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Higher Grounds

3.9 (57 reviews)
Closed • 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Higher Grounds Photos

HIGHER GROUNDS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Higher Grounds

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Enjoying a mug of medium roast
Indiana L.

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.

Jennifer R.

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!

a loaf of bread on a table
Johnny W.

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!

Peter V.

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.

Susan G.

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.

Chickpea falafel wrap
Matt O.

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

Tim S.

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!

Cappuccino
Dimpi B.

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.

Trippy hippie hot tea

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Reviews are generally positive. People highlight the fresh, flavorful food, great coffee and drinks, and a welcoming, eclectic atmosphere.

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

Most amazing egg nog pancakes ive ever eaten. Super impressed! Will be back for more!

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9 years ago

Amazing food! Staff was so kind and food was made fresh. The coffee- oh the coffee was SO delicious!! Will definitely come here again!

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

Awesome breakfast joint. The coffee is great and the food kicks ass! My favorite is the breakfast burrito.

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River Tavern - Shrimp pasta dish

River Tavern

3.8(272 reviews)
3.7 mi
•$$$

One my favorite spots of 2026! I wish yelp would allow…read morefractions of stars as i would rate this 4.75. Beautiful dining space tucked behind a street front bar entrance. Contemporary wood paneled room with a window wall overlooking the river below. Expertly made martinis followed by watermelon beet and feta salad; and wild mushrooms with Parmesan bread crumbs, mint, fried rosemary and whipped ricotta. Both were very tasty expressions of the season. Our table raved over the tagliarini with a local beef, pork and veg ragu and a shellfish version with a spicy puttanesca. The menu changes regularly to highlight the best of the season and local producers. Sometimes it's nice to eat delicious food with no blasting music, at reasonable prices (app/salads: $12-16, most entrees high 20's to $36) just hanging with happy well fed adults enjoying conversation. It would have been 5 stars but for the forgetting of complimentary bread service until we asked for it during the entrees. The bread was mediocre and chewy. Our primary waitperson sort of disappeared for a bit. An evening special of soba noodles with julienne vegetables was really just a bowl of noodles with little evidence of any veggies. Regardless, I've recommended to about 10 people already today and I'll keep doing so!!

A while ago, my wife and I had a positive experience at River Tavern. That experience has endured…read morein our minds through a number of less positive experiences. After a recent disappointing experience at RT with my son and father, I have to accept that the the initial positive experience may be the exception and not the rule. RT is located in Chester Center, which is a top CT town. Top tier location. The restaurant is cute, but cramped. After we were seated, a while passed before we saw our server. We were ready to order for 10 minutes and she still hadn't checked in with us. I told another employee that we wanted to see our server. She shook her head and we waited another 5 minutes. We finally were able to order. Then people who arrived after us, and ordered after us, received food first. Multiple tables. Through multiple service issues, there was no recognition from the employees about the issues. Our primary server asked how things were going when she first checked in with us. I told her the truth. And she didn't seem like she cared. She was apparently hoping that I would just say "good". The food was mixed. My son and I split a burger and an order of chilaquiles. The chilaquiles was good. The burger was medium rare rather than the medium we asked for. The burger was underseasoned. It may not have been seasoned at all. The bottom part of the bun was cut at a weird angle. As the juices flowed from the burger, it soaked the short side of the burger bun so that it was unusable. My Dad said his salad featuring peaches and nuts, barely had any peaches or nuts. I'm unlikely to eat at River Tavern again anytime soon. 2.5 Stars

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River Tavern
River Tavern - Fish sandwich

Fish sandwich

River Tavern - Outside on Market Sunday

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Pattaconk 1850 Bar and Grille - Steak tips with mashed potato's

Pattaconk 1850 Bar and Grille

3.3(136 reviews)
3.7 mi
•$$

This is my second review and I'm happy to say the service and food has gone up in stars since 2014…read more The wait staff was efficient, knowledgeable, and friendly. They will adjust any dish according to your diet restrictions. I had the salmon tacos prepared naked for me. The salmon was crusty on the outside and still moist on the inside, with plenty of the fish in the soft tacos. The Pico was homemade, the salsa also, both definitely NOT out of a jar. The avocado dip was plentiful and fresh. The chips were house-made, and with just a touch of salt, every one was crisp and firm enough to hold the avocado dip. My spouse's garlic shrimp in creamy butter sauce was not overly garlicky per him, with plentiful tender shrimp. The petite roasted yellow potatoes were just a touch crusty, not overly seasoned, and creamy inside. The side of in-season veggies was not overcooked. The side salad had various types of lettuce (no iceberg) with their house dressing. We shared the apple pie with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The slice was huge, big enough for two to share. The ice cream was a quality vanilla ice cream and house-made whipped cream. The pie crust was flaky, and the apples were firm, not mushy. The atmosphere is casual, rustic, and reminds me of the old ski lodges in VT 50 years ago.

Food quality/ price (value) rating 8.5. The atmosphere is somewhat nondescriptive as there isn't…read morereally any kind of theme. The menu is pretty standard bar / tavern food with no real surprises. I had the Grilled Chicken BLT in a wrap rather than the Ciabata roll offered. It was very good. I also upgraded my side dish from French fries to Fried Onion Rings. The onion rings weren't very hot and really didn't seem to have any real onion in them. The wife had the Coconut Chicken salad and thought it was very good. They have a limited but well chosen number of draught beers. Our server, Lisa, was enthusiastic, efficient, and friendly.

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Pattaconk 1850 Bar and Grille
Pattaconk 1850 Bar and Grille - Turkey melt

Turkey melt

Pattaconk 1850 Bar and Grille

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Landing & Main - Chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries

Landing & Main

4.1(81 reviews)
4.6 mi

We had the best brunch at Landing & Main today. The folks who owned The Wethersfield Diner come in…read moreevery Sunday to offer an amazing fresh brunch from 9 am - 1 pm. There were so many options...a French toast bake with warm syrup, warm apples in syrup, or sugar free syrup. Fresh made biscuits with gravy, or you could opt for the fresh homemade blueberry or strawberry jams, as I did!!! Breakfast standards like scrambled eggs, ham, bacon and sausage, and some of the best breakfast potatoes you'll ever have!! There was also a yogurt and oatmeal station with tons of toppings, fresh made granola, and the best triple clotted yogurt I've ever had! Don't let me forget the mini quiches, salads, or amazing dessert table with fresh baked desserts, as well as croissants, bagels, and mini muffins. This week they also had made to order corned beef hash made by Brian O'Rourke from the old (now closed) O'Rourke's Diner in Middletown. It was so good and even better than I remembered!! Brunch is $22.95 per person for all you can eat, and included coffee, tea, and juice. Cocktails are available for an extra charge. Service was warm and welcoming and the dining room was lovely! There is space to accommodate groups of any size. Do yourself a favor and check this brunch out as soon as you can! It rivals the best brunches along the shoreline.

For six years after the Ivory closed because of COVID-19 a young head chef took the reins and would…read moredevelop a new menu and enduring relationships with vendors and customers. Then it happened. A new owner along with a new management team, incompetent, ignorant and having ZERO experience in the hospitality industry took ownership. They have totally destroyed what a caring young man, putting the business first, spent six years of his building. I ate there every Saturday night and will miss the people with whom I'd dine. Never going back

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Landing & Main - Fireplace near table

Fireplace near table

Landing & Main - Brunch - corned beef hash made by Brian from O'Rourkes Diner!!

Brunch - corned beef hash made by Brian from O'Rourkes Diner!!

Landing & Main - Brunch - the best mini quiches and salads

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Brunch - the best mini quiches and salads

Marker 37 - Great raw bar

Marker 37

3.9(215 reviews)
3.7 mi
•$$

We took a trip to visit this restaurant, and I'm glad we did!…read more Nestled in a marina area, this place serves all types of customers. That said, fair warning: I don't think you should spend all day working on your boat and then stroll in smelling like you've been doing just that! It's not a dive. They have a really nice outdoor seating area, and if it weren't for the heat, we definitely would have enjoyed sitting outside. Maybe next time! I had the SML (Salmon, Lettuce & Tomato), and I really enjoyed it. My husband said his chicken was tender and good as well. Overall, I'd definitely go back. A couple of random observations: Demerits if you will. No blue cheese olives for my martini? Come on! And there was some very weird mold situation happening in the ladies' room that definitely needs attention. Despite those little issues, we had a good experience and I'd happily give this place another try

We enjoyed a beautiful day by the Connecticut River for lunch at Marker 37! One of the nicest…read morepatios and views in Connecticut that isn't oceanfront. There was live music on the day that we went, and though the restaurant was busy, the service team was handling the volume of people well. Everything we tried was fresh and flavorful, plus we appreciated that the nachos had plenty of layers. The desserts were showstoppers too! I wasn't expecting them to have such creative and decadent homemade options. A great place that we will keep in mind year round, but especially for a nice patio in the warmer months.

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Marker 37 - Patio Interior

Patio Interior

Marker 37
Marker 37 - Bar Area

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Bar Area

Higher Grounds - tradamerican - Updated November 2026

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