The best bars & nightlife in Hartford

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

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Pinned in Hartford today

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Nightlife · 21 places · showing the latest additions first

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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Airport-area Italian mainstay with signature prime rib, plus a patio with views of the air activity.

106 Ella Grasso Turnpike (Windsor Locks)

Airport-area Italian mainstay with signature prime rib, plus a patio with views of the air activity.

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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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Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

4 Sebethe Dr (Cromwell)

Family-friendly chain serving classic Tex-Mex & American fare in a Southwestern-style setting.

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Relaxed Japanese fixture in a strip mall with hibachi entrees & a sushi bar, plus TVs & happy hours.

25 Ella Grasso Turnpike (Windsor Locks)

Relaxed Japanese fixture in a strip mall with hibachi entrees & a sushi bar, plus TVs & happy hours.

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Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

320 Buckland Hills Dr (Manchester)

Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

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Mexican handcrafts decorate this chain serving tacos, enchiladas, margaritas & other classics.

350 Roberts St (East Hartford)

Mexican handcrafts decorate this chain serving tacos, enchiladas, margaritas & other classics.

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Creative pub eats, house-brewed beers & cocktails, served in a warehouse-style space with events.

165 Adams St (Manchester)

Creative pub eats, house-brewed beers & cocktails, served in a warehouse-style space with events.

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Relaxed tavern and burger joint, with a menu of typical bar fare, plus volleyball courts and game areas.

512 Cedar St (Newington)

Relaxed tavern and burger joint, with a menu of typical bar fare, plus volleyball courts and game areas.

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Rocking Horse Bar & Grill is an easy win this week with live concerts, karaoke, bingo, and line dancing, plus a menu built for cravings.…

181 Ann Uccello St

Rocking Horse Bar & Grill is an easy win this week with live concerts, karaoke, bingo, and line dancing, plus a menu built for cravings. Think custom-flavor burgers, wings, and steak tips, then chase it with a solid bourbon pour or a locally brewed ale... because adulting deserves a soundtrack.

From the Hartford newsletter, August 6, 2026

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If your week could use a little exhale, Crystal Ridge Winery pours Connecticut-made wines with rolling hillside views that make errands…

257 Belltown Rd (South Glastonbury)

If your week could use a little exhale, Crystal Ridge Winery pours Connecticut-made wines with rolling hillside views that make errands feel far away. Settle in for a relaxed flight or a glass, discover a new favorite bottle, and give your Sunday reset a well-deserved upgrade.

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Veteran, brick-lined hangout featuring late-night American grub & weekend brunch.

369 Capitol Ave

Veteran, brick-lined hangout featuring late-night American grub & weekend brunch.

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Upscale New American dishes paired with wine & cocktails in a sleek, sophisticated locale.

64 LaSalle Rd (West Hartford)

Upscale New American dishes paired with wine & cocktails in a sleek, sophisticated locale.

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Pigs Eye Pub

Nightlife

Friendly local bar with craft beers, decorated walls (pigs & more), happy hour, pool & a patio.

356 Asylum St

Friendly local bar with craft beers, decorated walls (pigs & more), happy hour, pool & a patio.

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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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The Lady

Nightlife

Revived old tavern with dark wood, antiques & stained glass, offering pub grub & theme nights.

191 Ann Uccello St

Revived old tavern with dark wood, antiques & stained glass, offering pub grub & theme nights.

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Trendy New American spot serving gourmet comfort food in a roomy setup with a rooftop & terrace.

986 Farmington Ave (West Hartford)

Trendy New American spot serving gourmet comfort food in a roomy setup with a rooftop & terrace.

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Cozy pub offering traditional Irish fare, Guinness & single malts amid dark woods & memorabilia.

59 Pratt St

Cozy pub offering traditional Irish fare, Guinness & single malts amid dark woods & memorabilia.

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L BAR

Nightlife

Modern, airy hotel lounge at the Marriott serving cocktails, beer & wine plus elevated bar snacks.

200 Columbus Blvd 22nd Floor

Modern, airy hotel lounge at the Marriott serving cocktails, beer & wine plus elevated bar snacks.

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Le Mazet

Nightlife

Cozy spot for steak tartare, duck sandwich, and other French fare, plus wine and happy hour.

975 Farmington Ave (West Hartford)

Cozy spot for steak tartare, duck sandwich, and other French fare, plus wine and happy hour.

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