Coffee Connection — Restaurant in Pekin

Jesus that’s a strong drink.

Like anything with life, you explore enough and you will experience some wild things. Coffee Connection happens to be one of the more unique coffeehouses I’ve ever visited.

After breakfast at Busy Corner, it was time for coffee. We walked up and as soon as we walked in, I knew that we were in for a treat. There was Jesus stuff everywhere and a bookshelf near the entrance that was crammed full of Jesus books, movies, audiobooks, and etc. Not that this place being a Christian-themed is a bad thing. Just my first religious coffee place. No, what made this place unique were the random stuff you’d probably find unsold (or sold ASAP based on trends) at Goodwills or Thrift Stores. You should be able to see some of the oddities in the photos below. To note, there was also a lot of St. Louis Cardinals craft items around so if you are a Cards or Cubs fan, just take note.

I was standing there, looking at the menu on the counter and things in the display case when out of the corner of my eye I see someone standing there. This spooked me as we were the only customers at the front of the store. Turns out… it was Jake from State Farm. As a life-size cutout. I knew I had to get a photo with it.

Emily saw a Strawberry-type drink on their FB page and ordered that. I got a plain ol cold brew for my sipping pleasure. We stood there while the barista made our drinks and took in the unusualness of Coffee Connection. Once we got our drinks, we wandered to the back and to check out the giant artwork painted on the wall. You can see that below. We headed up to the front and say by the big window, playing Speed with a deck of cards on the aforementioned shelf.

I took a sip of my cold brew and instantly knew it would be a slow sipping drink. I’ve had some strong and bitter cold brews and this one is in the Top 3, easily. Not that that is a bad thing but something to keep in mind if you try one here. Emily enjoyed her drink and said it tasted like a mix of beer, coffee and strawberry. I took a sip and would have to agree. We both agreed that it didn’t taste bad… Emily said she enjoyed it, actually. Just an interesting drink.

They did have baked goods and refrigerated items for sale but seeing as we just ate breakfast, we weren’t in the mood for anything besides caffeine. Some of them did look appealing despite full bellies.

Sadly, you can kind of assume this place doesn’t do gangbusters in sales as a lot of the fixtures and odds and ends were just not in fantastic condition or shape. Some of their decorations were covered in some dust or showed signs of not being touched since opening.

We ended up leaving with half our drinks left. Normally I finish mine while I’m at the place but with how bitter it was, it was a slow sipping drink. Once it was watered down a bit, it really hit the spot after some yard work.

I can’t say that would return here or would suggest people go out of the way for but if you are in the area and need a caffeine hit, Coffee Connection can connect you with...

⭐ 10/10 would recommend—whether you’re grabbing your morning pick-me-up or settling in for a cozy chat, you’ll leave happier than you came.

☕ The Coffee Connection: Where Every Sip Feels Like Home ☕

If you’re looking for more than just coffee, The Coffee Connection delivers an experience. This small, hometown gem doesn’t just serve excellent coffee—they serve warmth, smiles, and genuine hospitality. The staff is nothing short of magnificent—friendly, inviting, and eager to make you feel like family.

I even ordered two off-menu drinks, and they happily whipped them up without hesitation (and they were 😍). It’s rare to find a place that nails both flavor and atmosphere, but this one does it...

This was my first time visiting the coffee connection, I ordered a caramel vanilla iced coffee! The employee working the counter was really helpful in suggesting the type of coffee that I was looking for. I honestly couldn't believe all the different flavors that they had, so I'm definitely looking forward to going back and trying something new! The pastries looked wonderful, but I didn't buy one this time. I really loved the atmosphere of this coffee shop. There is an abundant amount of seating, which is surprising for a coffee shop. I love the mural on the wall, decorations, and just the whole vibe of the coffee shop! Definitely looking forward to returning again in the...