East Rock Coffee — Restaurant in New Haven

What a crushing disappointment. What I thought would be my go-to coffee shop turned out to be the worst cafe I’ve ever been been to. Why, you ask? Because of their “no laptops or tablets policy” and the harassment I experienced from the manager.

I was told to stop reading the news on my iPad, to which I asked if there were any health or safety concerns that necessitated I cease using my device. The manager said it was about getting people to connect and talk with each other. Naturally, I inquired as to how reading news on a tablet was any different from the other patrons reading news on print newspapers. He had no reply. I further questioned why other patrons were allowed to use cell phones, but my use of a tablet was banned. Again, he had no answer except to say “it’s our policy”.

After we debated for a while, he finally asked me to leave. I told him that if he thought such a ridiculous policy was legal and enforceable, then he could call someone to come and try and enforce it (i.e. police). He didn’t seem happy with this suggestion and angrily stormed away.

It is worth noting that during this entire interaction I was in the middle of eating my breakfast and drinking my cappuccino, belaying any concerns about me taking up space long after I finished eating (as some patrons do even without laptops or tablets).

While I have nothing against suggesting that patrons interact more with each other, forcing this on customers is ridiculous. Perhaps even more ridiculous is the inconsistency with which it is enforced. At the table next to me two people sat reading newspapers and one person was on their phone. Why were they not reprimanded for not interacting with each other. Why was I singled out? The manager is clearly inept and unable to understand the meaning of his own misguided policy. Either ban all forms of “isolating” media, or stop trying to enforce such a terrible policy.

The way the manager tried to enforce his policy deserves special attention. After harassing me multiple times, by calling me names and refusing to leave my table until I finished eating, he began asking for personal information. I’ve never been harassed so much at a cafe in my life. The manager revealed his true character when he resorted to uncivil name calling, by calling me “childish” for not abiding by his policy. I’m sorry, but I’m not the one creating and enforcing childish policies. I simply wanted to enjoy my breakfast and coffee while reading the days’ news—something I will no longer go to East Rock...

Nestled in an old white clapboard house, this pint-sized coffee sanctuary somehow squeezes more character into its 400 square feet than establishments triple its size. Step through the door while minding them stairs, and enter a world where sunlight dances across worn wooden floors, casting tree-shadow patterns that change with the seasons.

The tin ceiling and ornate fans hover above a carefully curated space where every plant, local artwork, and intentionally placed chair feels like it's been thoughtfully considered rather than merely arranged. With seating for barely a dozen souls, arriving after 9:30am is a game of caffeinated musical chairs that you're likely to lose badly.

Their matcha latte—admittedly priced like it contains actual emerald dust—delivers complexity worth contemplating. The breakfast sandwich transforms simple ingredients into morning poetry, with fresh greens and smoked salmon creating a harmonious dialogue between sea and land that justifies its hipster premium.

What truly sets this place apart is its commitment to genuine connection—the refreshing absence of laptop glow creates an atmosphere where conversations bloom and strangers might become neighbors. The pride flag outside isn't just decoration; it's a promise that everyone deserves good coffee and a place at the table.

Arrive early for those legendary almond croissants, stay for the surprisingly delightful espresso-tonic concoction, and leave reminded that sometimes the smallest spaces create the largest...

Denied Pregnant Person Access to Toilet.

The coffee shop is cute and the coffee good. The egg & cheese bagel is nothing to write home about - it's quite dry, but the veggie breakfast sandwich is good. The food at P&M around the corner is less expensive and much better.

What ruined the whole experience for me is that paying customers have no access to a toilet at this establishment. There is also no obvious sign saying that they don't have restrooms available. I am not sure how this is even legal in a dining establishment and have asked my partner, who is an architect, to check up on the regulations about this. Now, this may not be an issue to some but I am 36 weeks pregnant and we opted to dine in. As most can imagine, being this heavily pregnant means frequent and often urgent trips to the toilet. When I asked for the restroom I was told that there was no restroom. Now, I can hardly believe that the workers at this establishment are expected to work a whole shift without access to the toilet so I assume that what they meant was there is no restroom for paying customers. I'll add that I am obviously heavily pregnant and still no accommodation was offered. It astounds me that a dining establishment does not allow access to basic amenities. I am quite certain that pregnant people are not the only customers that such a set up discriminates against.

And no, I didn't make it...