Hartford has a great restaurant scene particularly upscale dinning. I will talk about those in another posts but first I will tackle the “fan base restaurants”. The American has designated a bar/restaurant for each school’s fans. I have to say it’s a good group of bars throughout downtown although some are definitely more restaurant then bar.
Arch Street Tavern (South Florida) – Built in an old carriage factory from the 1800’s this is a very cool bar. Around 30 beers on tap including a bunch of local brews and good food. They have live music at night all weekend but they do charge a cover when the bands play so be aware of that.
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ (Tulsa) – This is a brand new restaurant in the same building as Arch Street Tavern. It is the only restaurant on this list that does not sell alcohol, it is BYOB though. That said this is damn good BBQ, best in Hartford bar none. It is not waiter service, you order at the counter and they deliver it to you. They are pretty fast but it’s very popular and usually has a line out the door.
Black Bear Saloon (Cinci) – A pretty large bar/restaurant this place loves events. They are a typical restaurant during the day but turn into more of a club at night with glow stick parties, kick the keg, etc. At night there will be a bouncer and line out the door. I will cover specials in another post but they will be doing Kegs and Eggs Sat morning.
Arch Street Tavern (South Florida) – Built in an old carriage factory from the 1800’s this is a very cool bar. Around 30 beers on tap including a bunch of local brews and good food. They have live music at night all weekend but they do charge a cover when the bands play so be aware of that.
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ (Tulsa) – This is a brand new restaurant in the same building as Arch Street Tavern. It is the only restaurant on this list that does not sell alcohol, it is BYOB though. That said this is damn good BBQ, best in Hartford bar none. It is not waiter service, you order at the counter and they deliver it to you. They are pretty fast but it’s very popular and usually has a line out the door.
Black Bear Saloon (Cinci) – A pretty large bar/restaurant this place loves events. They are a typical restaurant during the day but turn into more of a club at night with glow stick parties, kick the keg, etc. At night there will be a bouncer and line out the door. I will cover specials in another post but they will be doing Kegs and Eggs Sat morning.
Black-eyed Sally’s (Temple) – A Southern blues BBQ joint. Good BBQ and some great drafts though you usually come here for the live music which they have pretty much every night. It’s a fun place which I would definitely recommend if you don’t want to walk to Bear’s or want a drink with your food.
Burger Baby (Houston) – A solid burger bar. Though nothing crazy special (there are better burger joint in the area) they serve quality burgers and it is only a block from the XL Center.
City Steam Brewery (UConn) – I would recommend everyone coming to City Steam at least once. It is built in the first large department store in CT in 1877. It’s a beautiful stone building that’s open inside with wood, fireplaces etc. They brew their own beer including the famous Naught Nurse Lager and the bottom floor is a comedy club with events every night.
Burger Baby (Houston) – A solid burger bar. Though nothing crazy special (there are better burger joint in the area) they serve quality burgers and it is only a block from the XL Center.
City Steam Brewery (UConn) – I would recommend everyone coming to City Steam at least once. It is built in the first large department store in CT in 1877. It’s a beautiful stone building that’s open inside with wood, fireplaces etc. They brew their own beer including the famous Naught Nurse Lager and the bottom floor is a comedy club with events every night.
Hot Tomato’s (SMU) – Right next to Union Station this is a little more expensive restaurant/bar. I have heard the food is excellent but have not yet ate here though I have been meaning to. If you’re taking the train stop by and let me know what everyone thinks. I’ve yet to hear a bad thing about Hot Tomato’s.
Sorella (Tulane) – This is a new Italian restaurant/bar that has opened recently right across from City Steam. I have not been here yet but heard their pizza is great.
Russian Lady (UCF) – The Russian Lady is a little bit of everything. The first floor has a large bar and restaurant area, the 2nd has pool, bars, and a large dance floor, and the 3rd is a rooftop bar. Depending on the time of day it can range from a chill bar to have a few drinks, sports bar, or packed dance party.
Sorella (Tulane) – This is a new Italian restaurant/bar that has opened recently right across from City Steam. I have not been here yet but heard their pizza is great.
Russian Lady (UCF) – The Russian Lady is a little bit of everything. The first floor has a large bar and restaurant area, the 2nd has pool, bars, and a large dance floor, and the 3rd is a rooftop bar. Depending on the time of day it can range from a chill bar to have a few drinks, sports bar, or packed dance party.
The Tavern Downtown (ECU) – This is the only true sports bar in downtown. It has a massive 360 degree bar is maybe 50 beers on tap and TVs everywhere. The food is your typical bar fare but if you want to watch a game with a good bar atmosphere this is your place.
Vaughan’s Public House (Memphis) – A true Irish pub and by that I mean your bartender is Irish, soccer is on the TV, and Celtic signers are signing in the corner. It’s on Pratt street which is a cobblestone road that connects the XL Center to Main street. This place will be mobbed on St Patrick’s Day but if you want a true Irish experience this is your pub.
Vaughan’s Public House (Memphis) – A true Irish pub and by that I mean your bartender is Irish, soccer is on the TV, and Celtic signers are signing in the corner. It’s on Pratt street which is a cobblestone road that connects the XL Center to Main street. This place will be mobbed on St Patrick’s Day but if you want a true Irish experience this is your pub.