Elm Café is a welcoming destination in Branford, CT, where quality service, a comfortable atmosphere, and thoughtful hospitality come together to create a memorable café experience.
Located at 445 Main St, this local favorite invites guests to settle in and enjoy a space that feels both casual and cozy, with a historic character that adds to its charm.
Whether you are stopping by for a relaxed coffee break, meeting friends for drinks, or looking for a dependable spot to unwind, Elm Café offers the kind of setting that makes every visit feel easy and enjoyable.
Guests appreciate the café for its fast service and warm, accommodating approach, along with the added convenience of table service and comfortable seating. Outdoor seating gives visitors another way to enjoy their time, especially on pleasant days when a fresh-air meal or drink makes the experience even better.
The presence of a bar on site, restroom access, and a broad drink selection—including alcohol, beer, cocktails, coffee, spirits, and wine—adds to the café’s versatility, making it a great choice for everything from a daytime coffee stop to an evening out.
The option to accept reservations also provides added peace of mind for those planning ahead, whether for a casual gathering or a more specific occasion.
With a strong customer rating of 4.50 out of 5 based on 92 reviews, Elm Café has earned the trust of locals and visitors alike. Its reputation reflects not only the quality of what it serves, but also the overall experience it delivers: reliable, inviting, and easy to enjoy.
If you are looking for a café that combines comfort, convenience, and a polished yet approachable atmosphere, Elm Café is a standout choice in Branford. Call +1 203-488-9206 to learn more or plan your visit.
Our Specialties
Every dish tells a story. Explore our carefully curated menu featuring seasonal favorites and signature creations.
Our chef's signature creations featuring locally-sourced ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.
We partner with local farmers and suppliers to bring you the freshest seasonal ingredients every day.
Every plate is prepared with attention to detail, combining traditional recipes with modern presentation.
Our Story
Welcome to a place where great food meets warm hospitality. We believe dining is more than just a meal - it's an experience to be savored and shared.
Our kitchen is dedicated to creating dishes that bring people together, using recipes that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Photos
A glimpse of our restaurant experience
Hear from our valued guests
The Elm is an old time bar..possibly the oldest bar in Branford, 65 yrs old. Locals, tourists, everyone has fun at the Elm. Occasional live music, inexpensive drinks, relaxed setting....maybe historical but wouldn't want it's atmosphere to ever change!!
Voted the best dive bar in CT and it certainly lives up to that. The drinks are cheap and it gets busy because it's the only bar in the area that's open late.
Casual, friendly, good juke box, owner John is efficient and on top of things to make sure you'll enjoy your experience plus the beer is cold. Remember to look for Tony C. when you go, he'll buy you your first beer !
One of the oldest bars in Connecticut. Apparently there's a tunnel still running underground from the elm all the way to the train tracks and was used during prohibition and slavery times. Always a good time of you go here onside or outside its small but very cool.
Small dive bar with a lot of heart! Always a friendly crowd and live music Tuesday nights, not sure why they don't have a pool table anymore, but still fun to visit! They do not sell food!
I love this place! Small, but great bar staff and friendly patrons give it a warm and inviting feel. Awesome drink prices coupled with plenty of engaging things to do such as pool, darts, bocci and horseshoes makes this local watering hole a winner!
Absolutely the best dive bar in my area. It actually stays open until 1 am during the week and 2 am on the weekends. The bars in my town used to do this but it is a complete hit or miss now.
You go there for a drink. Cash like god intended. Booze and beer the way the devil intended. You get what you want and they have what you need.
I Love this place I grow up in bars just like this (Shot & Beer) I moved to Branford about 35 years ago I spotted right way but but stayed way knowing the result, I resultly payed my first visit about a month ago I had my usual two beer and go, but with with in that 20 min of my stay and listening to the four patrons just jawing at the bar all of the problem's of the World were duly noted and in most case solved well verbally anyway it was like I never left Chicago, note not a great draft beer selection but excellent number of bottle beers, (cash only) and please do not take this post as a negative post I really like this place as long as my wife dont find out where I stop twice a week.
One of the last neighborhood dive bars Since 1952, Frank Sinatra on the juke box and Crown Royal for the holidays.
Common questions about Elm Café
Elm Café is located at 445 Main St, Branford, CT 06405, United States, Branford, CT, United States.
You can reach Elm Café by calling +1 203-488-9206.
Elm Café has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 92 customer reviews.
Elm Café features the following service options: Outdoor seating.
Elm Café features the following highlights: Fast service, Sport.
Elm Café features the following offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Coffee, Spirits, Wine.
Elm Café features the following dining options: Seating, Table service.
Elm Café features the following amenities: Bar on site, Restroom.
Elm Café features the following atmosphere: Casual, Cozy, Historic.
Elm Café features the following crowd: Groups.
Elm Café features the following planning: Accepts reservations.
Elm Café features the following parking: Free parking lot, Free street parking, Plenty of parking.
Business Features
We look forward to welcoming you. Make a reservation or stop by - walk-ins welcome!
Request a table and we'll confirm your booking shortly.
