Food suggestions before XL Center game | The Boneyard

Food suggestions before XL Center game

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I haven't been to a game in Hartford since before Covid. Coming down for the DePaul game but won't have time to go to a sit down restaurant. Any suggestions for a fast casual spot in Hartford to grab dinner before the game? Something I can be in and out of in less than an hour. I was thinking Bear's but if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know. And don't suggest I eat at the XL Center. The food there is generally terrible. I think there's a Bear's in the arena so that's always an option if I'm running late. Thanks in advance.
 
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El Pollo Guapo across from Bear’s is always solid. Otherwise depending on which way you’re coming from you’ll have a lot more options in West Hartford, Newington, Wethersfield or Glastonbury
 

Huskyforlife

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Capital Grille if money isn’t an object. Otherwise make time for a trip to West Hartford, just way more options and better food.
 

willie99

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Based on being fast and decent, just eat at Bear's inside the arena. Located behind the student section and bar
 
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On Ann St.

Pho was very good. Have not had their Ban Mi
 
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Last time I saw you was City Steam, many moons ago LOL. Grab a Nurse for gametime!
 

Waquoit

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Based on being fast and decent, just eat at Bear's inside the arena. Located behind the student section and bar
Let me second this. I don't think you are going to be able to eat before the game within walking distance to the XL because it gets crowded early. I think Bear's is a good deal for arena food. If you want to eat close by, the aforementioned Parkville Market is great. And they added a Plan B next to the Infinity Hall Bear's .
 

Waquoit

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City Steam is temporarily shut down due to water damage from a frozen pipe bursting a few weeks ago.
Horrible timing for them. It's seemed things were really humming there earlier this year.
 
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City Steam is temporarily shut down due to water damage from a frozen pipe bursting a few weeks ago.
Place can't seem to catch a break. Their food and overall service has gone down the absolute tubes as of the last 3-4 years or so (even before COVID....2019-ish is when I started noticing).

It's too bad.
 
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I haven't been to a game in Hartford since before Covid. Coming down for the DePaul game but won't have time to go to a sit down restaurant. Any suggestions for a fast casual spot in Hartford to grab dinner before the game? Something I can be in and out of in less than an hour. I was thinking Bear's but if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know. And don't suggest I eat at the XL Center. The food there is generally terrible. I think there's a Bear's in the arena so that's always an option if I'm running late. Thanks in advance.
If you are coming down 84 from Boston, Reins Deli in Vernon might be a good choice. Easy in and out right off 84.
 
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Front Street: El Pollo Guapo, Bear's, Plan B
By the XL Center: Four Dad's

Otherwise, go to West Hartford or Glastonbury.
 

HuskyHawk

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I like Black Eyed Sally's. Good spot and perhaps less likely to be crowded. Plus I'm nostalgic for the Civic Pub that was once at that location.
 

August_West

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Hot and spicy chicken.



I could drink that sauce
 
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Pietro's Pizza on Main Street, near the Old G Fox. Order ahead so your food is ready when you get there and they serve beer. They make a killer chicken parm. Four Dad's is great but it will be mobbed.
 
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Pietro's Pizza on Main Street, near the Old G Fox. Order ahead so your food is ready when you get there and they serve beer. They make a killer chicken parm. Four Dad's is great but it will be mobbed.
Thanks. Are there seats in there to sit down and eat?

I agree about Dad's. Anywhere right near the XL Center is probably not going to work. And I didn't know exactly when I'd be down there so I couldn't make a reservation anywhere. We'll be winging it on the fly with some options.
 

HuskyHawk

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Thanks. Are there seats in there to sit down and eat?

I agree about Dad's. Anywhere right near the XL Center is probably not going to work. And I didn't know exactly when I'd be down there so I couldn't make a reservation anywhere. We'll be winging it on the fly with some options.
That's why I like Black Eyed Sally's, two blocks away on the opposite side. Easier to get in.
 
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Thanks. Are there seats in there to sit down and eat?

I agree about Dad's. Anywhere right near the XL Center is probably not going to work. And I didn't know exactly when I'd be down there so I couldn't make a reservation anywhere. We'll be winging it on the fly with some options.
Yes they do, it is small about a dozen or so tables, plus a standing counter. You can order ahead from their website or the Slice app as you are parking and it will be ready when you get there.
 
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If you like Indian food, there are 2 options right near the stadium. Dhaba Wala & Spice Venue.

Both are counter serve. I've had many meals at both and have enjoyed them all.
 

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