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Hartford is home to a number of theaters producing and hosting high-caliber shows and concerts. Make planning your night out easier and head to some of our favorite places to eat near some of the city’s most popular venues! Check out our list below.
The Bushnell has been a staple in the Hartford theater scene for over 90 years. The historic theater is the state’s premier Broadway touring house and has a full schedule featuring art, education, and community activities. If you have plans to attend a show at The Bushnell, here are some options within walking distance for a pre-theater dinner.
Peppercorn’s Grill (.3 miles)
Located on Main Street for over 20 years, Peppercorn’s Grill is a favorite for traditional Italian dishes. With farm-fresh ingredients, a great happy hour, and room for larger groups, this restaurant is perfect for before or after a show.
Red Rock Tavern (.4 miles)
For over 80 years, Red Rock Tavern has been a popular family-run establishment in Hartford. The menu consists of popular American dishes with both vegetarian and gluten free options. It’s a classic stop that’s sure to please!
Aurora’s (.5 miles)
This restaurant and bakery offers a variety of Guatemalan bites including sandwiches, wraps, plates and pastries. We also love their selection of juices and smoothies. Note: Aurora’s is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly!
Fire n Spice (.6 miles)
For a quick grab & go bite that is scratch-made and vegan, we recommend Fire n Spice on Capitol Ave for delicious Jamaican-inspired fare. From a variety of vegan patties and burritos to dinner plates and porridge, there’s no shortage of delicious options here.
Little River Restoratives (.5 miles)
If all you want is a pre-show cocktail, look no further than Little River. We love this spot for its speakeasy-inspired cocktail menu and low-key, candlelit ambiance. The drink menu features a variety of inventive, handcrafted cocktails that are sure to delight.
Fire by Forge
Influenced by the neighborhood that it calls home, Fire by Forge offers Pan-American-inspired cuisine— pulling inspiration from the North, South and Central American cultures that are found within Frog Hollow. Fire by Forge is closed on Sundays.
Hartford Stage is a midsize theater housing 489 seats staging classic and innovative plays, musicals, and more. Viewers claim there isn't a bad seat in the house! Centrally located on Church Street in Downtown Hartford, there are a number of restaurants just steps away.
RAW (Across the street)
Right across from Hartford Stage, RAW is Hartford’s most promiscuous seafood restaurant and cocktail bar. With an edgy, loud and futuristic feeling atmosphere, RAW is truly a one-of-a-kind place. This is the perfect spot to grab some oysters and a cocktail before or after a show at Harford Stage.
And might we recommend something on Pratt Street?
Sorella (.1 miles)
Sorella is a relaxed, upscale restaurant serving housemade pasta, brick-oven pizza and other Italian favorites. Sorella is located at 901 Main Street and is just .1 miles from the Hartford Stage.
Vaughan’s Irish Public House (.2 miles)
Looking for something low key and casual? Check out Vaughan’s Irish Public House on Pratt Street. Cozy up in a booth and enjoy your company before heading to the show. This beloved pub is just a four-minute walk to the Hartford Stage.
Urban Lodge Brewing Co. (.2 miles)
The newest addition to the Pratt Street family and instantly becoming one of our fave spots! Urban Lodge Brewing Co.'s Hartford location is two floors of fun – featuring multiple bars, a wide selection of craft beer, cocktails and wine, plus a full food menu.
Sunberry Restaurant and Bar (.2 miles)
Also on Pratt Street, this family-owned Korean restaurant has been in Hartford for seven years. They have recently closed for some exciting updates and will be reopening in April. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, so if the weather is nice, we recommend stopping here for some fresh air before heading to the theater.
TheaterWorks Hartford has served the area for over 30 years. TWH produces 5–6 productions each season in their 188-seat theater. Here are a few places to check out before or after the show.
Max Downtown (.1 miles)
Max Downtown is walkable from both Hartford Stage and TheaterWorks Hartford, and offers a fantastic happy hour if you want a quick bite before the show. If you are looking for a more formal sit down meal, we recommend making a reservation ahead of time.
Salute (.2 miles)
This hotspot Italian eatery is always a hit before shows. We recommend making a reservation ahead of time and giving yourself enough time to park and walk from the restaurant to the theater. Broadway Series Ticket Holders receive 10% off their meal.
The XL Center is Connecticut's largest entertainment and live sports arena. With a full schedule of events, there is something to be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you’re attending a UConn game or concert, we know exactly where you should eat!
Photo by: @xl_center
Trumbull Kitchen (.1 miles)
Just steps away from the XL Center, Trumbull Kitchen offers a large selection of tapas, shareable entrees, and fantastic drinks in an upscale environment. Reservations can be made online and we recommend making one in advance of your event.
Agave Grill (.1 miles)
Another quick walk from the XL Center is Agave Grill. Come for the margaritas and stay for table-side guacamole. Agave Grill features many fresh Mexican dishes and is always a crowd pleaser.
Feng Chophouse (.1 miles)
Craving sushi? Stop into Feng Chophouse just a block away from the XL Center. The decor is fresh and modern, and the food is a beautiful mix of Eastern and Western flare. Check their website before going for up-to-date promotions available.
The Webster Theater is a smaller music venue in the South End of Hartford. They host a wide variety of artists throughout the year. Check out The Webster Underground, adjacent to the main theater, for more regional and locally known acts as well.
Coyote Flaco (1.6 miles)
This authentic Mexican restaurant features dishes made from family recipes. Coyote Flaco is the perfect casual dining spot, and is about a six minute drive from the Webster Theater.
First and Last Tavern Hartford (.8 miles)
This long-time establishment has been open in Hartford since 1936. Their famous red sauce is used in authentic Italian pasta dishes as well as brick oven pizzas. First and Last Tavern Hartford is just shy of a mile away from the theater.
Hartford is boasting with authentic restaurants to dine at before visiting one of our city’s theaters—there really is something for everyone! If you try any of our recommendations, or want to share a new spot, tag @experiencehartford. Enjoy the show!