The Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream

Always really yummy and quick! The Rosie Posie lemonade is amazing, and Caitlin is the best! ❤️

Great atmosphere, exceptionally friendly and courteous staff. Nice patio, reasonable prices. This is what a local coffee house should be like, not the slick pre-fab atmosphere of Starbucks! Kid-friendly with a craft and game area, couches and arm chairs, very comfy, homey feel! Baked goods by Crust, Brown Dog Creamery Ice Cream, what more could you ask for? I would highly recommend Proving Grounds (plan to stay awhile!)

This is my go-to coffee store in the area. Yea, there are starbucks and the like in the area. Want to help out a local small business while getting a better product? Shop at The Proving Grounds.

The atmosphere is subtle and relaxing, featuring natural woods, eclectic but low-key furniture, and unassuming music. One of my favorite places in Milford to relax for an hour or so and crack a book.

As far as product, I've always greatly enjoyed their coffee, and their Ice cream (I forget where they get it from, I believe it's local) is divine. They also have the ability to press some hot sandwiches; nothing too especial, but great if you're there to hang out and get peckish.

Staff has always been cheerful and professional every time I've been, and seem to have fun.

My one complaint, and it's hardly that, is that there are occasionally an issue with seating, especially during a rush. I feel like this is just the nature of an older, slimmer, downtown building, however there is a decent section of floor room dedicated to a children's play-area which I feel may add to this problem. It's completely understandable why it's there; Milford is a very family-friendly town, and often I see families bringing their children to play while they relax and sip coffee. It's just hard to see when there are no children in the store and seating is tight; it feels like it compounds the smaller, skinny building situation.

That all said, I don't expect, or really want, it to be changed in the future. The kids really seem to get a kick out of it, and I have a sneaking suspicion there might be a collective hoopla from the regulars were it ever to be removed.

All and all, a fantastic local business and product. Great place to meet up in Milford, whatever the reason. Looking forward to visiting in the future, when it is (Covid-wise) safe to do so!

So excited to have a local, independent coffee shop. I love the rustic decor and the fun family friendly atmosphere. The owners try hard to recognize people, and they always be make us feel welcome. The barista drinks are some of the best I've ever had and are served at just the right temperature. Love this place!

Proving Grounds has great food and drinks, great atmosphere, and great people.

We were only looking for a cup of coffee but spent an hour here! All 4 adults in our group had different beverages, and they were all delicious. I had no idea there was a play area here! It was adorable, we read a Snow White book as my daughter had her dairy-free coconut ice cream. There were even spare diapers in the bathroom. Can’t wait to return next time we’re in Milford.

Great coffee! 10/18/2017 Reviewing again based on several visits since. More than just great coffee, but a great local business. Not corporate feeling, owners are always there, their enthusiasm showing in their smiles and commitment to quality and a great experience. This establishment makes Milford better. So glad for the folks who risked it to make Proving Grounds a reality.

Great coffee, very cool atmosphere, and locally sourced treats. The mint mocha latte is awesome! There's also a great kids play area and really comfortable seating. It's an awesome spot to come and sit and chat with friends a while.

We were so excited to make our first stop into Proving Grounds. We've lived in Milford for many years and were excited to have a new coffee shop. Taste wise the coffee was awesome. I had an almond milk latte with almond flavor and my husband had an iced Vietnamese. My latte came out fairly quickly. The iced Vietnamese took about 20 minutes. We came in at the beginning of a slight rush so I assume they got busy and forgot. After about 12 minutes I went to the counter to ask if they had called the Vietnamese and I'd missed it. I got a somewhat brusque, "we're making it now". At least 10 drinks had come out since we'd ordered. So we continued to wait. They put a hot Vietnamese on the counter about 7 minutes later. We waited and no one went for it so we asked if it was for us. They said yes. So we reminded them he'd ordered it iced. They said, "I guess we'll just remake it." She turned around and dumped the hot drink over ice and gave it back to us. The ice melted almost immediately and so the drink was lukewarm. The taste was great though. I debated between 2 and 3 stars because I was so disappointed in the service, but again the coffee was delicious. I had such high hopes for a fun new hang out spot in downtown. I hope that once the new employees settle in and get comfortable with the menu they'll be more personable. I'd also like to add that the girl doing the pour over was very sweet to us and was explaining the process which was cool.

Been waiting for a local coffee shop in Milford, and Proving Grounds is perfect! Nice comfy seating, cool decor from local designers, great coffee, and yummy artisan ice cream. Prices are similar to or cheaper than Starbucks, and the quality is infinitely better. There's also a kids' play area which is ingenious for parents to gather here and chill out. I had an iced coffee and basil stratticella ice cream- both were phenomenal. This will be a regular stop when I'm downtown for sure.