Coffee and books, what more could you want! Stopped in this cute little quirky book store simply to get a coffee. I got the Last Summer Whisper Latte (Jasmine, Honey, and Vanilla). This definitely had a unique flavor due to the Jasmine, but the honey in the vanilla subtle out the taste perfectly. I didn't purchase any books, but there is a wide selection and variety to choose from. There's something for everybody here. read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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If you love coffee and books, Story and Soil is the place for you. Story and Soil is nestled inside the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore on Middletown's Main Street. The name is perfect for its location. This is their second location, the other being in Hartford. When we visited on a Saturday, it wasn't busy at all that it felt like a great spot to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee. They had a lot of seating, inside and out. Story and Soil has a simple selection of teas and coffee, breakfast items and lunch. There were vegan options which were nice to see. They had a Seasonal Specials Menu on the counter when you walked up to order and they caught our eye. There was also a list of syrups too. The staff was very helpful with our questions about the menu and patient with us. We found out that they would be changing over the seasonal menu soon and gave us a small preview to anticipate for the next visit. Finally we decide with the Ether which was a delicious, floral London Fog latte with lavender, sage, and topped with cold foam. If this wasn't a seasonal special, I certainly would get this drink again. Second, we got an iced latte with rose honey syrup... it was absolutely yummy. The rose was subtle and the honey brought a rich caramel flavor. The coffee they were brewing was from Giv Coffee, locally from Canton, CT. We had a really great and delicious experience at Story and Soil. I can't wait to try more unique drinks and maybe try a vegan sandwich or burrito. Note that since the bookstore is on Main Street, it's not as easy to get to and parking isn't free (accept on Sundays). read more

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Story & Soil Coffee Shop is located inside the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore. It's good to know that there are other bookstore and coffee shop partners other than Barnes & Noble and Starbucks. This is an independent bookstore and coffee shop. Right when you walk inside, you'll notice the coffee shop. They have places where you can sit throughout the store. I'll be reviewing the bookstore separately another time. There was an ad for the pistachio latte, with orange blossom cold foam. That had to be what I was getting. This was an expensive latte, it was $7.00 for a small. This was a special treat type of a latte for sure. The pistachio flavor in this latte was better than some pistachio ice creams I've had. Then the orange blossom on top, the combo of the two flavors was a bit too sweet for me. It felt like I was having ice cream rather than coffee. This was very tasty! At Story & Soil they use Giv coffee beans, the best in Connecticut. So you know they're going to craft a great coffee. read more

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This place has the best iced lattes in Middletown area, and possibly CT in my opinion. You must try their iced pistachio latte! I also love their vegan wrap: curried chickpeas, pickled red onion, arugula, tomato, vegan mayo on a wrap. It is so good. I could eat it everyday- and I'm not even vegan! This little coffee shop is located inside the Wesleyan bookstore. Adorable little spot. read more

Was just told about Story & Soil's newest location from a local foodie and when I saw they were open today, we needed no excuse to go! What a beautiful bookstore and coffee shop. How have I been coming to Middletown for YEARS and never stopped into this bookstore? Never being to their OG Hartford location before, we were very excited to try these guys. The coffee bar is located right when you walk in, and it immediately greets you with its aroma. They have lots of coffee and food to choose from with tables and a bar to sit and enjoy your goods. We ordered two lattes...one classic, the Spanish Latte and one summer seasonal flavor, Kiki's Delivery Service (yes, after the movie). Both were incredible. Especially the Spanish Latte which I'm glad to say is a staple menu item for them! The bookstore itself is two floors and has Wesleyan merch along with an array of books for the non-college goers. They're also DOG FRIENDLY which is amazing and always a plus for us. Absolutely will be back again! read more

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The food was super solid and the vibes were high. Service was laid back and cool. It's definitely a place I'd go back to if I ever catch myself in Middletown. read more

I recently had a 5 Star experience at the Hartford Story & Soil ("S&S"). I just learned that S&S opened a place in the Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore, which seemed like an awesome pairing. I planned a visit so my son could pick out a book and I could hopefully order the great iced coffee I had at the Hartford location. Unfortunately, S&S had technical difficulties today and their coffee brewing system was down. As a result, they were mainly doing espresso, Americanos and cold brew. I had a black cold brew made with a Giv medium roast blend called "Freedom". It was better than most cold brews you would get in CT, but I was really looking forward to something like the Giv Natural Ethiopian iced coffee I had in Hartford since I already had good cold brew at home. S&S also experienced some service delays as a result of the system technical difficulties and the Memorial Day Parade foot traffic. I understand that these types of things happen and they tried to deal with it as well as they could. I once went to a favorite burger location at dinner time and they were out of beef. I'll try S&S again on a better day. read more

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* Please update your summer hours on Yelp!* 9am-3pm OK setting aside the fact that I arrived here at 8 AM to discover that they have summer hours, opening at nine, I can unequivocably recommend this place. The coffee was excellent, the barista was skilled and pleasant to chat with, the ambience is quite nice even though it's located in bookstore. That might even be a plus who knows if you like books right? read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Cortado done right. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Love this place. Love it more that it's nestled inside a book store!! Coffee and new books - it can't possibly get much better! We enjoyed a small iced coffee and a small iced Spanish latte. Iced coffee was fine - nothing spectacular but good. Spanish latter was delicious. It tastes like a cinnamon latte. Very good! We split the chorizo, egg and cheese sandwich with the red aioli and this was so tasty!! Only quip I'll make is that it would have been even more delicious if the English muffin was actually better toasted and had a little more body. It was a little spongey. Doesn't change how good it was but that could bring it to a straight up 10! Can't wait to come back so my kiddos can explore the bookstore and Mama can enjoy another delicious iced latte! read more

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Larger in size and a bit busier than the original spot in Hartford, granted this location is inside the Wesleyan R.J. Julia Bookstore. Always a good time perusing the books and goods they have in the store, but the ability to get a famous Story and Soil Spanish latte is a big bonus. It is the only coffee shop I fear though because I have a hard time controlling my book purchases. I always see something I like and need! That really is the only "negative" about grabbing your coffee or snack here. read more

I recently came here for an afternoon dose of caffeine. The Wesleyan RJ Julia bookstore location is nice - grab a coffee and browse some interesting books. I wasn't sure what to order, but settled with a lightly sweetened Iced Pumpkin Spice Americano with oat milk. My drink was strong (just what I needed) and the pumpkin spice had a more natural taste than others I've had. Overall, I was satisfied with my quick visit and I would like to come back and try something off the food menu. read more

Story and Soil Coffee - a coffee shop counter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

This spot might as well be the college kid convention headquarters, with their squad goals and decibel levels through the roof! But hey, amidst the sea of youthful exuberance, they haven't discovered the wisdom of library whispers yet. Luckily, the egg sandwich here is like a silent ninja, sneaking in deliciousness amidst the chaos! Also your drink and your food come out on opposite ends of the counter! But it's worth it, try that egg sandwich! read more

Great atmosphere, quick cheerful service and good food. The matcha tea was delicious. The location is convenient. read more

I just leisurely enjoyed a lovely flat white while sitting by a big window. Good coffee, friendly staff and a great space. Story and Soil is a gem and I'm happy to have had an opportunity to experience their Middletown location. Give them a visit! read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Flat white. Lovingly prepared. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

I absolutely loved my breakfast burrito from Story and Soil. It was my first time at this location and my first time ordering food. It definitely won't be my last. The burrito was prepped and cooked on the griddle which meant that it was served piping hot with the char marks that make all foods taste better. It was stuffed with seasoned potatoes, mushrooms, sausage and quite possibly the best pico I've ever had. This pico was extra roasty and packed with diced tomatoes and chili peppers. I wished I could have taken a bottle of it home. For drinks, we had a Spanish latte and their special, the Princess Mononoke (basil syrup, butterfly pea tea). Both were excellent. Our cafe stop was made just a tad more magical thanks to the tabletop mason jar floral arrangements, fresh from the garden of one of the owners' moms! read more

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This business is inside of the Wesleyan R J Julia bookstore. There is indoor and outdoor seating. There is a pretty sweet operation going on here. State of the art kitchen equipment, professional staff, and an impressive coffee set up!! I had the Spanish Cinnamon Latte! It was beautiful! Nice foam with a heart in the center and the Cinnamon spray on the side but the best part was that it tasted as good as it looks! I also had the chorizo breakfast sandwich with the aioli on the side. I'm a little cautious about sauces but I was so glad I gave it a try! It breathed life into that breakfast sandwich. My friend ordered the bacon egg and cheese and agreed that the aioli was everything! A great way to start my weekend. read more

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Needed something to get my out of my pout! I was ghosted by a new tattoo artist in town and was riding around with nothing to do. Drove past Story and Soil in the Wesleyan Book Store on Main Street and decided that was the place. It is a quiet sanctuary with a view to the street or a view of thousands of interesting books. It took only the Spanish Latte to lift my spirits. Flavorful, sweet and a piece of culinary art. The baristas are rather nice also! read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Spanish Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

The Spanish Latte was very good, and I really enjoyed my bacon egg and cheese sandwich. The staff was very friendly and thanked us for our patience as they made our drinks and breakfasts. I thought they had a great variety of breakfast and lunch options, and Story and Soil certainly seems to be a great addition to the Wesleyan bookstore! read more

Story and Soil Coffee - BEC - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Stopped by Story and Soil as part of a Yelp Elite event and was pleasantly surprised! I had intended getting the Spanish latte but Kiki's delivery service caught my eye and I'm so glad it did, YUM we also got a chorizo breakfast sandwich, a cheddar jalapeño biscuit, and a shot of espresso. The latte definitely stole the show but everything was good. The servers were friendly and quick and everything was reasonably priced. I also want to point out that the coffee shop is nestled in an adorable book store. Sadly it was closed so I couldn't browse around but next time I will plan better Thank you for having us! read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Kiki's delivery service - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Sweetest place run by the sweetest people the baristas there are some of the kindest folks I know :)

I was pleasantly surprised by Story and Soil! The chorizo breakfast sandwich was delicious and the strawberry latte was eye-opening. I wasn't sure the flavors would work when I ordered it, but it ended up being one of the best lattes I've ever had. After breakfast I browsed the book store and found some adorable books for my neice. The selection was fantastic. read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Flat White and a delicious Strawberry Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Walked by here a few times over the past couple of months and had no idea it was being built out and had opened. My loss! The two guys behind the counter couldn't have been any more welcoming. They patiently answered our questions and expertly prepared our order. My daughter got an iced Spanish Latte and a CEC sandwich and I got an iced Kiki's Delivery Service and an MEC sandwich. I'm a big Miyazaki fan so appreciated the names given to a couple of the new drinks! Both drinks were excellent. I got mine with Macadamia milk (vegan style). (Who offers Macadamia milk?! I have it at home so greatly appreciated the choice over the more traditional almond milk.). The MEC is a mushroom, egg and cheese with a "green aioli". I'm not sure how they make the green aioli, but I will say that this was one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever had. In fact, I'd have it as lunch and dinner on a sub roll or wrap if they served it! The drinks are seasonal and change every few month so keep an eye out. Can't wait to come back for another MEC! Oh, yeah. They have chocolate chip cookies. It was a very good cookie! Since this was part of a sort of virtual Yelp event, I didn't leave without some swag. The coffee mug is so great! Thank you! read more

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Little cafe portion of the Weslyan bookstore with a menu of drinks, pastries, and food items. I got their specialty late and a BEC and they were both phenomenal. They also have a decent amount of seating given that it is inside a bookstore. There are 3 tables + a fair amount of window seating. The people were very friendly 9 read more

A hidden gem nestled inside the Wesleyan bookstore. It's new since May 2021, I found out. Very friendly staff and a wonderful atmosphere with all the books and a cozy coffee shop feel. I ordered a Spanish latte and a TEC (tomato, egg, and cheese) sandwich. I usually drink black coffee but this latte was AMAZING!! Made perfectly and presented with a cute little heart on top! The sandwich was also very yummy with spinach added... felt really healthy going down. Made with a green aioli that added great flavor. I will be back for lunch soon, I gotta try that firecracker hot sauce! read more

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This is my go-to café! The staff are knowledgeable and passionate about crafting great coffee. They are also very welcoming and genuinely so nice! Each drink is made with a level of care and detail that is hard to come by. I usually always order a latté (spanish, golden milk, kiki's, chai, or matcha), but I've also tried the espresso tonic and drip coffee. Each and every drink has been amazing! In terms of food, I've tried reynolds woodcock, figgly wiggly, lil cotti, SCS, MEC, teressa's meatballs, and all three burritos. Would recommend any and all of them (but do yourself a favor and try the reynolds woodcock). I enjoy the atmosphere and ambience as well. Always clean, cozy, and bright. There are plenty of seats and tables both indoors and outdoors for eating/drinking, hanging out with friends, reading, and studying. Great coffee and even better people! read more

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Loved this little coffee shop in the Wesleyan bookstore. Employees were great and space was really nice. I had the chorizo breakfast sandwich and a Spanish latte. The English muffin was grilled and chorizo egg sauce combo tasted amazing. My favorite part was the Spanish latte, with a touch of sweetness and cinnamon! I'm also intrigued by the Kiki's drink so I'll have come back to try it. read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Chorizo breakfast sandwich and Spanish Latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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I'll start by saying I've been to the Hartford location many times, and love it. Stopped here cause I was in the area and saw they also have a great food selection than the Hartford store, and I was hungry. The bookstore it's inside is beautiful, and my Spanish latte came out delicious, just as I expected. But my sandwich. I ordered the chicken caprese sandwich from their specials board. What a mess! I went to pick up my order when it was called, and found the paper wrapper to be messy with oil and seasonings, and the tape holding the paper closed was already popped open. I had to grab a napkin to wipe it off before picking it up. The staff member who had placed it on the counter definitely saw this, and said nothing. I decided to grab a handful of napkins before walking out, and thank goodness I did. There were no available seats, so I went to eat in my car. As I unwrapped my sandwich I had to keep wiping the putter side of the wrapper, or I would have had oil and juices all over my clothes. Once I got to the actual sandwich, I found it to be SOAKED. Like they used the juiciest tomatoes they could find, roasted peppers straight from the jar or can, with no effort to reduce the liquid, the chicken was probably juicy, AND oil/vinegar. Again, I had just walked right to my car too, so it wasn't getting soggy the drive somewhere. It was more than the bread could handle. This soggy sandwich barely kept it together long enough for me to finish it, dripping all over my hand the whole time. I used like 4 napkins in the process of eating it. I can say it was tasty. But I can not say I enjoyed eating it read more

The coffee is always amazing but the food service seems to have gone downhill. I waited almost 30 minutes for a burrito and when I finally got it the tortilla wasn't even toasted and the fillings were cold read more

Fantastic espresso tonic!! The baristas are super friendly too! Gorgeous outdoor space to read and sip your beverage.

Really wanted to like this place. Rude barista every time and sub par, not terribly fresh food. Would not return again.

This new location at the Wesleyan bookstore in Middletown is awesome! The Spanish latte was incredible and the barista did such an amazing job with the art! I was super impressed. The BEC -bacon, egg, cheese on an English muffin was likewise delicious. There was some kind of aioli on the egg sandwich that brought the flavor to a whole different level. I think it may have been the best egg sandwich that I've ever had. I will definitely be back to check out the books and the cafe as well! read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Me: Reuben egg sandwich. Very good-onions that were actually caramelized. Nice egg crust on the French toast. Meg: perfect poached egg, extra crispy (probably deep fried) home fries. Rowan: ruined what would have been a solid pancake with chocolate chips. read more

Had a special quince latte with Eucalyptus tea and caramel. It was surprisingly good. The young girl who served me was super friendly. Will go back for sure read more

Every single thing I've had here is good. I'm not even a coffee drinker and I love that too. Treat yourself to a scone or a cookie, you won't be disappointed. read more

Went three times in one weekend! Love the coffee and the bookstore attached to this place!

SO GLAD I discovered this place! The democratic socialist sandwich is the BEST sandwich I've had in CT!!! (Living in CT for 4+ years on a student budget) Is the secret ingredient the maple aioli, the Vermont sharp cheddar, the light yet filling bread or the perfect combination of arugula and chicken? Whatever it is, it is heavenly especially for a light lunch. Aethestic is reminiscent of Trident Bookstore in Boston, but cleaner. Would try other menu items 5/5. read more

Story and Soil Coffee - Spanish latte - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Last Friday, I ordered Story and Soil's take out meal of Bo Ssam for four people and wow - I was so happy with it! I lived in South Korea for four years, and bo ssam was one of my favorite foods. I hadn't had it in about a decade, and they killed it! The pork was as tender and flavorful as I remember. The toppings for the wraps were excellent. I especially loved the sauce and the candied nuts. The noodle dish was savory, light, and delicious. The macha brownie dessert was a perfect end to an awesome dinner. Story and Soil even included a note with different suggestions for cooking. For $80, we received a restaurant quality meal for four in the comfort of our home. The cafe's effort in making this a positive dining experience is admirable - I wish more establishments would take such pride in their work. I love supporting small businesses and I highly recommend this service! read more

Finally ventured into the cafe at the RJ Julia/Wesleyan Bookstore a few weeks ago and I tried the avocado toast after my weekend run. Amazing!! Looked so much fancier than I've ever made at home and tasted much better. read more