Paul Kushner
Despite being one of the smallest states, Connecticut has major cities with a lot of charm and things to do.
As the capital, Hartford is filled with a rich history, is home to the United States’ oldest public art museum, and was even the site of the first witch hunt!
Knowing the best places to grab a drink after a long day is key to planning your trip to Hartford.
Check out my list of the best bars in Hartford, Connecticut, below!
Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt
140 Huyshope Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 461-0945
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Thomas Hooker Brewery at Colt is in between Colt Park and the Connecticut River.
It’s your typical brewery with a modern warehouse space, a great atmosphere, and some delicious local craft beer.
I love this place to chill and have a beer on a nice day or after exploring the city.
Unlike some breweries, they also have wine and cocktails.
I recommend trying their beer, though. Their No Filter NEIPA and Blonde Ale are my two favorites.
Wood-n-Tap- Hartford
99 Sisson Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 232-8277
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You’ll find Wood-n-Tap in the West Boulevard Historic District.
The bar also has a restaurant, making it a great option for those traveling with kids who still want a nice place to grab a drink.
It’s a bustling yet cozy spot. Their alcohol menu is pretty standard.
They have domestic and craft beer, wine, mixed drinks, and cocktails to choose from.
I recommend a local beer or alcoholic raspberry lemonade.
Regardless, you can’t leave without checking out their pizzas, burgers, or tacos.
The Capital Grille
44 Front St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 244-0075
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Another great family-friendly bar in Hartford is The Capital Grille. It’s on Front Street, in the heart of Downtown Hartford.
The place is more upscale, so it’s an excellent place for a date or special occasion.
The menu here features everything you’d expect from a full-service bar.
There’s wine, beer, mixed drinks, and cocktails. The espresso martini and passion fruit mojito are my favorite cocktails.
Their food is outstanding, too, so be sure to try something like lobster and crab cakes with your drink.
Vinted Wine Bar
63 Memorial Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107
Phone: (860) 206-4648
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For wine lovers, Vinted Wine Bar in West Hartford is the place to be.
It has a cozy atmosphere with knowledgeable staff who can help you get the most out of your wine experience.
They have a lengthy wine list, so I recommend doing a tasting.
If you don’t want to do that, their cocktails are divine.
The Amelia cocktail with vodka, lemon, and elderberry is top-notch.
Hog River Brewing Co.
1429 Park St, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 206-2119
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Hog River Brewing Co. is on Park Street in Parkville.
This women-owned brewery has a modern and rustic vibe with plenty of seating.
It’s usually busy, but it’s worth popping in.
They have various craft beers to choose from, including IPAs, lagers, ales, and more.
I’d order a flight of four so you can sample a few. I enjoy the Binx American stout the best.
Bar Piña
1 Haynes St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 904-2101
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You’ll find Bar Pina in Downtown Hartford near Bushnell Park.
You go to this bar when you want to get dressed up and have a nice night out in Hartford.
It’s elegant and has beautiful decor. Happy Hour deals are excellent so it is always busy here.
Even if you don’t make it in for a happy hour, some cocktails worth trying here are their rum Collins and Frequent Flyer.
They also have beer, wine, and a great food menu.
Vaughan’s Public House
59 Pratt St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 882-1560
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Who doesn’t love a cozy Irish pub? Vaughan’s Public House is that place in Hartford.
I love sitting outside when the weather’s nice, but the inside is exactly what you’d picture the inside of an Irish bar to be.
The bar menu has a little bit of everything, but Guinness is one of the most popular drink orders here.
Whatever drink you want to order, try their chicken wings or fish sandwich.
J Restaurant/Bar
297 Washington St, Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: (860) 527-7764
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J Restaurant/Bar is right across from Hartford Hospital on Washington Street.
They have indoor and outdoor dining, so you can go there rain or shine.
It’s an Italian joint that has an old-school Italian vibe.
If you’re going to come here for a drink, you have to try at least something from their food menu too.
Their pizzas are popular. As for the drinks, they have a long wine list, beer, and cocktails. I recommend their bourbon mule.
Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe
537 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT 06105
Phone: (860) 523-5417
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Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe is one of the coolest bars in Hartford.
It’s a charming little coffee shop on Farmington Avenue by day and a cocktail-slinging lounge by night.
The place is small, but the intimacy makes it appealing to many people.
They have plenty of food that’s Euro-Asian inspired and cocktails for days.
Martinis are their specialty, and some of the most popular ones are their Ginger Dragon, Purple Haze, and Pom Mango.
Trumbull Kitchen
150 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 493-7412
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Trumbull Kitchen is another great bar in Downtown Hartford.
It’s a chic eatery with a lively bar scene, especially at night on the weekends.
The space is modern and has plenty of bar space and tables too. The drink menu has all types of drinks.
Something I love about this bar is that they come out with seasonal cocktails to try.
They change every few months, so you’ll want to ask what’s available when you visit. I love their fig cosmopolitan.
The Russell Restaurant
187 Allyn St, Hartford, CT 06103
Phone: (860) 727-4014
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The Russell Restaurant is a local Jamaican restaurant that doubles as a nightlife scene.
The inside is all wood with two stories filled with seating and a curved bar that’s the spot to sit when you visit.
They even have DJs perform on certain nights.
The food menu is divine, so you’ll want to get something to snack on while you drink.
They have beer, wine, and cocktails, but you should check out their cocktails over anything.
The rum punch is delicious, as is the pineapple mojito.
Final Thoughts
Connecticut’s capital city isn’t a place you’ll easily get bored, go hungry, or go without a drink.
Whether you appreciate craft beer, wine, handcrafted cocktails, or mixed drinks, these are the best bars in Hartford, Connecticut, to grab a drink.
Did you have a chance to visit any of these bars? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
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