🟢 West Hartford's Newest Bar Spot

Good Morning Nutmeggers!

This heat has been insanity.

I’ve refused to cut my lawn until it gets cooler, lol.

Thankfully, the rest of the week looks like it will be in the mid-80s and then the 70s for the weekend.

PLUS, there will be a partial eclipse later today at 2PM. It won’t be as crazy as the complete solar eclipse we had last year, but still fun to see (please don’t stare at the sun without proper glasses!)

Anyways, I got some HEAT for you in this edition of The Hartford Pour so buckle up and let’s figure out what to do this week.

In today’s edition of The Hartford Pour, we’ll get into:

— Chris M.
Local Whiskey Nerd, Husband, Dad, Entrepreneur ( Fun Tip: My favorite whiskey is bourbon and rye)

The Hartford Pour is only as good as the community behind it and I want you to shape what to build next!

So, I’d like LOVE your help in figuring out what to include in future editions.

What are we missing? Is there a specific town in Hartford County you want more coverage on? A specific type of bar/restaurant? Or maybe more local event guides?

Drop a quick reply and tell me what you’d love to see next. You’re in the driver's seat!

(Pizza and burgers? Brilliant combination)

Let’s get one thing straight: West Hartford Center doesn’t just let anyone set up shop. You’ve gotta bring serious game, and The Brownstone (12 Central Row / LaSalle Rd area) has arrived to make a statement.

When you step inside, you’re immediately hit with elevated pub but refined cozy. It’s not the biggest place ever, but it’s warm and sleek.

We’re a drinks newsletter, right? So let’s cover the bar.

You’ve got your classics like Michter’s, Blanton’s and Jack Daniels. But nothing insanely amazing.

The bar area is nice with a TV, perfect for an Old Fashioned.

For food they have smash burgers and pizza! I’m a sucker for a good smash burger. They also have a Jalapeno pepperoni pizza, which satisfies my spicy nature, lol.

Click here to check out the full menu.

Prices are not too bad compared to other spots in WeHa and they are open to 2am. So perfect for a late night snack.

Their happy hour is from 3pm to 6pm. They have a $9 Smash Burger and Fries combo which is a GREAT price point.

I’ll see you there!

(Evergreen Walk Goodness)

If you’re looking for a killer group spot for your next night out, Red Heat Tavern over at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor needs to be on your radar.

A group of us went recently, and between the oversized comfort food and the heavy-hitting whiskey selection, it ended up being an absolute home run of an evening.

The Bang Bang Broccoli is a must-order. It’s a totally unhealthy way to prepare healthy food and that is why I love it, lol.

We also couldn't pass up the Fried Pickles, but probably shouldn’t have ordered them. They were “too bready” if that is a thing. I wasn’t a fan of the overall taste of it, but the rest of the crew ate them anyway.

Red Heat Tavern is flexing some major muscle behind the counter. I stuck with two classic Old Fashioneds made with Knob Creek 9 (because, in my book, a 100-proof bourbon is the absolute gold standard for an Old Fashioned)

Scanning their top shelf, they have heavy hitters like Weller Antique 107, other Weller bottles, and Michter’s 10 Year just waiting to be poured.

While the prices run a bit on the higher side, the massive portions, high-end spirit selection, and great atmosphere for a night out with friends make it completely worth it.

It’s officially a go-to for great food and an even better pour.

(Need something to do?)

Tuesday is looking pretty busy, so start your afternoon right over in Glastonbury at Max Fish (110 Glastonbury Blvd).

From 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, their legendary happy hour is the only place you should be slamming back freshly shucked oysters and littleneck clams (if that’s your thing, but there are plenty of other things on the happy hour menu as well.)

Pair that with their insanely amazing bar. The bartenders are AMAZING there, especially Daniel. Trust, if you go to Max Fish, this random Tuesday will feel like an amazing Friday.

Afterwards, Elicit Brewing Company (165 Adams St) is firing up their Yacht Rock Music Bingo at 6:30 PM.

What is music bingo you ask? Instead of boring numbers, DJ Marek plays popular songs forcing you to test your musical knowledge while racing to complete your card.

Elicit has some of the best selection when it comes to drinks, but I’d recommend the Super Duper Juice Bag or the Marriage Counseling craft beers. They are both IPAs, but goes down smooth!

Let’s start the afternoon over in Glastonbury at The Tenth Hole Tavern (16 Fairway Crossing).

Some of the most underrated restaurants and drink specials come from the 19th hole at golf courses and this one doesn’t disappoint.

From 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, their patio happy hour is the ultimate sanctuary for unwinding with $2 draft specials (yes, $2! Wild, right?).

Once you’re properly lubricated, you can use that liquid courage to have a ball at Karaoke Night at Parkville Market (1400 Park St).

Starting at 7:30 PM, DJ B-EZ takes over. We are talking $3 Green Tea Shots, $4 Modelo cans, and $5 Sam Adams drafts! You know the stuff required to command the mic.

I’m partial to good ‘ole 90s RnB (and maybe My Shot from Hamilton), you can also belt out some classic rock anthems and other fan-favorites. You know, to get that cheering from the back and singalongs.

Thursday night is for smooth jazz.

In West Hartford check out Jazz in the Square at Blue Back Square (65 Memorial Rd).

Starting at 5:00 PM, Webster Walk transforms into an open-air concert hall. There are a few restaurants around so grab a patio table at one of the surrounding spots and let the live music wash over you as the sun starts to dip.

Afterwards, Manchester keeps the momentum going. The Main Pub (306 Main St) is hosting their Thursday Night Trivia from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

Their cocktail menu is next level… check it out here.

I suggest the Negroni or Old Fashioned. They make it with Elijah Craig 12-year (which is kinda crazy… )

A great way to round out the night before the weekend hits!

Do you know of an AWESOME restaurant or bar? Or something not included in this email you’d like to see?

REPLY to this email and let me know!