By Kim Scroggins

Any hard-working individual knows how important a good cup of coffee in the morning is. Javapalooza in Middletown is the remedy to anyone in need of a caffeine fix.

Though the coffeehouse lies right on Main Street, the entrance is tucked away giving the shop a quiet and private feel which is a nice contrast to the business of the street. Though the shop is small, it’s a good place to meet with friends or to get some work done.

Javapalooza carries a mix of micro-brews, teas, various organic blends, and fine wines.  Of course, no coffee shop is complete without biscotti and other assorted pastries. Soups and sandwiches are also available up at the counter and are made fresh every day.

The coffee flavors are something else. To name a few, there’s a Pumpkin Pie Latte which is a mix of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, espresso and steamed milk or a Milky Way Expresso made of chocolate, vanilla, caramel, espresso and steamed milk. They also feature seasonal drinks which include an Egg Nog Latte, Chainog, Chaider and Hot Cider.

To appeal more to the younger crowd, the shop offers live music and free wi-fi. The entire layout of the shop is a mix of leather seating and wooden chairs and the walls are covered in posters of music artists from the 70s through the 90s. The overall ambiance of the shop is both comfortable and casual.

Javapalooza is located at 330 Main Street in Middletown Conn., and is open Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays 9 am – 5 pm. Prices range from $1.55-$4.80 for drinks and $6-50-$7.35 for food. Even us poor college students can go in and afford a quick and easy meal.

From school, it is roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive and is right off exit 15 on Route 9 South. Go and check it out!