Eating Out: Muddy Waters Cafe | New London, CT

Muddy Waters Cafe was our first stop during our recent day trip to New London, CT.

They open at 7:00 AM, which was too early for us coming from Danbury. Since it takes 1 1/2 hour to get to New London (88 miles/142 kilometers each way), that means we’d have to leave our place at 5:30 AM. Waaay too early for me. 8:30 AM was a more reasonable time. We left Danbury before 7:00 AM.

Upon entering the cafe, it became fairly obvious to us that the place is frequented by regulars. There was a bit of a queue and while waiting in line, we could hear the staff greeting the regulars by name and engaging in casual chitchat. When it was our turn to order, the girl at the counter asked if it was our first time there (it was) and told me that we just need to order at the counter and they will bring the food to our table.

While deciding what to get, these goodies by the counter were calling out to me. . .

. . .as well as these little lovelies here.

But I resisted the temptation and ordered their breakfast sandwiches, a cup of cafe mocha and a cup of hot chai tea latte. We had a 10:00 AM Segway tour – we can’t be too full. I read about their famous Love Salad, which I was curious about, but salad for breakfast? Not for me. Come to think of it, I’m not sure if they served salads that early.

After ordering our food, we couldn’t find seating in the front area of the cafe, so we went to the outdoor deck. Sadly, it was cold and gloomy. Not exactly the perfect time to sit outdoors.

I took these pictures while waiting for our food.

Eclectic style is just excellent, isn’t it? It’s an interior design approach that I fully appreciate. While it looks easy to do, it’s fairly easy to mess up.

AND I love this sign. I even shared it on Instagram. It’s such a good reminder for all of us, n’est-ce pas? Very appropriate for us that day. After breakfast, hubby and I were going to try riding a Segway for the first time. “Take risks”? Oh yes!

Anyway, here are our breakfast sandwiches.

I had a plain bagel with eggs, spinach, caramelized onions and ricotta.

Hubby went familiar – eggs, ham and cheese on a plain bagel.

On our way out, I noticed this jukebox. Not sure if it actually works, but I like it.

Verdict: We got there at 8:30 AM and they had such a bustling morning business. The staff greeted their customers by name. Everyone seems to know everyone else, which, to me, makes it a bona fide local hang-out place. They offer a sweet and savory selection so you can pop in for breakfast, brunch or lunch. You will not go hungry. I loved the eclectic style of the place decorated with old movie posters, a framed Beatles vinyl, old books, old toys, even a jukebox, which all contributed to the laid-back atmosphere.

Hubby and I agreed that we wish there’s something like this in Danbury. If you ask me what Muddy Waters Cafe does best, it’s not just the food or the coffee. It’s how they manage to bring people together.

Address:
Muddy Waters Cafe
42 Bank Street, New London, CT 06320

Disclosure: I received an invitation for this food trip to New London, CT in exchange for writing a review on this blog. While this is a sponsored post, all opinions are my own.