I'm meeting up with a couple of old friends in a couple of weeks while I'm on the east coast for the holidays and based upon where we're all coming from Hartford, CT seems to be about in the middle. Anyone have good recommendations for fine dining in that area - or say within a 30min radius?

Pretty flexible on cuisine, but a nice wine list is a big plus.

Thanks in advance!

Don't know anything about any of these, but CitySearch puts the best wine lists in Hartford at

1. Arugula
953 Farmington Ave , West Hartford , CT , 06107-2101


2. Bin 228 - Panini & Wine Bar
228 Pearl St , Hartford , CT , 06106
Beautiful presentations of simple, quality sandwiches and snacks complement an extensive menu of regional Italian wines.

3. Max Downtown
185 Asylum St , Hartford , CT , 06103-3408
Upscale elegance meets classic city club at this posh chophouse.

4. Restaurant Bricco
78 Lasalle Rd , West Hartford , CT , 06107-2303
Get your spaghetti topped with white truffle oil at this perpetually packed Italian restaurant.

5. Morton's - The Steakhouse
30 State House Sq , Hartford , CT , 06103
USDA prime beef, elegant tableside service and mammoth martinis.

The Max restaurants have a lock on Hartford. Although I haven't been to one since I moved to Texas (ten years ago) I know they're going strong.

Any of the Carmen Anthony's locations are outstanding.

My parents are huge fans of Peppercorns' sister restaurant in Farmington called Piccolo Arancio/ (http://www.piccoloarancio.com/). According to their website they've received some kudos for their winelist. Piccolo's is pretty easy to get to on Rt. 4 (off 84) in Farmington center.

Me? I could tell you where to get the best buffalo wings and pub food in the area....J. Timothy's Tavern in Plainville. Whenever we're home (and I mean each and every time), we make time to go get some chowder, dirt wings, and some good, dark, heavy beer to wash it all down.

Max's Oyster Bar in West Hartford is fantastic ... great food and service. If there during daylight hours (they have a great lunch), sit in the window nooks to do some people watching. Plus, some great stores, including independent book store, Three Dog Bakery, etc. on the same street and within walking distance. Be sure to make reservations ... bar is always hopping! Carmen Anthony's Wethersfield is better than the Avon location ... we've consistently had service problems at Avon location. Metro Bis in Simsbury is consistently rated well. How far from Hartford are you able to travel? There is a Ruth's Chris in Newington ... good food and service there also. If you want Italian food, you can find great restaurants within spitting distance! Even smaller towns in CT have great Italian food.

Carmen Anthony's Wethersfield is better than the Avon location ... we've consistently had service problems at Avon location.

My parents had a service issue at Carmen Anthony's in Avon as well. At the end of the meal, the server asked how everything was and my father nonchalantly mentioned an issue with his entree (not like "I want it comped" but honestly answering the question....something that shouldn't have happened at a restaurant of that caliber) so the server says "well, you ate it didn't you?" Not the right thing to say....:rolleyes:

I recommend "Grants" in West Hartford - we had a great dinner there in October.