The best bars & nightlife in Bristol

10 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 10 places · showing the latest additions first

Ideal Tavern

Nightlife

Modernized American favorites & craft drinks served in a casual, wood-accented space.

142 Center St Ste 1 (Southington)

Modernized American favorites & craft drinks served in a casual, wood-accented space.

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Craft cocktails and food are served at this hidden spot.

69 Arch St (New Britain)

Craft cocktails and food are served at this hidden spot.

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Fork and Fire

Nightlife

Bistro-inspired fare with communal high tops & lounge seating & happy hour & taco Tuesday specials.

838 Farmington Ave (Farmington)

Bistro-inspired fare with communal high tops & lounge seating & happy hour & taco Tuesday specials.

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Casual family-run pizzeria serving Italian dinners & pasta in addition to its brick-oven pies.

41 Chamberlain Hwy (Berlin)

Casual family-run pizzeria serving Italian dinners & pasta in addition to its brick-oven pies.

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Casual restaurant at a golf club with a patio and a 1920s-era clubhouse.

150 Savage St (Plantsville)

Casual restaurant at a golf club with a patio and a 1920s-era clubhouse.

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Relaxed location featuring craft hard cider and food trucks amid orchards plus scenic views.

36 Long Bottom Rd (Southington)

Relaxed location featuring craft hard cider and food trucks amid orchards plus scenic views.

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Bleachers

Nightlife

Sports-centric hub in a strip mall with bar food & many beer choices, plus pool tables & live music.

300 Middle St

Sports-centric hub in a strip mall with bar food & many beer choices, plus pool tables & live music.

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Cozy, cash-only tavern with late-night hours, a pool table, and regular live music.

115 W Main St (Plantsville)

Cozy, cash-only tavern with late-night hours, a pool table, and regular live music.

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The Olive Bar

Nightlife

Casual place for Greek eats, beer, cocktails and wine, plus live music.

9 School St (Unionville)

Casual place for Greek eats, beer, cocktails and wine, plus live music.

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Old-fashioned pub offering Irish eats, plus DJs & live music, in easygoing surroundings.

1678 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike (Milldale)

Old-fashioned pub offering Irish eats, plus DJs & live music, in easygoing surroundings.

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