About Daily Grind

Daily Grind pairs carefully made espresso drinks with straightforward, well-built breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Staff are consistently praised for warm, personal service and quick, attentive order handling, which keeps the pace pleasant even on busy mornings.

The menu leans into simple but thoughtful combinations — sausage and egg wraps, classic bacon-egg-and-cheese on a Harvest Bakery roll, and seasonal drinks — all amplified by house-made spreads and locally sourced baked goods.

Location & Contact

What to Expect

The kitchen highlights several consistently praised items: the Sausage Breakfast Wrap (eggs, sausage, hash browns, American cheese, peppers, onions and house-made chipotle aioli), veggie wraps with sautéed mushrooms and avocado spread, and a reliably good Bacon, Egg & Cheese on a Harvest Bakery roll.

Drinks are equally notable: oat milk lattes, a Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, and the sweeter Fluff-a-Nutter latte appear often in reviews.

Bagels come from Kettle Bagels and pastries from Harvest Bakery, and staff make several cream cheeses in-house.

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

Coffee's Breakfast Companionship

No discussion of breakfast in Connecticut would be complete without mentioning coffee, which has become a beloved companion to morning meals. The coffee culture began to flourish in the state around the 19th century, mirroring the broader national trend. Coffeehouses offered a place for people to gather, socialize, and enjoy breakfast together. This ritual of sipping coffee while sharing stories continues today, with many residents considering it an essential part of their morning routine. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee evokes a sense of warmth and connection, making breakfast feel complete.

Culture

From the Community

On Depot Place in Unionville, Daily Grind has become the kind of neighborhood coffee shop that draws walkers from the nearby trail and regulars who drop in for a morning fix.

Owner Evan and a small, enthusiastic staff keep a short menu focused on breakfast and lunch staples, emphasizing local bakery goods and house-made spreads.

Rebecca Hales called it a "hidden gem," noting the shop roasts beans specifically for the cafe and that "their chipotle aioli is a must."

Reviewers repeatedly praise the sausage breakfast wrap for its spicy, savory profile and the bacon, egg and cheese for its ideal ratios.

Denis O'Connor captured the sentiment: "they make a serious bacon, egg, and cheese!" Drinks cover a wide range, from straightforward oat milk lattes to playful seasonal specials like the Fluff-a-Nutter.

Whether stopping after a trail ride or picking up a commuter coffee, patrons find consistent quality and friendly service at the counter.

Why Locals Love It

Rebecca Hales ★★★★★

Rebecca highlights the community feel and thoughtful menu, calling the shop a "hidden gem." That matters to locals because her description points to more than convenience — it names the care: beans roasted for the cafe, staff who remember names, and a chipotle aioli that turns simple sandwiches into a neighborhood specialty that people come back for.

Denis O'Connor ★★★★★

Denis says "they make a serious bacon, egg, and cheese!" which signals why the sandwich scene here resonates. For residents who want a reliably excellent breakfast, that kind of praise means balanced cook times, proper bacon crispness, and the right cheese melt — the everyday comfort food that becomes part of local routine.

Jennifer Pilagin ★★★★★

Jennifer describes regulars' treatment — getting greeted by name — and that sense of belonging matters. When a community spot offers consistent drinks and familiar faces, people build habits around it: morning lattes, a favored sandwich, the same friendly baristas. That dependable warmth keeps families and commuters coming back.

Customer Reviews

Rebecca Hales
★★★★★ 5 months ago

"Stopped into The Daily Grind in Unionville with my husband today, and wow—what a hidden gem. The relaxed, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to grab a coffee before hitting the walking path, get some work done, or enjoy a casual breakfast or lunch. Evan, the owner, greeted us with a warm smile and genuine hospitality—he clearly knows and cares about his regulars. The entire staff was equally kind and attentive, creating such a pleasant atmosphere from the moment we walked in. We couldn’t decide on just one thing, so we ordered a few of Evan’s recommendations: Sausage Breakfast Wrap – This one’s their most popular, and it didn’t disappoint. Eggs, sausage, hash browns, American cheese, house-made chipotle aioli, peppers, and onions. Spicy, flavorful, and the sausage was excellent—this was our favorite of the bunch. Veggie Breakfast Wrap – Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and avocado spread. A delicious, lighter option. I added a side of chipotle aioli for dipping—highly recommend. Bacon, Egg & Cheese on a Hard Roll – Two eggs and crispy bacon on a soft roll from Harvest Bakery. The roll was warmed just enough to melt the cheese—simple and classic. Turkey Avocado BLT – Generous with the fillings, and the avocado added a nice, creamy touch. Another standout for us. Everything tasted fresh, and their chipotle aioli is a must—perfect with so many of their sandwiches and wraps, so don’t forget to ask for a side. For drinks, we had two oat milk lattes—smooth, nutty, and perfectly balanced. Their beans are roasted specifically for the shop and are also available to take home. We also tried the Fluff-a-Nutter Latte, one of their drink specials—super sweet, almost like a milkshake. Definitely more of a dessert treat! Other details I loved: They make all of their cream cheeses in-house, use rolls and pastries from Harvest Bakery in Bristol, and source their bagels from Kettle Bagels in Southington. A great local spot run with care and intention—we’ll absolutely be back."

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Taylor E
★★★★★ 2 months ago

"I ordered their summer special, Berry Me in Coconut along with an egg and cheese with avocado and hash brown! The coffee has all the flavor you want without it being so sweet you can’t drink it. I didn’t even have to add sugar! 😍 the breakfast sandwich was great as well, the avocado was mashed up and seasoned perfectly.. it had a hint of lemon flavor. 10/10, can’t wait to try the coco loco drink next!"

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Margaret Honan
★★★★★ 6 months ago

"3.16.25 Our 1st time here. We stopped for cappuccinos and a pastries and enjoyed both. Easy parking. Fast service. Soft pastry. Hot coffee. Everything was spot on!"

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Meagan Park
★★★★★ 2 months ago

"Cute little cafe, delicious coffee. I do wish they had more comfortable seating, but overall a good environment to hang out in."

Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo
Restaurant review photo

Hashtag Breakfast Fact's

The Diner Phenomenon

The diner culture in Connecticut has become synonymous with breakfast, offering a nostalgic glimpse into American culinary traditions. Since the early 20th century, diners have served as community gathering places, where people can enjoy classic breakfast dishes like eggs, pancakes, and bacon. The warm, welcoming atmosphere of these establishments invites patrons to linger, creating a sense of belonging. This trend not only preserves traditional recipes but also connects generations, as families return to share meals and create lasting memories over a hearty breakfast.

Traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Sausage Breakfast Wrap special?

The Sausage Breakfast Wrap mixes eggs, sausage, hash browns, American cheese, peppers and onions with a house-made chipotle aioli. It’s spicy and savory, so kids who like a little heat might want a small bite first.

Is the Bacon, Egg & Cheese very greasy?

Reviews say the Bacon, Egg & Cheese has great ratios and is not overly greasy. The bacon is crispy and the roll from Harvest Bakery is warmed to melt the cheese without getting soggy.

Are there good vegetarian breakfast options?

Yes. The Veggie Breakfast Wrap features sautéed mushrooms, spinach and avocado spread for a lighter, savory bite that kids who like avocado will often enjoy.

How sweet are the specialty lattes like the Fluff-a-Nutter?

The Fluff-a-Nutter latte is described as quite sweet, almost like a milkshake — more of a dessert-style drink. If you want something less sweet, an oat milk latte or shaken espresso is a good choice.

What is the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso like?

The Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso with oat milk is nutty and smooth, with a lightly sweet, layered coffee flavor that reviewers say doesn’t need extra sugar.

Are the bagels similar to New York bagels?

Some reviewers note the bagels from Kettle Bagels used here are less like a salty New York bagel and more like an unseasoned or softer bread-style bagel, so if you love dense, chewy bagels, this is different.

Do they make any spreads or cream cheeses in-house?

Yes. Staff make several cream cheeses in-house, and they sometimes offer unique flavors like a horseradish/bacon cream cheese that changes the bagel experience.

Are there good iced drink options for summer?

Yes. Reviews mention fresh-brewed iced teas and iced coffee drinks like iced chai lattes and shaken espresso variations that stay bright and refreshing on hot days.

Is Daily Grind a good snack stop after the Farmington trail?

Many visitors coming off the trail praise the food and coffee as a perfect refuel: compact breakfast sandwiches, wraps with good fillings, and cold drinks to cool down after a ride or walk.

What pizzas are most popular at Daily Grind?

From the menu, people often pick Latte, Sausage Breakfast Wrap, Sausage Wrap, Turkey Avocado blt, Bagel with Cream Cheese, Sausage Egg and Cheese. Reviews highlight consistency more than novelty, so these are safe, crowd-pleasing choices.

Innovation in Breakfast Foods

Innovation has been key in shaping breakfast trends in Connecticut, as chefs and home cooks alike experiment with new flavors and techniques. The introduction of gourmet ingredients, such as artisanal cheeses and locally grown produce, has redefined traditional breakfast dishes. For instance, the humble omelet can transform into a canvas for creativity, incorporating unexpected fillings and seasonal flavors. This willingness to innovate keeps breakfast exciting, allowing it to evolve while still honoring the rich traditions that have come before. It reflects a commitment to quality and sustainability that resonates with many diners today.

Ad Placeholder

Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations

Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray

Daily Grind

17 Depot Pl, Unionville, CT 06085
5.0
(190 reviews)

Breakfast as a Cultural Cornerstone

In Connecticut, breakfast serves as a cultural cornerstone, bridging generations and fostering connections. From family breakfasts at home to shared meals in community diners, this meal embodies the spirit of togetherness. Celebrating local ingredients and traditional recipes, breakfast reflects the unique identity of the state. Events like community pancake breakfasts or seasonal brunches highlight the importance of this meal in social gatherings. As the landscape of breakfast continues to change, it remains a cherished ritual, reminding people of their roots while allowing space for innovation and new traditions.

Ad Placeholder

Explore Nearby Restaurants

Click any restaurant to view details

From Porridge to Pancakes

Breakfast has come a long way from its early roots of simple porridge. In colonial Connecticut, a hearty bowl of oatmeal or cornmeal mush often graced breakfast tables. This humble start reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the time, where families relied on grains they could grow themselves. However, as the 19th century rolled in, pancakes began to appear, thanks to the rise of more refined milling techniques. These fluffy delights soon became a breakfast staple, showing how food evolved with technology, mirroring the changing times and tastes of Connecticut's residents.

Ad Placeholder