7 Favorite Hartford, CT, Restaurants

One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Hartford may be better known as the “Insurance Capital of the World” than as a destination for fine dining. Yet there’s a growing collection of eateries here that might change that perception. If you’re in search of the best Hartford, CT, restaurants, here are a few of our favorites to try.

7 FAVORITE HARTFORD, CT, RESTAURANTS

SALUTE

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite at the bar or a comfortable evening of dining, this upscale Trumbull Street restaurant is worth a look. The wine and cocktail lists are expansive, and the menu ranges from cheeseburgers to lobster pinchiori to peppercorn-crusted tuna (but the sweet potato ravioli steals the show).

MAX DOWNTOWN

Max Downtown is popular with locals and visitors alike, although its location in the insurance district draws a crowd that leans toward business/professional (there’s a dress code for the dining room, but not for the bar). At heart, this place is a chophouse, but there’s enough variety in the food and drink menus to keep everyone happy.

ON20

Located on the 20th floor of  One State Street since 1983, this 2013 Best of New England award winner (“Best Riverview Restaurant”) offers a menu that combines creativity with time-tested favorites. Can’t decide? Order the chef’s tasting menu and allow the decisions to be made for you. The food is excellent, and the gorgeous views of the city and the Connecticut River will change the way you think of Hartford.

BEAR’S SMOKEHOUSE

If casual dining is more your speed, you can’t go wrong at this local chain, singled out by Yankee for a 2017 Best of New England award (“Best Barbecue”). With three locations (Hartford, Windsor, South Windsor), Bear’s has cornered Greater Hartford’s market on Kansas-style wood-smoked barbecue. Don’t miss the brisket.

CITY STEAM

Located in the historic Cheney Building (formerly home to the largest department store in the state and considered one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in the country), City Steam combines classic American bistro food and fine local beers. It’s a simple formula but a winning one, which led to its receiving a 2013 Best of New England award (“Best Beer and Snacks”).

BLACK-EYED SALLY’S

Get ready for a taste of blues music served with crawfish, fried okra, and barbecue at this 2013 Best of New England award winner (“Best Music and Southern Menu”). There’s live music almost every night, and on Sundays there’s a special brunch menu where you can get some of the best fried catfish, eggs, and cheddar grits to be found in New England.

CARBONE’S

With roots that stretch back to 1938, when the family opened a chicken restaurant named Southern Plantation, Carbone’s is a South End tradition in Hartford. The menu has evolved quite a bit over the years. Chicken still makes an appearance here and there, but the focus now is on high-end Italian fare like calamari and veal cuscinetto. And a touch of flair and quality ingredients make time-honored favorites like lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs a whole new experience.

What are your picks for the best restaurants in Hartford, CT?

SEE MORE:
Tour the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut
Summer in Hartford, Connecticut | Gardens, Parks, and History
Best of Hartford, CT | 2013 Editors’ Choice Awards

Joe Bills

Former associate editor Joe Bills is the co-owner of Escape Hatch Books in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. After nearly a decade of fact-checking, responding to readers, and writing several articles for Yankee, he now brings his expertise to our sister publication The Old Farmer's Almanac.

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