J.René Coffee Roasters, LLC — Restaurant in West Hartford

Have been there twice and bought Ethiopia Yirgascheffe and Costa Rica Caturra. They don't mark the roasting date, which is a huge downside for a specialty coffee roastery. You get the peak taste of coffee after 24 hours of roasting and then it gradually deteriorates for about two to three day. After then, it quickly loses its flavor, and in two weeks it becomes, well, a brownish bean, which gives no pleasure in enjoying. Thus, you want to buy a coffee roasted within no more than 3 days; hence, a renowned coffee roaster like Paradise in MN, guarantees to send it within 3 days. Since they don't mark the roasting date, nor do their employees know about it, you kind of gamble, and in my case, it was a failure. Neither Yirgascheffe nor Caturra was fresh (to make it worse, they put Yirgascheffe into the pack of Caturra). You know it as soon as you pour water on it and also by the loss of flavor, aroma, body, complexity, and finish that should be there. Either they were not roasted rightly or long passed a peak date, or both.

Sorry to say that, contrary to their pompous attitude, the employees don't have a proper knowledge of coffee in general, and of their own coffee in particular; they don't know what they are selling. For their defense, they say that roasting is a 'one man business by the owner' so that they are not properly equipped to answer the questions regarding their own coffee. If so, then, they could have been unpresuming.

Will not buy coffee from them again and may not recommend it, but hope that the owner hear and improve and make his store a real specialty coffee shop for coffee connoisseurs, which, I guess, he professes to be, but is...

Nestled in the heart of the West Hartford community, this local coffee haven boasts a unique charm that goes beyond the cup. With a commitment to quality, they proudly brew their own coffee, creating a rich and flavorful experience for every sip. The menu extends beyond mere caffeination, featuring delectable sandwiches, mouthwatering scones, and irresistible desserts.

What sets this establishment apart is not just the exceptional fare but also the inviting atmosphere. Stepping inside, the aromatic embrace of freshly ground coffee beans captivates the senses, instantly setting the mood for a cozy visit. The friendly staff adds a welcoming touch, making each customer feel like a valued member of the local coffee community.

Beyond the delicious offerings, the ambiance invites patrons to linger. The warm hues and comfortable seating create an ideal setting for both solitude and socializing. For those who appreciate aesthetic delights, the space offers numerous photo opportunities, capturing the essence of a perfect coffeehouse.

Whether you're seeking a quiet moment with a book, a catch-up session with friends, or a quick caffeine fix, this local gem delivers an experience that transcends the ordinary coffee shop. It's a place where exceptional brews meet a sense of belonging, making it a must-visit for both coffee connoisseurs and casual...

Everyone here is passionate about coffee and hospitality. Coffees are roasted in house. They can brew classic espresso drinks, serve quick fresh brewed coffees to go, or, if you have more time, craft exceptional brews using more eccentric methods like Chemex, French press, and siphon brewer. Food selection is expanding and evolving and includes vegan and gluten-free options.

Brewing equipment and fresh house-roasted coffees are sold as well. Staff and owners are eager to talk about coffee and share knowledge and stories about coffee.

Partnerships with local performers and artists bring vital energy to the shop especially during weekend evening hours.

Update: none of this has changed. This shop is still bringing people together around excellent coffee, food, and service. Hours have changed in the wake of a pandemic. Seamless mobile ordering through the Joe app has been added so that time indoors can be minimized when necessary. Some menu items were a casualty, but other great options have replaced them (just today I noticed a new single origin espresso option on the menu). On balance the team has kept up their standards of service and producing excellent coffees. Throughout these challenging times it's hard to see where any of these fundamentals has suffered. I don't know how they...