Fall is shaking up the Hartford County dining scene. In the last few weeks we've seen a Hartford icon return to Front Street, a flagship hot chicken spot reopen after a full remodel, and a 600-player gaming arena get ready to open its doors in West Hartford. We've also said goodbye to an award-winning Old Wethersfield favorite.
Here's everything opening, reopening and closing around the county this fall, with dates and addresses so you can plan your next night out.
Openings and Reopenings
Level99 + Two Roads Kitchen & Tap, West Hartford
Opening November 20 · 1445 New Britain Avenue (The Corbin Collection at Corbin's Corner)
The biggest opening of the season is almost here. Level99 is bringing its 600-player social gaming arena to the former Sears building, packed with physical and mental challenge rooms. Inside, the 160-seat Two Roads Kitchen & Tap will serve Detroit-style pizza, wagyu burgers and Two Roads craft beer, and it works as a standalone restaurant too.
Carbone's Ristorante, Hartford
Now open · 39 Front Street
After a six-year absence, the Hartford icon that first opened in 1938 is back. Its new home in the Front Street District, across from the Connecticut Convention Center, seats about 275 and adds a lounge and expanded banquet space.
Oak and Ivy Kitchen, Hartford
Now open · 46 Prospect Street (inside The Hartford Club)
For the first time in its long history, The Hartford Club's Georgian mansion has a restaurant open to the public. Chefs Xavier Santiago and Chanteun Thanh run a seasonal, ever-changing menu that celebrates local farmers. Lunch and dinner on weekdays, dinner only on Saturdays, closed Sundays for now.
BIRDCODE Chicken, West Hartford
Reopened October 28 · 120 Park Road
BIRDCODE's flagship is back after a complete remodel, with a redesigned interior, new furniture and fixtures, new kitchen equipment and new menu additions.
Sally's Apizza, Newington
Grand opening October 28 · 3329 Berlin Turnpike
The legendary New Haven pizzeria opened its Newington location with live music and giveaways. Alongside the classic pies, this location offers expanded entrée options you can only get here.
Shawarma House, West Hartford
Now open · 956 New Britain Avenue
Run by Omar Khalil and his brother-in-law, this new shawarma spot is tucked inside the Gulf station building on New Britain Avenue. Proof that great bites hide in unexpected places. (We-Ha)
Sei Bella, Bristol
Now open · 182 Main Street
Bristol's newest Italian spot calls itself "freestyle Italian," with playfully named menu sections and dishes that put a fun spin on the classics. Open for dinner every night. (CTbites)
Green Heron Sandwich Shop, Wethersfield
Now open · 181 Main Street
Chef Dave Emmons' new sandwich shop serves Italian-inspired sandwiches, wraps and salads on Main Street. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. (CTbites)
Vintage Press Café, Granby
Now open · 256 Salmon Brook Street
Set in a historic building that was once a print shop, this café pours specialty coffee and loose-leaf teas, with drinks named after influential women from history. Breakfast and lunch, open daily.
Melt Chocolatier, Southington
Now open · 1 North Main Street
This family-owned chocolatier makes small-batch, hand-crafted confections with fresh cream and Belgian chocolate. A sweet new stop just in time for holiday gifting. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Coming Soon
Broken Yolk, Manchester
Opening date to be announced · 360 Middle Turnpike West
A family-friendly breakfast, brunch and lunch spot with daily specials is moving into the former Shady Glen space on Middle Turnpike West. We'll share the opening date as soon as it's announced. (CTbites)
Closings
The Charles, Wethersfield
Closed November 2 · 161 Main Street
After six years in the historic 1790 E.G. Robbins House, this award-winning Old Wethersfield favorite served its final dinner on November 2. The Charles opened in 2020 and won Northern Region Restaurant of the Year at the 2022 CRAZIES. If you have a reservation, gift card or event booked, the restaurant has posted details on its website for reaching out. websit
Banh Meee, Hartford
Closing in December · 126 Ann Uccello Street
The downtown Vietnamese eatery that got its start during COVID will close its Hartford location in December and move to Simsbury. Catch lunch here Monday through Friday before it goes.
Where Are You Heading First?
That's a lot of new spots to try before the holidays. Tell us which one is at the top of your list, and follow @wehartford on Instagram for first looks as these places open. Know about an opening or closing we missed? Send it our way.