It is not always the biggest, most well-known restaurants with the best food and ambience. Sometimes it’s the small, out-of-the-way places that offer the best food in the best setting. When looking for a delicious hideaway in the Hartford area, it’s difficult to narrow the choices down to only, but these restaurants are a good place to start.
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.
Siam Cuisine 312 Park Rd. West Hartford, CT 06119 860-233-7780 Hours: Tues- Sat lunch 1:30am-3:00pm, dinner 5pm-10pm, Sun-Mon dinner 5pm-9pm Estimated cost pp: $15-25
Cuisine: Vietnamese
This small restaurant offers the best in Vietnamese cuisine—very similar to Thai—and uses only the freshest, healthiest ingredients. Considering the incredible food and the high quality service, it is no small feat that the meals remain reasonably priced. You may not be familiar with the food, but Siam’s recipe for success should be familiar: wonderful food, in a friendly, relaxed environment. There is a view of Park Road through large plate glass windows from just about every seat and the restaurant accommodates a small stage near the back, providing a place for karaoke and live music on certain nights. The menu’s staple is Pad Thai—there is a vegetable version or it can be made with shrimp, beef or chicken. The dish comes loaded with an array of fresh veggies – carrots, broccoli, baby corn and scallions—as well as chopped peanuts for an extra tasty little crunch. For food that’s healthy yet still delicious, and a setting that is warm and lively yet still relaxed, Siam Cuisine is a must.
Marlborough Tavern 3-5 E Hampton Rd Marlborough, CT 06447-1447 (860) 295-8229 Hours: Open for lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am-2pm; brunch Sun. 11:30am-2pm; dinner daily 5pm-9pm Lounge remains open until 1am Estimated cost pp: $15-30
Cuisine: American
The Marlborough Tavern has the best of both worlds: a comfortable, relaxed family setting with first-rate cuisine. The tavern is a historic building with rough-hewn exposed beams on the ceiling, wide old weathered floorboards and ample touches of old New England charm. There is a more casual "taproom" with TVs, louder music and a bar where one can order burgers, sandwiches and bar food, as well as the dim and sedate "Andrew Jackson Room," a section of the restaurant containing an ancient fireplace. The relaxed atmosphere is complimented by easy listening music playing on the sound system. The menu offers large helpings of veal Oscar, teriyaki chicken, baked scrod, stuffed sole and sirloin steaks. With terrific appetizer’s like the lobster ravioli, great specials like the blackened salmon, and desserts like the homemade pecan pie, it’s no wonder the small tavern is a popular place for a quiet meal.
This new, more casual offshoot of Simmer in Canton reveals an appreciation for subtleties. The ambience is very intimate and cozy, and the food consists of youthful comfort dishes that have been tweaked with grown-up sensibilities. The menu is full of American classics that take on Asian, Latin and French notes. Old favorites like fish sticks have become perfectly fried panko-crusted cod batons with garlic herb fries, roasted Serrano pepper tartar sauce and jicama slaw. Mac 'n' cheese has turned into pasta baked with artisan cheeses and mixed with pan-roasted lobster, shrimp and scallops. Make sure to try the delicious, slow-roasted duck spring rolls with hickory smoked corn sauce. The food is always creative and infused with only quality ingredients. The grown-up twists on familiar flavors are sure to delight any hungry visitors. Simmer in Canton is already a popular choice; with inventive, bold flavors on the menu, and a more relaxed atmosphere than its counterpart, Simmer Grille is steadily becoming a local favorite as well.
Mediza 35B LaSalle Rd. West Hartford, CT 06107 (860)233-3370 Hours: 11:30pm-10pm, F-Sat 11:30am-11pm, Sun 12pm-9pm Estimated cost pp: $15-30
Cuisine: Mediterraean
Mediza is a narrow retail space in the West Hartford center that has been transformed into an inviting dining chamber. Elbow-rubbing is inevitable in this cozy cafe and creativity infuses everything from presentation to the servers' attire—the waitstaff wears black t-shirts proclaiming things like “Pork” on the front, and “Chop” on the back. Of course, these subliminal suggestions are unnecessary. The tantalizing aroma of the pan-Mediterranean dishes is irresistible. The food is much more creative than simple chops, though; you’ll find salads, kebabs, small plates and large plates—all perfect for sharing. Awaken your taste buds with the spicy lamb or the beef-filled “Moroccan Cigars,” or enjoy the pleasing mix of textures and flavors in the artfully arranged roasted portabella tower. Try the popular chicken tagine, a signature Moroccan dish featuring the subtle tanginess of preserved lemons. To top it off, try the pumpkin bread pudding, a perfect symbol for Mediza: warm, creative, and full of flavor.
Hungry Tiger Manchester, CT 120 Charter Oak Street Manchester, CT 06040 (860)649-1195 Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am Estimated cost pp: $10-25
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Upon entering, The Hungry Tiger looks like your favorite local pub. There is a nice atmosphere, many unique wall decorations, and photos of the many performers who have been there. There's an intimate ambiance at Hungry Tiger that can't be matched by any other restaurant/club in the area. The club's capacity is only 150, so there's always a friendly vibe. It is not unusual for patrons to hang out with the evening's performers before their show and grab a bite to eat or a drink at the bar. Choose from one of the ten beers on tap, 15 bottled domestics and imports, specialty rums and tequilas and a full bar. For a hearty meal, The Tiger offers a Tex-Mex cuisine that highlights ribs, burgers and six varieties of wings. Each Monday, there is an open-mic Blues jam with an all-you-can-eat fajita special. For an intimate setting, live music, good food and good prices, few places compare to the Hungry Tiger.
Bin 228 228 Pearl St. (Ann St.) Hartford, CT 06103 860-244-9463 Hours: M-W 11:30-10pm; Th 11:30-11pm; F 11:30-12:00am; Sat 4-12:00am Estimated cost pp: $15-25
Cuisine: Italian
The petite Bin 228 panini and wine bar is a delightful surprise. It’s casual with a cozy urban vibe and fabulous bar, and there’s even outdoor dining in the warmer months. You'll feel comfortable here, whether you’re dining with a friend, colleague, date or just a book. The setting exudes a jazzy vibe and it somehow remains secluded and intimate in the heart of downtown Hartford. Wine bins line the walls of this innovative Italian restaurant and they offer an extensive line-up of Italian wines by the bottle or glass. If your wine knowledge is limited, servers will expertly guide you toward reds and whites that suit your tastes and pair perfectly with the light, delicious selections that emerge from the kitchen. The Bin has a delightful variety of items on the menu, but the paninis are highly recommended. They are a gourmet incarnation of the Italian sandwiches, and contain such marvelous ingredients as goat cheese, portobello and sun-dried tomato pesto. When planning a visit to the Bin, make sure you plan to stay awhile.
Capitol Lunch 510 Main Street New Britain, CT 06051 (860) 229-8237 Hours: MON-SAT 9AM-8PM; SUN 11AM-8PM Estimated cost pp: $5-10
Cuisine: Hot Dogs
If you’ve ever been to New Britain, you know what a Cappy dog is. These dogs have people coming from all over to visit the tiny café on East Main St. The only way to get the full experience is to order a dog with everything on it: a slab of yellow mustard, a mound of chopped raw onions, and their delectable Famous Sauce. The family-owned and operated establishment has been a landmark in New Britain for decades now. As you order, you can see the grill full of Martin Rosols hot dogs—specially made for Capitol, with an all-natural casing that gives them a snap when you bite into them. You can also get burgers, fries, onion rings, pies for dessert, or their Famous Sauce to go. Everything is made to order and in front of the customers so that you know exactly what you’re getting. The assembly line setup allows you to have your food in front of you by the time you get your change back. Considering the prices, you’ll probably get a lot of change back. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat but dread the impersonality of franchised fast food, this is the place for you.
Danny's Little Taste of Texas 19 Oakland Road South Windsor, CT 06074 (860) 436-1232 Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun12pm-9pm Estimated cost pp: $15-25
Little Taste of Texas is a place with real character. It has a porch entry and unusual signs out front, and inside, it looks as if someone's house has been converted into a restaurant. Cowboy boots and hats hang on the walls, and large, well-worn booths take up the three dining sections. The friendly waitresses, all wearing cowboy hats, greet you upon entering and the cordialities don’t end there. When you sit, you immediately get warm, nicely seasoned chips and salsa. The menu is very lengthy and interesting, with pork ribs (spare ribs and babybacks), beef ribs, chicken, pulled pork and brisket. The ribs have a good crust on the outside and pull easily from the bone. Inside, the meat is tender and flavorful, with a pink smoke ring. The most interesting things—and possibly the best—are the several renditions of buffalo meat: buffalo chili, buffalo ribs, buffalo burgers, buffalo sandwiches, and buffalo salad. They have traditional beef burgers as well, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try the deep fried burger. The flavor is always good and the meat is never fatty. This is no chain restaurant, just real, delicious, authentic Texas barbecue in a great environment.
Buon Appetito (860) 693-2211 50 Albany Tpke Canton, CT 06019 Hours: Open daily for lunch and dinner, call for reservations Estimated cost pp: $10-20
Cuisine: Italian
It is not hard to find a great Italian restaurant in the Hartford area; however, Buon Appetito is quite a find, indeed. The modest demeanor of the place adds as much charm as the out-going staff. Occupying a small storefront space in the restaurant-friendly Canton, the Italian restaurant is BYOB and almost never has the same menu twice. Everything is made to order, using the season’s best fresh local produce and ingredients. The garlic bread is unbelievable and everything they serve is inventive yet traditional Italian. The eggplant rollatini exhibits culinary sophistication, and the four variations of risotto demonstrate that Buon Appetito’s willingness to be creative pays off. There are plenty of desserts—too many to describe—and each one is phenomenal. After one visit, you’ll be happy to have found this delicious little hideaway.
The Top List of Delicious Hideaways - Hartford, CT