Elm Cafe

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

Welcome to Elm Cafe, a beloved local gem nestled at 445 Main St, Branford, CT 06405. This isn't just your average cafe; it's a dive bar with a rich history that's woven into the fabric of Connecticut's past. With tales of underground tunnels used during Prohibition and the dark days of slavery, Elm Cafe offers not just drinks but a glimpse into the intriguing narratives that gave birth to this spot.

Patrons rave about Elm Cafe, describing it as the best dive bar in Connecticut. The inviting atmosphere makes it a popular gathering spot where you can enjoy cheap drinks and engaging company. As Shawn D captures perfectly, "It actually stays open until 1 am during the week and 2 am on the weekends," making it an ideal place for late-night adventures after an evening out. This late-night allure, combined with friendly faces and a casual vibe, makes your visit unforgettable.

What really sets Elm Cafe apart is its warm community feel. Clayton Morse describes it as having a "small but very cool" atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Whether you prefer to sip your drink on the patio or inside among the charming decor, each experience feels personal and tailored to its guests.

Fostering friendships over drinks, the bar staff are noted for their efficiency and outstanding service. As Sandooly mentions, "the owner, John, is efficient and on top of things" ensuring every patron is welcomed with a cold beer and a smile. Entertainment options abound, from a lively jukebox to pool, darts, bocci, and horseshoes, giving you plenty of fun ways to engage with friends or meet new ones. Just ask for Tony C during your visit; he might just treat you to your first drink!

Elm Cafe may not serve food, but it more than compensates for that with a lineup of events, including live music on Tuesday nights, that keeps the energy flowing. There’s a real sense of camaraderie in this small dive bar, encapsulated perfectly by The Enchanter, who calls it a "small dive bar with a lot of heart!"

In summary, Elm Cafe is not merely a place to grab a drink; it's an experience rich with stories, laughter, and memories waiting to be made. Whether you're a local or just passing through, be sure to stop by and become part of this thriving community.

For more information, feel free to reach out at +1 203-488-9206.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Highlights
Fast service
Sport
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Historic
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Parking
Free parking lot
Parking
88 Reviews
clayton morse

18 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.

M. Véaigh

11 Sep 2025

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.

Shawn D

15 Jul 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.

Sandooly

05 Jul 2025

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 !

Chris Savo

20 Jun 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!

The Enchanter

06 Jun 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!

Allen Trafny

30 May 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.

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