Dine-Around

The Dine-Around is an IABC tradition that features an opportunity to connect with a group of 12-15 people over dinner at a local restaurant. A local “host” guides groups to their chosen restaurant and each person pays for their own dinner.  The Dine-Around provides an opportunity to sample what the host city has to offer, and enjoy getting to know your fellow diners in a more relaxed setting.

A preliminary list of selected Hartford restaurants follows, with a description of the type of food on offer, ratings and general price ranges.  Conference participants sign-up for the restaurant of their choice at the on-site registration desk on Monday.  (Restaurant information courtesy of Hartford Magazine.)

Agave Grill

Modern Southwest/Mexican. This festive Latin hangout proves that life is just more fun south of the border. Handmade Mexican decorations bedeck the restaurant, but if you need even more visual stimulation, order the Guacamole, which is prepared right at your table. The fresh ceviche also comes highly recommended.
100 Allyn St.; 882-1557
$$

Ambassador of India
Indian. This popular Indian restaurant features fine dining.
960 Main St.; 727-1092
$$

Arch Street Tavern
American Pub. Arch Street Tavern has transformed an old carriage factory into one of Hartford’s favorite places to relax with friends. Monday nights feature a 16-piece jazz band. Grab a bite on the outdoor patio.
85 Arch St.; 246-7610
$$
 
bin 228

Italian. Wine bins line the walls of this innovative Italian restaurant. It’s casual and funky, with a cozy urban vibe and fabulous bar, and there’s even outdoor dining. Specials like beef carpaccio, the imported cheese plate and coppa paninis (pressed sandwiches) are highly recommended.
228 Pearl St.; 244-9463
$$

Black-eyed Sally’s BBQ and Blues

BBQ/Cajun/Creole. Live blues Wednesday through Saturday nights make this well-known restaurant the place to go for incredible Cajun and Creole flavors of the South. Relaxed and casual, the crowd here enjoys the Jambalaya and racks of ribs.
350 Asylum St.; 278-7427
$$
 
City Steam Brewery
American. Thursday through Saturday nights are hopping at the City Steam—between live music in the dining room and laughs downstairs at the comedy club, there’s plenty of food and fun for people of all ages. Don’t leave without trying Lisa’s pie.
942 Main St.; 525-1600
$$
 
Dish Bar & Grill

Modern American. Enjoy urban chic surroundings and food in this edgy industrial space. There’s a main bar in the lounge featuring a raw bar, and a dessert bar in the main dining room. Signature dishes include Salmon Wellington and Chips Over Fish, the "Dish" version of fish ‘n' chips. 900 Main St.; 249-3474
$$$
 
Feng Asian Bistro

Pan Asian. Hartford’s new Japanese restaurant offers a sushi bar, cocktail lounge and a 150-seat dining room. Featured dishes include miso-glazed Chilean Sea Bass and Laphchung Fried Rice, served with the restaurant’s spicy XO sauce. The sushi bar menu runs from traditional staples to bold new combinations. 93 Asylum St.; 549-3364
$$$$

Firebox
Contemporary American cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from the state’s farms along with an extensive wine list.
539 Broad St.; 246-1222
$$$
 
Hot Tomato’s

Italian. Hot Tomato’s casual downtown location perfectly mimics its atmosphere. The dining room is busy and vibrant, the bar trendy and fun. The Tortellini Rose and the chicken pesto are highly recommended, but everything on the diverse menu is impressive.
1 Union Place; 249-5100
$$$

Max Downtown

Continental. Max’s is known for its impeccable service and fabulous food. The continental menu offers everything from Tuscan salad to swordfish, and the bar is a great place to start or end a night on the town. 185 Asylum St.; 522-2530
$$$ 

Mayor Mike’s Restaurant

American/Southwestern. Mayor Mike’s carries the same comfort food filled menus at lunch and dinner. Foods like the Rigatoni Bolognese and Not Your Momma’s Meatloaf satisfy any craving. The sandwich offerings are largely portioned and the crispy fries that accompany them are to die for. 283 Asylum St.; 522-6453
$$
 
Peppercorn’s Grill

Italian. A beautiful mural depicts Rome in this upscale Italian restaurant. The dinner menu includes traditional favorites such as Veal Osso Buco and spinach-ricotta ravioli, and there are new specials every day. Remember, when in Rome, do as the Romans do, and save room for the Valrohnna cake, served with a creamy hazelnut gelato.
357 Main St.; 547-1714
$$$ 
 

Trumbull Kitchen

Continental. Perfect for dinner or drinks with friends, Trumbull Kitchen offers an Asian-infused menu and fabulous happy hour selections like mini cheese calzones and veggie pizzas. Enjoy the urban atmosphere, with its trendy leather walls, the smaller loft dining room enclosed by French doors, and the chic and colorful bar. 150 Trumbull St.; 493-7417
$$