The Local Gourmet Cafe

1625 Straits Turnpike, Middlebury, CT 06762, United States
+1 203-527-7403
$$$ Cafe
(66 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Nestled on 1625 Straits Turnpike in Middlebury, Connecticut, The Local Gourmet Cafe is a delightful haven for food lovers and smoothie enthusiasts alike. This charming café offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, where you can savor a range of delicious sandwiches and revitalizing smoothies, making it the perfect spot for a casual meal or a quick refreshment.

The menu features an array of scrumptious sandwiches, each more inviting than the last. The Farmhouse sandwich is a local favorite, renowned for its fresh ingredients and homestyle flavor that bring comfort to every bite. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more gourmet, don’t miss the Ham & Brie or the lavish Gourmet Steak & Eggs. For a taste of the Southwest, the Southwestern Avocado sandwich combines rich flavors that are sure to delight your palate. And let's not forget the iconic Loaded Local, which is a must-try for anyone craving a bold flavor adventure!

But the offerings don't end there. The café’s signature smoothies, like the vibrant Strawberry and exotic Dragonfruit, are crafted to invigorate your day. Plus, they allow guests the unique option to build their own smoothie, encouraging creativity and customization. Take it from happy customer Sara Sykes: “I got a banana and strawberry smoothie and it was delicious.” The possibilities are endless, and every sip is a refreshing experience.

The ambiance at The Local Gourmet Cafe is as commendable as its menu. It’s clean, spacious, and organized, making it an excellent place to sit down and enjoy good food or catch up with friends. As Jerry aptly describes it, “Service was great. Place is very clean and well organized... Very spacious with plenty of seating space.” Here, you can feel at home amidst friendly staff who are dedicated to ensuring you have a delightful experience. Amber Upson's excitement echoes this sentiment, saying, “...every person on staff is friendly.”

What's more, the café has proven its commitment to excellent customer service time and again. Owner Ashley is particularly praised for her understanding and helpfulness, especially when things don’t go as planned, making customers feel valued even beyond their dining experiences. This high level of service can transform a simple meal into a memorable outing.

Whether you're a local or just passing through Middlebury, The Local Gourmet Cafe is definitely worth a visit. With its delectable menu offerings, friendly atmosphere, and caring staff, it promises an enjoyable escape from the everyday hustle. Be sure to stop by for a truly memorable dining experience!

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Locals
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

07:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

66 Reviews
Sara Sykes

27 Aug 2025

This is from my 12 year old:) Very very nice little place, this was my first time and I really enjoyed it, the lady who took our order was very kind and the thing about this store that makes it different is you can ask them to build your own smoothie. I got a banana and strawberry smoothie and it was delicious. They also have a wide variety of foods and drinks. It was a very fun and enjoyable atmosphere with lots of seating and good lighting. Maybe in the future they could add a couch or some comfy chairs to make it a bit more cozy. Other then that I loved it and I will come back again soon.

Jerry

21 Aug 2025

Service was great. Place is very clean and well organized. Staff is outstanding and friendly. Prices are fair as well. Coffee smells and tastes great. Bagels are nice and crispy and they have a very nice selection to eat and drink there.Very spacious as well with plenty of seating space.

Jennifer Brylewski

03 Aug 2025

I love everything about this place! I don’t always get the time to go and grab something with work being busy so I tend to do delivery orders a lot lately. Just today I had an issue NOT WITH THE LOCAL GOURMET but with the door dash delivery, mistakes happen, especially with coffees involved LOL. The owner Ashley was amazing! Totally understanding and helpful, which makes me want to order from them even more! Highly recommend if you are looking for good food, good coffee and great service!

PROGAMINGPROPHECY

06 Jul 2025

PROS & CONS PROS: Customer service is top-notch. The staff is professional and polite. The food smells and tastes fresh; it is well done. The food portion is decent enough to fill you. Prices are fair. Staff bought the food and coffee to my table when it was finished. All done within a timely manner. CONS: I stuck around for 45 minutes and never saw a staff member wiping down tables. While the food is well done, it lacks salt. Depending on the individual, a lack of salt could either be a good thing or a bad thing. At the very least, the tables have the option for salt and pepper. The hot coffee I ordered was decent at best, nothing special. I did see a young lady drinking down an ice coffee that did look worth checking out; it reminded me of the Frappe Mochas you pick up from MCD. Overall, please have a staff member wipe down tables every 30 minutes at the very least. I still enjoyed the atmosphere, people, and the food. I would gladly eat here again. Thank you for your service!

Amber Upson

30 Jun 2025

This place is fantastic! The menu offerings are great (I'm particularly fond of the rotating monthly specials), and every person on staff is friendly. The cafe itself is a comfortable and welcoming place to eat and chat. You can find me there often!

A

04 Jun 2025

I had the lox of love and it was soooo good! The lovely staff member at the register recommended that I try it with jalapeno cream cheese (as I like spicier food) and it was a hit! The subtle heat was a great addition :) Can’t wait to try more items on the menu!

Join the The Local Gourmet Cafe Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.