OT: Restaurant Recommendations

[PWS]

Was going to suggest WBC. Parents took me there for a few B-Days in college. Bidwell is great too.

Edit: and if you’re going the steakhouse route, can’t go wrong with Cap Grille, Max’s, J Gilberts or Fleming’s. Everyone has their own personal favorites. But all in the same ball park. Max’s and J Gilberts are the local options though (I always like the local spot over chains if possible)

J Gilberts is a chain out of Kansas City - A relatively small chain (6 locations), but it is not local to the Hartford area. That said, the one here in McLean, VA is excellent.

 

[jpeakin]

Do not know if they are still open but I remember I went to either Bidwell tavern or willimantic brewing company for my 21st. I know I went to both within a few weeks of my 21st with my parents and a few extended family members.

As a college student they both seemed like very nice places

Love Bidwell but was looking for something a bit more upscale for this occasion

 

[8893]

If you want to he a hero, bring him to Treehouse to pick up beer and then stop at B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge on the way back. Not fine dining, but awesome and BYOB.

 

[jpeakin]

Right, does the kid know this is the plan or you ambushing them?

His actual bday is earlier in the week. He is completely aware this is just him and I.

 

[husky429]

If you want to he a hero, bring him to Treehouse to pick up beer and then stop at B.T.'s Smokehouse in Sturbridge on the way back. Not fine dining, but awesome and BYOB.

BT Smokehouse changes lives. Better than anything in CT by far.

 

[CL82]

Didn't your legs get tired?

Lol, you are on a roll.

 

[methodology]

Just go to The Blue and enjoy the buffet

 

[boog204]

Max Downtown is always good if you want to head into Hartford; or you can head to Putnam and check out Elizabeth's Farmhouse or 85 Main. Never been to either but it's a beautiful drive out that way.

I had forgotten that Mansfield Depot burned down until I googled that; that was my first thought.

Loved that place... The Depot and Willi-brew were my go-to UConn date night places.

 

[Sibeerian]

Stone Row (formerly Cafemantic, across street from Willibrew) is a very good fine dining restaurant if you want to stay close to campus. Then you can hit Willibrew for a legal beer as dessert.

 

[Kolumbo]

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Manchester is a fun chain. You got your burgers, sammiches, pizza, steaks, brews, pizookies. Not fancy but solid.

 

[UCLJ0211]

Millwrights in Simsbury

 

[methodology]

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Manchester is a fun chain. You got your burgers, sammiches, pizza, steaks, brews, pizookies. Not fancy but solid.

When I’m on the road and unfamiliar with restaurants in the area I’ll always got to BJs. It’s solid not spectacular pub food.

Last year in McLean, Va the bartender told us she had figured out a way to give us happy hour prices on drinks after happy hour ended. Tall vodka sodas for $5 (which were more like 90% vodka and splash of soda). The next day was rough.

 

[Khal Drogo]

J Gilberts is a chain out of Kansas City - A relatively small chain (6 locations), but it is not local to the Hartford area. That said, the one here in McLean, VA is excellent.

There’s one in Glastonbury

 

[UConnKev]

J. Gilbert’s or Sayulita in Glastonbury would be my call. Sayulita’s margs are the best in the state by a wife margin.

 

[8893]

J. Gilbert’s or Sayulita in Glastonbury would be my call. Sayulita’s margs are the best in the state by a wife margin.

You haven't seen my wife drink margaritas.

 

[storrsroars]

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse in Manchester is a fun

BJ's is where you end up after you decide to eat out on a busy night but can't get a reservation anywhere. Fine and acceptable, but not quality/experience one plans ahead for. At least that's the case here.

 

[UconnOhNiner]

The Applebees on 195 was where I used to go when going to school and looking for a nice classy meal.

 

[UConnSwag11]

Aura in Manchester

 

[McLovin]

J Gilberts is a chain out of Kansas City - A relatively small chain (6 locations), but it is not local to the Hartford area. That said, the one here in McLean, VA is excellent.

Did not know that!

 

[Kolumbo]

BJ's is where you end up after you decide to eat out on a busy night but can't get a reservation anywhere. Fine and acceptable, but not quality/experience one plans ahead for. At least that's the case here.

I know times have changed but when I was 21 and having had very few sustenance options during my stint in Storrs, BJ's would have been cause for celebration. Between dorm food and Jonathan's in the Student Union BJ's is like 3 Michelin stars

 

[Waquoit]

Never been disappointed by a meal at Abigail's in Simsbury.

More good news. Never been but I'm being taken there soon for my birthday. Not that many nice places open on a Monday it seems.

 

[Deepster]

Millwrights in Simsbury

Eh. More for a romantic Valentines dinner then for a 21 year olds birthday.

New Haven pizza crawl anyone?!?

 

[methodology]

Eh. More for a romantic Valentines dinner then for a 21 year olds birthday.

New Haven pizza crawl anyone?!?

Already did that today… Sally’s and modern

 

[Mister P]

Melvilles Fine Seafood in Boston.
Great reputation and there’s also a bar downstairs that’s owned by an ex MLB relief pitcher. Everyone knows everyone’s name in there.

 

[bigknight3]

BT Smokehouse changes lives. Better than anything in CT by far.

Better than Hoo Doo Browns?

 

[husky429]

Better than Hoo Doo Browns?

To my taste--absolutely. But bbq os a pretty personal thing

 

[storrsroars]

New Haven pizza crawl anyone?!?

I was gonna suggest pick up a couple sixers of great beer, grab a Pepes or Sally's, and head out for a fun family night of axe throwing

 

[Kolumbo]

ducks on the pond!!

Live Stream - The Big Texan Steak Ranch

www.bigtexan.com

 

[Kolumbo]

Already did that today… Sally’s and modern

Do you ask for it crispy or is that standard fare? I like it cooked but maybe a minute or two less.

 

[Kolumbo]

Melvilles Fine Seafood in Boston.
Great reputation and there’s also a bar downstairs that’s owned by an ex MLB relief pitcher. Everyone knows everyone’s name in there.

Classic