City Steam Brewery Cafe's Page

With its upscale casual menu, City Steam has something for everyone. The multi-level floor plan provides breathtaking seating on 9 levels and areas for private functions, including the elegant 160 seat Richardson Room.

The Finest Architecture in the United States.
The Cheney building is regarded as the finest example of Romanesque architecture in the United States. Designed by the architect H.H. Richardson, the building opened in 1877, and housed the largest department store in Connecticut: Brown Thomson and Company. At City Steam, we’ve brought back the warmth and charm of the old days. In fact, many of the cast iron railings and millwork were salvaged from the original department store.

The Hartford Steam Company
The Hartford Steam Company supplies economical steam-heating and chilled water for cooling to many buildings in Hartford through a district heating and cooling system. Hartford Steam has engineered a way to run steam pipes into our brewery cafe. Enabling us to power our 15-barrel brewery with “city steam”. You can see the steam firsthand when we blow our antique steam-whistles. And ask our brew master about the technology ... he’ll tell you brewing with steam is a dream come true!

Premier Brewing Process
When steam was introduced to the brewing process in the mid-1800’s, it was the epitome of modernization. No more stoking fires or shoveling coal to keep the kettles boiling! All a brew master had to do was turn a few valves and the vapor started rolling. Better yet, steam provided a faster, more consistent flow of heat and, in turn, a better brew of beer.

Best of all, whether you’re drinking Porter, Pilsner or City Steam Ale, you know you’re getting the best brew in the state–at City Steam.

Cheers!