Mew Haven Cat Cafe on 904 Whalley Ave, New Haven is exactly what it sounds like, and somehow even better in person. The drinks menu also includes options that go beyond the usual espresso lineup. Akatsuki at 1559 Dixwell Ave in Hamden is themed around Japanese pop culture and anime aesthetics in a way that feels genuinely enthusiastic rather than slapped together for a trend. Baked goods, light breakfast and lunch items, and specialty coffee drinks make up a menu that is simple but well-executed. The drinks menu features creative lattes and specialty coffee that lean toward the artistic side of cafe culture.