Local hidden gem in the the West End of Bristol CT. There is 1 hour free parking in front of café. Do not be fooled by the construction and the area....inside the cafe, it's absolutely beautiful and meticulously clean... very good vibes in here.... they have a straightforward coffee menu, I noticed many ppl getting churros, so there are small treats you can order from the kitchen. We were told about the patio out back, which, OMG, it sits on the River, completely private with such a nice sized space. I chose dark roast beans and coffee to drink and also brought home a classic mug. It remained busy because it's such a great coffee bean!!! And there was a mix of guests who stayed and sat on their computer, visited with friends, and enjoyed this delightful spot. A MUST TRY FOR COFFEE LOVERS! you will love it! Thanks Cafe Real for being a part of the Bristol Community read more

Cafe Real - A nice little patio out back next the river - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

I love matcha, I drink it at home regularly, so very many cafes end up burning the matcha by adding too hot water. This place is different, for the first time in years I found a place that respects the matcha and doesn't burn it, simply wonderful! read more

This is a great local coffee shop with delicious coffee from espressos to lattes and cappuccinos to affogatos and tintos. Made with the beans from family farmers in Columbia. The ground coffee beans smell intoxicating. Our espresso, cappuccino, and affogato were made right in front of us which adds to the experience of Café Real. You can sit inside or step out on the back deck or lower level where you can hear and see part of the Pequabuck River. Our beverages were delicious and full of flavor. Marcos our barista and educator was wonderful and extremely friendly. He explained to us where the coffee beans come from, where they are roasted, and came out to the deck to check on us and to find out how our coffees were. They not only offer amazing coffees but also churros and a variety of waffles. We parked in a small parking lot across the street but there is also street parking as well. At Café Real you will find high quality coffee and people. You won't be disappointed. read more

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I love Cafe real. The coffee is quite fresh and authentic. Employees are also very nice and welcoming. The coffee shop is also cozy and in a sweet location. You need to try the pandebono. Recommend this place 10/10! read more

Warm and welcoming. Owner couple were serving and making coffee drinks. Introduced themselves and son as I reached the counter. Small cafe that uses beans from family farm in Columbia. I am an Affagato lover and always order it when it's on the menu, which is not that often. Most places serve it with 2 very large scoops of ice cream and a shot of weak espresso. I agree that this is tasty, but it is more like a coffee milkshake. Cafe Real used 2 very small scoops of ice cream and a shot of the best espresso I've ever experienced! It's a week since I've been there and I'm still thinking about it! I'll be going back again soon to try some of their authentic food items, too. read more

Friendly staff , good coffee, delicious pastries ! They have authentic Colombian coffee. Parking in on the street but easy to find.

Literally just yesterday, I said "There can't be too many 5 Star Coffee Businesses in CT." While in Bristol today, I Yelp-searched for nearby coffee places. What did I find? Cafe Real . . . a 5 Star coffee place. I'm going to try this trick with taco places next. As I understand it, Cafe Real has a very cool background. I may have this anywhere from 20% to 90% right. The owner is Eduardo, who was not there when I visited. He is somehow associated with a coffee estate in Colombia, which provides the "green coffee", which is then roasted in CT, and used to make the coffee beverages at Cafe Real in Bristol. They also sell the beans. There are people who most associate good coffee with Colombia. I personally prefer some places of origin with more bright and fruit flavor notes in the coffees. That said, my iced coffee was smooth and service was very good. Cafe Real isn't quite 5 Stars for me, but if you're a Colombian coffee fan, you should check out Cafe Real. There was some seating by the way, but it's not a place where you would meet a group of people. Seems like more of a takeout place. Four Stars read more

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There are two locations. One is on School st. The other is on Terryville Ave across the street from the Price Rite liquor store. Staff is very friendly. You can buy a bag of unground or ground coffee.to take home. The coffee is fantastic. read more

Businesses like this are often found in places like Beverly Hills. Directly sourced coffee beans from their family farm, roasted fresh right here in Bristol, and unique pastries. The guava pastry is incredible. And they have the most smooth, amazing, well-prepared coffee! A true gem! And the owner and staff are super friendly and informative! They are hugely community involved, which all makes them the best reason to shop local! Some great gift ideas here, along with their amazing coffee! read more

Cafe Real - Latte - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

This place is amazing fresh roasted Columbian Coffee!!!! The owners are so friendly and hospitable. The decor, the aroma, the language, the food, the friendliness, I felt like I was on Vacation in South America. The prices are great ((They even make their own expresso chocolate )) This place is a gem and a Must Go to I highly recommend it!!! read more

Cafe Real - Eating and drinking with Glee - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

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I was in the area for a road race a few weeks ago. The owner of Cafe Real was serving up free iced coffees for racers at the finish. The shop was just up the street, so I was sure to stop for an iced latte for my long drive home. It is a small spot serving coffee, espresso drinks, and some breakfast/brunch fare, including waffles and breakfast sandwiches. So much pride and joy in being to able to serve their family grown coffee for you to enjoy. I grabbed a delicious iced salted caramel latte with almond milk and some coffee beans to take home. The iced coffee had hooked me and the latte converted me. Parking is a little difficult as they do not have their own lot and street parking is kind of messy with construction on the street. Well worth the stop in for a pick me up though! read more

I recommend this spot whole heartedly! What a hidden gem! The whole space is impeccably clean. The manager on duty was so warm and friendly. I felt like I was in his home. My cold brew was delicious, and I'm very picky about that. if I understood correctly, the owner gets coffee beans from his family in Columbia! They had three different sugar-free syrups. Most places only have sugar-free vanilla. But best of all was the Colombian pastry. I mean it, it was outstanding. Such a refreshing change from the same old same old! It is gluten free and the version I had was filled with cheese and guava jam! read more

Cafe Real - Chocolate croissant and GF Colombian cheese pastry filled with guava! - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

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Best coffee in town. Authentic Colombian coffee. Service is always friendly. If you want real coffee, this is the place. No gimmicks. Never have an issue parking on the street but it can be tricky considering the traffic. There is a small lot just a few feet ahead. There's a river of some sort that runs behind the business. They also have outdoor seating in the back, not sure if anyone really uses it. There's always Spanish music adding a touch of life to the air; usually salsa or bachata. If you're looking for a quick coffee grab, their self-serve tinto (small) is $2 flat. Regular milk and creamer available, regular sugars and cane. Can't speak for the food.. never really gave it a shot. I know they've expanded their menu. I've had sandwiches on the go. They're decent and just above average, but nothing to rave about. The owner is passionate for the art of coffee. A mad scientist of some sort or a coffee wizard. The staff rarely ever, if ever, change - so they'll remember you. read more

Hidden gem in downtown bristol. A Super nice clean place, with surprising view in the back. Patio in the back is cool, and the espresso was great. read more

Cafe Real - Espresso - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

If you're looking for authentic great Colombian coffee this is a spot. Let's not forget the Customer Service is top-tier compared to a lot of other places where Customer Service isn't like it used to be the ambience gives you that local coffee shop feel which is a plus. read more

This is simply 5 Star coffee, it's amazing. The ONLY coffee we drink at home now. Eduardo is a super-nice guy, and he knows coffee. Highly recommend you trying it, nuff said. read more

Cafe Real - Bristol, CT. - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

Café Real is a small little coffee shop located in downtown Bristol,CT. Eddie and the baristas are very knowledgeable in everything coffee. Eddie sources his coffee beans from his own farm in Columbia and take pride in only the very best! If you're in the area I highly recommend stopping by for a little chat and great coffee. *it's a 4 star only because of the parking is a little tricky. Coffee is a 5 all day. read more

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Favorite spot to grab coffee. The quality of the coffee reigns supreme in CT. The staff is so nice and friendly. Even with the construction taking place outside, I will stop by at least once a week to get my fix. read more

Coffee is delicious, staff is friendly. I really enjoy trying the different breakfast snacks and seeing what other local products and gifts are for sale. read more

Stopped in here for a quick coffee drink one morning, now find myself going in to get coffee/espresso beans on a regular basis. Amazing service, quaint small shop, great prices and amazing coffee. Glad to see something in the area that seems to making it, this area is tough. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I go in and see people at tables laughing, smiling and most importantly supporting what is a great little business.. read more

Best espresso in Bristol, yes. Best espresso in Connecticut, sure. Best espresso in the country, perhaps. Do yourself a favor and get yourself an espresso here. Extraordinary. Truly. Best coffee in the world. read more

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So I will probably edit this review repeatedly as I will be returning frequently. For you study bugs, this cafe unfortunately does not have easily accessible outlets, but it is for this reason that I am giving this cafe 5 stars for customer service. My study partner came along with me to this cafe for the first time, and mentioned that she had an old laptop that needed charging to last. I asked the staff if there were any available outlets I just wasn't seeing, and the ENTIRE front staff brought me an extension cable, moved the vending machine away from the wall, flipped the cable over the machine, and plugged the extension cable into the outlet hiding behind it so I could access it. The customer service is unbelievable. The last few times I have been here, the owner and the staff have been incredibly kind and accommodating to me and other customers as well. The food: On the wall menu, pastries readily available are listed. The churros are freshly made and are filled with caramel. They also have dirt bombs which are balls of crumbly pastry covered in sugar and cinnamon! What's not listed on the menu are waffles. They are belgian waffles and perfectly crispy and chewy. They have the right amount of sweetness, and can stand alone just fine without maple syrup. The coffee: I'm not a coffee connoisseur, but I am at least aware that the owner gets his coffee beans imported from his family's coffee bean farm in Columbia, and he is extremely knowledgeable about coffee. I've had the affogato, and it's creamy and delicious! read more

Cafe Real - Strawberry waffle - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

Excellent coffee and super friendly owner and staff. They currently have two locations and are planning on a third as long as the 2nd location does as well as the first one. read more

This is the cutest little coffee shop with amazing coffee and impeccable service! It's my new favorite coffee shop hands down! read more

Cafe Real - Latte - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

Stopped in on a Saturday morning for a little pick me up. I got a Carmel cold brew with oatmilk and it was amazing. Coffee to flavor to milk ratio was perfect. Only complaint is parking was a pain, I had to drive around a few times to find a spot. read more

Excellent coffee and great staff! Just polished off an outstanding "French Toast" muffin too. PLease Patronize this small business as it suffers major road construction on its doorstep! 8-28-24 read more

Vanilla latte is great, workers are very friendly and kind. Highly recommend making a stop, it is worth going out of your way for.

Cafe Real is proof positive that it doesn't take too much to make a business thrive if you genuinely pour your heart into what you do. It's located on School Street, an area most Bristol residents wouldn't be caught dead hanging out near- at least by choice. The parking is either on-street or in the public lot on the corner of School & West St. From the outside, it's hard to expect much, as the building it's a part of doesn't do much justice for the business' external aesthetic. But, once you open that front door & glance inside, you get why this is a favorite place for Bristol's dignitaries & the middle class at large. You're surrounded in a rustic yet modern shop, with high ceilings, mocha brown walls, & modern little metal bistro chairs & tables. There's a self serve station along the right wall, & opposite of that is where the magic happens; you cannot miss it. And if you did, you'd quickly be redirected there by Eduardo the owner or one of the other friendly workers. So, if you go to Cafe Real, grab a tinto. It's their basic coffee, made with fresh, aromatic coffee beans. You truly can't go wrong. Even if coffee isn't your most favorite, this stuff is just so fresh, so fruity, so robust. A dash of your preferred creamer is all you need, if anything at all. It's worth at least a sip just the way it is before adding sweetener. After you've tried a cup of tinto, everything else is fair game. There's more than just drinks, too. They've got pastries & breakfast options like belgian waffles. It's totally the kind of place you'll want to stay a while, so stay. Bring your laptop & get a little work done, bring some friends to catch up. Or just sip on that tinto and look around at the artwork. If I'm not mistaken, the art on the walls is for sale. Just ask first! Like I said, stay a while. You never know who will stop by. Maybe you'll bump elbows with the mayor. She frequents Cafe Real quite a bit. read more

Absolutely love this little coffee cafe! On our 1st visit, Eduardo, the owner greeted us warmly and explained the coffee beans are from his family's farm in Columbia! Then I got to watch him create the beautiful little design on top of my latte... Magic! they have amazing little pastries and Belgian waffles! If you're in the area should definitely go check it out! read more

Cafe Real - Latte and two little pastries filled with guava. - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

Oh. My. Goodness. This coffee shop is top notch! The coffee is so delicious. The employees really try to get to know their customers too... it's nice to walk in and be greeted by name! They have a lovely outside seating area as well... perfect on a nice sunny day! Please do yourself a favor and visit cafe real! You won't regret it. read more

Love, love, love! The vibes, the layout and most importantly- THE COFFEE! From the moment you approach the entrance, the smell of coffee radiates and takes over. The staff is so friendly, kind and very knowledgeable. We have come back time and again and we love their coffee. Its very smooth and delicious tasting. They have non-dairy options too which is a plus. Their pastries never disappoint and the homey feel you get from having coffee out of a nice warm mug never gets old here! read more

Ummm wowwww. My husband had no idea what we were in for with this place. First of all, it has 5 stars here on Yelp so we knew it was going to be good but we didn't know how good. We were greeted by Julian, a staff member, who was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. He spoke to us about the cafe's coffee and that the beans come directly from Colombia to Bristol, CT. The family that runs Café Real has roots and family in Colombia. Their menu is extensive and complete with many traditional coffee preparations such as cortado, americano, macchiato, affogato, and tinto which is the most common coffee preparation in Colombia. They offer a variety of roasts from light to dark varying in degrees of flavor, caffeine level, acidity, etc. No coffee bean is left untuned here haha! They have it all and what they have is really something special. We stepped off the city streets of Bristol into a beautiful Colombian café!! They also have delicious bakery treats, and extensive waffle menu, and items to take home such as granola, shortbread bars, and coffee merch. Once my husband and I ordered we walked out back to their patio ..it was perfect!! Umbrellas, tables, an expansive seating area, and the sound of the river adjacent to us. I am so glad we ventured here today. Café Real is outstanding in every way! read more

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Great Coffee, Friendly Staff, Beautiful Patio! You can't tell from the front, but this place has a huge patio out back with a lovely stream going by and lots of sun! The staff was also so friendly and coffee was soo good! read more

Cafe Real - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

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If you are a real caffeine coffee drink, this is your place. The staff will take the time to explain each brew and help you decide which you might enjoy. All coffees are fresh roasted in small batches. Unfortunately, they do not have decaf. They do make a mean breakfast- it's all fresh so be patient for the time it takes to make an item from scratch. They also have grab and go items. You are welcome to grab and go or sit awhile and enjoy your brew. In summer they have an outside patio with a view of the river. read more

This place has delicious coffee, great atmosphere and the strawberry and cream waffles that we got was very good.

Really amazing coffee. Roasts their own beans from a family coffee farm in Colombia. It's the real deal. Great ambience and high quality coffee. Very friendly staff. Highly recommend! 5/5 from a self proclaimed coffee snob ;). read more

Cafe Real - Tinto coffee - Coffee Roasteries Near Me - Bristol, Connecticut

Great service; good food and coffee; nice seating area. It's very community friendly.

I've visited cafe real several times with friends. The location is somewhat difficult to park in (street parking) but drive a little further and there's an open lot to park in making it a short 2 minute walk to the establishment. The location is quaint upon entry but what is surprising is when you go through the back door to a patio overlooking the Pequabuck River that is so beautiful! The coffee tastes amazing but is on the pricier side. The owner is an amazing supporter of the community and the servers know many of their local clients by name and what to make for them when they walk in! Although the location is not one of the better spots in town, this business in one that shines brightly there. read more

Never had a better latté in my life! If you're a true coffee fan, make a trip in here.

They have a cute outdoor patio which is next to a small water source which gives a nice background noise to working. Their were umbrellas to stay shaded. Dog friendly on their patio. I overheard the owner talking about collaborating on a community project, which made me happy to hear! Bathroom is very clean. I would go back to work there for the day read more