50 Best Cafes near Hamden

“Awesome empanadas and great food“

“Owner was amazingly kind. We had forgotten our wallets and she gave us our drinks for free (provided that we would come back and pay). Inside was cozy and warm feel, with comfy couches and chairs. The iced tea and lemonade we ordered were amazingly refreshing on a warm summer day.“

“3bars available, 1 in the main area near what can be a seating area or dance floor depending on event.Another by pool tables and DJ booth and a 3rd in another sit/standing area. Nice enclosed but out door area with seating. 8 large screen tvs and a projector used for many activities sports, presentations, DJs. Great for a nice cool out lounge. Even better for events as well. Food is delicious and freshly made. Without a doubt the worth the wait. Wait time for food is minimal not excessive. Wait times for seating depending on event. Great hospitality.“

“First off this is a new location and new building since 2025. This Panera is by far the best one Ive been to. Efficient, clean, friendly and food order is correct every time so far. (I’ve been to some other Paneras where the order has been wrong or they leave something out which is so frustrating) This location is spot on :-) Thank you!“

“1st visit. Ordered take out & grabbed a coffee during the brief wait. Service was efficient & friendly. Establishment was clean & welcoming. I deeply appreciate that they offer tofu. We ordered the “Vito” swapping chicken out for tofu & the “Cypress Garden” sandwiches… both were delicious. The prices were reasonable for the high quality of the ingredients. One was $10 the other $12 & this price even included choice of side: pasta salad, apple or chips. We chose the lemon basil pasta salad & it was just as delicious as the sandwich’s. Thank you…you’ve won this customer over for sure!“

“New Haven's most adventurous restaurant. The mood is sexy and dark. The menu has many rich dishes, perfect for sharing. White asparagus in a creamy sauce - heaven. You've never tasted such beets, and I don't much like beets. Sauces galore, each one rich with complex flavors. Vincent greets you with a glass of champagne. Trust me - you know when you're in good hands.“

“Unique atmosphere with fabulous, diverse drinks.“

“I always get their skinny lattes. ☕️☕️☕️ Delicious! Plus bagel with cream cheese & lox! Looking forward to trying various wines! 🍷🍷🍷“

“The staff is so great, They have so many great drinks and treats to offer.. I definitely recommend this coffee shop and it’s a great to place to hang out! 👍“

“Such a welcoming and inviting atmosphere! The service is great and the pastries and mocktails are delicious!!“

“Loved the atmosphere, the fantastic customer service, the food, and the coffee. Would absolutely go back.“

“Best place to sit in town and enjoy coffee and pastries. Beautiful ambience and friendly staff. Love going here!!“

“During lunch break from having to serve jury duty I found this coffee shop down the street and decided to pop in. The two behind the counter were very friendly and inviting, and the special grilled cheese with tomato or bacon with soup was PERFECT . the chicken corn chowder came out piping hot and didn't even need any salt or pepper. I'm usually skeptical when someone has to make my coffee instead of me doing it, but unlike dunkin donuts the gentleman made it just right! they seem to have a familiar and friendly customer fan base, and I would definitely go back again.“

“Fantastic venue. Chef Danielle is amazing!!!“

“Great atmosphere as soon as you walk into the store very welcoming it was my first time and I felt like a regular by the time I left. The store owner Andrea is amazing and the food was incredible I will most definitely be going back frequently“

“Super cute restaurant. Creative smart menu. Staff was smart and kind. The cookie I got (brown butter chocolate chip) was warmed before they served it. Too many good things on the menu. Need to head back there soon!“

“Our absolute favorite place! Never had a bad meal. Service is excellent!!“

“This is an update to my April review. I have been back since then and happy to say my order was correct. Lina was gracious with an apology. I am glad that things have gotten back to normal. I do love their food.“

“Went for the first time for my Mom's Birthday. Everything was excellent. Staff was very friendly and helpful. My dad LOVED the pastrami. He is notoriously a difficult restaurant patron. But he had nothing but praise for the food. We will definitely be back!!!!“

“Excellent Food! Friendly Service! Unbelievable Deserts! My Favorite Restaurant!“

“Just discovered this great little place. Friendly service, comfortable atmosphere, and delicious, very reasonably priced food. We had the veggie omelette and the chorizo burrito with coffees and we were very pleased. Will definitely be back!“

“Came to do trivia visiting from San Diego, CA. I gotta say what a good time! They have great food, greater drinks and impeccable service. Our server was Michelle and she was fantastic! We ordered the fish and chips and the turkey sub with fries. Both were delightful! We came in last place for trivia and got a consolation prize! ? Great times, good food, good people. Highly recommend for a casual night out for food and drinks!“

“I've been a regular at this g cafe for years and it is my absolute favorite place in the city for coffee and brunch! The staff there are all so amazing and friendly (esp. Ryan!!!), the coffee is EXTRAORDINARY, and you won't find better baked goods or fresh bread anywhere in NHV. Get there ASAP!“

“Very nice dine in or take out coffee shop.
The ambiance is amazing & the service is exceptional. I loved the different options for coffee choices and I also enjoyed a Breakfast sandwich made on sourdough bread. I will definitely make this one of my favorite morning meet up spots.“

“Jonathan and his team did an amazing job for my wife’s surprise birthday party. Signature cocktail for the event. Great selection of food and desserts. Everyone raved about the experience. My wife was absolutely impressed.“

“Great European-style bakery! I’ve been coming here regularly and have had the chance to try several of their viennoiseries, and everything has been soooo delicious. The coffee is very good as well.
The staff here are also very kind and welcoming. I’ve noticed that prices can be a little higher at some of their other locations, so I’m definitely sticking with this particular one…
Highly recommended!“

“One of my favorite spots , been going there for 35 years . Everyone that works there is amazing . Love the Owner Todd , and miss Lenny“

“Great food and great customer service my favorite restaurant ?? never disappoint me Regi was so helpful thank you“

“Had state street for the first time today after a hockey game. It was super busy but they quickly got us seated nonetheless. The food was SO GOOD. Well worth the price! The siracha maple syrup is FANTASTIC.“

“A favorite spot for early morning coffee and. Friendly and efficient staff. Wonderful breads, pastries, muffins. Little quiches are just great. Have oatmeal and yogurt with fruit etc. Hot egg meals and sandwiches. Impressive espresso machine. Our little group meets regularly there. We try other places now and then but always return to the favorite.
Branford is very fortunate to have such a spot.“

“The best coffee in town! They care about where and how the coffee is sourced!“

“Fantastic meal, as always last night!!! My wife and I both had Penne Ala Vodka with chicken cutlets and my son had rigatoni with house red sauce. Enough food for two meals for each of us. Thank you guys for being such a great and friendly restaurant. See you soon!“

“Best place with the best people and the drinks are great!“

“Bowl=AMAZING Staff= VERY FRIENDLY AND PATIENT Will definitely be returning!!“

“Every bite was delicious!“

“Good coffee and pastries, and good people. Great place to relax.“

“We had oysters on half shells for antipasto and a lobster fettuccine and a branzino (which came with sauteed spinach and purple potatoes) for main courses, then finished with a berries cheesecake.\n\nNow the oysters were so good that we ordered another four. Then my husband had a bite of the fettuccine and told me, it's so good he felt like flying with wings. Which made me wonder what he meant, so I had a bite. The parsley worked magically with the lobster, and the fettuccine was done perfectly. And the lobster was succulent and sweet.\n\nNow back to my branzino. I actually never liked branzino the fish, mainly for its boring texture and taste. I ordered it just because I felt adventurous today, really. But this one surprised me. The crushed pistachios somehow worked wonders with the branzino, hah! And the sauteed spinach, as well as the grilled purple potatoes, were mind blowing. I will go back, if not for the lobster fettuccine, only for the spinach and the purple potatoes.\n\nOh, and we had a side of sauteed broccoli rabe which was no less miraculous than the spinach and purple potatoes. We agreed that this is a restaurant we'll visit again soon.\n\nThe dessert was a neat finish to the fulfilling meal. This was a happy, rainy evening.\n\nOh and we loved Francesco. We had servers who would constantly make remarks or gestures that left guests feeling bothered and uneasy, but Francesco was just right. He's so cordial and effective, always there when we thought to look up but never intrusive or inhospitable for the sake of being hospitable. I guess he's also part of the reason we felt so comfortable dining there.“

“It was great and the outside is beautiful the waiters great Kristen and Cody“

“people are friendly food is. good good. serves“

“Common Grounds in Branford is my “Go to” every day after my workouts. I meet with friends for coffee and spirited conversation, and see a lot of people I know….and I always make new friends! The staff is AMAZING and I love the owners! Great vibe and the BEST JAVA on the planet. And the wraps…..YUMMY!!!! Thank you!!“

“Nice atmosphere. Nice pool table“

“I like Dante's Inferno and the Columbian dark roast. The cafe boasts lovely natural lighting and essentially, the cafe is a large solarium. The cafe plays classic soul music most of the time. It's good for a quick bite. The KBT dining staff are always lovely and they roast their own beans.“

“best cardamom lattes, beautiful pastries, lovely interior!“

“The best coffee in New Haven! Located on the entry floor of The Graduate Hotel, Poindexter Coffee is a true barista coffee served with a smile.

The interior design is warm and inviting and makes you want to bunk in all day with your family and friends.

It has a limited food menu but what they offer pairs beautifully with your coffee. A must try is the cinnamon monkey bread - it’s incredible - make sure you get it heated up. A great one to share.

Highly recommended“

“Love this place for many years! Hard working owner that gives back to the community plus has a great staff with nearby students and consistency! One of the few places my family will take the time to patronize in the elm city for its quality and quaintness. Outside seating is peaceful as well as inside too with a nostalgic atmosphere. A hidden gem off the beaten path if you’re not from the neighborhood.“

“I recently ordered a Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla & wings from Zee's. If you like spicy, this Quesadilla is for you! It was more than worth the price; it had great flavor, & it was packed! That was one big Quesadilla! I shared it with someone, because it was too much for me. Oh by the way, the garlic parm wings, & mild wings were delicious too! Don't sleep on Zee's food. It's fantastic. Also of note, check out their specialty drinks. Always something new & delicious to try!“

“Great atmosphere. Delicious ginger cookies. And refreshing drinks.“

“I called the location and the gentleman said they use uber and another sight.I tried to order with grub hub it was not there. I tried uber but prices were insane...only to gave the gentleman call me back..I got all my food and drinks. It's was all amazing. Nothing I got disappointed me. The quality and freshness was top notch
I now have a place to order when I'm craving jamaican food. Anyone can tell you I don't order out because I love quality and good flavor. This place did not disappoint, try and let me know if I'm wrong. Look at all I got just for myself.“

“Tried this deli for the first time. It is right up the street from my home. Ordered a breakfast sandwich and it was one of the best bacon , egg and cheese sandwiches EVER. Very clean as well.“