The 881 Grab & Go (881) Hartford — Restaurant in Hartford

I drive by 881 Grab & Go weekly BUT I was craving fish and my friend told me about 881. We went. We left happy and wanting one of everything.

We were pleasantly greeted by a nice young woman. The restaurant does not have a dining area because it’s Grab & Go but there was plenty to see and do while we waited. The restaurant has a very chill vibe. The decor is modern, hip and full of artwork! It’s very inviting, clean and tidy but packed with so much to see. There’s two arcade games you can play for free; which we did because it was fun. There’s two chess boards and other things as well. They have an outside patio area for nicer weather but it was rainy today.

We couldn’t decide if we should get the Cheyney fish sandwich on potato bread or coco bread so we got both. The potato bread is a round roll that held the fully packed sandwich together. It had two layers of meaty fried fish; perfectly crispy outside and soft, moist tenderness inside. It had 881 aioli with pickled purple cabbage, lettuce and cheese. The purple cabbage not only added flavor and texture but it gave a beautiful presentation as well. We were speechless after our first bite. There are no words to justify a perfect fish sandwich. Simply no words at all. You’ve got to see our video on IG to fully understand what the BEST fish sandwich did to us. I didn’t do a “double back bite” because I was impatiently dying to try it on coco bread. Now, coco bread won between the two types of bread. This must be what Heaven tastes like because I did a “double back bite” and I couldn’t stop until it was gone. Gabriel, the owner, came out mid review and I wanted to give this stranger a hug but I was too busy eating my Cheyney sandwich. His personality and kindness truly made me feel very comfortable and welcomed. He generously gave us jollof rice, butter beans, black beans and cabbage to try. I devoured everything! I do not like beans but the butter beans were fantastic. Jollof rice was flavorful. If this is how vegans eat, I can be vegan (maybe); but I’d try going vegan for this amazing food.

I saw a staff member put together a to-go container of oxtail, rice and peas with cabbage and I wanted that too! Everything smelled so delicious and looked so good but I was on a mini food tour today so I had to pace myself. However, I will be back for more very soon!!!

Our sandwich came with chips and cake from Philly. One meal was about $15; totally affordable and worth every cent.

I rarely give 5 stars because if you don’t deserve it, you’re not getting it. 881 gets 5 stars! They earned it and definitely deserve it. They serve up delicious island flavors with lots of positivity and beautiful smiles.

Thank you, 881 for a wonderful experience and making my day. You’ll be seeing me soon. Keep doing your thing....

I recently visited 881 Grab and Go, known for its unique Caribbean flair and Philly style, located at 881 New Britain Ave., Hartford, CT. As a culinary professional deeply passionate about food and community, I was immediately struck by the restaurant’s clean, vibrant ambiance, enhanced by stunning original artwork and a useful community board for local businesses.

The menu at 881 Grab and Go is a treasure trove of culinary delights. My main draw was the famed Cheyney fish sandwich, which truly lived up to its reputation as THE BEST FISH SANDWICH IN CT. Featuring crispy whiting, a fresh Kaiser roll, crunchy cabbage, and standout sauces, the Cheyney sandwich is not just a meal; it’s an explosion of flavors that demands to be experienced. Beyond this standout dish, the menu offers an extensive variety of choices catering to all tastes. The Jerk Chicken and Oxtail Cheesesteaks provide a creative twist on Philly classics, while vegan-friendly options like Curry Chickpeas and Brown Stew Lentils ensure there’s something delightful for everyone.

Owners Gabe and his wife PJ bring a personal touch that truly sets this family business apart. Their warm welcome and genuine passion for quality are evident in every aspect of 881 Grab and Go, making each guest feel like part of their family. Their dedication to excellence is what truly makes this place shine.

With a menu ranging from indulgent cheesesteaks to health-conscious vegan options, coupled with impeccable service, I wholeheartedly give 881 Grab and Go a five-star rating. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking quality meals in a friendly atmosphere...

Great place to grab some good to go food- The owner and staff were very nice and welcoming - We were able to taste some samples of his vegan dishes, flavorful and good- Our first time having the Chaney sandwich it was delicious, the jerk Chicken was missing the jerk flavor but it was delicious and juicy- taste like a good grilled bbq chicken but definitely not jerk- My husband liked the oxtail empanda but lacking a little flavor...But did I say the Chaney fish sandwich on Coco Bread was 🔥 it was so good I couldn't put it down after the 1st bite. no we were not featured on his Instagram page about 1st time 1st bite lol even though I was told to be careful saying it was our 1st because he liks to record his 1st time 1st bite customers (I guess we didn't make it 😂😂) Anywho the bbq wings were good and did i mention the Chaney fish sandwich 🔥🔥🔥 lol yes that good...The Jerk Salmon with Rice'nPeas veggies and plantains were good too...Hats off to the chef we definitely will return thank you...$120 in food plus tip was AWESOME worth every penny... You see the pics, lol. Every bite was yummy. Please keep everything the same unless it's better.. I can tell you cook with love and have a lot of confidence in your food as you should... Thanks again Oh, and those drinks, the Mother's Moss OMG 🔥🔥🔥 the apple juice is good, a tad sweet for...