Every true Hartford local knows what real barbeque means. Pretending to prefer dry-rubbed ribs while secretly craving saucy pulled pork? That, maybe. But more importantly: smoked perfection.
Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern Kitchen & Bar
$$ | (860) 278-7427 | WEBSITE
For a reliable taste of Southern cooking in the heart of Hartford, swing by Black-Eyed Sally’s. In a city with plenty of barbecue joints, this one’s our favorite for Southern comfort food. We particularly like the catfish tenders and the spicy mac and cheese bites.
Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue
$$ | (860) 785-8772 | WEBSITE
Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue makes Hartford’s best brisket, and you owe it to yourself to try it, if only to realize how comparably mediocre your local barbecue joint is. They also have really good burnt ends, and the rest of the menu is very solid as well.
LongHorn Steakhouse
$$ | (860) 616-0156 | WEBSITE
Maybe you’ve been to other steakhouses, or fallen into a dramatic love affair with a perfectly cooked ribeye elsewhere. We can see ourselves watching a B-rate romantic comedy about that on an airplane. But most likely, you haven’t, and will be craving a great steak. While you’re in Hartford, you should do steak one night, and when flying solo, LongHorn Steakhouse is the place to do it. They have a Flo’s Fillet that’s perfectly cooked and delicious, and there’s also a ribeye that’s outstanding.
Seoul BBQ
$$ | (860) 223-9114 | WEBSITE
Come to Seoul BBQ when you have an evening for dinner. They do Korean barbecue with authentic flavors here, and there’s also a box of steamed meat and veggies that’s one of Hartford’s great comfort dishes. Fortunately, it’s available all night. You sit at grill tables here, but attentive servers guide you through the cooking process, and they bring the food to you on real plates. You’ll feel extremely satisfied, without spending too much money.
Hungry Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
$$ | (860) 730-4750 | WEBSITE
A lively, all-you-can-eat destination for Korean BBQ and hot pot. Come for the fresh meats and customizable broths, stay for the space-themed atmosphere and bustling energy. The ordering iPads at each table and attentive staff clearing plates make the experience seamless, while the condiment bar lets you craft your own sauces. It’s always busy, making it perfect for a fun group meal rather than quiet conversation.
Overall, the fast service, quality food, and welcoming environment keep it packed with BBQ and hot pot lovers.
VN Phở
$ | (959) 888-3954 | WEBSITE
For a more authentic Vietnamese experience (despite the name, this place is Vietnamese, not just pho), head to VN Phở. For the full effect, convince some friends to join and order family-style. Start with the tofu spring rolls, then move to the tofu bahn mi, and don’t miss the milk tea boba. The pho broth here is the real star—rich, consistent, and deeply flavorful.
The atmosphere is clean and elegant, with images of Vietnam playing on a corner TV, creating a surprisingly refined vibe for a shopping plaza spot. Service is outstanding, often handled by the owner’s son, who treats everyone like family and remembers regulars. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a casual dinner, VN Phở delivers a meal prepared with care and love, making it a favorite destination worth the visit.
Destiny Awaits Restaurant & Catering
$ | (860) 856-1136 | WEBSITE
Destiny Awaits is a straightforward, kind of delightful Jamaican spot that’s popular with late-night crowds. If you want the real deal, generous portions at very low prices experience, this is where you want to be. Probably not every day, but definitely once.
The Portly Pig BBQ and Catering
$$ | (860) 345-5003 | WEBSITE
At some point soon, every last corner of Hartford is going to have a barbecue joint. This hidden gem has tender ribs with a beautiful pink smoke ring, delicious brisket, pulled pork, and perfectly simple mac and cheese for kids. The sides include garlic mashed potatoes, thick-sliced cornbread, and green beans. There’s catering too, but you should know by now that a real barbecue fix isn’t where you want to be getting fancy food in the area.
It’s the kind of spot for gatherings, whether for a wedding or a vow renewal, if you want to look at friendly staff you’ll always remember to pass the time.
Carl’s Barbeque & Jerk
$ | (860) 568-3644 | WEBSITE
Want to eat barbeque in a place that feels like a neighborhood joint that would sell homemade sauces and also have a reggae playlist? Come to Carl’s Barbeque & Jerk, another good Caribbean spot in the area, which has plenty of seating. The dishes here are kind of hearty: your plate might come with jerk chicken, rice and beans, or stewed vegetables that taste like a comforting home-cooked meal.
Jerk Center
This one will take you on a journey to the heart of authentic Caribbean flavors, and it’s where you want to come for truly excellent jerk chicken. Also, it’s served with that fresh-off-the-grill taste everyone praises, and the friendly owner makes you feel right at home. The red beans and peas soup is particularly memorable, though the curry goat can be a bit overcooked and salty at times. Prices run about $16 to $20 for a full meal, which feels fair for the generous portions.
The rice and cabbage sides are solid, even if the cabbage sometimes has that unusual orange hue. Overall, it’s a sweet spot with character, perfect when you’re craving something hearty and real.
Bear’s Smokehouse Express – South Windsor
$ | (860) 785-8772 | WEBSITE
Barbecue: you’re going to crave it after a long afternoon (probably not really that long) of running errands around South Windsor. If you’re looking for smoky, tender, sauce-drenched burnt ends, your first stop should be at Bear’s Smokehouse Express. They’re among the best you’ll find in Hartford, there’s plenty of room to sit, and it’s very close to the main shopping areas.
Texas Roadhouse
$$ | (860) 645-7427 | WEBSITE
If it’s one of those days where you’re craving a hearty, satisfying meal (this ends up being every other day for a lot of steak lovers), Texas Roadhouse in Manchester is your best bet for a friendly, welcoming sit-down dinner. This Texas-style location is the full-service restaurant by Texas Roadhouse, not to be confused with the more casual barbecue joints around Hartford, and it’s a warm and pleasant place to sit.
You can get a tender bone-in ribeye or a thick porterhouse T-bone, and there’s also a very good prime rib that’s served with hot bread and cinnamon butter.
