East Rock Coffee

Got an espresso and 2 breakfast sandwiches. Espresso came quickly, sandwiches took over 20 minutes. Pretty good but not worth the wait. Would not come back for food or to sit and stay (crowded space) but would for coffee to-go.

A little busy Sunday morning, it took about 20 mins to get my food and a coffee but well worth the wait! Amazing bagels and seating outside is a plus in the warm weather!

The absolute coolest coffee shop that has EVER been in New Haven. The staff is friendly and very organized especially in a very tight space. The breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and cappuccino are delightful.

Got a bacon egg and cheese on a bagel. The bacon was BLACK, there was only a tiny dot of cheese in the center, and the bagel was dry/unbuttered. It was basically inedible. Coffee is great but I definitely won’t be wasting my money on their food ever again.

Never actually been. But I saw a TikTok of a folk punk dad who featured this shop on one of his videos. Now I'm super curious and one day I intend of visiting.

What a crushing disappointment. What I thought would be my go-to coffee shop turned out to be the worst cafe I’ve ever been been to. Why, you ask? Because of their “no laptops or tablets policy” and the harassment I experienced from the manager.

I was told to stop reading the news on my iPad, to which I asked if there were any health or safety concerns that necessitated I cease using my device. The manager said it was about getting people to connect and talk with each other. Naturally, I inquired as to how reading news on a tablet was any different from the other patrons reading news on print newspapers. He had no reply. I further questioned why other patrons were allowed to use cell phones, but my use of a tablet was banned. Again, he had no answer except to say “it’s our policy”.

After we debated for a while, he finally asked me to leave. I told him that if he thought such a ridiculous policy was legal and enforceable, then he could call someone to come and try and enforce it (i.e. police). He didn’t seem happy with this suggestion and angrily stormed away.

It is worth noting that during this entire interaction I was in the middle of eating my breakfast and drinking my cappuccino, belaying any concerns about me taking up space long after I finished eating (as some patrons do even without laptops or tablets).

While I have nothing against suggesting that patrons interact more with each other, forcing this on customers is ridiculous. Perhaps even more ridiculous is the inconsistency with which it is enforced. At the table next to me two people sat reading newspapers and one person was on their phone. Why were they not reprimanded for not interacting with each other. Why was I singled out? The manager is clearly inept and unable to understand the meaning of his own misguided policy. Either ban all forms of “isolating” media, or stop trying to enforce such a terrible policy.

The way the manager tried to enforce his policy deserves special attention. After harassing me multiple times, by calling me names and refusing to leave my table until I finished eating, he began asking for personal information. I’ve never been harassed so much at a cafe in my life. The manager revealed his true character when he resorted to uncivil name calling, by calling me “childish” for not abiding by his policy. I’m sorry, but I’m not the one creating and enforcing childish policies. I simply wanted to enjoy my breakfast and coffee while reading the days’ news—something I will no longer go to East Rock Coffee to do.

I absolutely love this coffee shop. No electronics allowed and hands down the best dirty chai latte I’ve ever had!! If there are no tables available don’t be afraid to ask someone if you can sit with them. The more the merrier, cheers!

Nick was the nicest most down to earth worker, he went above and beyond, u r lucky to have him

Good coffee, tiny interior. If you're on the go you can get a drink quick. Don't expect to find a seat every time. Also, they have no wifi, which is an issue for some.

Excellent bagel sandwiches and coffee!! And very nice staff, not the usual surly service you expect from hipster coffeeshops. Very child friendly too.