[slideshow_deploy id=’14585′]Many coffee shops can claim they have “the best cup of coffee” but according to many regulars, The Coffee Connection is “the best cup of coffee” in Oswego. Located at 148 Water St., the shop’s looks can be deceiving. What appears to be a small store front across from the harbor is actually an immersive world with a new coffee experience for every customer who walks in the door.
The Coffee Connection was founded about 20 years ago, but when the previous owner moved an employee took it over with the inspiration of not letting it go out of business. Now, Paul Fauler has been the owner and operator of The Coffee Connection for 9 years.
“My favorite thing about this place is definitely the customers who have been coming for years now, it has always been a place where friends can meet… and it definitely has an eclectic feel to it,” Fauler said.
Upon walking into The Coffee Connection, customers are greeted by a mix of warm colors and a sense of home that college students can appreciate. With coffee themed knick-knacks, paintings and the most recent town promotions lining the walls, The Coffee Connection invites you in. Murals that were painted by past students cover the ceiling leading you upstairs where the ambiance is complete. With more artwork and knick-knacks, upstairs becomes a place to relax, enjoy your favorite brew and a comforting view of the Oswego Harbor. With two couches and a range of seating, this part of the store is something that makes The Coffee Connection special. It’s a place where people can enjoy a book, magazine or even start up a board game. Most of the decorative items has either been donated by loyal customers or found at local garage sales. Most of the customers are a mix of college students and hometown regulars. The Coffee Connection is the host of sporadic poetry readings and the local knitting group. This is what has made this store live up to its slogan of “Good Times, Good Coffee, Good Friends.”
Yet it is the coffee that gives the store its name. With a wide range of selections including coffee, tea, cocoa, smoothies, beans, blends, cups and baked goods, there is no way to walk in without trying something. With over sixty different brews of coffee, The Coffee Connection always rotates through them all by offering “The Coffee of the Day.”
In addition, each item on the menu is The Coffee Connection’s original mix of blends and flavors that gives a new definition to a cup of coffee. With names like River Mud, Raktachino, or Midnight Kiss, the menu reflects the uniqueness of the store. Items are constantly changing and being added to the menu by a constant experimentation of different taste and flavors to bring out an original Coffee Collection recipe. The display of baked goods ranges from muffins and turnovers to cookies and biscotti perfect for dipping. All of these baked goods are from the local Cakes Galore Bakery. Some of the items are seasonal, yet unlike most coffee places, pumpkin coffee is sold all year round.
When searching for a place to relax, meet up with friend and enjoy a one-of-a-kind cup of coffee The Coffee Connection is the place to go. Open seven days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. -7 p.m., Tuesdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information or updates on the “Coffee of the Day,” check out on The Coffee Connection Facebook page.
Interview: Paul Fauler, 52, Owner
