Elm Cafe

445 Main St, Branford, CT 06405, United States
+1 203-488-9206
$$$ Bar , Cafe
(88 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Elm Cafe sits quietly on Main Street in Branford, carrying the laid-back spirit of a classic neighborhood dive bar with a distinctly local flavor. Although it calls itself a cafe and bar, this is very much a place where the draw is the drinks and the company rather than coffee or food — in fact, there’s no kitchen here, so come ready to sip and socialize.

Inside, the space is compact and unpretentious, the kind of spot where regulars gather around the bar or settle into casual games like darts, bocce, and horseshoes in the adjacent areas. Live music on Tuesday nights adds a lively backdrop without overwhelming the easygoing atmosphere. The décor nods to its roots dating back well before many of Branford’s newer establishments, with a jukebox that still spins Sinatra classics, especially around the holidays.

Elm Cafe attracts a diverse crew of locals who appreciate straightforward, reasonably priced drinks served with a friendly touch. It’s a place for quick stops after work, hanging out with friends over a couple of beers, or unpacking the day’s news with neighbors who know the town as well as the bartenders. Cash is still king here, maintaining that old-school bar vibe that many have found increasingly rare.

Visitors looking for a bustling nightlife or food options will want to look elsewhere, but for anyone wanting to experience Branford’s communal side — where conversation flows as freely as the Crown Royal — Elm Cafe offers an authentic, no-frills setting. Best times to drop by are weekday evenings or weekends when the mix of patrons and activities like live tunes and classic bar games make it a comfortable spot to linger and connect.

Highlights
Fast service
Sport
What they serve
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Spirits
Wine
Best for
Seating
Table service
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
88 Reviews
Lucia Pantani

04 Jan 2026

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.

Chris Savo

20 Dec 2025

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!

Allen Trafny

25 Nov 2025

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.

Ziu Nuiygn

05 Nov 2025

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!

BIG BOB

14 Oct 2025

One of the last neighborhood dive bars Since 1952, Frank Sinatra on the juke box and Crown Royal for the holidays.

Shawn D

25 Sep 2025

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.

clayton morse

21 Sep 2025

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.

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