About Market Restaurant
Market Restaurant is a compact, friendly diner serving breakfast and lunch with a focus on straightforward, well‑executed classics.
Reviewers consistently praise the breakfast sandwiches, burgers and sandwiches like the Ruben for their size, freshness and reliable preparation.
Service is noted as warm and efficient, with many customers returning for the same favorites and praising the speed and consistency of online and takeout orders.
The atmosphere reads casual and welcoming, a neighborhood place for a dependable meal.
Location & Contact
- Address101 Reserve Rd, Hartford, CT 06114
- Websitehttps://marketcateringhartford.com
- Phone(860) 560-7372
- Links Get directions
What to Expect
Menu highlights include a corned beef Ruben, breakfast burgers topped with sunnyside eggs, buffalo chicken dishes and the Kitchen Sink Burger, with sides that get frequent mentions.
Reviewers single out the onion rings as a must-try and repeatedly praise the sweet potato fries for their crisp, crunchy texture.
Other favorites are pancakes that reviewers called decently sized, crisp quesadillas and salads dressed with a tangy honey mustard.
Burgers are described as juicy and consistent, and the staff will accommodate tweaks like crispy battered chicken on salads.
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Breakfast in the Industrial Age
The Industrial Revolution dramatically changed breakfast habits in Connecticut, reflecting broader societal shifts. As workers moved from farms to factories in the late 1800s, their morning routines adapted accordingly. Quick, hearty meals, such as bread with cheese or cold cuts, became popular for those rushing off to work. The need for efficiency led to a rise in convenience foods, as well, paving the way for the processed breakfast items we see today. This transition illustrates how economic changes directly influence food culture, shaping what and how we eat at the start of each day.
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Market Restaurant has built a steady following in Hartford by sticking to well-made breakfast and lunch staples and delivering a consistent, friendly experience.
With a 4.7 Google rating from more than 200 reviewers, the small diner-style kitchen is repeatedly applauded for its breakfast sandwiches, burgers and dependable sides.
Customers notice the details.
One reviewer summed it up simply: "Fries were great.
The burger I had was so good, I can't even describe it," (dookzzz), while another local notes that "The breakfast sandwiches are perfectly made and very good size" (Gerry Garcia).
The kitchen also earns praise for thoughtful touches; as one reviewer observed, "The included fried onion rings in the burger is a class act, and cooked just as they're supposed to be" (Pre Rejection).
Beyond individual dishes, reviewers describe the ordering and pickup experience as reliable, with frequent mentions of accurate takeout and online orders.
The overall impression is of a cozy, no-frills spot where freshness, portion size and friendly service keep people coming back between errands and work shifts.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
"What a great diner type spot. Wish I would have heard about it sooner. My buddy took me out for some Ruben sandwiches. They also have breakfast and salads. Got some onion rings to go along with my lunch. Cooked nicely. I like bigger sandwiches but they were tasty. Also feels very friendly inside. Appreciate the warmth of the staff"
"Fries were great. The burger I had was so good, I can't even describe it. But the ketchup was... um, not really that great. Please come here. 100% dookz approved :)"
"I had the chicken bacon ranch salad with honey mustard. I asked if I could get the chicken battered and crispy instead of the grilled chicken and they were very happy to do so 8.5/10 I forgot to take pictures of the salad I had the rodeo burger with sweet potato fries. 9/10. The included fried onion rings in the burger is a class act, and cooked just as they're supposed to be but I wished it was maybe more savory or perhaps had a contrasting flavor by adding pickles or a spicy element. Everything is fresh here so no surprise the sweet potato fries were perfectly crispy and crunchy. Premade Brownie 8/10 Premade peanut butter cookie 7/10"
"Food is good, but when you mess with money you you get less stars. I ordered a Goose Omelet with grilled onions and no sauce. They rang it up all seperately and charged me nearly $14. It's good but not $14-for-an-omelet good. Went back a few more times and definitely been consistent after. Maybe a one-off?"
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Breakfast and Community Spirit
In Connecticut, breakfast has long served as a bridge to community building and connection. Local events, from pancake breakfasts to community brunches, often bring together neighbors and friends, fostering a sense of belonging. These gatherings not only provide a meal but also create opportunities for social interaction and collaboration. The communal aspect of sharing a meal is a fundamental part of many cultures, and Connecticut's breakfast traditions reflect this spirit. As people come together over food, they strengthen their ties and create lasting memories around the breakfast table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the onion rings really worth ordering?
Yes, many people say the onion rings are a standout. They come out cooked properly and are mentioned by several reviewers as crispy and tasty, so if you like crunchy sides, these are a good pick.
Do the burgers taste juicy or dry?
Reviewers describe the burgers as juicy and well cooked. One person said their burger was so good they could barely describe it, so expect a moist, flavorful patty rather than something dry.
How are the sweet potato fries?
Sweet potato fries are repeatedly praised for being perfectly crispy and crunchy. If you enjoy a slightly sweet and crunchy side, these fries are a fan favorite and often ordered again.
Is the Ruben sandwich lean or heavy?
The corned beef Ruben is described as lean but tasty. That means you get good flavor without it feeling overly greasy, which is nice if you want a satisfying sandwich that isn’t too heavy.
What are the breakfast sandwiches like?
Breakfast sandwiches are called perfectly made and very good size by regulars, so expect a generous, well-assembled sandwich with fresh rolls and classic breakfast flavors that hold together well.
How are the pancakes and how big are they?
Pancakes are described as delicious and decently sized. They’re big enough to be a real breakfast portion, and reviewers liked their taste, so they’re a reliable sweet breakfast choice.
Do they make crispy chicken instead of grilled if I ask?
Yes. A reviewer mentioned asking for battered, crispy chicken instead of grilled on a salad and the kitchen happily accommodated, so you can request crispy chicken and expect the change to be honored.
What’s the buffalo chicken like?
Fans mention the buffalo chicken sandwich and buffalo chicken salad as tasty options, noting well-cooked chicken and a good balance of sauce and crunch, so the buffalo preparations lean toward classic, assertive flavor.
Are quesadillas crunchy or soft?
Quesadillas are noted as crisp and well-made by reviewers who tried them. You can expect a golden, slightly crunchy exterior with cooked-through chicken inside if you order that version.
Is Market Restaurant a known spot in Hartford for regular lunches?
Yes, locals describe it as a hidden gem in Hartford with steady quality and consistency. Many people order the same favorites repeatedly, which suggests dependable flavors that keep customers coming back.
Breakfast Through the Ages
Breakfast has come a long way from its origins. In ancient times, people often broke their overnight fast with simple porridge or bread, designed to give them energy for the day ahead. As centuries passed, particularly by the 19th century, the morning meal in Connecticut began to reflect a growing variety of foods influenced by European traditions. Wealthy families embraced hearty breakfasts, often featuring rich foods like eggs, bacon, and even pastries. This shift not only satisfied appetites but also showcased social status, setting the stage for breakfast’s evolution into something more diverse and elaborate in modern times.
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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations
Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray
Market Restaurant
The Rise of Diner Culture
In the mid-20th century, diners began to define the breakfast scene in Connecticut. These cozy, often retro-styled establishments served comforting meals like pancakes, omelets, and the classic bagel with cream cheese. With their bright neon signs and inviting booths, diners became gathering spots for locals to enjoy hearty breakfasts at an affordable price. The diner culture not only made breakfast more accessible but also fostered a sense of community, where friends and families could share morning stories over a steaming cup of coffee.
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Colonial Breakfast Traditions
Breakfast during colonial times in Connecticut was a simple affair, primarily focused on practicality. Farmers often started their day with a bowl of porridge or fish, using whatever ingredients were readily available. Cider was a common morning drink, reflecting the agricultural practices of the region. This rustic approach to breakfast highlighted the connection between meals and the land, as families prepared food based on what they could grow or harvest, making each meal both nourishing and a reminder of their hard work.
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