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Community Corner

Looking To Grab A Drink With An Old Friend?

There are many places in the area that you can grab a cup of coffee - or something a little stronger - with an old friend and catch up.

Whether you're a college student returning home for winter break, or making the annual trip to your parent's with your wife and children, the holidays are an excellent time to catch up with old friends – because, odds are, they're doing the same thing.

Beverages, warm or cold, are a great excuse to get out of the house and spend some quality time with someone you haven't seen in a while.

For a Cup of Coffee

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The Playhouse Plaza Restaurant - 48 South Rd., Somers – Since it opened in 1972, The Playhouse Plaza Restaurant has become a town favorite. "The Coffeeshop," a mini café within the restaurant, is a veritable watering hole. It has a homey atmosphere, and the air is perpetually filled with the sound of local banter. It's a great place to catch up on what's been happening in town since you've been away.

Gloria Jean's Coffee - 90 Elm St., Enfield – If you're in the mood for fresh, exotic blends and a cozy atmosphere, this shop is the place for you. Although decaffeinated blends are available, this place is a haven for caffeine-lovers. The shop's quaint appearance and convenient location in Enfield Square make it perfect for both long conversations and quick pit-stops.

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The Whole Donut - 309 Hazard Ave., Enfield – This restaurant usually attracts an older crowd, but if you're in the mood for coffee and a donut, there's no place better. Patrons tend to hang about the place and chat, so there's absolutely no pressure to get out once the coffee is finished – you're more than welcome to stay a while. Oh, and attention smokers: they sell cigarettes.

The Vernon Diner - 453 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon – This popular hangout spot is perfect if you want to have a cup of coffee or a full meal. It's open late and the service is speedy if you're on the clock, but the privacy of a booth is conducive to lengthy catch-up conversation.

For Something a Little Stronger

Pastori's Restaurant and Bar - 87 West Road, Ellington – It's not open very late, making it unsuitable for any midnight rendezvous, but if you want to grab a drink close to home somewhere with a comfortable, elegant atmosphere, this is the place. If variety is a priority, they have a wide selection of wine to choose from.

Mickey Finn's Café – 124 Main Street, Somers - Do you want to shoot pool with your friends in a traditional bar setting? Maybe make a pass at the attractive woman sitting alone in the corner? Then Mickey Finn's Café is the place for you. It has a roguish yet homey feel and the drinks are reasonably priced. The noise level makes it a poor setting for an intimate heart to heart conversation, but perfect if you're in the mood for some bawdy barstool banter.

Yardehouse Tavern - 1685 King St., Enfield – If you're looking for a place with an atmosphere that fits the season, the Yardehouse is the place. The dark walls, old English-style windows and the abundance of mahogany create an almost Dickensian ambiance – that is, if the taverns in "A Tale of Two Cities" had flat screen televisions. Oh, and they have quite the selection of eats too if you and your buddies get a little hungry after knocking back a few.

The Wood-n-Tap - 236 Harford Turnpike, Vernon – Looking for a bar with some character? Not only does the Wood-n-Tap have that in abundance, but it also has a holiday drink menu that includes traditional favorites with a little added twist. Try their "Hot Noggie," Egg Nog with brandy and rum, enough to put a little fire in your belly on a cold winter night.

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