Coffee Connection - Coffee shop in Pekin - 404 Court St, USA

I went to Coffee Connection with my Prayer Group a couple weeks ago and I just instantly fell in love with EVERYTHING!! From the service to THE BEST chicken salad I have ever had (reasonably priced). Such a warm and inviting group of people. We all left just so Happy we all came Thank you (Ruby Cunefare) for the invite. I have another coffee date for this Friday and more to set up. You can come in for business/school work or just for the awesome atmosphere !! Go see this place it’s truly Amazing OH OH if you like chocolate and mocha kind of drinks ask for “The flaky Ruby” it’s something you will want again and again !!!

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!

I’ll be honest, I’m only taking off one star because the plethora of Bible’s, Jesus pamphlets, and Christian music was a little overwhelming. It’s turned up to 11. My preference would be to dial that back a bit and let the good coffee, friendly employees, & relaxing atmosphere shine.

A very nice coffee shop. The coffee and pastry was excellent. The staff courtesy was great.

My favorite coffee house. Barista's are super. Very friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Love it!

Nice people and great food!! 1 block from the Tazewell County courthouse. Great for a quick takeaway snack or a more relaxing sandwich, soup or casserole dining in. The vanilla coconut cake is especially delicious.

Those behind the counter are VERY helpful. I have gone there in the past for their deeeeeelightful Sloppy Joe sandwich special and NOW, I am hooked (even during the summer). Keep up the GREAT work C.C. !!!

Great downtown Coffee shop! Love the fact it is open later in the afternoon. Staff friendly and helpful. Drinks terrific. We were taking our drinks out but saw some at tables in conversation... Great place for that.