Who has the best coffee in and around Norwich? Vote in our poll.
Now that we're in fall mode, it's pumpkin spice everything, from deodorant to dog treats to cookies and toilet paper.
Of course, the pumpkin spice treat that started the whole craze is Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, which debuted in 2003, more than 20 years ago, and continues to be the company's most popular seasonal beverage.
Whether you are on Team PSL or anti-pumpkin spice, if you're a coffee drinker, you have that place that makes your coffee beverage just the way you like it, whether that's a super strong espresso (fort piquante as my French teacher used to say), a macchiato with a touch of foam and a caramel drizzle, or a cold brew.
So where is it? We combed through The Bulletin's communities and found lots of great options for a cup of joe.
Take our poll and tell us which of these shops/chains is your favorite. The poll closes at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15.
The Baker’s Dozen in Central Village, Plainfield & Norwich
A locally-owned chain of eight stores, with a ninth to open in Chaplin, The Baker's Dozen sells baked goods and beverages. Fall specialties include pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin cream, orchard RedBull fusion, iced apple cider, and green apple refresher.
Cream, 48 Franklin St., Norwich
CREAM coffee shop, which stands for “coffee rules everything around me." (The acronym was inspired by a song by '90s hip-hop group Wu Tang. The shop was opened in November 2021 on Franklin Street in downtown Norwich, Connecticut, by sisters-in-law Kari Herndon and Jessica Persad.
Dexter’s Smoothie Coffee Vault, 50 Pleasant St., #3, Norwich
Dexter’s Smoothie and Coffee Vault set out to create the best local coffee shop, providing the freshest local coffee available. Dexter's serves Norwich's own Craftsman Cliff Roasters coffee. Committed to making the coffee "just the way you like it," Dexter's serves coffee, both hot and iced, café au lait, their own Dexteruccino, and hot chocolate. For the fall they are offering a Fall Pumpkin Spice Cafe au Lait.
Dixie Donuts, 275 W Town St., Norwich
Whether you come to Dixie Donuts for the made fresh daily donuts or the friendly staff who remember your order, Dixie Donuts has a loyal following. Coffee is available in hot, iced, and cold brews.
Moon Magick Cafe by Chey, 113 School St., Danielson
Moon Magick Cafe by Chey has two locations, Danielson and Southbridge, MA. Featuring a variety of baked goods, Moon Magick Cafe offers a variety of hot and cold coffees including espresso, cappuccino, macchiato, espresso con panna cafe au lait, cold brew, and an iced Americano. In addition, there is a coffee flavor of the month: September's flavor is: Dragonfly Taro, Cardamom, & Praline.
Dunkin'
As the commercial says, "America runs on Dunkin'." The fall menu has dropped and features a pumpkin latte, a Dunkalatte ("it sips like a latte and tastes like a melty milkshake") and an Almond Spice coffee. Is New England's claim to fame your favorite spot for coffee?
Dunkin has locations everywhere including - but in no way limited to - five in Norwich, three in Plainfield, two in Danielson, one in each Central Village, Dayville, Griswold, Killingly and Moosup.
Coffee milk + Dunkin'? New latte is what RI fever dreams are made of
Starbucks, 88 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, also in Dayville
The originator of the pumpkin spiced latte, Starbucks is also offering an apple crisp oatmilk macchiato and chai latte on its fall menu.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: Where's the best coffee in and near Norwich, CT? Your chance to vote