New Cafe Opens At Hartford Library Site

HARTFORD, CT — A prominent downtown Hartford institution is still undergoing renovations following severe water damage more than a year ago, but a new cafe that opened up there earlier this month shows there are signs of it springing to life.

The Berkins Family LLC co-owners Doug Barber and Andréa Hawkins have launched their fourth cafe opening, this one at theHartford Public Library's 500 Main St. site.

Called "Berkins on Main" and offering traditional coffee and breakfast/lunch options, the cafe officially opened on Jan. 17 with a grand opening ceremony.

Following the successful launch of their third cafe at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Barber and Hawkins decided to open an enhanced operation within the downtown library after offering limited services.

One of three in the Berkins family of cafés, Berkins on Main joins the original Berkins Blend Café in Glastonbury and Berkins on Oak in Hartford near the state capital.

The new space is 1,500 sq. feet and can accommodate 100 people indoors and 75 people on the patio for events.

"This open-concept footprint with incredible floor-to-ceiling windows is perfect for small to mid-size professional and personal events," wrote the owners in an announcement

Library officials said the new cafe will be a vital part of the library when it is renovated and reopened.

The Main Street Hartford library site has been shuttered since late 2022 after a massive flood caused severe water damage after a water main burst.

“The Hartford Public Library is excited to partner with Berkins on Main to restore café service at the downtown library,” stated HPL President and CEO Bridget E. Quinn. “While the library is currently undergoing construction, we are thrilled to welcome the community back to the library in this capacity.

"With Baby Grand Jazz happening in the Center for Contemporary Culture and classes taking place in the classrooms on the first floor, it’s great to have life back in the library after a year of closed doors.”

"We're thrilled to bring Berkins on Main back to the Hartford community and to establish our presence within the vibrant atmosphere of the Hartford Public Library," said Barber. "This new space reflects our commitment to providing not just our award-winning coffee and delicious food but also a versatile setting for gatherings and events."

For more information on Berkins Family LLC, click on this link.

For more information on the Hartford Public Library, click on this link.