Log In / Sign Up
HOME > Chowhound > Southern New England >
m
msgcook Sep 18, 2010 07:40 PM

Dining in the Manchester-Hartford area

I'm visiting my in-laws in Manchester for a week and I'm taking them out to dinner. Any suggestions in the area to take them? Firebox is a favorite, but trying to get out to somewhere new to us. I work in a top restaurant in Boston and eat out there frequently. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I believe Firebox is equal caliber to Boston restaurants, and I'm trying to find a place along those lines. My in-laws suggested Cavey's, but the online menu and reviews make it sound played out. I'm also trying to avoid a Max's type place since I get a food allowance from my restaurant for R&D. Thanks in advance for the suggestions.

-----
Cavey's Restaurants
45 E Center St, Manchester, CT 06040

  1. e
    Earle Aug 6, 2011 09:47 AM

    Had a very good meal last week at Marco Polo, in East Hartford, While the decor at a place in East Hartford called Alfrescos on Burnside ave. the food is a step up for quality in this area. You could also try a place in south windsor, called the Nutmeg. on Rt.5 , All 3 places have website, so theck them out... Good Luck... Earle

    -----
    The Marco Polo Restaurant
    1250 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, CT 06108

    1. e
      Earle Sep 22, 2010 05:40 AM

      You could try Mill on the River in South Windsor, it has a deversified menu , and it is very quaint looking in the main dining room. I think you might like it!

      -----
      The Mill on the River
      989 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT 06074

      3 Replies
      1. re: Earle
        c
        chowmensch Sep 22, 2010 09:32 AM

        No offense, Earle but I think the OP is a sophisticated diner (works in a restaurant) and Mill On the River is not a good match. It's a nice place as you mention and while the food is okay, it's not very creative or inventive.

        1. re: chowmensch
          m
          msgcook Sep 23, 2010 07:36 AM

          Thanks everyone. We'll probably end up at Cavey's (due to in-law politics...) and I hope to be proven wrong and pleasantly surprised. Even though Firebox and Bricco are a good match for what I typically go out to eat for in Boston.

          -----
          Cavey's Restaurants
          45 E Center St, Manchester, CT 06040

          1. re: msgcook
            w
            Waquoit Oct 1, 2010 09:28 AM

            Are we going to get a final report, msg?

      2. j
        judka Sep 21, 2010 10:09 AM

        On 20 in Hartford gets wonderful reviews.

        1. j
          JayCT Sep 20, 2010 12:45 PM

          The new Bricco's in Glastonbury is getting rave reviews. I also love 2 Hopewell in South Glastonbury. Jay

          -----
          2 Hopewell
          2 Hopewell, Glastonbury, CT 06033

          1. w
            Waquoit Sep 20, 2010 10:22 AM

            I went to Cavey's last month and am going on Wednesday and I didn't find it played out. I like Firebox, too. Feng, perhaps?

            -----
            Cavey's Restaurants
            45 E Center St, Manchester, CT 06040

            1. c
              chowmensch Sep 20, 2010 09:43 AM

              I have three suggestions....all fine dining with consistently excellent food and service:

              Still River Cafe is in Easton, north of Manchester.

              Metro Bis is in Simsbury.

              Mill at 2T is in Tariffville, a section of Simsbury.

              -----
              Still River Cafe
              134 Union Rd, Eastford, CT 06242

              Metro Bis Restaurant
              928 Hopmeadow St Ste 2, Simsbury, CT 06070

              Mill at 2T
              2 Tunxis Rd, Tariffville, CT 06081-9686

              2 Replies
              1. re: chowmensch
                j
                JayCT Sep 20, 2010 12:46 PM

                Still River Cafe is located in Eastford, CT not Easton. Easton is just north of Fairfield down in Fairfield County. Jay

                -----
                Still River Cafe
                134 Union Rd, Eastford, CT 06242

                1. re: JayCT
                  c
                  chowmensch Sep 21, 2010 10:28 AM

                  Thanks, Jay. Brain fade on my part.

              Share with your friendsX