Kevin’s Coffee Roasters

I tried! I tried very hard to like this quaint little hole in the wall. A+ on décor. Cute, friendly, welcoming décor. The people? Not so much. I’ve been living in Vernon for a little over a year now and decided to finally take a dive into the local coffee joint. I’ve never felt so unwelcome by a business. First, the hours are all over the place. Several times I’ve tried stopping by when they were presumably open (judging by their signs), to no avail. This time I got (un)lucky.
Trying to get into and out of the parking lot itself was a waste of time, but my real issue with this place is the service. I came in around just before close on a Sunday. Two older women sat at the tables they had in front of the counter. I didn’t mind the eye-​balling as some people have mentioned on here, it’s to be expected. My boyfriend and I made ourselves known, said «hello,» received a «hello» back. We waited at the counter for well over two minutes until the woman directly behind us squawked, «Brian!» A tall, unenthusiastic man dragged himself out of the bathroom. Shirt wet, unkempt, and generally bothered by having to deal with the newcomers to this place.
Still, we decided to just give it a try despite the rudeness. We both ordered two of their «large», iced, home-​brews. We asked for milk, no sugar. We saw that they had Hosmer soda as well, so we grabbed two of those for the road in case our coffee was bust. Along with ordering my Hosmer I was complained to that they were running out, and was made to feel even more unwelcome for my selection. I’m terribly sorry I’m the customer and don’t have automatic stock knowledge on hand! Sarcasm aside… A regular walked in and was greeted by name, asked what she needed, and was immediately served in a polite, graceful, fashion. I don’t believe that if you’re new you shouldn’t be treated just like every regular who walks in.
What we walked out with was milk. Like others on here, we promptly tried our coffees, didn’t taste any coffee at all, and went into the Dunkin’ Donuts down the road. I feel bad wasting anything and tried sucking mine down, but couldn’t handle the overly diluted milk drink I had received and tossed it at Dunkin’. I can attest that I’ve never loved a coffee more after that experience.
Small coffee shops are great for atmosphere, locality, fresher brews, and customer-​business relations but Kevin’s didn’t seem to offer any of that. I don’t know if Brian was having a bad day, but I vote with my dollar. I regret to say that I will not be going out of my way to come here again. I would have loved to have given them my business.

I am very surprised at the many negative reviews. I’ve never had a bad cup of coffee at Kevin’s, and the service has always been top notch. I love the darkish atmosphere — you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of Vernon on route 83 lol. When Kevin is there, he greets everyone and chats a bit. I love the aroma of all the coffee beans and very fresh coffee. And, I like to support local businesses. Keep up the great work, Kevin!

The perfumania of the coffee industry. Hundreds of coffees with exotic flavors. If you are in to coffee that taste like something besides coffee this place is for you. I quickly read a couple of reviews and headed over excites to find a new coffee stop. What I missed was the fact that over 70% of people mentioned thier favorite flavor. I am not into flavored coffee nor mocha frappa soy iced no fat extra whip type of drinks. I like coffee that is roasted to bring out the flavor of the bean and the origin not the oil or extra flavor you can add to it. Needless to say the two times I have stopped in for a regular cup it tasted just a little bit different than Folgers or Dunkin Donuts. That said. We are in New England so coffee that is not too far from DD is a good business plan. But if you frequent places that have coffees from different regions and roast to compliment thier beans than this place is NOT for you. But if you like the coffee they sell at Christmas in the baskets with the fun flavors your gonna love this place! Too each thier own.

Got here via Unilocal.It was about 9ish when I walked into this cozy little place. There were a few cars parked in the small lot and 5 older men sitting around a table when I entered. The place it’s clean and cozy but a bit dark inside. There’s lots of variety on display, but surprisingly there isn’t a strong coffee aroma prefuming up the place. I waited at the counter for a while, exploring the chalkboard menu on the wall. When the gentleman exited the bathroom and approached the counter I was greeted with a ‘good morning’. I told the gentleman he had great reviews on Unilocal and I’d like to try his flavor of the day. He had no idea he was on Unilocal and seemed pleasantly surprised. He told me today’s flavors were hazelnut and apple crumb cake, he suggested apple crumb. Along with my coffee I ordered a hot cocoa, which he kindly cooled down by adding some whole milk. We all engaged in some friendly conversation and I left with a smile on my face.
Firstly, I love strong coffee, Spanish coffee being my favorite, unfortunately this coffee wasn’t very strong at all, and it’s too watery for me. I understand this place is a town favorite but for people who enjoy Starbucks, and strong aromatic coffee this may not be the place for you. However, the place has a nice hometown feel which I appreciate being a New Yorker.
*3 stars, for service, variety of coffees available, and feel of the place. The coffee itself sadly would probably be a 1.

Coffee was great and so was the danish which he heated up for me and he was very pleasant. Small quite shop, was nice, prices were fair.

As a longtime resident of the area, I have passed this little coffee shop countless times and always wanted to stop in. Today the line at Dunkin’ Donuts down the street was way too long, so I decided to finally pop into Kevins. I’m so glad I did because he was very friendly when I mentioned I had never been there before. He explained that the coffee options change every day. I believe that there is one regular and one decaf specialty option per day and then also a house blend that you can get any day. I got the house blend and it was delicious. I love the cozy environment and wish that I had a few extra minutes to sit at one of the tables and read with my coffee. It’s a perfect place to either hang out and drink your coffee or stop in quickly on your way to work to get one. Very reasonable prices (if not even cheaper than Dunkin) especially because it’s gourmet. Fast service too. Highly recommend!

Lovvvve this place. Coffee is delicious and it’s so nice to support a local business. The coffee blows DD out of the water.

This review is only for the take-​out coffee (not the beans). When I visit a coffee roaster, I expect a full-​bodied cup of coffee. I love patronizing local coffee shops and was driving through the area and had to stop by Kevin’s. I have enjoyed coffee roaster/​cafes in the New Haven area, but Kevin’s was a disappointment. First, the coffee was weak. Second, they didn’t mention the origin of the coffee beans. I expect more from a place that roasts their own coffee.

Don’t listen to Karin D. nor David R. They atmosphere is fine and it may seem like you get stared at when you walk in but thats because the place isn’t large to begin with. Both Kevin and other staff are very friendly and if you go here more than once you will realize who the regulars are. The coffee is really good and priced better than anywhere else in town. You can buy any of their coffee by the pound, they also serve 2 – 3 hot coffees typically and 1 – 2 iced coffees depending on the season. It would be better if they could brew a larger variety of coffee but the demand isn’t there and it would be wasteful. If you want a fancy coffee with lots of wipped cream and other junk then head a few doors over to Dunkin, otherwise come sit down and enjoy a real coffee at Kevins.

I’m a huge coffee fan. And when I say that, I mean when I move to an area with only DD and Starbucks around, I get a little disheartened. Small coffee shops aren’t only a small and quiet atmosphere, but they offer smaller and more fresh brews. Not only that, but they actually give a sh*t about their customers.
So when I moved to the Vernon area and drove past every once in a while. So before I even stopped in, I curiously checked Unilocal.I read a couple reviews and– uh oh. Love-​it-​or-​hate-​it mentality. Crap. They only serve basic coffee and one flavor a day. No espresso. No loose-​leaf tea. No smoothies. Just… coffee. That could pose a problem.
But because I don’t judge places off a couple bad reviews on Unilocal and because it’s on my way to work, I stop in. As a previous review mentioned, you’re immediately greeted with flavored coffee smell. But it’s not overwhelming, not in the slightest. Every day, there’s a new flavor to try. And if it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea (err… coffee), then the house blend is always there.
Let’s start there. The house blend. A very full-​bodied medium roast. How people in these reviews can find this coffee «weak» is beyond me. Maybe they’re not used to their coffee being unburnt! I can’t say much for the black, but when prepared «light and sweet» even the cream doesn’t hinder the strong and bright flavor. So when the flavor of the day is something I don’t particularly like, I’m never disappointed to grab a house blend.
Next, let’s talk flavors. They have many different kinds of flavors to choose from, but only one brewed each day, seemingly at random. And this is where I think people get a little upset when they stop in the first time. Even I will admit that not every flavor is for everyone. I try my hardest, and urge everyone, to try just about every flavor at least once or twice. Even I was surprised a couple times by what I enjoyed! Some frequent and lovely roasts I come across are toasted almond, blueberry crumb cake (a daredevil choice at first, but definitely did NOT regret it, trust me!), coconut, bavarian chocolate mint, kahlua and cream, and anything else with chocolate! There’s a flavor for you somewhere on their walls of coffee jars, and it might not be what you’d expect! And of course, when you find your favourite, you can buy a bag (whole or ground) any time.
All coffee is ground in-​store. I believe that even the beans are roasted in store as well, but I never actually asked. But everything tastes fresh and strong, just how coffee should be. I’ve NEVER had a burnt or diluted cup.
Any decaf drinkers (if you really DO exist) would be assured to know that they have a selection, as well as a decaf house blend and random decaf flavor brewed each day as well.
During the summer, they have iced coffee as well. But only during the warmer months.
They also have a selection of tea, either by the bag or box.
So… How much is this lovely coffee I speak of? CHEAP! CHEAPCHEAPCHEAP. Most inexpensive coffee I’ve EVER bought without having to sacrifice any taste. $ 1.90 for a large? No extra for cream or sugar? Yes. A thousand times yes.
Service is excellent. Kevin himself is a very welcoming and genuine. I see other regulars almost every day he’s working come in and sit and talk with him as he works.
I’ve frequented this shop a few times a week for the past ten months with my equally as caffeine addicted boyfriend. So trust me when we say we love it. It’s like a treat to us. And it makes our days much better, especially going to work as retail slaves.
I’d like to see Kevin expand his shop even further some day, such as adding an online presence.
If you wanna perk up your day, grab a cup of Kevin’s. Just trust me.

My wife and I independently have had experiences identical to that of reviewer Karin D. The coffee was weak, and the vibe was not welcoming. We’ve visited great, indie roasters all over the country and this was both the only unwelcoming establishment and the only truly undrinkably-​made coffee. We’ve no idea what it would be like brewed freshly or properly, but we will not go back to find out. Finally, for those who care about it, when we asked if the beans were fair or direct trade, one of us was told «no» and the other told «I don’t know». So, we’re unsure about this issue.

Looking at the reviews I guess you either love this place or can’t find a reason to love it. I couldn’t find a Starbucks close so I spoke to a couple of locals that said «who needs a Starbucks when we have Kevin’s «so I immediately made plans to stop in the next morning to get my «Venti No Foam Latte» knock off. I was told he opened at 6:30 AM so I arrived a little after 7:00 AM thinking the morning rush would be over. I arrive to a parking lot full of pickup trucks and a few cars, with no drive through I drove around and found a parking spot. As I walked around to go inside I noticed every car or pickup truck has people sitting inside their vehicles I thought it was weird but made my way towards the door. Just before I attempted to go in a friendly patron sitting in his truck yelled out «it’s not open yet». This caught me by surprised being it was well after 7:00 AM. I must of looked a little confused and my new found friend sitting in his truck with his window down yelled out «there is really no set time he opens whenever he gets here». I somehow knew this wasn’t going to be a positive experience but then again the coffee must be so good that people would accept this arrogant behavior.
About 7:20 AM the gates were opened and I entered everyone else slowly made their way to the door but I was first haha. I was quickly informed that there would be a wait while the coffee was brewing, I immediately replied no problem I will take a Latte with triple espresso that’s when I got shunned the replied was «this is a coffee house we don’t do lattes».
I ordered a large coffee with half and half and that’s what I got I guess I didn’t sip it until I was back in the car honestly it tasted like some diluted barely warm mike concoction that I wanted no part of. I couldn’t believe I wasted 30 minutes and still didn’t have my morning java fix.
I drove straight to Dunkin Donuts ordered a large light and sweet cup of what may have been the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had but not before I stopped by the trash can at the drive through and deposited my first and last cup of Kevin’s Home Brew.

The coffee does the talking, maybe lack there of because you’re sitting there enjoying it, savoring every flavor.
This place is a little piece of heaven. Friendly staff, beautiful atmosphere; you feel like you’re at home. I tried it for the first time the other day and had to go back again the next morning. I don’t even live any where near there but will be back soon. I took a ½ lb. home of the Raspberry Hazelnut and made it this morning! WOW! I wish I bought more than that.
I am having friends over tomorrow morning for breakfast so they can try it; yes, it’s that good! Although part of me doesn’t want to share it because I can’t get back down to CT for a while.
This is the place to go for a wonderful, freshly brewed coffee! They have so many kinds of beans that you can choose from, it was an adults candy store:) I cannot wait to go back again and recommend this place to anyone.
It was so homey, friendly, fresh! The list goes on.
Go and support a place like this… hands down a million times better than dunkies and for the same prices… except this stuff isn’t shipped in from who knows where, it’s made in house!
Best of luck to Kevin and his crew! I’ll be back again soon!

Great coffee. Good friendly service. The lady behind the counter talked to me for a good bit of time. Best coffee in the area. I do wish they had more food options to offer and more decafe varieties.

Yummy, yummy coffee. Loved the different flavors and really enjoyed reading all the different types of beans on the wall. They had really awesome types — and I definitely going to be picking up a bunch for gifts.
The barista there was super nice. After reading all these reviews about the milk, I said some milk, he said he wasn’t sure what some meant, and he let me pour it myself. I thought the coffee was good; it wasn’t super strong, but that’s the way I like it.
However, I wouldn’t really say it has the typical coffee shop vibe. There wasn’t anyone there sitting when I came in, but multiple people kept coming in to get their coffee and leave. They had outlets, but I kind of felt awkward just sitting there with the barista and me.

It’s funny, there’s a lot of Unilocaly love for KCR. The thing is, I can’t figure out why. I’ve been to the place a few times, and each time I leave disappointed… so I’ve essentially given up.
I take my coffee black, so while I don’t have to worry about coffee being cooled down by the cream or milk put into it, what I’ve received each time I’ve been in here is a cup of coffee weaker than even Dunkin’ Donuts. And many times, it’s been sitting in those giant urns for awhile, too.
So, I’m not sure what I’m missing here. Am I overlooking something in this seemingly brilliant gem of Vernon? I’ve tried hard to like this place… just haven’t figured out how.
Damn, that sounds like a few of the relationships I’ve had!
It’s a meh for me. I pass by this place regularly… on my way to DD.

Kevin’s Coffee might just be my favorite place in the world. At the very least, it is my favorite small business ever.
I started going to Kevin’s back in high school when my best friend and I used to meet for Sunday morning coffee. Now 7 years later, her and I both live in NYC and still order our beans from Kevin’s. In terms of flavored coffees no one else comes close.
You MUST try: vermont maple walnut, blueberry crumb cake, spiced butter rum, cranberry cream, toasted coconut, and now that the season is right mistle toe mocha!
Kevin’s offers 2 flavors a day, one regular and one decaf. You will like all the flavors so don’t worry. You can buy beans of any and every flavor and lovely glass jars of beans line the walls.
The ambiance here is superb. Kevin, Teresa and Brian are lovely. I budget at least half and hour of time when I go there just to chat with them. (not to say service isn’t promp, I just like them and like to chat!) Even the regulars here are a cast of characters. Its nice to sit for a while and talk to everyone there.
They also sell wonderful coffee gift baskets with coffees, teas, cocoa, jams, etc. They are very lovely. I would love getting a Kevin’s Coffee gift basket for Christmas… are you listening Santa?

Dear Kevin’s Coffee,
I’ve held it in for far too long but… I love you. I honestly love you. I have traveled far and wide to find a bean as aromatic and flavorful as yours, yet none have even come close.
I, like katie i., started going to Kevin’s back in high school for Sunday morning coffee. We both quickly became addicted. Back when she lived in NYC we would still meet for a cup of Kevin’s brewed via french press in her Red Hook apartment. Now that she’s moved down under and I’ve long since left Connecticut, I enjoy making Kevin’s in my own french press in my Lower East Side apartment.
When it comes to flavored beans, there are a few must-​haves (in alphabetical order):
Blueberry Cinnamon Crumb Cake, Bobka, Candy Cane, Cinnamon Spiced Sugar Cookie, House Blend, Mistletoe Mocha, Sourcream Coffee Cake, Spiced Butter Rum, and Vermont Maple Walnut.
They offer two flavors everyday, one caffeinated and one decaf. I have never been disappointed by any flavor.
I loved everyone I met in Kevin’s! They are all so personable, helpful, and kind. I loved listening to the regulars chat too. It’s a nice, down-​home place to sit around and get caught up on the neighborhood gossip over a nice cup o’ joe. They also always make sure to have nondairy creamer for us lactose intolerant folk.
In conclusion, Kevin’s coffee you complete me.
Love always,
Chelsea