Crafted by connoisseurs, the evening cocktail is a ritual of urban sophistication. As Hartford’s skyline glows at dusk, these moments become cherished escapes—a chance to unwind, savor artistry, and toast to the day’s end. If you’re in Connecticut’s capital (or dreaming of its vibrant nights), here are our top spots to sip something extraordinary. They’re perfect for after-work indulgence, blending ambiance with impeccable pours.
Social House
$$ | (860) 746-6400 | WEBSITE
Social House is a chill spot with excellent food and awesome bartenders. Although, oddly enough, the cocktails are not the thing to get at this all-day spot in Hartford. Instead, your focus should be the sweet chili and henny wings, oxtail flatbreads, and jerk nachos. They also have a couple of fried fish whiting plates, mac n cheese with yams, and a selfie museum with painting and great music from the DJ.
The owners are hands-on and treat you like family, making everyone feel special with top-notch customer service. A must-visit spot with a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff.
Agave Grill
$$ | (860) 882-1557 | WEBSITE
Since it’s neither lunchtime nor dinnertime, happy hour is the perfect occasion to indulge. Whether you’re in the mood for a Sangriarita, some perfectly golden beef empanadas, or a big plate of chicken chimichanga, Agave Grill in Hartford is open every afternoon to support you while chips and salsa keep your table occupied. The casual, pub-like atmosphere with fun music playing in the background makes it an ideal spot to unwind after work or before an event at the nearby XL Center.
The owners ensure the service remains friendly even when the place gets busy, and the fresh, flavorful food comes in generous portions at reasonable prices—most entrees hover around the $15-$20 mark. Don’t miss their drink specials on days like national tequila day, when the flavored margaritas really shine. While some diners have mixed feelings about the oranges in the fish tacos, the Southwest salad with lime vinaigrette and the veggie burrito are consistently recommended choices.
The creamy queso and tangy salsa served with the empanadas add just the right balance, and the endless chips keep the conversation flowing. Though a few guests desire improvements in service, the overall welcoming vibe and authentic flavors make Agave Grill a delightful dining experience worth revisiting.
RAW*
$$ | (860) 461-0245 | WEBSITE
A food writer friend once told me that sushi counts as a meal because you have to appreciate each piece individually. So it must be true. You can see for yourself at downtown spots like this one with no other locations around the city. They let you experience the freshness of the seafood tower, and offer highlights like the impressive lobster ‘raw dog’, huge shrimp, and amazing lobster mac ‘n cheese.
Unlike run of the mill sushi restaurants, RAW* also serves cool cocktails that are not to be missed, with friendly bartenders who can make special mocktails for those who prefer them.
Little River Restoratives
$ | (860) 403-0340 | WEBSITE
Technically, this is a cocktail bar. Are we suggesting you sip handcrafted drinks at 5pm on a Tuesday? On behalf of your responsibilities, we are not. (And please assure our editor we’d never endorse such behavior.) However, we are recommending you consider the grilled cheese and tomato soup option available here. Just picture yourself enjoying that comforting combination in a low-key space after a long day. It’s a pleasant idea, isn’t it?
Little River Restoratives is open with its welcoming vibe and skilled staff ready to create cocktails tailored to your taste.
Larry’s Place Restaurant & Lounge
$ | (860) 216-5909 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving authentic Jamaican flavors in Hartford, heading to Larry’s Place is like discovering a secret power-up—it transforms your entire evening. This cozy spot with its separate lounge and dining areas serves up impressive dishes like jerk pork and fried chicken that taste like they came straight from the islands. They also accommodate special requests with friendly, attentive service, especially if you visit during the day.
The welcoming atmosphere makes you feel right at home, though late-night visits might move at a more relaxed pace.
Piggy’s Cafe
$ | (860) 728-9912 | WEBSITE
In some circles, wings are a game-day snack rather than a bar delicacy. But, to us, Piggy’s Cafe wings transcend such categories. This vibrant spot on Hartford’s bar scene makes the crispiest Parmesan garlic wings we’ve encountered, and they have a few high-top tables and nice wooden stools set up inside where you can sit and admire them in all of their sauce-dripping beauty. If you can’t tell already, we suggest the Parmesan garlic over the classic buffalo.
Fogata Mexican Restaurant
$ | (959) 888-3152 | WEBSITE
It’s possible you’ve reached a point in the week when you can no longer decipher your to-do list, and you’re starting to resent that one neighbor who’s always posting vacation photos. We’d suggest distracting yourself with a horchata made with cinnamon and rice, and some Birria Tacos from this Mexican restaurant. They have a bunch of meat and non-meat options like fajitas, burritos, and enchiladas as well as cheese quesadillas.
L BAR
$$ | (860) 760-2342 | WEBSITE
L Bar pours drinks that hit the spot – like a classic cocktail bar but livelier. With the exception of happy hour, this social hub keeps their vibe consistent so every evening out will feel comfortably familiar. You can even plan your networking ahead of time by checking out their daily specials, which will successfully brighten up your workweek as well.
Kbarr
$ | (860) 216-5960 | WEBSITE
You could always mix a basic rum and coke at home, or you could head to Kbarr in Hartford for our favorite rum punch in the city. It’s so perfectly balanced and refreshing that you won’t mind decorating your coaster with condensation between sips and conversation. They also have fantastic happy hour specials if you want a more substantial experience.
