OT: Restaurant Recommendations

[Husky Alien]

The Flying Monkey Bar and Grill in Wethersfield. Excellent food, recommend making reservations since it gets extremely packed especially on weekends.

The Flying Monkey

The Flying Monkey

www.theflyingmonkeygrill.com

 

[BIIIG]

I commend you for having a relationship that would allow going to dinner on a 21yo's birthday. As much as I loved my parents, and they me, there is no way I would have ever thought about celebrating that day(night) with them. Maybe a dinner and birthday cake at home, but it would be my own night.

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

 

[McLovin]

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

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)

 

[jpeakin]

Feng Chop House was solid in Hartford. Hit it up a few weeks ago.

They are closed on Sundays (which is when we are going)

 

[jpeakin]

Do something that celebrates your kid turning 21!

For example, for my 21st, my sister and now brother-in-law took me to Foxwoods to have dinner and play some poker. Once we got home, we went to a nice bar (Ginger Man in Norwalk, RIP) for a few fancy beers. Didn't get hammered, but just enjoyed a responsible, casual day of light-to-moderate drinking.

If I had a 21 year old, I'd find a local brewery that also serves good food and/or has good food trucks.

This is for Sunday night so I feel like a brewery may be a bit of waste as it’s more of a dinner than drinks. I thought of the Casino route but he is already doing that with his buddies

 

[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