Agave Grill
Modern Southwest/Mexican. This festive Latin hangout
proves that life is just more fun south of the border.
Handmade Mexican decorations bedeck the restaurant,
but if you need even more visual stimulation, order the
Guacamole, which is prepared right at your table.
The fresh ceviche also comes highly recommended.
Lunch M-Sa; Dinner daily.
100 Allyn St.; (860) 882-1557 agavect.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$
Arch Street Tavern
American Pub. Arch Street Tavern has transformed an old
carriage factory into one of Hartford’s favorite places to
relax with friends. Monday nights feature a 16-piece jazz
band. Grab a bite on the outdoor patio.
Lunch and dinner daily.
85 Arch St.; (860) 246-7610 archstreettavern.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$
Asylum Cafe
Italian. This small yet intimate venue allows many dining
options. There are only a dozen small tables and a small
yet vibrant bar. Stop in for a slice of pizza after a game, or
dine before a concert on freshly prepared lasagna or
ravioli in the Asylum Cafe’s signature zesty tomato sauce.
Save room for the cheesecake.
Lunch and dinner M-Sa.
253 Asylum St.; (860) 524-8635 theasylumcafe.com
B, CC, M, OD, $$
Azucar
Cuban/Caribbean. Azucar has a festive but elegant
atmosphere. Its selection of spicy, unique foods like
Tenderloin Cubano with Chorizo sausage and Ropa
Vieja, shredded beef spiced with peppers, onions and
garlic will keep your taste buds dancing.
Lunch and dinner Tu-Sa.
494 Franklin Ave.; (860) 296-5800 azucarrestaurant.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$
Barça - Read the Review
Spanish/Portuguese. Enjoy a bright, authentic atmosphere
that reflects the restaurant’s bold and flavorful cuisine.
There’s a selection of tapas and updated Spanish foods.
With live music on the weekends and a garage door that
opens to the street, go from Hartford to Barcelona, all in the
course of a delicious meal. Open seven days a week for
lunch from 11:30-3:30 and dinner from 5:30-10.
Sunday brunch from 11:30-6.
1429 Park St.; (860) 951-7823 barcahartford.com
B CC M OD R WC $$$
bin 228
Italian. Wine bins line the walls of this innovative Italian
restaurant. It’s casual and funky, with a cozy urban vibe
and fabulous bar, and there’s even outdoor dining.
Specials like beef carpaccio, the imported cheese plate
and coppa paninis (pressed sandwiches) are highly
recommended. Lunch M-F; Dinner M-Sa.
228 Pearl St.; (860) 244-9463 bin228winebar.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$
Black-eyed Sally’s BBQ and Blues
BBQ/Cajun/Creole. Live blues Wednesday through Saturday
nights make this well-known restaurant the place to go for
incredible Cajun and Creole flavors of the South. Relaxed
and casual, the crowd here enjoys the Jambalaya and racks
of ribs. Lunch M-F; Dinner M-Sa.
350 Asylum St.; (860) 278-7427 blackeyedsallys.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$
Carbone’s Restaurant - Read the Review
Italian. Carbone’s is elegant and cozy with wonderful
specialties such as the Vietello Cuscinetto, a mouth-
watering veal dish. The staff is friendly and accommodating.
Carbone’s also caters to many on-site private parties and
functions. Lunch M-F; Dinner M-Sa.
588 Franklin Ave.; (860) 296-9646 carbonesct.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$
Casa Mia Ristorante
Italian. This romantic and traditional Italian restaurant is
known for its veal and seafood. For dinner, try the Veal
Boscaiolo, a delicious dish of veal, porcini mushrooms,
wine and garlic. Dine al fresco on the terrace in the summer.
Lunch M, W, Th, F; Dinner daily.
381 Franklin Ave.; (860) 296-3441 tomad.net
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$$$
Chef Eugenes
Italian. You can expect a lot of cream sauces and hearty
favorites from Chef Eugene. This popular Italian dining
room with a good reputation and a steady capacity holds
about 60 people, and the bar and lounge attracts a hip crowd.
Lunch M-F; dinner daily.
428 Franklin Ave.; (860) 296-4540
B, CC, R, WC, $$
Churrascaria Braza
Brazilian. Braza is a steakhouse experience like none other.
Guests can choose any or all of the nightly selections of beef,
lamb, pork and poultry served right off the skewer. The
waitstaff will slice the meat before your eyes, and you
control the pace with a green and red-sided chip.
Lunch, M-F; Dinner daily.
488 Farmington Ave.; (860) 882-1839 hottomatos.net
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$$
City Steam Brewery
American. Thursday through Saturday nights are hopping
at the City Steam—between live music in the dining room
and laughs downstairs at the comedy club, there’s plenty
of food and fun for people of all ages. Don’t leave without
trying Lisa’s pie. Lunch and dinner daily.
942 Main St.; (860) 525-1600 citysteambrewerycafe.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$
Costa Del Sol Restaurant
Spanish/Mediterranean. Contemporary and elegant
ambiance with a menu known for its seafood. All of the
food incorporates Spanish and South American flavors,
and although everything is recommended, the paella is a
house specialty. Lunch Tu-F; Dinner Tu-Su.
901 Wethersfield Ave.; (860) 296-1714 costadelsolrestaurant.net
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$$
Dish Bar & Grill 1/2 - Read the Review
Modern American. Enjoy urban chic surroundings and food
in this edgy industrial space in the former Sage-Allen
department store. There’s a main bar in the lounge featuring
a raw bar, and a dessert bar in the main dining room.
Signature dishes include Salmon Wellington and Chips Over
Fish, the "Dish" version of fish ‘n' chips. Open daily for dinner
and late dining; Lunch M-F. Valet parking W-Sa evenings.
900 Main St.; (860) 249-3474 dishbarandgrill.com
B, CC, M, R, WC, $$$
Feng Asian Bistro
Pan Asian. Hartford’s new Japanese restaurant offers a s
ushi bar, cocktail lounge and a 150-seat dining room.
Featured dishes include miso-glazed Chilean Sea Bass
and Laphchung Fried Rice, served with the restaurant’s spicy
XO sauce. The sushi bar menu runs from traditional staples to
bold new combinations. Lunch M-F; Dinner daily.
93 Asylum St.; (860) 549-3364 fengrestaurant.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$$
Firebox
Contemporary American cuisine featuring fresh ingredients
from the state’s farms along with an extensive wine list.
Lunch M-F, Dinner M-Su.
539 Broad St.; (860) 246-1222 fireboxrestaurant.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$
First and Last Tavern
Italian. Known for its fabulous pizza and generous pasta
dishes, this Italian restaurant is the "first" one around and
the "last" one you’ll ever go to, because it’s that good.
This dining room is busy and vibrant, and old photographs
fill the brick walls. Lunch and dinner daily.
939 Maple Ave.; (860) 956-6000 firstandlasttavern.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$
Francesco's Ristorante 1/2 - Read the Review
Italian. Enjoy fine Southern Italian cuisine in a romantic
atmosphere in one of two dining rooms or the banquet
room for parties of 20 to 75. An extensive Italian wine list
complements the veal and Mediterranean seafood dishes
that are the restaurant’s specialties. Popular are the grilled
octopus appetizer, the swordfish picata, and the chicken
Victoria done with hot chili peppers, fresh garlic and a
vinaigrette reduction sauce.
Lunch and dinner Su-F; Dinner Sa.
318 Franklin Ave.; (860) 296-3024 ristorantefrancescos.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$$
The Half Door
Irish Pub. Expect typical Irish fare at this traditional Irish pub.
With everything from soups and salads to Shepherd’s pie,
your dinner Leprechaun will surely be satisfied. Extensive beer
selection– over 60 bottled imports. In addition to the bar, there’s
outdoor dining and live music on Wednesdays, Fridays and
Saturdays. Lunch and dinner M-Su; Breakfast Sa-Su.
270 Sisson Ave.; (860) 232-7827 thehalfdoor.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $
Hook & Ladder
American. Hook and Ladder offers the spirit of brotherhood
along with a reasonably priced menu, making it a great place
for families or a casual meal with friends. Get classic pub
favorites including hamburgers, hotdogs, chowder and
beers in a restaurant designed to make you feel as if you’re
sitting in a firehouse. Lunch and dinner daily.
207 Main St.; (860) 246-4665 hook-ladder.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$
Hot Tomato’s
Italian. Hot Tomato’s casual downtown location perfectly
mimics its atmosphere. The dining room is busy and vibrant,
the bar trendy and fun. The Tortellini Rose and the chicken
pesto are highly recommended, but everything on the diverse
menu is impressive. Lunch M-F; Dinner M-Su.
1 Union Place; (860) 249-5100 hottomatos.net
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$$
Ichiban
Japanese/Korean. The owners of Ichiban have relocated
from downtown to the West End, where they are serving up
both Korean and Japanese favorites. If you’re craving spicy,
they’ll serve their Korean dishes as hot as you like it, and the
Japanese as traditional. The sushi is fresh and varied in
selection. Try the Udon noodles or Miso soup.
530 Farmington Ave.; (860) 236-5599 ichibanhartford.com
CC, R, $
J Restaurant & Bar
Mediterranean. The menu is full of choices from light
offerings, like wraps and shrimp Caesar salads, to traditional
pizza, chicken, veal, and pasta dinners. There is a carefully
chosen wine list and a selection of draft beer and bottles.
Outdoor patio, happy hour Thurs/Fri nights with acoustic
music. Lunch and dinner daily.
297 Washington St.; (860) 527-7764 jrestaurantbar.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$
Kashmir Restaurant
Indian. Enjoy your dinner under the cloth tent of Kashmir in
a dining room decorated in bright Indian colors. Sample the
Chicken Tikka Makhni, a boneless chicken dish sautéed in
coconut, specialty lamb dishes from the à la carte menu, or
choose a fixed price four-course special dinner each evening.
Lunch and dinner M-Sa; Sunday, dinner only.
481 Wethersfield Ave.; (860) 296-9685 kashmirhartford.com
CC, R, $$
Koji 1/2 - Read the Review
Pan Asian. Koji has a hip, contemporary feel with its modern
décor and happening bar. The menu offers a wide selection
of sushi, sake and sapporo with an array of yakitori
(meat on a stick) offerings, in additon to seafood and shellfish
all prepared with a Japanese flair. Lunch M-F; Dinner M-Su.
17 Asylum St.; (860) 247-koji kojidowntown.com
B, CC, M, WC, $$
La Casona
Authentic Latin. The authentic Latin American décor will
remind you of Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Puerto Rico.
The food features authentic dishes like Ceviche Mixto, with
fish, shrimp, squid, scallops and escargot in a tangy lemon
and cilantro sauce. Lunch and dinner Tu-Su.
681 Wethersfield Ave.; (860) 296-9929 casonarestaurant.com
B, CC, M, R, WC, $$
Lena’s First and Last Pizza
Italian. A carry-out or dine-in joint serving Italian cuisine,
with an emphasis on pizza and sandwiches. Catch some
rays on the outdoor dining patio while anticipating a stuffed
meat pizza with two layers of sausage, meatball and pepperoni,
with lots of mozzarella. Lunch and dinner daily.
2053 Park St.; (860) 232-4481 sullyspub.com
M, OD, WC, $
m&m Coffee Shop
American. m&m is a coffee shop with attitude. Its chic and
modern decor marries style and coziness. m&m offers an
extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu that offers a
range of options, both casual and sophisticated. The
restaurant offers a variety of sought-after menu choices.
For delivery call Waiters on Wheels 236-3463.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
315 Trumbull St.; (860) 240-7222 waterfordgrouprestaurants.com
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$$
Masala - Read the Review
Indian. Get upscale Indian cuisine downtown that is a fusion
of both Northern and Southern India with a European influence.
Five signature dishes include Lobster Masala, marinated and
cooked in tandoor, served with a mild white wine masala sauce.
Others include duck, lamb, shrimp and halibut. A vegetarian
favorite is hyderbadi bagare baingan (baby eggplants with
peanut sauce and sesame tamarind.) A back room can be
used for parties. Lunch and dinner M-Sa.
391 Main St.; (860) 882-0900 masalafinedining.com
B, CC, R, $$
Max Downtown
Continental. Max’s is known for its impeccable service and
fabulous food along with such services as take-out, delivery
and nightly valet parking. The continental menu offers
everything from Tuscan salad to swordfish, and the bar is a
great place to start or end a night on the town.
Lunch M-Su.
185 Asylum St.; (860) 522-2530 maxrestaurantgroup.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$
Mayor Mike’s Restaurant 1/2
American/Southwestern. Mayor Mike’s carries the same
comfort food filled menus at lunch and dinner. Foods like
the Rigatoni Bolognese and Not Your Momma’s Meatloaf
satisfy any craving. The sandwich offerings are largely portioned
and the crispy fries that accompany them are to die for.
Lunch M-F; Dinner daily.
283 Asylum St.; (860) 522-6453 mayormikes.com
B, CC, M, R, WC, $$
McKinnon’s
Irish/American. Relaxed, classy and clean, this authentic
Irish eatery offers up classic choices such as corned beef,
Reuben sandwiches and Shepherd’s pie. The food is great,
but a pub would not be a pub without beer, and McKinnon’s
makes it available in 20-ounce imperial pints.
Lunch and dinner daily.
114 Asylum St.; (860) 524-8174 mckinnonsirishpub.com
B, CC, M, WC, $
Monte Alban
Mexican. There is a lot to love at Monte Alban. With artes
Mexicanas decorating the walls and a painted chair rail
done in mosaic motif, the Latin-flavored restaurant is a find.
The menu is top-notch, featuring pozole, a traditional
chicken stew, and Camarones ala Diabla, a sautéed shrimp dish.
531 Farmington Ave.; (860) 523-7423
CC, OD, WC, $
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Steakhouse/Seafood. An American white- linen steakhouse.
Morton’s is famous for its steak and seafood, especially the
porterhouse. A classy bar, valet parking and a superb staff
add elegance to this upscale restaurant. In addition, a facility
for private parties and functions is available. Dinner M-Su.
30 State House Square; (860) 724-0044 mortons.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$$
O’Porto 1/2
Portuguese. This upscale restaurant serves up classic
Portuguese cuisine with a classy flair. The ambience is
rustic, with brick walls and an open ceiling, creating a
unique identity for the restaurant. Codfish, a Portuguese
staple, is a feature of many menu items, while the Marisca,
a seafood casserole, has quickly become a customer favorite.
2074 Park St.; (860) 233-3184 oportohartford.com
B, CC, R, OD, WC, $$$
Peppercorn’s Grill
Italian. A beautiful mural depicts Rome in this upscale Italian
restaurant. The dinner menu includes traditional favorites such
as Veal Osso Buco and spinach-ricotta ravioli, and there are
new specials every day. Remember, when in Rome, do as the
Romans do, and save room for the Valrohnna cake, served
with a creamy hazelnut gelato.
Lunch M-F; Dinner M-Sa.
357 Main St.; (860) 547-1714 peppercornsgrill.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$
PolytechnicON20 - Read the Review
American/French. You get beautiful river and city views plus
a sophisticated atmosphere. The menu features sumptuous
seasonal cuisine prepared by Chef Noel Jones. There’s
frequent entertainment, including the Last Friday Jazz
Series. Special events by request.
Lunch M-F; Cocktails and dinner Th-F.
1 State St.; (860) 722-5161 polytechnicon20.com
B, CC, M, R, WC, $$$$
Rajun Cajun
Cajun. Southern hospitality abounds at this Cajun eatery.
Serving monster portions of home cooked meals like
macaroni and cheese and a dish called Catfish Desire,
this place is all about authenticity. With a warm, casual
atmosphere and a soul food menu, what’s not to like?
Lunch M-F; Dinner Tu-Sa; Brunch Su.
2790 Main St.; (860) 241-9288 rajuncajunct.com
B, CC, WC, $
The Russell
American/Jamaican. A light menu of mostly sandwiches and
salads makes this hip restaurant a satisfying stop on most
any occasion. The curry-infused chicken sandwich and spicy
chicken wrap, served with plantain chips, keep the Jamaican
influence apparent. The atmo-sphere is modern and inviting,
the vibe ignited by jazz nights and spoken word events. Plus,
great cocktail selections. Lunch and dinner daily; Brunch Su.
103 Pratt St.; (860) 727-4014 therussell.net
B, CC, OD, R, WC, $$
Spris 1/2
Italian. Hip, engaging and sophisticated. Enjoy Spris’s
authentic northern Italian cuisine and live entertainment
on Thursday nights. Relax with the view of the Constitution
Plaza and Hartford through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Lunch and dinner M-Sa.
10 Constitution Plaza; (860) 247-7747 sprishartford.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$
Tapas on Ann
Mediterranean. A funky martini bar with healthy food served
late, this casual restaurant offers huge humus platters, kettle
made soups, flat-bread pizzas, burgers and delicious gyros,
just to name a few. In addition, there is a lively bar and
outdoor seating, and take-out is available.
Lunch and dinner M-Sa.
126-130 Ann St.; (860) 525-5988 tapasonline.com
B, CC, OD, WC, $$
Tisane Tea and Coffee Bar
American. A seasonal stone patio with exotic plantings
beside the bamboo awning make Tisane an island oasis
in Hartford’s West End. Unwind outside on the patio or
in the comfortable indoor seating with one of 40 unique
"martea-nis." Pair that with a selection of fresh salads,
wraps and overstuffed paninis.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
537 Farmington Ave.; (860) 523-5417 mytisane.com
CC, M, OD, WC, $
Trumbull Kitchen
Continental. Perfect for dinner or drinks with friends,
Trumbull Kitchen offers an Asian-infused menu and
fabulous happy hour selections like mini cheese calzones
and veggie pizzas. Enjoy the urban atmosphere, with its
trendy leather walls, the smaller loft dining room enclosed
by French doors, and the chic and colorful bar.
Lunch M-F; dinner daily.
150 Trumbull St.; (860) 493-7417 maxrestaurantgroup.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$
USS Chowder Pot IV
Seafood. Stretch your sea legs and get ready for some of the
best seafood in Connecticut. Award-winning prime rib, steaks
and seafood are complemented by the appropriate nautical
theme. For a special treat, try the stuffed shrimp or the prime rib.
Lunch M-Sa; dinner daily.
165 Brainard Rd.; (860) 244-3311 chowderpot.com
B, CC, M, WC, $$
Vaughan’s Public House
Irish. Vaughan’s Public House serves up smoked salmon,
tender corned beef and Glenkerry potatoes. It also offers
homemade Irish cream, signature Irish coffees, the finest
single malts and dozens of memorable ways to fill a pint
glass. The pub’s authentic hand crafted furniture and décor
were hand-carried across the pond.
Lunch and dinner daily.
59 Pratt St.; (860) 882-1560 irishpublichouse.com
B, CC, M, R, WC, $
Vito’s By the Park
Italian/Seafood. With a spectacular view of Bushnell Park,
dining at Vito’s is a unique experience. Check out the huge
wall mural, painted in a park motif. The fresh, made-to- order
Italian food tastes home-cooked, and the service is
impeccable. Try the Besteka à la Vito or the lobster ravioli.
Lunch M-F; Dinner daily.
26 Trumbull St.; (860) 244-2200 vitosct.com
B, CC, M, OD, R, WC, $$$
VIVO Seasonal Trattoria 1/2
Tuscan. Meal choices are all inspired by simple, contemporary
Mediterranean flavors and the finest market-fresh,
seasonal ingredients. To add Tuscan authenticity, many
dishes are prepared in the restaurant’s wood-fire ovens.
Try the Crispy Red Snapper with littleneck clams, saffron broth
and romesco sauce. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
200 Columbus Blvd.; (860) 760-2333 vivohartford.com
B, CC, R, WC, $$$
Wood-n-Tap
American. Burgers and buffalo wings abound at this trendy
bar and grill. Plasma screens to watch your favorite sports.
Wood-n-Tap caters to the happy-hour crowd and diners alike.
There’s also take-out service.
Lunch and dinner daily.
99 Sisson Ave.; (860) 232-8277 woodntap.com
B, CC, M, R, WC, $$
