Federal Cafe

We were all excited to come here after reading the reviews. My husband and I came here with 4 of our friends. They had a st paddys day bar crawl pass. They were supposed to get $ 2 domestic drafts. The bartender instead filled up a very small cup and charged $ 2. He charged one of my friends $ 2.50 for a coors light and charged another friend $ 5. Seems like he was trying to take advantage of people celebrating st Patrick’s day. We will not return here. Very disappointed in. This place.

Federal «Café» is actually an excellent dive bar that’s been around since 1934 so you know they’re doing something right. The place is incredibly spacious and like any worth while dive, they have darts, pool, and some excellent happy hour specials (a different deal every day of the week). Prices even without any specials are great, I believe my Coors Light draft was $ 3.50. In addition to the more common big name macro brews they also had a few micro brews on tap as well. When I was here at 6pm on a Saturday I was the only one here which felt very strange but I’m sure they have their busy times. I guess the only downside other than the dark cavernous feeling of the place was that the mens room toilet had no seat, I’m sure they’re working on that though.

I like the place I like the people! Very simple local corner neighborhood bar. Nothing is overpriced; there’s no $ 9 beers; everything’s reasonably priced. You get what you pay for. No food, but you can bring your own in or order in. Friendly staff. It’s the oldest Hartford bar as I understand. Classic, simple.

decent chill divey bar near the train station. went on a tuesday night, small crowd of great people. parking was pretty easy nearby too. draft beer selection is ok. a few decent bottles too.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!
If you’re looking for a low key place… go here!
I go once a week and they always have drink specials every day of the week

Came here for a happy hour event, and there was definitely a hodge podge of locals here. The space has high ceilings, a pool table, and some spots for perching at a high table. I got myself a $ 4 draft, hung out for an hour, and then left. Did the trick!

Drink specials every day of the week! Pool tables & a dart board. They serve no food but are very close to several restaurants Downtown. DIRECTLY across from the train station :)

Staff are great. Owners have lots to learn from them. Witnessed owners rude to patrons.
Not cool.

When I’m feeling home-​sick for New York (why? I haven’t lived there in 30 years) I grab a sandwich or a couple slices of pizza at the pizza/​diner three doors down from this place, and go in and have a drink. It’s just like sitting in one of New York’s famous ‘dive bars,’ and I say that with warmth and admiration. Indeed, wonderful things can be found at New York dive bars, and here, as well.
Patrons are friendly locals with about 5%-10% hipster. I have never witnessed a fight nor any discord at this place, but then, I haven’t been here late at night at all, either. I don’t know what goes on in the wee hours.
Bartenders are *all* friendly, witty, nice people who’re generous and helpful. There is no attitude whatsoever here. Just a friendly, mellow bar vibe.
Nothing at all fancy here, booze-​wise. They do have a wider selection of some interesting top-​shelf items than most «dive» bars. My choice of beverage here is a Heineken bottle and a shot of Johnny Walker Black.
This is a fine drinking house for any occasion (happy-​hour, after-​work, before-​work, during-​work, etc.).

75 Years and counting.
«Cheers» of Hartford until after 9 and then no one is really sure what happens – which makes the mystery all the more special.

It’s by the Htfd train/​bus station.
So can I get out of town quickly? Check.
Is it the only cool bar in all of Htfd? Check.
Do I end up meeting people I know who I would otherwise never run into in Htfd and miss my Peter Pan bus? Check.
Does it have a bathroom for gentlemen like myself? Check.
OK I need one more for the five stars, did I mention that NO ONE BUGS ME HERE unlike other places so, Check.
That adds up to 5.

The only local in Hartford worth knowing about! I should go on… A great bar for locals after work. No frills just folks who live and work downtown. Bartenders very relaxed… especially Jake (sound as a pound) but also there was a core group of people who went there and just got on… to mention a few names Glenn, Iris and Sherry. Probably the most fun when there is a parking ban in the downtown and just being warm and watching the ploughs. Definately not a café and bring your own food!