Best coffee anywhere! Breakfasts are masterful with many local ingredients. Usually three daily specials. Also a fine assortment of home baked goods if you are looking for a sweet treat. Owners are good people. Vibe is casual and relaxed. High quality food, relaxed atmosphere, good conversation. Even if you are looking for more of a Dunkin experience, there is a window to grab and go but it will take a bit longer. The cafe also features artwork and crafts from local artisans to add to its charm. read more

Camper, hikers, travelers. Great spot to grab breakfast or lunch. They close at 3:00. From the moment you walk in they treat you like a regular. Eclectic menu for vegan or not. High energy food to get you on your way. They recommend calling in orders if they are large because everything is freshly made. Their Espresso cup says it all. They have local art work for sale. Won't break the budget. read more

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Such an adorable bohemian breakfast spot with incredible scones and the best off-the-menu special pancakes that you have to request to get. Got them with cranberries and walnut one time and bananas fosters the next time and both were delicious. Their mochas and coffees are also so comforting, given in tall mugs. Check out the upstairs after breakfast, where you can relax on little chairs and couches and read. 5 stars!!! read more

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This is the kind of coffee house that makes you wish you were a local! If you really explore the space like a gallery, you'll have plenty to see between enjoying a beverage, reading a book and tucking in to some delicious breakfast. I ordered two eggs, scrambled with the olive & rosemary sourdough toast (with a side of jam) and home fries. The eggs were just the right amount of squishy and the toast was crisp to bite, home fries were herbed red potatoes which was a pleasant surprise! The staff were friendly and playful- it felt like walking into a homey space, despite not being from the area. This artist's enclave/breakfast nook/native garden space is one you simply cannot miss. Give it a shot! Best for parties of 4 or less. read more

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Refueled at Higher Ground after hiking at nearby Devil's Hopyard for a delicious latte and some sweet treats. This shop serves as both a coffee shop and art gallery. The menu offers a variety of coffee creations, sweet treats, and breakfast/lunch food offerings. The space is small but packed with beautiful works of art from various local artists for sale and live music! read more

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The corned beef hash was definitely pretty decent, for it is homemade and came in a decent portion! The zucchini avocado and lemon bread was also quite delicious as well, so food wise it's really not bad! However, the service was incredibly slow and a bit disorganized, in which some orders placed later were served prior to earlier placed orders. Their latte was also probably one of the worst I have ever tried unfortunately, which was served from a container they took out of the fridge, and whisked together with some milk, which isn't how a latte is made (unless they brewed a bunch of espresso and then put it in the fridge, which is also improper). I was really excited to try their coffee beans, but unfortunately I never got the chance to taste its true flavors given how badly the drink ended up. Overall, corned beef hash, two slice of lemon zucchini avocado cake, and a iced latte ended up being around 40ish dollars, which was quite pricey for the amount and quality. There really isn't that many choices around, so it's decent for where it is located. Thank you for reading and best of luck! read more

Higher Grounds - a loaf of bread on a table - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

Coffee was subpar and muffins weren't fresh. It took awhile after getting our coffee to get our muffins. I didn't think we'd get them. The couple next to us were eating and asked what kind of gluten free bread it was. The owner says it's not gluten free. The customer thought he was joking, but nope, he seriously gave him regular bread. That was an awful mistake to make. There was a slight apology and he went to make a new sandwich. I asked what kind of pastry they had and he didn't know, I then had to go to the counter where people were seated trying to see. Small place, but bad setup. Just tell me what you have or go look and tell me. Clueless. read more

Like a walk back to my hippie days! Except that I rode a loner bike from Godspeed airport. Friendly, funky and good food. The house made veggie burger was excellent and required a fork to eat given its generous size. Home made lemonade was just sweet enough. Up the hill, across from a church, in an old house. Owners cook and serve, all very charming. read more

Higher Grounds - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

Rude service. The cook was openly ambivalent to a group of people, and made me uncomfortable. Would not return.

OMG. Beautiful summer day in CT, looking forward to yummy breakfast in cozy coffee shop. Walked in and saw a young-ish man behind counter who just looked at me. I looked around and he continued to say nothing until I asked, "Shall I sit anywhere?" He smirked and said, "What's your goal?" "Excuse me?" I said. He repeated, still smirking, "What's your goal?" Confused, I said, "This day, this year, this millennium??" He said "This morning " I said, "Breakfast" "A-HA!" He said energetically, index finger pointing to the ceiling. "Now we're getting somewhere!!!!!" "Wow", I said, " This is NOT a good place", turned and left, thinking to myself: are word games and one-upping customers a new form of hospitality?? Luckily, I found The Anchor in Chester, the next charming little town over, and the answer is no, hospitality is alive and well. Homemade food, nice owners in a sunny yacht club setting. Back to a relaxing, beautiful day in CT while I ate my Croissant French Toast, sipped my Latte and had fun writing this review. If you do go to Higher Grounds, be ready with your answer when Counter Boy asks the magic question, "WHAT'S YOUR GOAL"!, or better yet, go to The Anchor in Chester and skip the nonsense. read more

A local gem that transcends dining ratings and achieves a far higher level of perfection. It's like a gift to travelers and locals alike, with remarkable food, wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces and really special people. Don't miss it if you're nearby and yes, it's even worth going out of your way for. read more

Place was very cutely decorated! It was a lot smaller inside than I expected, and claustrophobic. There are only a few tables at the counter, a large round table that looked like 5-6 were sitting at, and 4-5 bar stools seats facing out the front window. There's an upstairs with a coffee table, a bean bag chair and two chairs (and lots of artists wares for sale on the wall). There are a few tables outside, so waiting until it's warm enough or ordering To-Go would be my suggestion. I shared pictures of the beautiful breakfast plates we received. The food was delicious! The sausage I asked for in my Eggs Benny was delicious! They were clearly homemade sausage that had a nice rosemary flavor. My husband's breakfast star was the chef made ham steak slices, and the rosemary sourdough toast. Yes, I recommend the food here! We were rather disappointed by the temperament of the person we assumed is the owner... when asked if they would please lower the music a little, because I'm healing from a traumatic brain injury (and it was blasting commercials and music; it wasn't a pleasant music track or album), said with an attitude "Sorry I can't control where the speakers are", and from that point seemed a lot less friendly. Her attitude didn't ruin the taste of the food, but this was a special outing (my first in 3 years since falling on black ice), near Goodspeed Opera House. This is a touristy area and people that run breakfast/brunch spots are usually friendly and eager to help with small requests. Often interactions with the restaurant staff adds greatly to the experience. Her sour grapes and refusal to help me feel comfortable by lowering it a smidge (I was already wearing noise cancelling ear buds, just so you understand how loud it was and that she didn't turn it down even a tiny bit), made breakfast less nice. Maybe she was just having a bad day? Let's assume that, she was very nice when we walked in. We won't be returning ~ there are so many restaurants struggling to survive after Covid, we'd rather spend our time and money elsewhere, but you should try and let me know. Food was great. read more

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Grateful for the vegan options! Delicious food + attentive service + a cozy atmosphere = fantastic lunch. read more

Higher Grounds - Chickpea falafel wrap - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

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The food was awesome! Got a lunch special today that had blueberry jam, jalapeño and brie with house made potato salad. Tried their fresh key lime pie as well, both things were absolutely delicious!!! I also got their house made lemonade and infused tea combination which was definitely unique and refreshing! I struck up the most incredible conversations here and it didn't feel like I met these guys for the first time. Strike up a conversation with Will about the Church of Free Will and also ask him about 'flounders' Also, they are open until 3 pm in the summer on weekdays (starting April 1st to Columbus day in October). Yelp mentions 2 pm as the closing time all the year round but that's not accurate. read more

I had heard many positive things about this place but just hadn't as the chance to stop in. Since I had off today I decided to take my wife here on our way out for the day. The inside was small, but had a cozy feel to it. There is a counter where you can sit, and four tables that can accommodate 2-4 people each. There are plenty of interesting decorative items placed throughout the restaurant to keep you engaged. The coffee is outstanding- some of the best coffee I've ever had! The food was hot and tasty. I had two eggs over easy, served with corn beef hash and sourdough toast. Everything was quite good! My only complaint- it was a bit chilly inside. A strategically placed space heater might solve that problem. Otherwise, it was a very enjoyable visit! read more

Higher Grounds - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

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Made the trip to this super cute restaurant! I had the traditional eggs Benedict and it was amazing. Super fresh and hit the spot!! Staff were friendly and the atmosphere was perfect! read more

No comfort, no prices on menu, too much attitude. Was told, when asked about prices that 5 star restaurants dont have prices either. Really!? Would keep driving by. Go somewhere else. read more

We stayed at the getaway cabins and stopped by this unique place. It's great. The owner is very friendly. The food was amazing the coffees were fantastic. Must try. read more

Higher Grounds - Cappuccino - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

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This little gem is walking distance from the Goodspeed Opera House just up the hill from the stop signs at Rtes. 82 and 149 on Rte. 149, aka 32 Main St. in East Haddam. It exists at the nexus of NYC Theater and agrarian CT and satisfies both audiences. I enjoyed my Mocha Latte and my companion had Raspberry Iced Tea. The BLT Eggs Benny was yummy. My companion had a Bially with Corned Beef hash. East of the CT river in East Haddam's scenic historic section, this is a well earned 5 star review. read more

Such friendly staff and good vibes. Food was amazingly fresh and the lemonade and match tea were our favorites. Would love to come back. Everything was made with love and I felt very comfortable. read more

Higher Grounds - Trippy hippie hot tea - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

My girlfriend and I had a lovely Sunday breakfast today at Higher Grounds. The food was freshly prepared and the coffee outstanding. The atmosphere and vibe were off the charts. It's the sort of quirky small town spot you usually only see on TV. Great spot for coffee and breakfast in an amazing little town. read more

This is such a cute crunchy little spot with dining in the their garden! Only vegan/vegetarian lunch options. Their handcrafted lemonades are delicious! read more

We are staying at Getaway Moodus for a couple nights and found this gem. We got breakfast and the food is amazing. We got the sandwich and the homemade hash with eggs and wheat toast. They have seating outside which we liked because we have our fur baby with us. The food was fresh and well cooked. Service excellent. Highly recommend read more

For fantastic coffee and amazing staff this quaint lovely place has got it! Play some instruments or look at local jewelry.

It's sad to write a review like this about a local restaurant that serves fresh and local food, in a cute but cramped house next to the post office. Very quaint. Customer service? They get upset with you for not knowing the rules of how to handle the incredibly cramped space on a Sunday morning when they also have a musician in the corner. No one assumes there's a rule of lists on the door when you walk in a restaurant. Point the rules out nicely, no need for condescension. Would have left, but because we chose to sit outdoors, we had to pay before the food arrived. We had to stand behind a car in the drive-through to order, they wouldn't let us order inside where there were two empty seats at the counter. The fresh local-sourced food is dry and tasteless. Hard to pull that off. They use plastic utensils in plastic packaging. You can't get a napkin unless you open it. Not going back. read more

We moved away and miss it so much. Loved the staff and atmosphere. Never a bad experience!

Called the restaurant at 10:15 and was told 25-30 minutes.. arrived at 10:45, and waited another 20 minutes..(50 minutes for 4 breakfast sandwiches)..when we got home to eat the sandwich, the "sausage, egg, and cheese" was literally egg on bread. The "sausage, egg, avocado, and cheese" was as shown in the picture below..I called and they offered to make another one; however was not able at that point to go get another sandwich. read more

Higher Grounds - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

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This place is quaint, cozy, and lovable. There are only a few tables and a small counter. Some mornings there is also a musician squeezed in the corner as well. Live music is a nice bonus I never knew I needed while enjoying breakfast. The menu is also small, but those few things have always been done very well. Both times we have been here they had the cranberry walnut French toast with maple syrup. This last time they had Austin's hangover breakfast, a delicious combination of eggs, meats, onions, and other veggies with a side of this lovely hot sauce. In the past, I have also enjoyed a nice eggs Benedict here. The coffee here is one of my favorite parts though. Every cup dripped fresh for you. The staff is always really nice to boot. This place is a charming little gem! read more

Staff was very unfriendly. Food also wasn't very great and over priced. Had a chocolate smoothie and it basically tasted like unsweetened chocolate milk. They also made us a falafel salad that basically chickpea patties, lettuce, and a few vegetables. Would recommend place. read more

Food was mediocre and while considering a return visit to give this place another chance I just couldn't. Reason: a local customer who dragged himself into the place within obviously looking in the mirror who feels he adds charm by speaking loud enough for all to hear with the proprietor. Given she didn't think it was an intrusion on other customers who could not carry on a private conversation during this rude interaction maybe she'll throw the bum out in the future. The man needs a life. The proprietor needs to wake up. read more

As a small business owner myself it's hard to do this. I had breakfast here this morning for probably the tenth time. I have recommended this restaurant to friends and familY. Today was different. I went into the establishment with knowing or realizing their "rules". I was treated with such rudeness that I was hesitant to enjoy my expensive food and drink. The message was clear, the regular customers have final say in your treatment there. Although the owner heard a regular customer being rude to my friend and I there was no accountability. Of course the food taste bad the energy there sucked. read more

This is a great spot to stop in and hangout. Also, the best coffee around even if you are just grabbing to go! Food is amazing and a little different. read more

Higher Grounds - Hot Chocolate... Gorgeous!!! - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

The coffee was very good, but that's about it. Service was excruciatingly slow. It took forever to get my order in and then so slow for the food to arrive I almost left even after paying for it. The food was nothing special and took so long it was not hot. I was disappointed with he experience, but did like the coffee. A hot coffee and an ice coffee was almost $10! Way too expensive for what you get read more

New favorite coffee and breakfast spot. The food is more health conscious. The decor and ambiance of the place is fantastic, I loved it more and more as I sipped on my chai tea. Kim was super sweet and welcoming. I heard they will start doing live music on Saturdays and Sundays which I'm excited to check out. read more

Every time I go in I'm impressed. The food is always so delicious. I love how everything is homemade. Best breakfast sandwiches around, but everything I've tried has been top notch. read more

Quant little spot in a nice location. There is seating at the bar, a few tables, and some seating outside. The food is made to order and when its busy there is a wait, nothing crazy 20 minutes sometimes. The coffee is Americano and comes out smooth. They try to source all food from local farms. I have only had the breakfast sandwiches and coffee until now. The bsandwiches come a few different rolls or bread. The types vary depending on whats local. It can get pretty busy on the weekends, but this is one on my favorite places to meet my wife for a lunch date during the week. read more

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Jon Peters, the force behind 32 Main, is super serious about sourcing local ingredients for his cozy cafe. And the hamburgers here are no exception. Humongous, juicy Four Mile River beef burgers are tossed on the grill and surrounded by whichever buns or toppings are the freshest available on any given day, from Howard's Bialys to mushrooms foraged by East Haddam's own "Mushroom Man." The Apricot Brie Burger is a favorite; best served on a sweet Portuguese muffin, lightly toasted to hold its pile of gooey, yummy components. 32 Main now serves local craft brews and a creative selection of wines, and (of course) Kombucha on tap. Prepare for a one-of-a-kind experience. read more

Higher Grounds - American Near Me - East Haddam, Connecticut

Awesome coffee and ya gotta try the Bialey with tomato, bacon, and olive cream cheese it's super tasty! The breakfast salad is also good and they have an array of little baked treats at the counter that are always awesome! This place is a classic I love it! read more

This is one of my favorite little "hole in the wall" breakfast go to. Just about all their food is local and they're bake goods are always fresh! They also have an adorable accusitic night on Friday. I love to attend to support local aspiring musicians. The staff is super friendly and down to earth. I definitely recommend this place if your looking for a good latte and a heathly breakfast! read more

The food was good as well as the freshly made coffee.. The problem that I have with this place, its the size of a tree house which was borderline claustrophobic. I kept on thinking this must be how the old lady in the shoe lived. If it was bigger they could have bands play there but I'm not sure why the owner thought having a 5 person band show up at 1030 on a Saturday was a good idea. I will revisit in the summer when theres a little more elbow room with the outside deck.. read more