Caffeine, Cookies, and Comfort
Cozy up and indulge this winter with a pick-me-up from one of Milford’s many bakeries, cafes, or coffee spots. Each of these locations offers something special to the palate, whether it’s a strong Columbian brew or a sugar-coated something sweet. By no means comprehensive, this list is just a short sample of the many morning (and afternoon and evening) options open to Milfordites.
Bell Bakeshop
191 Rock Lane
Open Sundays 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
According to Sage Esposito, she has always been a baker and all-around hobbyist. She was baking out of her home for some time before building out Bell Bakeshop, the Rock Lane establishment that opened this past summer.
The bakery offers a delectable mix of goods, including brown butter chocolate chip cookies and sourdough bread. It also accepts custom orders for Esposito’s signature vanilla bean iced sugar cookies, and hosts classes, usually centered on a seasonal treat.
The bakery is something of a family affair, with goods available to the public Sundays at the shop. In addition, bakery goodies are available from the Crust & Crumbs combo cookie/pizza truck Esposito operates with family members, and at CappuGino’s Coffee & Shakes, run by her mother, Julie Johnson.
“It takes multiple days sometimes to make these loaves of bread,” Esposito says of one of the sourdoughs. “The pride you feel when it comes out of the oven and it smells and looks great, that’s why I do it.”
CappuGino’s Coffee & Shakes
10 Commerce Park (located inside Milford Vascular Institute)
Open weekdays, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
cappuginoscoffee.com
The owners of CappuGino’s Coffee & Shakes have a clear mission in mind: giving back. “A portion of every dollar we make is given back to a local organization or individual in need,” says Julie Johnson, who opened CappuGino’s along with her siblings, David and Jerilyn, in 2020.
The coffee spot is located in Commerce Park at the Milford Vascular Institute, David’s longtime practice. There, you’ll find hot and cold brews, protein shakes, parfaits, and other breakfast items, plus customizable acai bowls with an assortment of toppings, including coconut and Nutella.
Johnson and her siblings have also made it a point to hire local youth. “We wanted to afford young community members an opportunity to work at the café and instill our commitment to serving their community, being kind and providing superior customer service,” she says.
Walnut Beach Coffee House
59 Naugatuck Avenue
Open daily 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
walnutbeachcoffee.com
Whether you’re taking a dip in summertime or a leisurely winter walk by the shore, Walnut Beach Coffee House offers a respite any time of year.
“I love seeing people settle in, whether it’s someone journaling by the window or friends catching up over iced lattes after a swim,” says owner Kemal Cecujanin.
The establishment is known for its beverages and eclectic menu, including lox, za’atar toast, and the Chicken Coop Sandwich, a medley of chicken, avocado, spinach, tomato, and American cheese on sourdough. Its specialty coffees are made from 100% USDA Organic and Fair-Trade Certified beans.
“Knowing that this little place we built can make people feel relaxed, inspired, or just at peace for a moment, that’s incredibly rewarding,” Cecujanin says.
Cafe Atlantique
33 River Street
Monday-Thursday, 7:00 am – 8:oo pm, Friday-Saturday, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
www.cafeatlantiquemilford.com
Cafe Atlantique has had a longstanding reputation for coffee, but that’s not all to discover at this downtown mainstay.
“We’re a nice evening spot,” says Ryan McConnell, who, along with wife Hanna, took over ownership of the cafe during the pandemic. When the sun goes down, the cafe presents happy hour specials six nights a week, live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and cocktails, including an espresso martini made with fresh brew.
That freshness translates to the food menu. The cafe’s best seller is a classic bacon, egg, and cheese, and the baked goods are brought in daily. It also prepares made-to-order savory and sweet crepes with an in-house batter.
“People like to spend time here,” McConnell says. “They’ve gotten engaged here, have had small rehearsal dinners here, and it’s because it’s part of their lives and community.”
Scratch Baking
84 Broad Street
Monday-Saturday 7 am – 3:00 pm, Sundays 7 am – 1:00 pm
Scratch Baking is a beloved local bake shop just steps from the town Green. Known for its fresh-from-scratch breads, pastries, and specialty treats, the bakery offers everything from flaky croissants and cinnamon-sugar “monkey bread” muffins to rustic loaves and decadent dessert bars. Inside, the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community draw a loyal crowd for both grab-and-go breakfasts and thoughtful, made-to-order goodies. The bakery was originally founded by Lesli Flik 15 years ago, but was recently acquired by long-time manager Evan Cassidy. Whether you’re stopping in for a morning pastry and coffee or picking up a still-warm loaf for dinner, Scratch Baking is a go-to destination for quality, creativity, and the unmistakable charm of a downtown Milford business.
Wake-Cup-Coffee
1 Railroad Avenue
Weekdays, 5:30 am – 3:00 pm, Weekends, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Stanley George knows how hectic it can be to catch an early morning train. That’s why Wake-Cup-Coffee, a recent addition to the Milford train station, prioritizes speedy service, without sacrificing quality. “We’ve turned the mediocre train station coffee into something special,” George says. “It’s what we’re good at.”
The Milford location is the third for George and his brother, Julius, who opened the first Wake-Cup-Coffee in Fairfield during the pandemic. The establishment offers from-scratch coffee, pretzel bread sandwiches, baked goods and more to commuters and locals who live nearby.
As for making that train? “If we have a client who’s trying to catch their train, we hand out the coffee and have them pay the next day,” George says.
On colder, shorter days, check out these latest entrants to the bakery and coffee scene.
Cookie39
499 New Haven Avenue
Monday-Thursday, 6:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday, 6:00 am – 10:00 pm, Saturday, 8:00 am – 10:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Cookie39.com
This New Haven favorite is building a permanent spot in Milford at the former Sundae House location. Enjoy gourmet cookies baked fresh, including seasonal specials, and soft-serve ice cream. Or order big batches for a crowd.
Drift Café
Gulf Beach and various locations
Wednesday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facebook: driftcafe
Find this mobile coffee trailer, owned by locals Ben Bonessi and Griffin Gerardi, at Gulf Beach and around town. The cafe-on-wheels specializes in cold brews, and offers hot drips, chai and matcha, plus unique bagel flavors. Look for weekly specials, too.
—Suzanne De Vita
