Hidden Gems: Higher Grounds
We have a new addition to our Hidden Gems collection. Higher Grounds, a cute, unique breakfast/lunch destination in East Haddam, CT. I highly recommend adding this hidden gem to your bucket list.
Higher Grounds is one of CT’s best-kept secrets when it comes to breakfast. Tucked away in an old historic colonial house in East Haddam, this place serves up amazing homemade breakfast, and fresh hot coffee, all made with love. (Thank you to my fantastic friend Emily, for introducing me to this gem and joining me for breakfast.)
The atmosphere here is chill vibes only. Rachel and her team sprinkle their hippie flare all over the restaurant from the peace sign flag outside, to the all cool decor & local art covering the walls. You’ll start feeling calm & chill as soon as you step inside.
The space is cozy and I love how welcoming it is with the open kitchen and vintage barstools. The downstairs area is on the smaller side, but the big open windows & ambiance make up for it. There’s even an outdoor patio in the back!
Now, onto the good stuff, the food.
Everything is made with love, and locally sourced. I was happy to see organic veggies from Cugnos Farm on the menu. What I love about Higher Grounds is they serve all the breakfast classics, but with a delicious, creative twist. Like the cranberry walnut french toast or the breakfast burrito with Rachel’s Kicken’ Salsa. They also have weekly specials, and a fantastic sweets counter with goodies like Spicy Dark Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes and more.
What We Ordered:
2 Eggs + Toast + Veggie Hash
Veggie Hash w/ bacon & avocado
Lavender Lemonade
Emily’s swears by her favorite when she comes here, eggs over easy, hash-browns & toast. “It’s just so good I can’t get anything else!” She loved every bite, and the fresh farm eggs were cooked to perfection.
Sadly I’m allergic to eggs, so breakfast out is always a game of “What can I get that’s not rabbit food?” but Rachel took my veggie hash to the next level and topped it with bacon and avocado.
The veggie hash was terrific! It’s a mix of shredded beets, carrots, and potatoes. They’re like home-fries with a healthy twist. Adding bacon and avocado took it to the next level of deliciousness. It was great having bits of bacon mixed in with the hash.
After our meals, we were still craving something sweet. We decided to split a peanut butter cookie. It was amazing, so soft & buttery.
As Emily and I sat and enjoyed our treat, the girls keep things grooving in the kitchen with classic rock. Whenever a customer walked in, they were greeted with a big genuine smile. The friendly staff really makes you feel like you’re going over to your cool neighbors for breakfast.
There’s tons of live music here weekly, open-mics with a burger bar on Fridays, and acoustic breakfast on Saturdays & Sundays. As if this place couldn’t get any cooler! After you enjoy your meal, you can head upstairs and view local art, jewelry & crafts for sale.
Peace and love to the team at Higher Grounds, thank you for your deliciousness and hippie hospitality.
Plan a trip out to East Haddam for your next brunch and let us know what you think!
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Make a day of it, and explore other great things nearby like hiking at Devil’s Hopyard, Gillette Castle, Steady Habit Brewing, & the iconic East Haddam Swing Bridge.
Higher Grounds at 32 Main
32 Main St
East Haddam, Connecticut
(860) 615-6112
Open Monday 8AM - 5PM, Tuesday - Thursday 8AM - 2PM, Friday 8AM - 10PM
Weekends 8AM - 2PM
