Outdoor dining, or dining Al Fresco, is a favorite warm- weather activity for many people in the Hartford, Connecticut area. One of the most popular local areas for outdoor dining, is in the downtown section of Hartford, Connecticut. With dozens of restaurants, bars and cafes situated within a relatively small area, there are plenty of options for consumers seeking outdoor dining restaurants there. Here is a guide which briefly profiles the best outdoor dining restaurants in downtown Hartford, Connecticut.
A) Bin 228..228Pearl St, Hartford, Ct..(860) 244-9463
This small, yet elegant wine bar and eatery is a favorite lunchtime and after- work spot for many young professionals who work in the downtown Hartford, Ct area. Offering a somewhat- limited menu of creatively- inspired and artfully- presented salads, sandwiches, appetizers and small plates, Bin 228 is a hip and trendy establishment where the “see and be seen” crowd regularly jostles for the few available outdoor tables. An extensive, top- of- the- line wine list is featured here, as are some tasty and unusual food items.
B) Black- Eyed- Sally’s..350 Asylum St, Hartford, Ct..(860)278-RIBS Serving some of the tastiest food in the entire city, Black- Eyed- Sally’s is a very popular BBQ and blues restaurant and bar. When the weather turns warm, the outdoor dining tables at this restaurant are in great demand. Some of the wildly- flavorful dishes served here are; Louisiana Gumbo, catfish fingers, fried crawfish tails, pork ribs, fried okra and pickle chips, jambalaya, sandwiches and salads, plus much more. Full bar- service and great live blues music are also featured here.
C) Hot Tomato’s..1 Union Place, Hartford, Ct..(860)249-5100
This Italian restaurant located on the ground floor of Hartford, Ct’s railroad station, is a favorite destination- spot for hordes of local outdoor- diners. Widely- known locally for their incredible garlic bread, Hot Tomato’s offers a large menu of traditional and inventive Italian cuisine. Pasta dishes, pizzas and Italian specialty dinners are all expertly- cooked and well- portioned. Full bar service is also featured at this restaurant, which is open seven days a week.
D) Jo Jo’s Coffee Roasting Company..22 Pratt St, Hartford, Ct..(860)524-1488
Although Jo Jo’s is primarily a coffee shop, they also feature a nice selection of freshly- baked items such as cookies, muffins, scones and breads. Fresh garden salads and over- stuffed sandwiches are reasonably- priced here, as are many types of coffees, espresso, cappuccino and over thirty varieties of tea. Fruit juices and ice- cold smoothies are available at this restaurant, which also offers free Wi- Fi service. Closed on Sundays.
E) McKinnon’s Irish Pub..114 Asylum St, Hartford, Ct..(860)524-8174 This Irish pub and restaurant located near the Hartford Civic Center offers a very small outdoor- dining section. Guests can enjoy such dishes as Shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, reuben sandwiches and fresh salads, while watching the hustle and bustle of downtown life. A large selection of beers and ales are offered here, as well as full bar service.
F) Peppercorn’s Grill..357 Main St, Hartford, Ct..(860)547-1714 One of Hartford, Ct’s most highly- acclaimed Italian restaurants, Peppercorn’s is an upscale eatery that features highly- inventive and delicious Italian food. Located in the southern portion of the downtown area, this restaurant, which is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner Monday through Saturday, consistently serves some of the finest quality Italian food in the local area. Standout items here include; Carpaccio of beef, spinach and ricotta ravioli with orange- sage sauce, veal chop, filet mignon, exquisite risotto and yellowfin tuna with Vidalia Onion and carrot sauce. Full bar service, plus an excellent wine list are also offered.
G) The Red Plate..253 Asylum St, Hartford, Ct..(860)524-8635 This reasonably- priced restaurant located across from the Hartford Civic Center serves soups, salads, and sandwiches such as; the Southwestern Club, with turkey, avocado and bacon and sausage, peppers and onions with cheese. They also serve pizza, pasta dishes and lunch and dinner secials. Full bar service is featured.
H) Tapas On Ann..126-130 Ann St, Hartford, Ct..(860)525-5988 As the name implies, tapas, or small plates, with a Greek and Mediterranean flair, are the specialty here. Diners can choose from dishes such as gyros, souvlaki, soups, salads, garlic bread, nachos and flat bread pizzas. Open Monday through Saturday, this restaurant offers full bar service, plus an extensive wine list.
I) Vito’s By The Park..26 Trumbull St, Hartford, Ct..(860)244-2200 The small, outdoor dining area at this Italian restaurant offers great views of expansive Bushnell Park. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and for dinner only, on Saturday and Sunday, Vito’s serves pizza, pasta and Italian dinners, plus fresh garden salads and creative desserts. A raw bar and Oyster Bar are also featured. Full bar service is offered.
