushed to the side... In other places this would have been noticed by workers but not here. Some employees have also had a bit of attitude in the past. I try to avoid being waited on by some. Otherwise, great little place with a fun background story. read more

We've been to the Dairy and restaurant and wanted to try A Mano, imso glad we did. We simply had two bacon,egg and cheese on rolls ; she a Cappuccino and I a Latte. Simply is not enough as they were perfect, the counter staff was efficient, polite and even smiled to boot. My wife commented that all the products in the case were perfect, everything for sale looked as if it had been hand made to bring to a contest. This place is a keeper and to be tried again and again. Thanks for the gem in the country guys!! read more

Arethusa A Mano - Perfectly done. - Bakeries Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut

I'm not sure why people are complaining about the price or the service here. When I went here, the lady behind the counter were so friendly and helpful. She asked me where I was from, made helpful recommendations, and then came to my table to ask me how everything was afterwards! The reason why the prices are higher than your normal Dunkin' Donuts is because it's authentic coffee. I got a vanilla latte and you can actually see and taste the vanilla beans in it...REAL vanilla not those flavor syrup shots you get from the chain coffee shops. The pastries all looked wonderful! read more

Arethusa A Mano - Delicious lattes! - Bakeries Near Me - Bantam, Connecticut