Location: Hartford
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Connecticut, United States Food Guide: 6 Seafood food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Hartford
Discover Restaurants offering the best Seafood food in Hartford, Connecticut, United States. From its origins as a Connecticut River trading post in 1633, Hartford has become not only the state capital but also the insurance capital of the world, with a slew of historical attractions, a thriving arts and entertainment center, a revitalized riverfront and beautiful parks and public gardens. It was here that the lovable Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer were born in the imagination of celebrated author Mark Twain and immortalized on paper during the writer's Hartford years. Twain's home and those of fellow literary figures Harriet Beecher Stowe and Noah Webster are open to the public. The Wadsworth Atheneum, the oldest public art museum in the U.S., houses Pilgrim-Century furniture, the Amistad collection and a special treasure hunt system to entice kids to explore the museum's works. If your timing is right (end of June, beginning of July), you'll catch the Elizabeth Park rose gardens in bloom, but fall is also great for brilliant leaf colors, and spring yields colorful gardens and blossoming trees. For a bird's-eye view of the city, visit the observation deck of Travelers Tower, where you might also spot two resident falcons.
Things to do in Hartford
6. Max's Oyster Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By Lou B
I saw an email about some of the best lobster rolls around and Max's was the closest for me and my family. We were not disappointed at all. The location was great. The staff from the host to the guy that sat us to the waiter was top notch. Never having been there before, they made us feel welcome. A great experience for me and my family.
Most Popular Pub food in Hartford, Connecticut, United States
5. Piolin Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Karen M
We researched sometime to look for a restaurant where we might find âPeruvian-styleâ roasted chicken. Piolin has consistently come up to be the top establishment in the Hartford, Connecticut, as reviewed by other Trip Advisors in the past. There were ample parking spots within a few block areas in the street from the restaurant.The restaurant was packed, but we were greeted and seated promptly. The place was not glamorous and was filled with loud voices from diners of all ages, infants to very-seniors. It might very well be that the place could be typical of neighborhood eating places in Peru itself. We did not hear any language other than âSpanishâ for all we knew. From what we observed in diners, everyone was devouring his/her food with gusto and respect. We concluded, thus, foods had to be very authentic.We ordered Ceviche Piolin, a house specialty. Then, Pollo ala Brasa, their Roasted Chicken. Lastly, the Chafa Piolin, their version of fried rice with assorted vegetables and meat/chicken/seafood. The foods were brought out speedily. Throughout, the serving lady checked on us many times to ensure that we were pleased. Ceviche was flavorful and an exceptional portion. They added a deep purple-colored sea-weed and unusual looking beans, very fascinating. We were not terribly impressed with the addition of white and sweet potatoes. But, then, we couldnât judge what ought to be authentic Peruvian recipes. It was, however, a better Ceviche than we had at more expensive and âfinerâ eating establishments in the both coasts of the country. Roast Chicken was bit disappointing. It lacked those fabulous seasonings with which the dish had been famous throughout the world. The dish was accompanied by âFrench Friesâ and Peruâs famed Aji Verde. What can one say about French Fries anyway? Aji Verde was very good, but we had better ones some neighborhoods in the New York City areas. Lastly, Fried Rice. It was a large portion with full of beef, chicken, and seafood. It probably has descended from some form of âChineseâ rice dish, but had an exotic flavors different from âAmericanized Chineseâ food. We brought back three large âdoggyâ boxes home which will feed us next three to four days. In summary:Food: Good and EducationalAmbience: Homey, busy, and loudService: Good, gracious, and speedy Value: Excellent
Best American food near Hartford, Connecticut, United States
4. Primavera Pub
Overall Ratings
4 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Jan W
Four of us went for dinner on a quiet week-day night: Three of the four had pork and clams, a Portuguese classic. Primavera's version was served on huge platters on which diced home-fry-style potatoes were used a bed for the pork and clams. While the pork was flavorful, it was also undercooked and tough. The clams, which should have been the size of littlenecks were instead quahogs, not cooked properly and virtually un-chewable. The addition of some of the stewing juices might have been helpful to the overall quality of the dish.A shredded cod salad was inoffensive and not memorable. What were absolutely brilliant were the desserts made in-house, an excellent flan and especially the creme bruleeâdon't leave here without trying it!The selection of Portuguese wines was good although the waitstaff had no knowledge of what they were. Fortunately we did.Service was averageâno complaints. Ambience is home-style and straight forwardâno frills.
Where to eat Mediterranean food in Hartford: The Best Restaurants and Bars
3. J's Crab Shack
Overall Ratings
4 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By HonestEvaluatorGal
When you have be patronizing the same restaurant for over 30 years and known the previous and present owner and then something is not the same with your order that is not a good sign. J's Crab Shack has always been consistent. You always knew that you were going to have a wonderful dining experience because no matter what you ordered it would be terrific. The service has always been great. The portions are unbelievable but this last time I can honestly say our meals were not up to par.I understand that Joe is no longer the owner and I am sorry to hear this because he ran a tight ship and served a top notch product. Service is still great but the belly clams were mostly like eating rubber bands and the coating on the fried shrimp has changed and partially was falling off of the shrimp. I hope that I am wrong with my estimation because this is one restaurant I do not want to give up but I will give it a few more tries to make sure that I am wrong.
Where to eat Barbecue food in Hartford: The Best Restaurants and Bars
2. Chowder Pot IV
Overall Ratings
4 based on 448 reviews
Reviewed By Carn1vore
I was surprised by how large this restaurant is, and that it's been in existence for 25 years, then I had a lobster and understood why it's so large. Especially note worthing is the honey bread served before the meal. Our server Kayla recommended that we save room, it was delicious. We ordered fried calamari for an appetizer for the two of us, I would recommend reserving the calamari for groups of four or more as it is large The coleslaw and lobster were delicious. But the fries seemed greasy.
1. Costa Del Sol Restaurante
Overall Ratings
4 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By TomM1951
I had forgotten how good it was. Or maybe it is better.I attended an evening function here, and the food was served for the meeting cafeteria style. Nevertheless, everything was excellent, especially the paella, the sausages, and the marinated chicken. Very tender.Servers were all very helpful and accommodating.
