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Archive for the 'Hartford' Category

Corner Pug

Corner Pug
1046 New Britain Ave.
West Hartford, CT
860 231 0241

The Corner Pug has the feel of a classic English pub, with dark wood, candleholders sheathed in green glass and various knickknacks perched on the wall moldings. Couples snuggle into mahogany and leather booths for romantic dates and friends meet at the bar, which offers 12 beers on tap, including a fine selection of English ales. The Corner Pug serves a late-night menu until a half-hour before closing time, which is later than most Hartford-area restaurants. Corner Pug’s menu is a cross between a pub and a steak house menu, with some comfort food thrown in—skewered shrimp, St. Louis ribs, French onion soup with gruyere, shepherd’s pie, pot pies. Simple favorites like the Mac ‘N Cheese are incredible. It is very comfortable place to eat or stop in for a drink and the bill won’t empty your wallet.

The Alchemy Juice Bar Cafe

by Geoff Elterich

The Alchemy Juice Bar Cafe
he 203 New Britain Ave
Hartford, CT 95195
860-246-5700

Along with all-organic, vegetarian and vegan-friendly breakfast, lunch and dinner cuisine, at the Alchemy Juice Bar Café you will find an organic oxygen bar. For those unfamiliar with oxygen bars, it’s as simple as it sounds: customers spend 1-20 minutes breathing in pure oxygen. As far as the food goes, the quaint eatery maintains a 99% margin of organic over conventional products. Organic means no pesticides, hormones, steroids, antibiotics or genetically altered foods. It truly makes a difference: the food is remarkable. Try a freshly-squeezed, organic juice or smoothie while you enjoy a vast selection of wraps, sandwiches, soups, and salads. The Himalayan Goji Juice and the organic wheatgrass are popular drinks that will make you see the beauty of organic. Save room for some of their delicious desserts, as well: organic vegan chocolates, organic dairy and vegan ice creams. Fresh, local produce is delivered weekly and baked goods are made fresh daily on the premises. Whether you stop in for an organic smoothie, a delicious wrap, or just a breath of fresh air, The Alchemy is truly a unique experience.

Sake Cafe

trrr-hartford-sushi.jpgBy Geoff Elterich

SAKE CAFÉ
1105 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT
860-721-1618
The brand new Sake Café is a great place for parties, a date, or a quick stop at the bar. The ambience is very cool and classy—muted wood tones make for a very relaxing feel to go with great service and excellent food. There is a hibachi area, a separate dining area for a more quiet dining experience, a full drink bar, and most importantly, a fabulous sushi bar. Unlike many sushi restaurants, Sake offers two widescreen televisions at the bar to enjoy the games. Tony the Sushi chef will keep you entertained as you marvel at his fine preparation of some of the best rolls in the state. The Fantastic roll is just that: fantastic. With mouth-watering deep-fried white fish on top, snow crab inside, and Tony’s special sauce, the Fantastic roll is a delicious, unique serving that’s sure to have you coming back.

Primavera Pub

by Geoff Elterich 

trrr-hartford-hideaway.jpgPrimavera Pub
271 Newington Ave
Hartford, CT 06106-4124
(860) 953-7411

Estimated cost pp: $10-20
The Primavera Pub is a tiny restaurant in Hartford known for treating its customers like family, not to mention its old fashion Portuguese cooking. Enjoy a full, delicious meal or just stop by for a few drinks at Primavera’s full bar; either way, you are sure to enjoy the cozy, warm, friendly environment. There is a lot of fish on the menu, including shrimp, grilled squid, and grilled codfish. As you might guess, the pasta primavera is a favorite amongst regulars. Another favorite meal is the Picadinho, a Portuguese dish consisting mostly of beef and pork, with the option of including shrimp. The prices are very reasonable considering the generous portions. With great food, a quiet setting, and an outgoing staff, the Primavera is a tremendous place to enjoy a quiet meal without any distractions.

The Half Door

by Geoff Elterich 

The Half Door
270 Sisson Ave
Hartford , CT , 06105
860-232-PUBS
The Half Door is an authentic Irish Pub, the likes of which are difficult to find in the area. Be sure not to miss “Kegs and Eggs,” the weekend brunch special that has become extremely popular. The menu contains an assortment of delightful items, mostly breakfast foods, ranging from Eggs Benedict to Stuffed French Toast, from Irish Oatmeal to a box of Lucky Charms(it’s exactly what is sounds like!) With a vast beer list and a lively atmosphere, The Half Door has become a favorite destination for the students of UConn Law School—located right down the street—as well as those people simply looking for a good time and a great meal.

Plan B

trrr-hartford-bb-planb.jpgby Geoff Elterich 

Plan B
(860) 231-1199
138 Park Rd
West Hartford, CT

Plan B is sure to be on the top of everybody’s list of favorite restaurants soon. Burgers are what Plan B does best, and they have created some tasty, inventive burgers you won’t soon forget. Their original burger is outstanding, but for something a little more exciting, you should try the East Coast Burger, topped with roasted tomato, fried onions, horseradish cream and—wait for it—lobster. With all of the tantalizing creations on the menu it is hard to choose just one thing; a solution is the Burger Flight, offering a selection of palm-size beef, chicken, and salmon burgers. The restaurant contains an attractive, open, curved bar with an exposed wooden beam liquor rack in the front. It is a popular place to go for drinks—the bar area is usually packed on the weekends—but be sure to bring an appetite: it is almost impossible to resist the menu items. How can you say no to the Beef Wellington Bites: mini nibbles of rare steak in flaky pastry atop a sea of rich blue cheese dressing?