Berkins On Main

500 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
+1 860-251-9193
$$$ Cafe
(35 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Berkins On Main, a delightful cafe nestled at 500 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, right next to the historic Hartford Public Library. This charming spot is not only a haven for coffee lovers but also a culinary treasure for those who appreciate bold flavors and comfort food.

Berkins On Main specializes in an exciting blend of Afro-Caribbean cuisine, with dishes that capture the essence of home-cooked meals. The highlight of their menu is undoubtedly the Oxtail Cheese Steak, a revelation that has left customers teary-eyed from the first bite. It pairs beautifully with their Oxtail Fried Rice, offering a delectable experience that tastes like a labor of love. For those who fancy something lighter, the Fish Tacos and Cherry Chicken evoke fresh and vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.

The atmosphere at Berkins is infused with warmth and friendliness, creating an inviting environment where you can unwind and enjoy your meal. Customers like Kheese45 Battles have praised the cafe for its "great atmosphere" and "friendly and helpful" staff. It's the kind of place where you can engage in a delightful conversation over a perfectly brewed Americano, right from the moment you step in. The cafe is also known for playing eclectic music that enhances your dining experience, ensuring that every visit is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration.

Continuing the trend of positive guest experiences, Bobby Lewis raved about the "amazing food" and perfectly pleasant staff, while Andrew Hatcher cites the cleanliness and friendly vibe as key aspects of his many visits. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or lounging with friends, Berkins On Main welcomes everyone with open arms.

While some diners like KayC noted clarity on menu items, the overwhelming majority of customers like Robin Zaleski felt that Berkins has effectively filled the void left in the community with its reopening, offering a range of grab-and-go breakfast selections and a menu that caters to various tastes.

In summary, Berkins On Main is not just a café; it is a true culinary experience steeped in community and flavor. So, whether you are a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by and savor the authentic dishes that are quickly turning this café into a downtown staple!

For inquiries, give them a call at +1 860-251-9193. Enjoy your visit!

From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Live music
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Organic dishes
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

35 Reviews
Kheese45 Battles

19 Sep 2025

It's a great establishment and has great atmosphere for great service. Very friendly and helpful. Please if you haven't tried the Oxtail cheese steak and Oxtail rice perfect, it made me cry the first time I ate it. I recommend everybody to go to Berkin's Cafe Main Street next to Hartford Public Library.

Jethroe Schiller

26 Aug 2025

Culinary achievements. The oxtail made me want to write war poetry.

Anna Mulholland

25 Jul 2025

Fantastic food - freshly made Fish tacos and oxtail bowls and cherries chicken Yum

Jill Girard

21 Jul 2025

I love this place. The oxtail steak and cheese is delicious, and the staff is always incredibly pleasant. Highly recommended - and you can visit the newly reopened downtown branch of the Hartford Public Library!

Bobby Lewis

11 Jul 2025

Loved this place. Staff great, atmosphere great and the food amazing. The oxtail fried rice was amazing. This place was perfect and I would definitely come again next time I am in Hartford.

Andrew Hatcher

08 Jul 2025

Whenever I'm in Downtown Hartford, this is always a great place to go. My favorite sandwich is probably the oxtail sandwich, but the Afro Cubano is also great. The staff are friendly, the restaurant is always clean, and they play great music too. Would recommend!

KayC

11 Jun 2025

Like the space. I Tried the oxtail fried rice which should have came with plantain but I didn’t get it because it was is pre wrapped and cooked in bacon. It would be nice if plantain was available fried. Food is not in a warmer it is microwaved once you purchase. The food was good but a small portion that cost $15.

Robin Zaleski

29 May 2025

So glad to have a cafe open in the Library again and Berkins was a great choice to fill that void! Coffee is brewed (americano style) to order and is fantastic! Good choice of grab and go breakfast items (scones, bagels, etc) and hot and cold lunch options.

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