The Best & Worst Restaurants in Hartford County

After a long summer internship in downtown Hartford and a fiancee who refuses to cook, I became very familiar with the restaurants in the area. Here is my take on the good, the bad, and the downright inedible. I enjoy a wide variety of foods, except Indian- so there will be no reviews of those type of restaurants here.

Tuscan Twins- Bloomfield, CT
When this restaurant first opened, I loved it. I had a chicken soup that was out-of-this world. I had a veal saltimbocca that was delicious. But lately, I’ve been disapointed. I’m not sure if they changed chefs, but the meat has been tough and less flavorful, and the sides bland. The only sparkler that still shines is the dessert- particulurly the sorbet. It comes in a peel (the lemon sorbet comes out in a hollowed-out lemon) and the sorbets are light and creamy- not icy. The ambiance is nice and it they could get back their original chef, I would definetly recommend it highly!!

Bart’s- Windsor
Looking for a quick bite to eat for lunch? Bart’s is the place! Bart’s has been serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches for over 60 years. The owner, Mayor Don Trinks of Windsor, flips burgers and serves customers over a 50’s style counter. Cruise nights on Wednesday’s showcase the areas’ antique and classic cars. The hot dogs here are the best around- and don’t forget the chili cheese fries! They also serve great broccoli cheese soup, deli sandwiches, and seafood dinners. Bart’s also does great catering. Don’t miss this local hotspot!!I’ve loved it since I was a kid.

Puerto Vallerta- West Hartford
I love mexican food. This was terrible mexican food, which I think is very difficult to do. The sauces were heavy and just tasted horrible. The pitas and breads were dry. I went twice, just in case they had a bad day- and I think they had a bad month. Or two. Not recommended.

The Elbow Room- West Hartford
My fiance and I had one of our first dates here and I do have a sentimental attachement to this restaurant. While the decor inside is intriguing, the best part of the restaurant is the deck on top of the building. You can see all of West Hartford Center and you get a cool breeze, the sunset, and not too much “city” noise. It’s a great experience. The food is decent- I’ve had very good macaroni and cheese and pot roast here. The atmosphere is why you should go here though, not for the best food of your life. However, the chef’s are predictable and you won’t have a bad meal.

Joe Black’s- Hartford
Service here is lousy. I will give them a break because I haven’t gone back since they first opened, but the food was lackluster and the service broke the straw on the camels back. They were slow and the food didn’t make up for it. There are much better places in hartford to go. The building is beautiful and I do hear the banquet facility is large and gorgeous.

Morton’s- Hartford
It’s expensive- the prime rib and the meats are good, but I have to admit I’ve had better. (Smith & Wollensky’s in Boston!). Yet the prime rib is the best in the Hartford area, and more importantly, they have a dessert that brings me back again and again. The souffle. You must order it at the beginning of the meal because it takes awhile to make, but every flavor (chocolate, lemon, and a rasberry or a strawberry- not sure) is delicious. My favorite is the lemon. You must try- but get a reservation.

Carbone’s- Hartford
I’m a little biased- I’m having my wedding rehearsal dinner here. My fiance is Italian and loves Carbone’s. I have to agree- the food is excellant. Although many people of my generation might not have heard of Carbone’s, or certaintly don’t hold in as much high regard of our parents, it was once a very famous restaurant. On Franklin Avenue in Hartford, part of the dwindling Little Italy, Carbone’s serves authentic italian food (or even if it isn’t authentic- it’s so good!) in a traditional setting. The cesaer salad is made tableside for more than 4 guests and is delicious. The veal, the chicken, the pasta- all winners. Meat is tender and juicy, and the sauces are thick and flavorful. In 2006 this restaurant won the best Italian award from the Advocate, the Hartford Magazine, and the Connecticut Magazine. Definetly recommended!!