The Kitchen at Hartford Public Library

Delicious place to grab lunch. I got there around 12:45 on a Tuesday and didn’t have to wait in line. I ordered the chicken curry sandwich. It was ready in about 3 minutes. Very tasty! Great place to grab a quick bite. There are big windows so the people watching is also good. I will go back there.

My sandwich was so good, I almost needed a cigarette! An instant favorite lunch spot!
I had the Butter Me Up sandwich, which was their delicious daily baked multigrain bread, toasted slightly around the edges, butternut squash grilled to a smoky perfection, melted Melinda mae cheese (think square brie), and arugula. Sounds simple, but it was amazing.
My coworker got the same thing, and was also blown away!
Your meal also comes with chips or a piece of fruit for under $ 10.
10% off if you have a library card!
I returned a week later for the Fall Salad (greens, parmesan, little croutons, Brussels sprouts as the star, with an amazing green vinaigrette dressing), which was also delicious! So big, and I ate every single bite!
They had some good-​looking fresh premade salads and wraps that I could hit up for a quick fix.
The menu changes with the seasons and what is local and seasonal to keep it fresh. I’ve signed up for their newsletter, so I can be kept abreast of new menu items!
At the condiment table they have Cholula hot sauce… the best!
I can have a great lunch, cruise the library or Art Walk, and have a nice little lunch break.
The facility is gorgeous, all glass front, tables of different heights, and one section with a couch, coffee table and some leather swivel chairs, like a living room.
Bonus: Kevin Bacon was there 30 mins before we arrived… He had the Curried Chicken Sandwich…

An outstanding place for a snack, lunch or LATTE by Will. The Garden Bird Wrap and the Curried Chicken Salad are among the best.

I’m a real fan of The Kitchen at the Hartford Public Library (HPL). We often order ahead because the lines can get long at lunch time. (Note that even if you call in your order ahead of time, you’ll still have to stand in line to pick-​up your order. Therefore, time your pick-​up/​arrival strategically if you have limited time for lunch.)
The dining area is spacious, modern and very comfortable. Because the dining area is adjacent to the HPL, it tends to be quiet — but not so quiet that one feels strange having a conversation while dining.
The menu changes seasonally (or quarterly?) — but for the last year (or two) they’ve had my favorite curry chicken — both in sandwich and salad form — on the menu. All sandwiches I’ve had — both hot and cold — are delicious. They offer a variety of breads for their sandwiches (from the carving board). The quiches are also excellent; always request that they heat it up for you (if you’re calling ahead to order). Oddly enough, I always feel like I’m eating healthier when I eat here.
Parking is available in the HPL garage (operated by the Hartford Parking Authority) for $ 0.25 every 15 minutes and/​or $ 2.00 if you’re visiting the library. There is also metered parking on Main St or Wells St, which are harder to get during lunch rush hours.

Great spot for lunch — soups are wonderful, yummy scones and the sandwich bread too! My fav is the veggie wrap. Pleasant folks at the counter and you’ll enjoy the sun-​filled view onto Main St. I’ve been back several times since it’s just below the beautiful ArtWalk Gallery at HPL!

Backed by a great non-​profit and staffed by some really nice, down-​to-​earth people, Hartford Public Library is lucky to have Billings Forge run its Kitchen. This place also boasts a beautiful setting with its all-​glass surroundings, making for a uniquely bright and cheery atmosphere (especially on sunny days).
If you stop in for coffee, you’ll likely be surprised at how affordable it is. Snacks and meals, on the other hand, not so much. But hey, if you realize that what you’re paying for is going to a good cause, it’s not so bad, right?
Having only stopped here briefly for coffee, I’m giving it a provisional rating of 3.5 stars, and rounding it down to 3 because I feel there is still more I need to evaluate… stay tuned! In the meanwhile, I wouldn’t hesitate recommending anyone to at least check out this place.

Fun concept– café in the library!
This was a great spot for a quick lunch. The food is from billings forge– farmers market– and is prepared at the library. I tried the Nicoise salad and others I was dining with had sandwiches, and a chicken spring salad. All four dishes were good, nothing crazy fancy about them, but we all agreed we’d definitely come back.
The umbrellas and chairs on the patio of the library brought my attention to this place. It is a really nice area to sit outside enjoy your meal and watch downtown Main Street walk/​drive by.

Love this place! I’m here a lot because it is in a convenient spot and the service is great very friendly. The breakfast sandwiches are great and the salads are super fresh and unique.
The main draw for me however is the concept of BIllings Forge as a social enterprise that helps train local residents in the culinary arts and gives them work experience as well. It feels great to have my money go to such a worthwhile organization. Think twice about going to Dunkin Donuts across the street when you can help sustain this organization– and give more opportunities to Hartford youth and adults– with your patronage.
They also give out cards for a free coffee with breakfast sandwich so make sure to take advantage.

Love the lavender lemonade!
This is one of my favorite spots for lunch in town; although I prefer the original Kitchen at Billings Forge for its smaller, more intimate feel, this HPL Kitchen has an airy, relaxed ambiance and serves as an idea. downtown eatery. My boyfriend and I stopped in for lunch yesterday and ended up with a fresh turkey caesar sandwich and a special «quiche of the day» with delicious chorizo and cheese. We stopped in far after the lunch rush (around 3pm) so the selection wasn’t as vast as it normally is, but the food quality was still exceptional.

I love this place! I am very picky when it comes to eating out. I love that thy use fresh ingredients, fresh bread & local ingredients. The workers are so nice! I work in Hartford and when I forget my lunch I have to spend money eating out — but when I do, this is the place — the ONLY place I will go! Must try!