Address: | 320 Park Rd, West Hartford, CT 06119, USA |
Phone: | +1 860-461-7858 |
Site: | jrenecoffee.com |
Rating: | 4.5 |
Working: | 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–6PM 7AM–3PM |
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Britt M
I came here to work on my writing with a laptop and also enjoy a coffee and sit back and relax. I ordered a mocha which the guy made in front of me and decorated it and it looked lovely. And it tasted pretty good, but the sugar settled in the bottom so it gave a not so good after taste. But the main reason I gave only two stars was the lack of plug-ins for laptops or chargers. This is a café, I know a lot of people that go to cafes to enjoy and work on material. Writers are abundant at cafés. So when my battery was low on my laptop, I went on a search for a place to plug it in. No where. I went to the counter, and the person said that their boss doesnt let anyone use plug-ins and she would get in trouble if she let me use it. Not her fault, just cheap management. No wonder people didnt stay here for very long. Not an inviting place and bad for business. Ill give my business to west hartford baking company from now on who has a better selection and has a free and open wifi and plenty of plug-ins. Not stingy there!
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An-D T
This is where to go to see the science of great coffee. The perfection of minimalism, might be a good way to describe it. There isnt a lot on the menu, theres not a vast selection of whole bean coffee but, what they offer they do very well. As I walked in the first thing I noticed was the music, which was some funky jazz like The Budos Band, The Bamboos etc. Then I saw the roasters in the front corner, they actually roast their own beans. You cant find fresher coffee than that. I had ordered a Honduran coffee brewed with the siphon pot. It is definitely worth it, this method brings out all the subtle notes that normal brewing just doesnt provide. Plus, it is interesting to see it being brewed as well. My girlfriend got a total of two lattes which tasted exactly the same. They seemingly have perfected consistency.
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Daniel Becce
Everyone here is passionate about coffee and hospitality. Coffees are roasted in house. They can brew classic espresso drinks, serve quick fresh brewed coffees to go, or, if you have more time, craft exceptional brews using more eccentric methods like Chemex, French press, and siphon brewer. Food selection is expanding and evolving and includes vegan and gluten-free options. Brewing equipment and fresh house-roasted coffees are sold as well. Staff and owners are eager to talk about coffee and share knowledge and stories about coffee. Partnerships with local performers and artists bring vital energy to the shop especially during weekend evening hours.
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john leblanc
I had an awkward interaction with the owner a few months back when she refused to make my boyfriend a hot chocolate (literally just a mocha without the espresso). I decided to come back owing to the decent coffee and proximity to my house, only to discover that there is not a single outlet for customer use. I sat down, chugged my cappuccino, then drove somewhere else with outlets to get my work done. Just two very awkward experiences that show this business has little value for their customers. Two stars for the decent coffee. Try Hartford Baking Company, Sarahs, or Blue State for comparable coffee and exemplary customer service and ambience
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Joel Tenenbaum
Best best BEST coffee in the area. Who else makes a siphon brew like this or a pour over? Plus a lot of nicely decorated seating area and good service. N.b. Food is a very limited set of pastry options. In response to others comments, I agree that there is a serious lack of outlets and the lack of wifi must have been a conscious choice on the part of the owner. In terms of your coffee taking too long, not sure if the place was too busy but a French press or a siphon brew takes time to make, amigo. Know this when you order or just get the drip coffee theyve got ready.
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Kyle Mayer
This place has no Wi-Fi. Im giving one star because theres no indication that theres no wifi. Sorry, its the 21st century and coffeeshops are expected to have it. I wasted my time and money buying coffee here before finding out I cant do any work here. After speaking with the lady behind the counter I understand they want to create a conversational atmosphere. But patrons need a warning before spending money on their upscale coffee. Its rather rude and deceptive that they dont communicate this. I wont be returning again.
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Valerie Drachova
Serene coffee boutique surrounded by antique shops right in the heart of Park Road, blocks away from Blue Back Square. Their coffee is to die for, and they have so many different preparation methods you can choose from. J. René also sells coffee paraphernalia, beans, and other fun coffee related items. The place is beautifully decorated and theres always flowers on the table. They also have a band playing on certain nights. It is always on my obligatory stop list when Im in the area. A lovely experience every time!
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Brian F. Malarski
Ive traveled all over the world, drinking coffee and espresso...I will not visit J.René again. Aside from the pretentiousness of their menu philosophy, they were not overly friendly, helpful, or knowledgeable. In addition, for a espresso shop with a limited menu, not to make a proper latte or cappuccino, is absurd. The latte and cappuccino (both doubles) tasted as if watered down espresso was used, both tasted as if they were just steamed milk with a bad bitter aftertaste. Sarahs or Blue State are better choices.
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Lawrence Peterson
Delicious coffee and pastries. Great setting for sitting and talking. Excellent service from well informed and well trained staff. Good looking, too! Only good source in Hartford for expertly roasted coffee, done in store on state of the art equipment. If youre an espresso junkie, this is the place to buy your beans. The difference between coffee 1 day past roasting vs 1 week is astonishing.
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Dan Page
The perfect 16 oz latte to go; it has never needed sugar and its served at an immediately-drinkable temperature. Unlike chain stores, they dont scald the beans to get quality flavor because J. René buys quality beans in the first place. I wont comment on ambience, as I drink coffee while Im running errands; however, the staff are friendly and they keep the shop scrupulously clean.
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Mike Graboski
Truly the best coffee shop in Connecticut. They roast their own personally-sourced coffee beans in the shop, make top-notch cappuccinos and lattes, and offer French press, Chemex, or siphon-pot coffee. The coffee shop itself is really nice, great place to go relax with friends over coffee. Thrilled to finally see a world-class coffee shop in Connecticut.
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Brandon MacNab
Very friendly staff. The coffee is not overpowering nor is it too light. They seem to have found a perfect balance of smooth and rich, even with their dark roast. They use some interesting-looking instruments to brew the coffee and whatever they are, they work! Atmosphere is as vibrant as the coffee. I couldnt recommend a better place for coffee!
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Archit Patel
The place is simply awesome... Way better than other chain coffee shops.. Really good ambience, welcoming staff...i like their house blend as well.. N the best thing, they have private parking... I stay close in this area, so whenever i have someone coming to have a small meeting or so, Id prefer this place over sitting at home...
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Rebecca Pannaman
Coffee is amazing with such great variety. The owner and his wife are really nice. They will sit down and chat with you and discuss coffee and how to brew certain roasts. My boyfriend and I have learned a lot from them and buy their coffee any time we go by there. I always recommend this place to anyone in the area.