Last Updated: December 2, 2023
Hartford, Connecticut, has a wide range of great restaurants that cater to many different tastes. With a diverse population and a rich history, Hartford showcases classic New England seafood, Italian trattorias, local farm-to-table, and some great international cuisines. Hartford’s vibrant downtown boasts a nice collection of bars, cafes, and gourmet food trucks, making it great for food enthusiasts and an exciting destination for those seeking diverse culinary experiences in the heart of Connecticut. Also, Hartford is only a 30-minute drive to Storrs for some exciting sports, especially basketball, at the University of Connecticut. This travel guide will show you the best places to eat in Hartford.
Best Hartford, Connecticut Restaurants! Let’s Eat…
Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen and Bar
Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen and Bar offers delicious Southern fare and barbecue. When you throw in live music and a friendly staff, you get one of Hartford’s most enjoyable eating experiences. We always seem to love mac-n-cheese, and this was some of the best. The deviled eggs and gumbo were excellent as appetizers.
Banana Brazil Grill
The Banana Brazil Grill has served delicious Brazilian cuisine in Hartford for 25 years. This place is known for excellent service, authentic food, and friendly staff. The laid-back atmosphere makes you feel relaxed. This place is an all-you-can-eat steakhouse, so come hungry. If you want something different and like traditional meats from Brazil, you can’t go wrong with the Banana Brazil Grill.
Wood-n-Tap Hartford
This place is a trendy little restaurant/pub in a good part of Hartford with great local and regional brew selections and a friendly environment to chill. Be sure to try the lobster grilled cheese if you are there during the summer months. The ribs were excellent as well. It is a good place to go when attending events in the area. You can take your family to the restaurant or go for the excellent beer selection at the bar. They also have a lovely outdoor patio and lounge area.
J Restaurant | Bar
J Restaurant has the most extensive outdoor patio area in Hartford, Connecticut. This landscaped dining area with umbrellas, fire pits, gazebos, and more separates it from the competition. The food selections are delicious, and they take pride in using the freshest ingredients and buying local for the mostly Italian menu, including great sauces, bread, pizza, and soups. They also have a great craft beer, wine, and full bar service selection.
Max Downtown
This place is one of the best places to eat in Hartford, which caters to the clientele willing to pay more for a great experience. It is a cozy place with a contemporary design with a sophisticated cuisine. They have a wide range of perfectly prepared steaks, sesame-crusted tuna, shrimp scampi, and salmon. Don’t forget to try delicious desserts such as caramel ice cream, baked Alaska, and the créme brûlée. The whiskey bar has over 200 selections from around the world.
Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue
If you love good Kansas City-style wood-smoked barbecue with many sides and delicious macaroni and cheese, this is the place for you. The burnt ends are their specialty and simply delicious. This convenient eatery is the perfect spot for a quick bite or a few drinks since it is located across the street from the Infinity Music Hall. It is an excellent addition to the Hartford, Connecticut food scene.
Address:
25 Front St, Hartford, CT 06103
Salute
This is one of the best restaurants in Hartford and great for a social setting if others will be joining you. It has a very casual atmosphere, modern décor, and great service. The Italian cuisine is a must with things like pesto chicken, shrimp pasta and some wonderful prawn dishes. There is also wine, draft beer, coffee martini and great cappuccinos. For dessert, try the tiramisu or gelato as a wonderful finish to a great place to eat in Hartford, Connecticut.
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