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    Higher Grounds

    3.9 (55 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

    Higher Grounds Photos

    HIGHER GROUNDS ATMOSPHERE

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

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    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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    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 - Fish sandwich

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

    Pattaconk 1850 Bar and Grille

    3.3(135 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 - Turkey melt

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    Landing & Main - Chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries

    Landing & Main

    4.1(80 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.

    This place was good! Like, legit good!…read more I'm writing this review after only one visit. Our party of five all agreed that their meals were delicious. I wasn't feeling very adventurous, so I got a chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries. I am notorious for never finishing my dinner... And I ate the whole thing. I mean every crumb. It was that good. The menu was diverse, and I will have to go back and try one of the more adventurous pasta, dishes, or the like. Our server was experienced and attentive. The space was clean. The owner was friendly. The bathroom was immaculate. The parking lot is tight if you have a large vehicle, but doable. All in all a great experience.

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    Landing & Main - Fireplace near table

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

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    C'est La Vie Bistro - Croque madame

    C'est La Vie Bistro

    4.4(351 reviews)
    73.1 mi
    $$

    True to the many descriptions, a charming cafe! I enjoyed a savory crepe and creme brulee. The…read moreblueberry smoothie was super tasty too. I really enjoyed the rustic feel and all of the art!

    I really enjoy C'est La Vie, specifically for brunch. It is located in an old house and has a very…read moreeclectic and artsy vibe. It almost has a homey feel and the servers are always friendly. Their food tends to be hearty and comforting. A few dishes I have tried and enjoyed include: - The cassoulet, which is not a traditional French cassoulet at all, but it is comforting and filling. I would give it an 8/10 (ask for extra bread). - The baked brie is really good and comes in a big portion. I would give this a 10/10. - Le Jardinier is an open-face veggie sandwich. It has a lot piled on the bread, so it can get a bit soggy, but it is a good lighter option if you do not want one of their heavier dishes. 7/10. - The gratin is sooooo good. It is a super decadent mac and cheese with thin slices of prosciutto. 10/10 - Chaider (not a food item) is my favorite drink. It is a mix of chai and apple cider 10/10. - The duck house potatoes and eggs are good, but if your eggs are overcooked, the dish can be a bit dry since there is no sauce. I think an option to add hollandaise would potentially elevate this dish. 7/10. The gougeres, beignets and crêpes are also good.

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    C'est La Vie Bistro - Decor

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    Higher Grounds - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

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