Ever driven down Maple Avenue in Hartford and seen that big, brick-walled building with the vintage vibe? That’s the First and Last Tavern. If you grew up in or around the South End, this place isn't just a restaurant. It’s basically a rite of passage. Honestly, most locals just call it "First and Last," and for decades, it has stood as the definitive gatekeeper of the city line.
The name isn't just a clever marketing gimmick. It actually comes from the tavern's physical location. Back in the day, it was literally the first tavern you hit when you crossed into Hartford and the last one you’d pass on your way out. Simple. Practical. Very Connecticut.
Since 1936, this spot has been the go-to for everyone from local tradesmen looking for a quick lunch to families celebrating 50th anniversaries. It’s got that old-school charm that you just can't fake with a "distressed" interior design from a corporate catalog. We're talking hand-painted tiles, black-and-white photos that actually mean something, and a coal-fired brick oven that has probably seen more pizzas than you've had hot meals.
Why First and Last Hartford Still Matters
You've probably noticed that a lot of legendary spots in Hartford have faded away. Change happens. But First and Last Hartford has this weird, stubborn staying power. Part of it is the "Original Special." For years, people would crowd the bar for a single plate piled high with pasta, a meatball or sausage, and a side salad. It was the blue-collar fuel of the city.
Even as the menu expanded, that soul stayed.
Then there’s the pizza.
If you ask five people in Hartford where the best pizza is, you'll get six different answers. But First and Last is always in the conversation. Their coal-fired brick oven produces a crust that’s got that specific char—crispy on the outside, a little chewy on the inside. People swear by the "Broccoli Pie" (mozzarella, ricotta, and garlic) or the "Tomato Pie." It's not trying to be fancy New York style or super-thin New Haven style. It’s just Hartford style.
The Food Culture of Maple Avenue
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the bread. Seriously. The focaccia here is legendary. Most people who walk through those doors end up tearing into a bread basket before they even look at the wine list.
- Chicken Stemperata: This is one of those "if you know, you know" dishes. Bone-in chicken sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and pepperoncini. It’s acidic, spicy, and savory all at once.
- The Sauce: The marinara here is so popular they actually sell it in jars. It’s the kind of sauce that tastes like someone’s grandmother spent all Sunday morning over a stove, which, considering the history, isn't far from the truth.
- Brick Oven Wings: They season these with rosemary, thyme, and garlic. No sticky buffalo sauce needed.
It’s important to remember that the South End has changed a lot over the last 90 years. But walking into First and Last feels like a time capsule. It’s one of the few places where you’ll see a guy in a suit sitting next to a guy in a high-vis vest, and both of them are equally happy with their linguine carbonara.
Misconceptions and the Bakery Era
One thing that confuses people—especially those who haven't visited in a few years—is the status of the bakery. For a long time, the First & Last Bakery Cafe was a staple right nearby. It was the place for a quick espresso or a massive grinder.
Kinda sad, but that specific bakery location on Maple Avenue closed down a few years back. In 2021, a restoration company actually moved into that 16,000-square-foot space.
People often think the Tavern closed too when they see the bakery sign gone.
Nope.
The Tavern at 939 Maple Ave is still very much alive and kicking. They even honor old gift cards from the bakery cafe, which is a class move. It shows they actually care about the community they’ve been part of since the Great Depression era. They also have locations in Glastonbury and Plainville now, but the Hartford original is where the ghost of 1930s Connecticut lives.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
If you're planning a trip, don't expect a quiet, hushed library atmosphere. It’s a tavern. It gets loud. On a Friday night, you might be waiting for a table while balancing a drink near the bar. That’s part of the charm.
The service is usually described as "efficient." They’ve been doing this for almost a century; they aren't going to hover over you, but your water glass will probably never be empty.
Also, a pro tip: the "small" pizza is 12 inches and 8 slices. Most people see "small" and think personal pan. It’s not. You can easily split a small and an appetizer and leave feeling like you need a nap.
How to Do First and Last Right
If you want the authentic experience, skip the fancy stuff once in a while and just get the pasta fagioli and a pizza.
Check the hours before you head out, though. They’re usually closed on Mondays—a classic old-school restaurant habit. Tuesday through Thursday they're open until 9:00 PM, and they stretch it to 10:00 PM on the weekends. Sunday is a bit shorter, usually opening in the late afternoon for the dinner crowd.
Actually, the best way to experience it is to go during a mid-week lunch. You get to see the "tradesmen's bar" vibe in its natural habitat. It’s less chaotic than a Saturday night but still has that hum of energy that only a place with this much history can maintain.
Making the Most of Your Visit
When you finally sit down at First and Last Hartford, take a second to look at the tiles and the photos. You're sitting in a place that has survived world wars, economic collapses, and the total transformation of the American city.
- Order the Eggplant Special: Some regulars swear by adding bacon and skipping the ricotta. It sounds weird. It’s life-changing.
- Parking can be a pain: It's street parking mostly. On a busy night, you might have to walk a block or two. Just think of it as working up an appetite for the focaccia.
- Gift Baskets: If you have a relative who moved out of state and misses CT, they sell "Hostess" or "Italian Classic" gift baskets with their signature sauces and imported pasta.
The reality of First and Last Hartford is that it represents a disappearing version of Connecticut. It’s not a chain with a focus group-tested menu. It’s a family-run institution that still believes a meatball should be the size of a baseball and that a tavern should be the heart of its neighborhood.
Go for the history, but stay for the coal-fired crust. And seriously, don't fill up on the bread. (Who am I kidding? You're going to fill up on the bread.)
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check their official website for current daily specials before heading out, as they often rotate unique seasonal pasta dishes not on the main menu.
- If you're planning a weekend visit with a group of more than four, call (860) 956-6000 to see if you can snag a reservation; the South End location fills up remarkably fast after 6:00 PM.
- Visit the retail section or their online shop to grab a jar of the Traditional or Marinara sauce to recreate the "First and Last" flavor at home.