Connecticut Muffin

Profile

Connecticut Muffin has positioned itself as a sort of Starbucks in Brooklyn drag. Apart from its namesake outpost in New Canaan, CT, the small chain currently has four shops— two in Park Slope, one in Brooklyn Heights, and one in Clinton Hill—serving as an alternative to the monolith. The place has an earthier palette and mellower mood, but largely the same items to offer: small teas to monster lattes, cappuccinos, chais and flavored iced coffees. The chain’s central bakery delivers rolls for the sandwiches in addition to pastries, cookies and muffins (cinnamon-apple, blueberry, pumpkin and cranberry among them), and the goods can be hit or miss: One almond croissant might be flaky and buttery, while another is arid and brittle. Despite any shortcomings, the four locations tend to attract those who prefer the local and independent to the multinational, a population well-represented in the Slope and surrounding neighborhoods. — Jonathan Dixon