The Po Cafe

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

This place was so good! We really enjoyed our lunches here and all the snacks looked delicious. It is also of course in the picturesque Gilmore girls Town of Washington Depot. So if you are fans of the show being able to go to the inspiration for "Luke's diner" is always fun! The chicken dinner and the roasted turkey were highlights!

Came here for breakfast. Ordered the autumn chai latte, bacon egg and cheese, and tator tots. My friends also ordered the green toast. Everything was amazing. The autumn chai was one of the best I've had. It wasn't overly sweet and you could taste the pumpkin as well as the chai spices. The bread the bacon egg and cheese was on was so crispy, buttery, and soft. The tots were cooked perfectly and had a really good house seasoning on it. My friends said their green toasts were really good too. The space is so cute and quaint. People are constantly moving in and out of the cafe so you can definitely find a table. Would definitely come back when I'm back in the area!

The PO is a must stop to complete any Gilmore Girls CT tour! This is the real-life Luke's with cozy, vintage vibes instead and lots of delicious food choices. I enjoyed the French toast latte and ham, egg & cheese croissant at one of their outdoor tables with a lovely view of the town green. They had a wide variety of breakfast and lunch options to choose from. An adorable spot for a meal or pick me up treat when visiting Washington!

This is such a cute place! Stopped by here primarily bc of the inspo for Luke's Diner. The ambiance is super cute- neighborhood cafe reminiscent of an old shop, like Taylor's on Gilmore Girls. The menu is written on a chalkboard. There's a large assessment of fresh cookies made daily. Ordered the flat buffet with fries - the sauce in the burger had a hint of horseradish that made the burger very unique and tasty! The service was fast - looks like it's run by local students. Came in for lunch and students were quickly filtering in for their lunch. Super cute place!

I was excited to try the Po Café after reading the positive reviews. I agree that the coffee is very good (I chose the Dante's dark roast) and the Full Monty breakfast sandwich was good except for the fact that the bacon was undercooked. I was disappointed that even though we were eating on site our food was brought to us in to go containers and the plastic cutlery is flimsy. Another negative is my husband used the restroom and said it was not clean and the garbage was overflowing. Where we sat at the bar stools overlooked a very cluttered and dirty/dusty area which used to be an ice cream station. It is a cute café In a charming location but needs a deep cleaning. Will not go back there again

I can't say anything but positives about The Po! The most welcoming, warm, and cozy place to visit for food and coffee. Maggie, the owner and her team are all SO friendly and remember customers by name. They have created a comfortable and relaxing space for everyone to enjoy. From popular healthy options (Poke Bowls, Green Toast, Acais) to the indulgent (Flat Rate Burger, The Ricky Bobby and Chicken Winner), they offer it all. GF/Vegan options available and coffee options that rotate seasonally. They incorporate local and seasonal products. Some of the coffee menu options include: the Lavender latte, Maple latte, French toast latte (LOVE) and their classic drip coffee. Plus they have matchas and chai available too. Being in the heart of Washington, I love how The Po has local products / goods to purchase. For anyone who is a serious Gilmore Girly, this spot is a top adventure for bachelorettes or a fun fall trip. This is the ultimate Lukes Diner! Plus if you're near, you can walk around the green or take your coffees and walk to the farmers market minutes down the street on a Saturday. *PS. Their Pop-tarts are also incredible! Look forward to stopping back in soon!

Like it very much! Exactly what this space needed. The old place that was here did not suit the style or needs of the town - well maybe if you were living in a very small non-descript town in the 1920's or something. Anyway, they did a great job at the Re imagination of this space. Loved my fruit tart, though idk why they had to wrap it in tinfoil. Let's add some environmental consciousness to the new cool vibe please. Different vibe than Marty's down the road, so you'd choose either / or depending on what you're looking for. The PO definitely reminds me of my prep school days and dating a Gunnery boy back when it was a boys school. Except then we had only crusty 1920's diners to eat at. These kids are so lucky to have something as cool as the PO!

One lunch at The PO Cafe, and I'm in love! From the moment I arrived, the place was peaceful, quaint, and charming. Their menu had some really great options, and I thought it was adorable how several menu items nodded to the "Po" namesake, whether it was the "po"ke bowls or "po" pork sandwich. Everything was super yummy, but the Chicken Winner sandwich definitely stood out! The strawberry matcha latte, berry smoothie, and chai we had were all great. Don't even get me started on the cookies - unreal!! Especially the "po" chip, which was a perfect mix of salty and sweet with potato chips mixed in. I'm not often in Washington, but I think The Po Cafe has inspired me to come visit more!

Went to boarding school here so this place is close to my heart. It's changed a lot but still delicious. Got a curry chicken salad on a salad and it was perfect. Really good chocolate and potato chip cookie too! I can't wait to go back for another day trip

Thanksgiving Break was great ,I wish I had asked what breads they had as came on white. Good taste and size with very quick service after we ordered and sat down

My family did a daycation by driving to Washington,CT. While there we had breakfast at the PO Cafe since my wife and daughter are Gilmore Girls fans. Everyone loved their breakfast. I had the egg, cheese and ham sandwich with an ice coffee. It was delicious. We sat by the window and enjoyed the view.

I had a delightful morning here sipping on a lavender latte, and eating the thanksgiving turkey sandwich in the front window people watching. The owner was beyond nice, and it looks so cute and reminds me of Luke's Diner inside. Highly recommend for any GG fan stopping by in the area. I also got the beignets to go and they were beyond delish.

I've been here a few times for drinks and pastries to takeaway. The inside looks like a pleasant spot, and it's a lovely vibe, people sitting outside the front enjoying a coffee and catching up with friends. I enjoyed the cruffin and the iced latte with cold foam on top - I didn't enjoy the decaf version so much, which is mainly what I drink, so wouldn't recommend for picky decaf drinkers (I haven't tried other crafted coffee beverages there to be able to comment on technique, just simple iced latte). I didn't enjoy the cinnamon bun, which I found a little dry. I was excited to try the pop tart, but sadly found it underwhelming and kind of soggy. The customer service was a little lacking and impersonal, and especially for a local business I'd love to see this improved. For better service, I'd stop in more for the experience and a drink. Though I had more misses than hits, I'm leaving four stars, thinking maybe it's just about timing and finding the things on the menu I enjoy. If I fancy a cruffin and an iced latte treat, I may stop in again.

First time there and will definitely be back. So much to try and everything looks so good. Got a birthday carrot cake for my wife and it was probably the best we've ever had. The service was excellent as well!

A super cute cafe! I got the green hill sandwich which was super refreshing! The bread was fresh and the lettuce was crispy. My friend got the pulled pork sandwich which was a bit heavy. Latte was okay. Wish they had a sandwich and soup combo. The regular size soup is 7 dollars which would be too much to have on top of a sandwich. Otherwise this place really meet the cafe standard.

Unimpressed. Pulled pork sandwich was soggy. Chicken parm was blahhh... cashier was relatively rude. Not worth the money or the drive. Subway does a better sandwich!

The food is good but extremely overpriced. There's always loud children and teens using provocative language. On weekdays there never seems to be a place to sit. Instead of taking my order a staff member kept talking to underaged girls and giving them free things. He made it obvious that they were free. The girls seemed creeped out. The service is so slow and they have forgotten to get my stuff:

Love this place. Only been a couple of times but every time has been a delight. Food is really good, staff are super friendly and give great recommendations. It's popular so can be busy but so worth it!

First time at The Po Cafe today and have mixed feelings about it. The staff are terrible. Not friendly or engaging at all. I arrived finding a young gentleman standing outside blocking the door, assuming he was there to control the number of people inside. He never once acknowledged me or spoke to me, but continued to stand in front of the door. I stood in the freezing cold looking over the menu that was posted out front, waiting to be let in to order. A few other people came up the steps after me and walked right past him inside. I then asked if I could go in and he said yes. Like really, you made me stand there for nothing?! There were people standing all around so it was unclear where the line was and where I was supposed to go to order. Finally figuring it out, I walked up behind another couple (6ft apart of course) and waited my turn. Making it to the counter, I stood there for several minutes with more than 5 staff members there behind the counter and not one of them even looked at me or said a word. Finally, after taking a phone order instead of taking my order, I was then asked what I wanted. Ordered the Chicken Winner, a S'mores Latte and grabbing a ginger cookie. Waited a reasonable amount of time and they called my name. The latte cup was sticky with coffee dripped all down the side and the top and was given no napkins. Took my order to the car and ate there since it was warm. The sandwich was delicious, though did not appear to be dark meat as advertised. The latte was Luke warm at best but had good flavor. Are the cookie when I got home and it was one of the best I've ever had! Giving 3 stars based on overall experience, but feel the food could be a 5, just wish the coffee was hot and that they actually seemed to care about the customer. I will give them another try to see if the customer service improves.

So excited this opened up within 2 minutes of our house. Visited them a few times in their old location near the lake but now it's within walking distance. Having celiac disease is easy as there are so many Gluten Free options to choose from and the food is amazing! Best tip is to go Tuesday or Thursday to avoid the lunch rush from the kids from The Gunnary. I hear they are forced to eat at their cafeteria on these days and therefore will not create a long wait.

Very disappointed. Bern there many times before always a pretty good meal. We went a few days ago and the entire meal was disgusting. Uneatable.

The Po is such a gift to our little town. More than just a cute coffee spot, this family-owned gem on the Washington green is chock full of surprises - from their house-made fresh fruit poptarts to their ever-popular "holy cannolis," The Po exudes creativity, passion, and a genuine love of community. Local artwork lines the walls of this newly renovated space that gives a nod to simpler times. The staff is overwhelmingly welcoming, kind, and accommodating, even if it takes you forever to decide between the Po Taco and the spinach & cheese toasty (which I order on their yummy gluten free bread). In the time of COVID, we all need a little light in our lives... and The Po feels like the warm hug we've all been missing.

Great small town cafe in Washington, CT. Loved the Po Cafe. Came here twice on my trip to CT. They had amazing offerings/options for anyone who follows a gluten free diet. I got the Food for Thought sandwich on gf bread one day and a sausage egg and cheese on gf bread the next day! Both sandwiches are delicious. Loved their gf muffins and pastries. My husband got the pop tarts and said they were delish!

The cutest place, yummy quick food, the best cookie I've ever had, my kids loved the old school candy (at kids eye level lol), friendly service. The location is so peaceful and has great energy

The PO Cafe is simply wonderful in every way! My husband and I took a ride out to the Po one Saturday morning for breakfast. It is located in the historic, charming New England town of Washington. If you know anything about the show The Gilmore Girls, Washington was the writer's inspiration for creating the fictional town of Stars Hollow, CT . The Po is the inspiration for Luke's Diner on the show as well. The cafe itself is adorable! It's beautifully done on the inside with display cases of their prepared baked goods and other food items. The counters are lined with fresh cookies and muffins. There are high tops and tables and a little diner counter with barstools and an original soda fountain from the early days of the Po. The Po features a unique spin on the breakfast sandwich- grilled egg sandwiches which my husband and I were excited to try. We each ordered one and some coffees. The grilled egg sandwich was such a delicious and delightful treat! It was freshly prepared on grilled and buttered toast with two eggs. I also got cheese and bacon on mine. I loved the toasted, buttery crunch! They were seasoned perfectly as well. The Po also has fantastic baristas. They use quality coffee beans and everything is freshly prepared. I had a mocha latte and it was perfect! We enjoyed our sandwiches and coffees very much!! We so look forward to returning very soon! We hope to sit outside next time and enjoy the sites of this great area. What a great experience!

Amazing place to "feel like home". The food is always exceptional and service outstanding!! The staff is always accommodating and striving to satisfy you! Love to stop in for a yummy sandwich and sweet treat. Try the pop tarts, you won't regret it !! Egg sandwiches are out of this world!! This week The PO cafe accommodated my daughters request for a special Fruity Pebble birthday cake and talk about YUMM (as well as gorgeous)!!!! Don't miss out on this little cafe!

We've been wanting to go to the PO since hearing about how their delicious baked goods saved the sanity of our friends during the pandemic. We wanted to like it but... We must have been expecting more of a welcoming vibe but the indifference of the staff left us kind of speechless. Typically, a cafe in a small village has a welcoming buzz about it. Not here. They didn't even pay attention to the fact that I ordered our coffees dark (not black as served) and ( because the kitchen guessed wrong on the number of eggs I asked for on my toast ) the order was delayed and served room temperature. My husband's breakfast burrito was enjoyed very much but his primary amusement was watching me trying to cut my green toast with a plastic fork and knife (which, by the way, I had to request). It was served in a "to-go" clamshell box (despite having been told that we were dining there) and it was simply impossible to cut the toast with the far-to-flexible knife while in the box. Couldn't they have provided a disposable plate for patrons eating there? I know the pandemic has altered availability of many things we have come to expect in restaurants, but this offering shouldn't even be on the menu. There is no way anyone could eat it in public without proper utensils. Despite this awkwardness, the food was really good. I just wish it had been hotter. The other irksome fact that reflected poorly on the staff's indifference to customer service was the loud chatting behind the counter. A food preparer was chatting endlessly ( and at high volume) about how much creme fraiche to add to the lunch soup and her child's attitude toward school and the meals they were planning for the upcoming tennis camp and the fact that they had some car trouble in Danbury. I'm sorry. All of this chatter went on loudly for the entire time we were there and it spelled out in bold to us: "YOU ARE A NECESSARY EVIL. DO NOT COME BACK". We probably won't.

We went to the PO for breakfast and enjoyed every moment. We had the breakfast taco and The Full Monty, they were delicious!! The coffee was fresh and flavorful. They are local supporting local! Definitely worth the visit, we look forward to going back soon! Great job everyone!!!

Went here to get coffee and food before a flight and even though it was busy everyone was friendly and hard working. The coffee was excellent and the meal was quick and tasty. I'll be back you should too!

We had 2 Chicken Winner sandwiches. Super-crispy chicken, nice "winner" sauce and a great brioche bun - what's not to love. Will be back to try other offerings for sure.

If I could give this place a billion stars, I would. The food is DELICIOUS. Listen to what I'm saying! The food is unreal. You cannot go wrong with a single thing on the menu. My favorite go-tos are the po-tacos, grilled breakfast sandwiches, the absurdly tasty roasted chickens and of course the homemade POP TARTS! It is owned and operated by the loveliest family. Truly a local gem that is not to be missed! I LOVE THE PO! :)

This is our new favorite spot for lunch! I cannot say enough good things about this gem. My favorite lunch is the salad, soup, and a cheddar chive biscuit. It is so easy to put in an order online, and they even have contactless pick-up!

They make the most delicious food-- savory and baked goods cannot be topped. Washington, CT is so lucky to have this new addition! Best place to ear breakfast or lunch in town or order lovely pies, cakes, muffins, cookies, etc.

We love The Po! Truly great coffee and espresso, good menu variety and delicious food. Great neighborhood feel and always friendly staff. We don't go a single weekend without making at least one trip.

Absolutely splendid service and delicious food. I loved my egg salad sandwich I had for breakfast this morning, and I went back and I had a pulled pork for lunch--which was fabulous.

Great hidden gem in Washington, CT. A menu of fresh eats with something for everyone. Saturday morning fruit pop tarts and vanilla cream donuts are a particular favorite of mine. The chicken winner is always a win for a lunch out. Service is quick, and all who work at The Po are friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend this establishment to all!

Super delish, in a delightful atmosphere. We're tourists, and were so happy to pass through on our way to see the leaves changing. We popped in for sandwiches, fries and drinks, and then passed a pleasant half hour sitting out front, which felt delightfully Covid safe. The entire vibe was friendly and welcoming, and the food was excellent.

Great option for breakfast. We were staying at a nearby hotel and wanted a quick and easy breakfast to bring back to our room (room service was a little underwhelming). My husband called ahead to place our order and it was ready in 15-20 minutes. Good food at a reasonable price!

Maggie and her staff are amazing. The food is the freshest and most delicious food around! My kids keep asking to get back there. Cant wait! Such a great addition to the community!

The Po is WONDERFUL! From staff and food to the setting The Po is a gem and well worth the drive from Bethel. The grilled bacon egg and cheese is the thing of dreams and an absolute must! Baked goods are next level and my husband considers the homemade pop tarts his "soul food" which says it all. Theres something for everyone, done with care and delicious. Thank you Po for being so friendly and amazing!

Had the pleasure to visit this gem recently and was not disappointed! The thoughtful decor pays homage to the space's history giving it an awesome retro vibe. The menu is very up to date, though -- gluten free and vegan options, including plant based milk, which is a must for me! Staff was knowledgeable and friendly, and were happy to accomodate my request in sandwich modification. Will definitely be back!

Had a very disappointing experience. The staff was extremely rude and unfriendly. We started going here (last week) because they offer gluten free options and after placing a very simple order and asking for no onions because of an allergy they absolutely refused the order. We placed the same order two days prior without incident. The staff was extremely rude and it was baffling over such a simple request. The town is small enough without many options to begin with so this was a very disheartening experience. Won't be back!

First time at Cafe. In town visiting a friend who just moved here. Fantastic place to eat. Nice people, food was excellent, atmosphere was phenomenal. I live in Memphis, Tennessee, and travel for business. I have eaten at a lot of small café s in my time. By far my new favorite. Thank you for the Northern hospitality. From human being to another, thanks for making me feel at home. Brian L. Brenner, CPA

Everything I've had here has been delicious. Staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. I'm addicted to the spinach and cheese toastie, as well as the egg sandwiches and pastries. I can't wait to try lunch! The outside seating is charming. Inside is very cute and comfortable, with art from local artists and this morning there were tons of paperwhites in cute containers. I'm so happy this place is on my morning commute.

This is absolutely the best coffee in Washington, CT. In fact, The Po probably has the best coffee in Litchfield County! With amazing sandwiches, creative specialties, and fresh baked everything, The Po is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or just to meet a friend for a Latte and a chat. They've done a great job with contactless pickup and outdoor dining to help make diners comfortable during Covid-19. Be sure to try the Totchos, which are house-made tater tots piled high with meat chili, diced tomatoes, aged cheddar, sour cream, black olives and green onions. If you are feeling like something lighter, though, they've got you covered. My favorite is the The Po-ke, which is diced, sushi grade tuna, avocado, pickled ginger, sesame seeds, cucumber, and seaweed salad. This is a spot not to miss!

The experience you get when you come here is amazing! The staff are the friendliest people in the world and the food is amazing! Everything that I have ordered has been perfect and delicious. I will definitely be going back often!