Coffee Connection - Pekin, Illinois

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This was my first time visiting the coffee connection, I ordered a caramel vanilla iced coffee! The employee working the counter was really helpful in suggesting the type of coffee that I was looking for. I honestly couldn't believe all the different flavors that they had, so I'm definitely looking forward to going back and trying something new! The pastries looked wonderful, but I didn't buy one this time. I really loved the atmosphere of this coffee shop. There is an abundant amount of seating, which is surprising for a coffee shop.
I love the mural on the wall, decorations, and just the whole vibe of the coffee shop! Definitely looking forward to returning again in the near future!

Liv P.

Michelle was the sweetest and made great coffee it did seem like her coworker was making her do all the work though. The manger was really rude as well. Would definitely go again if Michelle is there!

Mary

First time visit today. I was in a hurry so I ordered to go. Delicious chicken salad and iced coffee. Very pleasant atmosphere and the employees were great. Highly recommended!

Kanieca W.

Gave a 3 for the coffee because it’s good but noticed every-time I go that the coffee (coconut dragon freeze) that I always get tastes different each time. Other than the coffee not being a consistent flavor I recommend this place over Starbucks & Dunkin’.

Joshua D.

Jesus that’s a strong drink.

Like anything with life, you explore enough and you will experience some wild things. Coffee Connection happens to be one of the more unique coffeehouses I’ve ever visited.

After breakfast at Busy Corner, it was time for coffee. We walked up and as soon as we walked in, I knew that we were in for a treat. There was Jesus stuff everywhere and a bookshelf near the entrance that was crammed full of Jesus books, movies, audiobooks, and etc. Not that this place being a Christian-themed is a bad thing. Just my first religious coffee place. No, what made this place unique were the random stuff you’d probably find unsold (or sold ASAP based on trends) at Goodwills or Thrift Stores. You should be able to see some of the oddities in the photos below. To note, there was also a lot of St. Louis Cardinals craft items around so if you are a Cards or Cubs fan, just take note.

I was standing there, looking at the menu on the counter and things in the display case when out of the corner of my eye I see someone standing there. This spooked me as we were the only customers at the front of the store. Turns out… it was Jake from State Farm. As a life-size cutout. I knew I had to get a photo with it.

Emily saw a Strawberry-type drink on their FB page and ordered that. I got a plain ol cold brew for my sipping pleasure. We stood there while the barista made our drinks and took in the unusualness of Coffee Connection. Once we got our drinks, we wandered to the back and to check out the giant artwork painted on the wall. You can see that below. We headed up to the front and say by the big window, playing Speed with a deck of cards on the aforementioned shelf.

I took a sip of my cold brew and instantly knew it would be a slow sipping drink. I’ve had some strong and bitter cold brews and this one is in the Top 3, easily. Not that that is a bad thing but something to keep in mind if you try one here. Emily enjoyed her drink and said it tasted like a mix of beer, coffee and strawberry. I took a sip and would have to agree. We both agreed that it didn’t taste bad… Emily said she enjoyed it, actually. Just an interesting drink.

They did have baked goods and refrigerated items for sale but seeing as we just ate breakfast, we weren’t in the mood for anything besides caffeine. Some of them did look appealing despite full bellies.

Sadly, you can kind of assume this place doesn’t do gangbusters in sales as a lot of the fixtures and odds and ends were just not in fantastic condition or shape. Some of their decorations were covered in some dust or showed signs of not being touched since opening.

We ended up leaving with half our drinks left. Normally I finish mine while I’m at the place but with how bitter it was, it was a slow sipping drink. Once it was watered down a bit, it really hit the spot after some yard work.

I can’t say that would return here or would suggest people go out of the way for but if you are in the area and need a caffeine hit, Coffee Connection can connect you with what you need!

Trisha R.

I'm not sure how their food is i had a blended iced i think they were called dragon frost or somthing like that. But it was AMAZING they have an amazing little set up to just read and it's so cozy with lots of cool stuff to look at and friendly people to talk to! They have laptop accessible use so being able to go there and do your computer work or read or w.e just hangout and relax yourself it was a beautiful experience! I love this place 10 out of 10 so far!

Denae Y.

The owners of this Cafe make the most amazing bakery items. The lingonberry almond croissant that I enjoyed in the cafe was so good I brought two home with me. They also have an amazing selection of syrups, better than most places. You can tell they really care about their customers. Highly recommend

Jarod L.

Great little coffee shop. Haven't tried the food but the coffee is always delicious.