THE FEDERAL CAFE

THE FEDERAL CAFE (HARTFORD)

a hartford staple, the federal feels like the tavern that once starred in the old TV series "the untouchables." federal cafe is a landmark on the corner of church and union streets, and is the oldest saloon in town. not for the faint-hearted who leave the city at quitting time, the federal attracts a clientele as gritty as the bar itself. on any given day, this tiny sports bar's TVs are locked to the game schedule. regular patrons, some who look like they were around for the bar's first anniversary, toss peanut shells on the floor and cheer loudly for the red sox, yanks, bruins, patriots and huskies. on tuesdays and saturdays, live music competes with the televised sports above the bar.