Top Rated Nightlife in Hartford

One of the area's best restaurants, Black-eyed Sally's BBQ & Blues has barbecue, catfish, grits, fried chicken and plenty of other Southern favorites, all accompanied by live music. Open for lunch and dinner, this is one of the most popular eateries in the downtown area and a great place to "Pig-Out" (a dinner special that includes ribs, pulled pork and Andouille sausage). Be sure to get here early because it gets busy on weekends and game days!

Some of the best wines in Hartford can be found in Bin 228's cellar. The wine list primarily brings together varietals from Italy, where guests will find every region covered, from Montepulciano and Barbera to Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. After ordering a glass of wine make sure sure you check out their menu which has small bites and sandwiches, including the tramezzini (mini triangle sandwiches), larger panini, salads and plenty of antipasti.

Visit McLadden's Irish Publick House for an upscale gastropub experience. Discover the bar's great selection of craft beer and equally great dishes. The menu includes dishes like rack of lamb, burgers, mac n' cheese, sandwiches, wings, build-it-yourself baked potatoes, and more. Make sure you also check out the bar's great selection of whiskey and bourbon. Moreover, there is always some kind of event during the week which only adds to this downtown gastropub experience.

This restaurant's name says it all--Booze, Blues and BBQ. Theodores' was given a Keeping the Blues Alive award and named the Best Blues Club in the Country in 2004 by the Blues Foundation, so you know this is the place to come for some real, authentic Blues. But that's not all you'll find here! Make sure not to miss out on the menu, featuring everything from individual pizzas, to Gumbo, and of course, lots of amazing Barbecue. And don't skip the drinks either, try the World's Greatest Margarita or Bayou Punch. Theodores' is just a little taste of the Deep South in New England.

The Federal A Restaurant & Bar, located in one of Agawam's historic buildings, was opened to the public by Ralph Santaniello and his co-partner executive chef Michael Presnal in the year 2002. The menu features American dishes blended with French and Italian flavors, lending it a contemporary European twist. The restaurant's interiors are an extension of the menu's heterogeneity, as the modern decor is seamlessly blended with the vintage architecture. The Skillet Seared Salmon, the Burnt Tangerine Glazed Cod, and the Fork & Knife Braised Shortribs are some of the must-haves here. Give dinner a sweet finish with a slice of Tiramisu or the exquisite Chocolate Pistachio Semigreddo.

The Fat Cat Bar & Grill is located in the heart of Springfield's Club Quarter. Featuring two floors of bar, the upstairs of which has a lounge type feel to it, the Fat Cat also has an outside area for smokers or those who just want to catch some fresh air. Featuring live music during the week and weekends, the Fat Cat is a good place to stop during a night on the town.