Maybe it was because it was the first really warm weekend of spring, or maybe it was just because we’ve only been in Maryland a week, but whatever the reason Nathan and I both woke up Sunday morning, missing Mystic and one of our favorite local coffee houses—Bartleby’s Cafe.
Located on West Main Street, the cozy cafe is a staple of downtown Mystic. We would often take Vienna for a walk there on Sunday mornings stopping to get coffee and pastries before heading to the Mystic River Park.
[easingsliderlite]The eatery, with its free wi-fi and people watching windows, served as my home away from home, office. At least once a week, I’d end up there with my computer, notebook and camera. If I was luckily, I’d get one of the four big overstuffed chairs, I’d get a latte and spend a few hours writing and often talking to owner Ross Mandell and baristas Andrea and Sarah.
Mandell named for Herman Melville’s story Bartleby. He opened the coffee shop in 1999, after a stint as a fiscal analyst working with the state of Connecticut, and for the past 14 years anyone that wanted to would find him at the cafe.
In addition to the standard coffee options, you’ll also find specialty espresso drinks, Italian sodas, huge breakfast sandwiches, pastries and soups, salads and sandwiches for lunch. Try it out for yourself the next time you’re in the area.
Bartleby’s Cafe is at 46 West Main Street in Mystic. It’s open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Information: 860-245-0017 and bartlebysmystic.com.
