Food suggestions before XL Center game

[HooperScooper]

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.

 

[UCLJ0211]

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]

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

 

[superjohn]

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

Capital Grille isn't fast casual.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Capital Grille isn't fast casual.

Skipped over that. Whoops.

 

[willie99]

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

 

[richw]

Maybe try Parkville Market, Hartfords mini Fanual Hall went after the Butler game got parking and in and out under a hour everyone had there own choices. Just a little to far to park and walk though.

 

[drayenob]

Home

Hartford first Vietnamese Food Truck providing Vietnamese cuisine to be eaten easily and conveniently as possible while staying true to the flavor of the dish.

banhmeee.com

On Ann St.

Pho was very good. Have not had their Ban Mi

 

[mauconnfan]

Last time I saw you was City Steam, many moons ago LOL. Grab a Nurse for gametime!

 

[Deepster]

Hot and spicy chicken.

Our Menu

Starters Soups On The Side Fried Rice Lo Mein Vegetarian House Specials Lunch & Dinner Favorites Small Orders Monthly Chef Specials Box Lunch Catering>

thesaigonkitchen.com

 

[dvegas]

Last time I saw you was City Steam, many moons ago LOL. Grab a Nurse for gametime!

City Steam is temporarily shut down due to water damage from a frozen pipe bursting a few weeks ago.

 

[Waquoit]

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]

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.

 

[UCLJ0211]

Horrible timing for them. It's seemed things were really humming there earlier this year.

Maybe it was the pipe that was humming

 

[BigFanCT]

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.

 

[LIUCHusky]

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.

 

[Durks07]

Front Street: El Pollo Guapo, Bear's, Plan B
By the XL Center: Four Dad's

Otherwise, go to West Hartford or Glastonbury.

 

[HuskyHawk]

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.

Home - Black Eyed Sally's

Come Sink Your Teeth into our Award Winning Bar-B-Que and Southern Cooking. Order Online CATERING

www.blackeyedsallys.com

 

[August_West]

Hot and spicy chicken.

Our Menu

Starters Soups On The Side Fried Rice Lo Mein Vegetarian House Specials Lunch & Dinner Favorites Small Orders Monthly Chef Specials Box Lunch Catering>

thesaigonkitchen.com

I could drink that sauce

 

[beerfan]

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.

 

[HooperScooper]

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.

 

[tykurez]

Parkville is fun and has good parking - but you’ll have to then drive down to the game. But you can get a little tasting from a bunch of different spots and be in and out in way less than an hour.

 

[HuskyHawk]

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.

 

[beerfan]

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.

 

[HU5KIES]

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.