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    Semilla Cafe + Studio

    4.6 (59 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    Semilla Cafe + Studio Photos

    SEMILLA CAFE + STUDIO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed
    Good for working

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    Kathleen S.

    I Stopped here to grab a drink while on a Hartford coffee crawl. I enjoyed a shot of espresso and an everything bagel with cream cheese. My partner got a salted brown sugar iced latte . This cafe is definitely unique. It has an art studio in the back of the cafe. The Parking is kind of hard to find because it's on a main rd in Hartford. Staff were friendly but forgot about my bagel. I ended up waiting a long time for my bagel with cream cheese. I had reminded staff once but they still continued to stock items and take other orders before preparing mine. Staff did apologize and thank me for my patience after all was said and done.

    Merch area
    Emily W.

    We were in the city visiting family and sought out local coffee spaces to visit. Upon entry the space was incredibly peaceful and something we needed. Really enjoyed seeing the community elements of art, literature and alter to honor those that came before us. We sat for awhile enjoyed the music, iced coconut lattes and bacon egg and cheese on coco bread. It was the perfect start to our day and celebration of my husbands birthday. We look forward to coming back in the future on our visits to family, as our family coffee and place of peace away from home.

    Meg M.

    Wow! This spot is super cute! I almost didn't go in because the parking wasn't ideal, but I'm glad I didn't let that scare me off! Inside is really cute and hip. I like how art is incorporated into it! The colors and artwork were really nice! I got the thicc mint latte and it was absolutely amazing! I cannot stress how much of a must try it is! The girl who made it took much effort into making it perfect and it was so appreciated! I'm sad I'm 2 + hours from this shop because I would def go often!

    Coconut latte
    Miranda S.

    Good coffee, good vibes. This is located in the downtown area and there's plenty of street parking outside. I loved the vinyl/books/game area and the arts/crafts room in the back, and the music selection playing was top tier. The staff was also super friendly & made me feel welcome and wanting to come back! I got the coconut latte. It was great - nice and hot too which is very important to me - too many coffee shops give you lukewarm lattes. Slightly too sweet at the end but I'm a low sugar type of gal so it's probably perfect for the average person and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This is the type of spot you can sip your coffee and chill for a long while with a laptop - I certainly did. The crowd here was so diverse which I always love to see! All ages and backgrounds - there were even some guys playing chess in the back near the books. And some people doing some art projects in the back room. I will be back to try some food items!

    Indoors from the counter
    Coco G.

    A wonderful spot to gather with friends or on your own to enjoy coffee or tea. We sat at the counter with stools but there are coffee tables and more comfortable seating throughout this welcoming space. I tried a Maple Cayenne Cardi (hot coffee with sweet and spicy notes). I asked for ice water on the side which the barista was happy to provide. Whether you feel like writing, reading, or conversing, this cafe is a great option. If I lived locally, I'd become a regular. Street parking is free on weekends!

    Iced Americano
    Jason P.

    I was overdue for my visit to Semilla. There's a lot to like. It's vibrant. Feels like an independent coffee shop. Has a cool vibe with an obvious love for music. Cool music playing and old vinyl for sale. In terms of the coffee, I think your experience will depend on what you're looking for. There was a coffee menu, but it seemed incomplete. For instance, it didn't list any cold coffee options. It did state their batch coffee is a natural Ethiopian, which is one of my go to single origins. I liked that. Since it wasn't clear whether they have my preferred coffee drink -- black iced coffee -- I just ordered one to see what would happen. The friendly person who helped me nodded and started my order. I could tell about 15 seconds in that he was making an Iced Americano, which is different than iced coffee or cold brew. It's basically fresh made espresso poured into iced water. Iced Americanos are never a high choice for me in a coffee shop, and I've never had a coffee shop start making an iced Americano when I've ordered an iced coffee. They always tell me they only have iced Americanos first. Sometimes I take it. Sometimes I switch to iced tea. Sometimes I get a hot coffee. Sometimes I just say no thanks. The iced Americano was good for what it was. It was better than average iced coffee, but not as good as very good iced coffee. Given the lack of more cold coffee options, and the lack of communication about that when I ordered, I rate my experience as 3.5 Stars. I likely won't return since they don't sell what I drink, but that's the only reason I wouldn't return.

    Bagel, classic breakfast sandwich
    Raquel B.

    I love Semilla's breakfast & coffee and all the events they do there! Truly a welcoming community of people and a comfortable cafe to sit at to work and meet new people.

    Oval tine and pound cake
    Victoria B.

    Very cozy spot on Main in Hartford. Great decor and atmosphere. Employees were extremely friendly and service was quick. Got the oval tine and vegan lemon pound cake. Oval tine was great but the cake was a bit bland and dry. Other than that, was a very enjoyable visit and great spot to study.

    Eggs pesto sandwich and cream cheese cake

    The coffee was good. We took a cream cheese cake and eggs and pesto sandwich. Both were really good in my opinion the cake was a little bit dry. But the thing that really bothers me is that the political statement is inappropriate for the place. is associated with gaza and kafia It's shows "free palestinian" movement that I don't deserve to have a country as an israeli. That very bothered me as a jew. But, I still recommend the place

    Roc R.

    Semilla Cafe + Studio is my go-to spot! It's been a place of comfort and connection for me since relocating back to CT. If you frequent Semilla, you are bound to see familiar faces with staff and homies alike. The North End blend is my coffee of choice and The Classic breakfast sandwich is on point. Semilla is a Black-owned business and safe space (for real for real), for queer and trans people. Come through and support this local spot!

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Wonderful "Golden Gyal" Latte!! They even have a record corner in the store! Amazing ambience as well.

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    Page 2 of 2

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    Review Highlights - Semilla Cafe + Studio

    The coconut latte is a homestead with rich coconut cream sweetness and freshly ground nutmeg to garnish.

    Mentioned in 8 reviews

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    My wife, daughter, and I visited on a busy Sunday morning and were lucky to score a table. Effie's…read moreis located in a neighborhood and away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Hartford. There is indoor/outdoor seating and there is ample street parking. My wife and I ordered the Cinnamon French Toast. I had it with Strawberries, blueberries, and a side of turkey sausage. My wife ordered a fresh fruit salad. My daughter ordered a egg white omelet with tomatoes, onions, spinach, and American cheese. It came with roasted potatoes. We each had a coffee. As coffee snobs, we all agreed the coffee was very good. The French toast was excellent. Cooked fresh and tasty. My French toast was smothered in fresh bananas and blueberries and my wife's fruit salad was fresh and nothing canned. My turkey sausage consisted on three small links that were tasty and maybe cooked a while ago. My daughter loved her omelet and all the veggies were fresh and not canned. The prices were very reasonable and the service was excellent and friendly. The bathrooms were clean. We would return if we lived in the area.

    It was a beautiful day to sit outside and Effie's has plenty of space for outdoor dining. My Greek…read moreomelette was fresh and tasty. My friend and I split chocolate chip pancakes and they were a bit too dense for my liking. I will likely go for the French toast instead next time. Our server was lovely. The menu is extensive with lots to choose from.

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    "Nothing you could say could tear me away from my guy…read moreNothing you could do, 'cause I'm stuck like glue to my guy" (Mary Wells) We took a morning coffee break, and had a wonderful time chatting, relaxing, sipping our drinks, and enjoying the friendly, mellow, and very chill atmosphere at the Café by New England Coffee Guy. They have plenty of seating, some upholstered furniture and we saw a few Friday morning telecommuters working on their laptops and sipping their coffees. Our order was a Chai Latte and a Cold Brew - each was $5. The pours were very large, and I swear that my cold brew was the very best I've ever had. I love coffee, drinking it hot or cold, and what I had here is in my all-time Top Five Percent. It was that good. I had a sip of my wife's Chai Latte and thought it was excellent as well. What really impressed me were the flavors of both drinks- not overpowering, but strong enough to appreciate them. The Coffee Guy has it all - specialty coffees, matcha, chai, espresso drinks, and pastries and sweet treats to pair with your coffee cup. We couldn't resist grabbing a few on our way out, and we took home a box with a Spinach croissant, iced blueberry scone, and a cruffin (croissant/muffin hybrid). We loved our visit to the Coffee Guy, and I was so impressed by the total experience, I just subscribed to their newsletter. So the next time we're looking for a midday break or afternoon pick-me-up..... I know a guy!

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    Semilla Cafe + Studio - coffee - Updated September 2026

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