Where is it (and where can I park)?
Coffee Connections is located in the heart of Hilliard’s “cute” Main Street. This strip is full of houses-turned-quaint-shops, and this coffee shop is no exception. Not only is it right by good eats, from diner food to pub fare, but it is right across the street from Hilliard’s Station Park (and the awesome Center Street Market, which is only a block away!).
You can usually find street parking without issue all around the shop, but if it is busy, fear not – about a block away is Hilliard’s large public parking lot.
When is it open?
The coffee shop on Main Street is open every day from 7a – noon. As of June 2021, the annex and play area reopened, adding those back to the shop and patio spaces! The location inside Center Street Market is open 11a – 7p, and is only a block away. To stay up to date with their hours, specials, and events, check out their website or visit them on Instagram @coffeeconnectionshilliard (and maybe give us a follow, too?).
We should also note that Coffee Connections has a Columbus location that is a welcome edition to the Gateway area, but it is closed for the time being along with their Plain City location, according to their website.
The Menu - What Are They Known For?
Coffee Connections has drinks for every palate: drip coffee, cold brew, all manner of espresso drinks, frozen drinks, teas, chai, even lemonade and cider. They have some breakfast food in-house, like their overnight oats, but you can tell by looking around that they are a small business supporting small businesses – they have all kinds of tasty baked treats from local places.
We have seen scones, donut, and all kinds of baked goods from Cori’s Confections, Blocks bagels, Great Harvest, Lil Donut Factory, and Alternative Baking Co, including options for those with dietary restrictions. The biggest scoop here? Get in on their combos! Get yourself a breakfast sandwich made the way you want it or a scone and a large coffee for $5. Or add $2 if lattes are more your thing. Between the Main and Center Street Market locations, they serve breakfast all day long.
Personally, I think there are two things you shouldn’t skip out on: the rotating latte flavors and the express Vietnamese. Hanging out among your usual favorite latte flavors are unique options slipping in, such as the peach cobbler latte. Biscuity and subtly sweet, I genuinely did not know how that would taste as a coffee beverage, but I was pleasantly surprised. However, if I had to pick (especially in summer), go with the express Vietnamese – what’s not to like about iced americano and sweetened condensed milk?
What's the space like?
Walking up to a house to get coffee, it is no shock that Coffee Connections has a real down-to-earth vibe. The outside space has both sunny spots and shaded spots and a variety of seating options, from small and large tables to literal stump-seats, easily accommodating 30+ people. Small touches like the little “library” in front and bike rental stand make it feel like a friendly space.
Though we couldn’t snap any pics of the inside on our latest visit, rest assured it is equally cozy: a coffee bar space in back opens to 2 rooms on the main floor, housing couch, table, and bar-style seating. Upstairs you can find 2 more rooms that might be especially good if coming in with a larger group.
The annex out back has even more comfy couch seating options with bar style seating along the walls, easily accommodating 20+.
Speaking of spaces, you can rent out the annex or the whole house if you want. As always, contact them for the whole story, but the skinny is this: the annex is $25/hour during business hours. The whole place is $400 for 3-8pm, including 10 drinks.
Is it a good work space?
Yes, even during peak COVID conditions we had a nice work session on the patio. Wifi is still strong outside, and there are plenty of seating options for getting things done. One thing I am sorry to say I didn’t take notice of outside was outlets/power – though, to be fair, I didn’t need to plug in. Maybe have your devices charged to be safe (unless you plan on being inside, where there are outlets throughout).
Our Experience
We keep coming back to Coffee Connections, especially on mornings when we would prefer to stay out of the hustle-and-bustle of Columbus. It is a spot that is just as good for work as it is for chatting with your friends.
We haven’t really gone wrong yet with drink choices. Even with our most scrutinized option (drip coffee), they come through with an easily-drinkable medium roast. However, you shouldn’t sleep on new drinks they’re always posting – they’re pretty active on Instagram. The coffee tonic and the cookie latte series look amazing.
You should know that they also have their own app – we downloaded when it was first released and saved money on our first order for doing so! It makes ordering easy so you can grab-and-go if you need to.
Other things to do in the area
This one falls into the true Brews & To-Do’s category: head across the street to the newly opened Center Street Market. They have another station of Coffee Connections that opens when the main shop closes, in case you didn’t get your fix!
Center Street Market is also home to Crooked Can Brewing, one of the newest breweries in Columbus.
Looking for something more eclectic to do, maybe a hidden gem? In an unassuming building one street over from Coffee Connections lies the Early Television Museum.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Email us at help@brewsandtodos.com