The best restaurants in Hartford

80 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 80 places · showing the latest additions first

Coffee shop by day and tavern by night featuring wood-fired pizza and brunch dishes, plus an outdoor deck.

393 Farmington Ave (Plainville)

Coffee shop by day and tavern by night featuring wood-fired pizza and brunch dishes, plus an outdoor deck.

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Relaxed venue for bagels made fresh, sandwiches, muffins and pastries, plus coffee and tea.

243 Hartford Turnpike (Vernon)

Relaxed venue for bagels made fresh, sandwiches, muffins and pastries, plus coffee and tea.

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Traditional Italian specialties, including pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, served in a casual setting.

199 Shunpike Rd (Cromwell)

Traditional Italian specialties, including pizza, pasta, and sandwiches, served in a casual setting.

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Stylish, understated spot with unique sushi/sashimi combos & dramatic, flaming hibachi grill dishes.

45 S Main St (Unionville)

Stylish, understated spot with unique sushi/sashimi combos & dramatic, flaming hibachi grill dishes.

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Kensington Pizza

Restaurants

Relaxed restaurant serving a variety of pizzas, plus grinders, salads, and other comfort eats.

366 Main St (Kensington)

Relaxed restaurant serving a variety of pizzas, plus grinders, salads, and other comfort eats.

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Zerio's

Restaurants

Italian kitchen offering pizza, soups & deli-style sandwiches in modest digs with a warm vibe.

2 Willowbrook Rd (Cromwell)

Italian kitchen offering pizza, soups & deli-style sandwiches in modest digs with a warm vibe.

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Casual Italian dining featuring gluten-free options, plus happy hours, and a kids' menu.

4 Prospect Hill Rd (East Windsor)

Casual Italian dining featuring gluten-free options, plus happy hours, and a kids' menu.

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Casual eatery serving Tex-Mex fare such as tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos and fried red snapper, plus margaritas and cocktails.

2 Corporate Dr (Windsor Locks)

Casual eatery serving Tex-Mex fare such as tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, burritos and fried red snapper, plus margaritas and cocktails.

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"Dirty" wings are the specialty at this tavern set in a circa-1789 building.

143 New Britain Ave (Plainville)

"Dirty" wings are the specialty at this tavern set in a circa-1789 building.

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Casual, trendy eatery known for its Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders in a range of spice levels.

3384 Berlin Tpke (Newington)

Casual, trendy eatery known for its Nashville-style hot chicken tenders and sliders in a range of spice levels.

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German comfort food & beer in a vibrant destination that has a year-round Oktoberfest vibe.

131 Dwight St (New Britain)

German comfort food & beer in a vibrant destination that has a year-round Oktoberfest vibe.

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Chick-fil-A

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

3240 Berlin Tpke (Newington)

Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches & nuggets along with salads & sides.

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Casual spot featuring a mongolian grill where guests build their own bowls.

3025 Berlin Tpke (Newington)

Casual spot featuring a mongolian grill where guests build their own bowls.

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Capitol Lunch

Restaurants

Circa-1929 joint serving hot dogs, burgers & fries in a no-frills space hung with musicians' photos.

510 Main St (New Britain)

Circa-1929 joint serving hot dogs, burgers & fries in a no-frills space hung with musicians' photos.

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Syriana Cuisine

Restaurants

Casual eatery serving a menu of Mediterranean classics such as falafel and lamb kabsa, plus pita and pies.

238 Allen St (New Britain)

Casual eatery serving a menu of Mediterranean classics such as falafel and lamb kabsa, plus pita and pies.

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Simple kitchen serving typical Puerto Rican eats such as pernil & plantains in a buffet-style setup.

340 Arch St (New Britain)

Simple kitchen serving typical Puerto Rican eats such as pernil & plantains in a buffet-style setup.

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Casual, clean eatery featuring traditional Thai mains, such as pad thai, curries and spring rolls.

1128 Farmington Ave (Berlin)

Casual, clean eatery featuring traditional Thai mains, such as pad thai, curries and spring rolls.

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El Sarape

Restaurants

El Sarape is the kind of Hartford spot you hit when the craving is real, with legit tacos, hefty tortas, sizzling veggie fajitas, and…

931 Broad St

El Sarape is the kind of Hartford spot you hit when the craving is real, with legit tacos, hefty tortas, sizzling veggie fajitas, and breaded fish that actually makes you pause mid-bite. Order for the couch or let them cater your crew this week.

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Sampizza Bar

Restaurants

Sampizza Bar is where Brazil meets your table, with handcrafted pies that riff on Brazilian flavors and a legit bar to keep the night…

40 John St

Sampizza Bar is where Brazil meets your table, with handcrafted pies that riff on Brazilian flavors and a legit bar to keep the night rolling. Slide in for a midweek upgrade or call it your Friday ritual, because Hartford deserves pizza with personality.

From the Hartford newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Vietnamese restaurant specializing in pho and other classic dishes made with fresh ingredients.

200 West St (Cromwell)

Vietnamese restaurant specializing in pho and other classic dishes made with fresh ingredients.

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Sorella

Restaurants

Relaxed, upscale restaurant serving housemade pasta, brick-oven pizza & other Italian standards.

901 Main St

Relaxed, upscale restaurant serving housemade pasta, brick-oven pizza & other Italian standards.

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Rooster Co.

Restaurants

Locally sourced roast chicken is the forte of this New American eatery with a warm, industrial vibe.

1076 Main St (Newington)

Locally sourced roast chicken is the forte of this New American eatery with a warm, industrial vibe.

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Josie's Corner

Restaurants

Casual cafe dishing up homestyle breakfast options, as well as lunch fare such as cheeseburger omelets, bread loaves, omelets, pancakes,…

166 Mill St (Berlin)

Casual cafe dishing up homestyle breakfast options, as well as lunch fare such as cheeseburger omelets, bread loaves, omelets, pancakes, sandwiches and French toast.

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Local BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting.

2152 Poquonock Ave (Windsor)

Local BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting.

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Bi-level Caribbean restaurant with a curved bar, stylish decor of wood & leather & DJ nights.

187 Allyn St

Bi-level Caribbean restaurant with a curved bar, stylish decor of wood & leather & DJ nights.

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Lively Japanese spot grilling meat tableside & serving a variety of sushi & sashimi.

962 Farmington Ave (West Hartford)

Lively Japanese spot grilling meat tableside & serving a variety of sushi & sashimi.

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Agave Grill

Restaurants

Tableside guacamole & a long list of tequila star at this lively Mexican restaurant.

100 Allyn St #1418

Tableside guacamole & a long list of tequila star at this lively Mexican restaurant.

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Trumbull Kitchen

Restaurants

Seafood headlines the eclectic menu at this casual, industrial-chic eatery with a lively bar scene.

150 Trumbull St

Seafood headlines the eclectic menu at this casual, industrial-chic eatery with a lively bar scene.

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Salute

Restaurants

Trendy Italian restaurant with an upscale menu of pastas (gluten-free available) & grilled dishes.

100 Trumbull St

Trendy Italian restaurant with an upscale menu of pastas (gluten-free available) & grilled dishes.

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Italian restaurant & bar serving upscale cuisine in a warm, intimate space.

357 Main St

Italian restaurant & bar serving upscale cuisine in a warm, intimate space.

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VN Phở

Restaurants

Traditional Vietnamese restaurant specializing in pho and rice dishes, and serving bubble tea.

59 Overlook Terrace, 501 Flatbush Ave

Traditional Vietnamese restaurant specializing in pho and rice dishes, and serving bubble tea.

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Monte Alban

Restaurants

Low-key spot for Mexican staples like tacos, burritos & enchiladas, plus breakfast & outdoor tables.

531 Farmington Ave

Low-key spot for Mexican staples like tacos, burritos & enchiladas, plus breakfast & outdoor tables.

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Sushi mainstay with an array of unique rolls & happy hour, in a sleek space with neon details.

1295 Silas Deane Hwy (Wethersfield)

Sushi mainstay with an array of unique rolls & happy hour, in a sleek space with neon details.

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Local BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting.

25 Front St

Local BBQ outpost serving smoked meats & sandwiches, plus comfort sides, in a low-key setting.

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Popular restaurant supplying elevated takes on burgers, boozy shakes & a big beer selection.

124 LaSalle Rd (West Hartford)

Popular restaurant supplying elevated takes on burgers, boozy shakes & a big beer selection.

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Casual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.

1491 New Britain Ave (West Hartford)

Casual chain serving cooked-to-order Korean fried chicken, plus other traditional eats.

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Casual, unfussy outpost offering Italian standards such as pasta, entrees & desserts plus wine.

389 Main St (East Hartford)

Casual, unfussy outpost offering Italian standards such as pasta, entrees & desserts plus wine.

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City Pizza

Restaurants

Small, spare pizzeria known for offering thin-crust pies & grinders until late at night on weekends.

498 Farmington Ave

Small, spare pizzeria known for offering thin-crust pies & grinders until late at night on weekends.

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Gather55

Restaurants

Comfortable eatery; "pay-what-you-can" business model; community cause; regular guest chefs.

55 Bartholomew Ave

Comfortable eatery; "pay-what-you-can" business model; community cause; regular guest chefs.

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Pond House Cafe

Restaurants

Refined eatery in Elizabeth Park dishing out imaginative New American meals including brunch.

1555 Asylum Ave (West Hartford)

Refined eatery in Elizabeth Park dishing out imaginative New American meals including brunch.

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Casual eatery offering Spanish, and especially Dominican, cuisine, plus a bar and dancing.

678 Maple Ave

Casual eatery offering Spanish, and especially Dominican, cuisine, plus a bar and dancing.

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The Laurel

Restaurants

Upscale eatery dishing up creative fare and libations.

1046 New Britain Ave (West Hartford)

Upscale eatery dishing up creative fare and libations.

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Bustling, urbane restaurant where diners sample Spanish tapas, sangria & Iberian wines.

971 Farmington Ave (West Hartford)

Bustling, urbane restaurant where diners sample Spanish tapas, sangria & Iberian wines.

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Maple Tree Cafe

Restaurants

Neighborhood Italian eatery with regular live music performances in the bar area.

781 Hopmeadow St (Simsbury)

Neighborhood Italian eatery with regular live music performances in the bar area.

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Noodle soups, banh mi sandwiches & other traditional fare served in a low-key environment.

989 New Britain Ave (West Hartford)

Noodle soups, banh mi sandwiches & other traditional fare served in a low-key environment.

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It's Just Wings

Restaurants

Takeout spot for saucy boneless or traditional chicken wings in various flavors, along with fries and fried Oreos.

1425 Farmington Ave (Bristol)

Takeout spot for saucy boneless or traditional chicken wings in various flavors, along with fries and fried Oreos.

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Feng Chophouse

Restaurants

Upscale eatery offers creative sushi & a range of Southeast Asian cuisines in a sleek urban setting.

93 Asylum St

Upscale eatery offers creative sushi & a range of Southeast Asian cuisines in a sleek urban setting.

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Pan-American eatery offering seasonal menus with local ingredients, plus a full bar, and catering.

539 Broad St

Pan-American eatery offering seasonal menus with local ingredients, plus a full bar, and catering.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

550 Farmington Ave

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Soulbaila

Restaurants

Relaxed eatery featuring DJ-spun music, cocktails and comfort food, along with a VIP section.

735 Wethersfield Ave

Relaxed eatery featuring DJ-spun music, cocktails and comfort food, along with a VIP section.

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Relaxed Italian chain eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, plus wine & cocktails.

325 W Farms Mall (Farmington)

Relaxed Italian chain eatery serving Tuscan-inspired grill fare, plus wine & cocktails.

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Campus Pizza

Restaurants

Trinity campus pizza parlor also serving grinders & pasta, with booths & wood paneling; open late.

1258 Broad St

Trinity campus pizza parlor also serving grinders & pasta, with booths & wood paneling; open late.

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WINGSPOT

Restaurants

Chicken wings coated in various rubs and sauces served with potato sides, plus crispy sandwiches.

1014 Main St (East Hartford)

Chicken wings coated in various rubs and sauces served with potato sides, plus crispy sandwiches.

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GastroPark

Restaurants

Beer, cocktails, food trucks, and a laid-back atmosphere with live music and a fireplace.

637 New Park Ave (West Hartford)

Beer, cocktails, food trucks, and a laid-back atmosphere with live music and a fireplace.

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The Brownstone

Restaurants

Pizza, wings, and other pub grub offered in a casual setting with sports on TV and live music.

114 Asylum St

Pizza, wings, and other pub grub offered in a casual setting with sports on TV and live music.

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Pietro's Pizza

Restaurants

Unassuming Italian eatery serving a lengthy menu that includes pizza, pasta, sandwiches & steaks.

942 Main St

Unassuming Italian eatery serving a lengthy menu that includes pizza, pasta, sandwiches & steaks.

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bartaco

Restaurants

Creative tacos & drinks served in upbeat, industrial-chic digs with patio seating & frequent music.

971 Farmington Ave (West Hartford)

Creative tacos & drinks served in upbeat, industrial-chic digs with patio seating & frequent music.

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Beachland Tavern

Restaurants

American staples & happy hours offered in a warm, comfortable environment with a long bar.

1128 New Britain Ave (West Hartford)

American staples & happy hours offered in a warm, comfortable environment with a long bar.

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Denovellis

Restaurants

Straightforward Italian dishes served up in a spacious, homey, brick-walled interior.

944 Cromwell Ave (Rocky Hill)

Straightforward Italian dishes served up in a spacious, homey, brick-walled interior.

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Open-late pub popular for its wings & other bar bites, plus plenty of TVs tuned to sports.

88 New Britain Ave (Plainville)

Open-late pub popular for its wings & other bar bites, plus plenty of TVs tuned to sports.

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Cozy, casual eatery offering an ample menu of breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as catering.

330 Broad St (Windsor)

Cozy, casual eatery offering an ample menu of breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as catering.

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The Beamhouse

Restaurants

Warm spot featuring beer, American eats, and crafted cocktails in a refitted tannery with a modern rustic vibe.

917 New London Turnpike (Glastonbury)

Warm spot featuring beer, American eats, and crafted cocktails in a refitted tannery with a modern rustic vibe.

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Casual restaurant with counter service serving Caribbean dishes, including vegan options.

881 New Britain Ave

Casual restaurant with counter service serving Caribbean dishes, including vegan options.

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Basic Korean & Japanese restaurant with a big menu featuring hot pots, bento boxes & more.

530 Farmington Ave

Basic Korean & Japanese restaurant with a big menu featuring hot pots, bento boxes & more.

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Low-lit, contemporary outpost offering lively hibachi meals, sushi rolls & other Japanese staples.

US, 345 N Main St (West Hartford)

Low-lit, contemporary outpost offering lively hibachi meals, sushi rolls & other Japanese staples.

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Wayback Burgers

Restaurants

Made-to-order burgers & milkshakes fill out the menu at this quick-serve chain with retro decor.

450 S Main St (West Hartford)

Made-to-order burgers & milkshakes fill out the menu at this quick-serve chain with retro decor.

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Relaxed eatery featuring authentic Mexican favorites such as fajitas and tacos, plus a full bar.

179 Park Rd (West Hartford)

Relaxed eatery featuring authentic Mexican favorites such as fajitas and tacos, plus a full bar.

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Phở Boston

Restaurants

Traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho & vermicelli noodle plates served in basic quarters.

144 Shield St (West Hartford)

Traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho & vermicelli noodle plates served in basic quarters.

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Avert Brasserie

Restaurants

Relaxed French kitchen serving classic dishes made from local ingredients in a quaint setting.

35a LaSalle Rd (West Hartford)

Relaxed French kitchen serving classic dishes made from local ingredients in a quaint setting.

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Versatile & contemporary venue for seasonal American food, with a sizable wine list.

336 W Main St (Avon)

Versatile & contemporary venue for seasonal American food, with a sizable wine list.

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The Pho Bar

Restaurants

Vietnamese eatery featuring beef noodle soup (pho), stir-fry dishes and rice entrees.

224 Berlin Tpke (Berlin)

Vietnamese eatery featuring beef noodle soup (pho), stir-fry dishes and rice entrees.

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Popular destination for creative Italian fare accented by a vibrant bar scene & a seasonal patio.

78 LaSalle Rd (West Hartford)

Popular destination for creative Italian fare accented by a vibrant bar scene & a seasonal patio.

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Industrial-chic hangout for Neapolitan pizza & wood-fired plates paired with wine, beer & cocktails.

32 LaSalle Rd (West Hartford)

Industrial-chic hangout for Neapolitan pizza & wood-fired plates paired with wine, beer & cocktails.

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Elmo's Dockside

Restaurants

Family-run, nautically themed eatery offering seafood standards along with steaks & chops.

48 Hartford Turnpike (Vernon)

Family-run, nautically themed eatery offering seafood standards along with steaks & chops.

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Max Downtown

Restaurants

Upscale spot with prime cuts & seafood, extensive wine list, cocktails for expense account crowd.

185 Asylum St

Upscale spot with prime cuts & seafood, extensive wine list, cocktails for expense account crowd.

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Informal halal restaurant whipping up Italian standards like veal piccata, plus Balkan dishes.

577 Franklin Ave

Informal halal restaurant whipping up Italian standards like veal piccata, plus Balkan dishes.

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I Love Sushi

Restaurants

Super-friendly owner, fresh fish and sushi restaurant for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

278 Park Rd Unit A (West Hartford)

Super-friendly owner, fresh fish and sushi restaurant for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

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Music venue for jazz & other genres, with hearty pub fare & beer in a lofty barnlike space.

85 Arch St

Music venue for jazz & other genres, with hearty pub fare & beer in a lofty barnlike space.

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Southern fare & BBQ in a hip, vibrant roadhouse with live blues, jazz & soul music.

350 Asylum St

Southern fare & BBQ in a hip, vibrant roadhouse with live blues, jazz & soul music.

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American fare featuring farm-fresh produce, plus cocktails and wine in chic digs.

1 Memorial Rd (West Hartford)

American fare featuring farm-fresh produce, plus cocktails and wine in chic digs.

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