Hartford - Recs for upscale-ish/casual dinner

[Rabbit]

Looking for a restaurant recommendation in Hartford (first visit).

I'd like to find someplace for a weekend dinner to catch up with a friend we haven't seen in a while... someplace "casual" insofar as you can linger for a long time, and cocktail it up, and the room will have a little energy and buzz. But "upscale" in terms of good/interesting food and drink offerings. We're late thirties/forty-ish and budget isn't a consideration.

Perhaps something along the lines of Eastern Standard in Boston or a bit-more-happening-ish Cotton (Manchester)?

Any thoughts?

Rab-bit!

[badabingdesi]

Spris. Great Italian, excellent wine list, quiet atmosphere. I think the food and service is much better then Hot Tomatos. Peppercorns is also great.

http://www.spris.cc/ct_index.html

[GooGLeR]

Vito's by the Park is an enjoyable experience.

http://www.vitosbythepark.com/vitobyt...

[FoodieJim]

Hot Tomato's is a good suggestion as is Peppercorn's. Both offer the opportunity to "retire to the bar" after dinner. Of the two, Peppercorn's is a bit more formal and has the better bar by far.

O'Porto on Park St is also a nice place to linger. Never rushed. Good food. But if it is your first trip to Hartford, you may want to stick in the downtown area.

[hypertomatoes]

I'd suggest Braza.

Grab a table outside, sit back, sip on a fresh mojito and people-watch. The food is incredible.

They usually have live music - salsa night, DJ's, latin jazz bands.

http://www.hottomatos.net/web/braza.html

[MagnumWino]

I'll chime in for Hot Tomatoes as well. I always ask for a table in the "wine room", for the atmosphere. Also, Peppercorns is pretty good as well.

[sryder]

i would recommend trumbull kitchen.

http://trumbullkitchen.com/

[Enfielder]

Trumbull Kitchen gets noisy sometimes (but the food and vibe are great). Hot Tomatos may be a good alternative.

[Waquoit]

I would like to 2nd Hot Tomato's. I always have a good time there. I can't say the same about Trumbull Kitchen.