The Po Cafe

The Po Cafe

5 Kirby Rd, Washington, CT 06793, United States

+1 860-868-1879

Restaurant
(163)
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About This Place

The Po Cafe, nestled at 5 Kirby Rd in Washington, CT, is a vibrant culinary gem specializing in comfort food with a contemporary twist. This charming restaurant creates a warm and inviting atmosphere where friends, families, and solo diners alike can savor thoughtfully crafted dishes that effortlessly blend classic comforts with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

At The Po Cafe, the menu is a testament to quality and creativity. The Plainly Good Grilled Cheese is a standout favorite—a perfectly toasted sandwich with melty cheese that hits the nostalgic spot while staying elevated in flavor. For those craving fresh, vibrant dishes, The Green Toast and the Rainbow Noodle Bowl—with its crunchy seasonal veggies and peanut noodles dressed in zesty carrot ginger—offer a fresh, wholesome bite that delights the palate. The PO Taco and Pulled Pork Nacos bring bold, satisfying flavors wrapped in perfectly balanced seasoning and fresh toppings, redefining casual dining with a punch.

Breakfast and lunch menus feature an impressive variety, from indulgent options like the Chicken Sandwich and Roast Chicken to light, sophisticated choices such as the Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad. The café also caters thoughtfully to diverse dietary needs, offering gluten-free and vegan options like their Caesar Salad substitutes and delectable all-beef chili. Sides like the crispy French Fries and uniquely spiced Joe Chips, alongside snacks such as Deviled Eggs and the addictive Side of Curried Chicken, round out the menu beautifully.

What truly sets The Po Cafe apart is its dedication to crafting drinks that are just as memorable as the food. The Pumpkin Pie Oatmilk Latte delivers a cozy warmth perfect for autumn, while the Brewed Iced Coffee refreshes with a depth of flavor that beats any drive-thru alternative. And for those with a sweet tooth, delightful treats like the Linzer Cookie, Pavlova, and Baklava provide irresistible finishes to every meal.

Beyond the exceptional food and drink, The Po Cafe’s ambiance is a harmonious blend of comfort and charm. The indoor seating envelops guests in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, while the outdoor area invites diners to soak in the fresh air and seasonally beautiful surroundings. Customers often highlight the friendly, attentive staff who make every visit feel personalized and genuinely warm—a quality that leaves a lasting impression.

One visitor, Jenny Wells, recounts arriving just before closing and still feeling completely welcomed without any rush, praising the friendliness and quality of the food—a testament to The Po Cafe’s commitment to excellent service. Another local, A Gibson, shares that despite living nearby, it took time to discover this wonderful spot but now loves every dish and the comforting atmosphere. For those seeking a reliable spot for delicious, hearty meals paired with incredible drinks, Robbie Fiorella recommends ordering ahead due to lunch rushes but emphasizes the genuine care behind each preparation.

Whether you're stopping by for a flavorful breakfast sandwich, a comforting lunch like the Reitman Wrap, or simply a taste of their standout beverages and desserts, The Po Cafe welcomes you with open arms and dishes designed to delight. This is more than just a restaurant—it’s a culinary experience that makes you feel at home while treating your taste buds to something truly special.

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Outdoor seating -contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee Great dessert Live music Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Coffee Comfort food Healthy options Organic dishes Quick bite Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Counter service Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly LGBTQ+ friendly Locals Tourists Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    Closed
  • Tuesday
    07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Thursday
    07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Friday
    07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Saturday
    07:30 AM - 02:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Jenny Wells
    1 week ago

    We felt really bad because we came in maybe 30 minutes before closing but we were visiting from out of state and had our hearts set on having lunch here.. luckily there was no issue at all.. I expected employees to be upset because we came in shortly before closing but not all. Employees were super friendly and we didn't feel rushed at all. Also the food was sooo good.

  • Robbie Fiorella
    3 week ago

    nice place to go in the early mornings, hot food really hit the spot and the fall drinks really stand out flavor wise. It's clear the barista doesn't just dump coffee into a cup and serve it. Hell, it beats the drive thru's around CT that's for sure. Lunch can be a bit hectic but it's clear that the staff are earning their stripes with the way they handle waits (i recommend ordering ahead) overall, extremely satisfied with my visit and will be returning later this month!

  • A Gibson
    1 month ago

    We live locally and took way too long to try out the Po. It’s really an excellent place - focus is on good quality comfort food. I’ve tried many menu items and loved each one. The sitting area outside is so nice but indoors is also very comforting and atmospheric. Don’t miss this place!

  • Ezekiel Miller
    1 month ago

    Great food and even better staff, would come back again and again with no hesitation! The Reitman Wrap is a go-to for lunch! The staff are incredible and eager to create an amazing atmosphere.

  • ALEX
    1 month ago

    Came here on the way to the Hidden Valley Preserve and we are so glad we did! We absolutely LOVED the full Monte. Its actually addicting, i must get another hahaha My mom loved her grilled ham egg and cheese. The pop tart and sookie cookie were such a pleasant surprise too! It tasted like a brownie, so so good. We plan to definitely be back again for all of it! Everyone was also very nice and friendly, even when the place was pretty full!

  • Sara Guillemette
    1 month ago

    Dear residents & folks visiting from near & afar, If anything isn’t quite what you expected, please don’t leave a negative review. Google reviews hit differently in rural towns. They sincerely harm small, independently operated places. Instead, communicate any upset with the Cafe’s owner, Maggie, directly. This café is a COMMUNITY CORNERSTONE since 2020. Day in & Day out, it serves those of us who live here, and it graciously welcomes those who travel from near & afar seeking rest, beauty, respite, and a slower rhythm. All groups matter deeply to this rural economy. I want to speak directly, and lovingly, to the area’s visitors: When we enter a rural café, we enter a different pace of life. Not a slower “service pace”, rather a slower human pace. All staff, the barista Josh, the grill cook Justin, the sandwich crafter Luna, anyone at the POS, are not part of a rushed, anonymous system. These are area residents whose work is deeply personal. They are valued service members within this rural village economy. They are our dear neighbors. Please, take very good care of them. Please, slow steps upon entering, make eye contact, allow shoulders to drop, breath in deeply, ask everyone’s names, ask how their day is going, ask if they have a moment or if they may need a little grace to finish a task, ask what & if they’re studying, what they’re excited about, & most importantly, how their families are doing. Please, treat them the way we treat each other here in these rural villages within the country: with presence, curiosity, and...kindness. These interaction are part of their workday, and all of us have the power to make it a really gentle day. In a small rural café, caring for the staff isn’t just courteous, it is literally, part of our culture. It is an expression of community and connectedness. It is how we live with one another. to the PO Café’s STAFF, Thank you for embracing “Washington’s small business owner circle”, every Tuesday AM since January 2024! A total of 57 small business owners have sat in your Café and built a vibrant supportive community. You’ve unlocked your doors for us, even when YOU are on vacation.Thank you for continuing to show up, with heart, during such uncertain economic times. to the PO Cafe’s FAMILY, Maggie, Frank, Jack, Nick, Betty - thank you for your warmth, hard work, care, sincerity, humanity & space. We appreciate you. With our deepest gratitude, December 2025. Sara, Dinesh, Jonathan, Chloe, Johnny, Alex & Sophie

  • Bridget Nicholas
    2 month ago

    The Po Cafe in Washington is truly a hallmark. But, the true treasure lies within their staff. Going to the Po on Saturdays has become a tradition with me and my sister Madeline. Every Saturday morning we are greeted with enthusiasm by Josh and after a long week of hard work, it is genuinely refreshing. You can always count on him to put a smile on your face! The food is incredible and clean in terms of ingredients and the coffee is strong and rich. The aura of the business is even better. Tasty food is easy to come by, but exceptional customer service in today’s world is not. Thank you Josh and the Po for being a cozy and comfortable spot for me and my sister <3 We will be highly recommending and bringing more family soon!

  • Tara Marchesani
    3 month ago

    Loved it. We were too late for breakfast but lunch was lovely. I had the pulled pork sandwich which was tender and flavorful- only slight complaint was it had a large chunk of fat. My boyfriend had the chicken winner sandwich- think the best, most perfectly cooked chick-fil-a chicken sandwich ever x10. We dined outside with our pup and the atmosphere and view were just gorgeous. Would absolutely return.

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