A guide to having fun at night, no matter what your style and likes, in Hartford, Connecticut.
Various venues, talent, shows and clubs can make any evening in Hartford, Connecticut, a grand finale. Whether rock, classical, salsa, comedy or just a walk along with river suit your personal taste, Hartford has it all without the wallet thinning cost.
For a bite to eat and some entertainment, the list is plentiful in the downtown area.
City Steam is the local home brewery plus. The large selection of homemade beers, pool tables and live music should keep you busy until the Brew Ha Ha Comedy Club begins. Some of the best comedians from around the country stop at City Steam for this live performance comedy club.
The Bar With No Name has two floors of fun, weekly promotions, giveaways from local radio stations and live bands. A small cover charge keeps the Latin Nights festive, the Hip-Hop rocking and the DJs on their toes. A dress code is enforced and reservations are not accepted.
For the true music fans, the vibes and sound system are tops at Sully's Pub. A stage is set in the middle of the room so the bar has a full viewing area and acts like a mini-amphitheater. Local and up-and-coming bands love this club and so do the fans. If you love a band's sound, get there early.
To please a large group with various tastes, try The Brickyard Café. Three floors of entertainment allow live bands, themed dance nights, an open-air patio, games, and televised sports to keep everyone happy and busy.
For the sports fans, there is no better spot that Coach's Sports Bar & Grill, owned, in part, by the University of Connecticut's basketball coach. Thirty-eight televisions guarantee a good seat in the house for any sporting event that's currently being played.
For an upscale evening, try either Club Barcelona or Fuel Café. Club Barcelona offers New York sophistication with a South Beach spirit. Latin dances and music will keep people on the move. Even if you don't know how to dance, a quick instruction is a request away. Fuel Café is a full bottle service club, meaning you can purchase a bottle of your favorite liquor and bring it back to your private table. If you prefer, the seventy-five foot bar will never leave you waiting for service. Plasma television and leather couches make the music and atmosphere comfortable for you and whatever local celebrity is in town.
If clubs don't fit the bill, plays, concerts, musicals, symphonies and lectures can all be seen at The Bushnell, The Meadows Music Center or the Webster Theatre. Tickets can be purchase in advance via the web or that day if pre-planning isn't possible.
And try not to miss Hartford's Riverfront. A newly renovated park and entertainment venue along the backs of the Connecticut River, it is within walking distance of downtown. Festivals, concerts, and outdoor shows are regularly scheduled and free of admission. Don't miss "Lady Katharine," the boat that runs sunset cruises each night or simply walk the paths and enjoy the scenery and views.
