While staying in the Hartford area for work, I needed to find a decent restaurant that offered some…read morevegan and vegetarian options. I chose The Laurel based on the great reviews, not knowing much more about this place. Upon arriving, the parking lot was packed. I also had a difficult time getting in when walking from the parking lot, which is behind the restaurant. The issue here (which is my only negative about the entire dining experience) is if I were with a person with disabilities (as I am at times) who doesn't walk fast and we walked to what we "thought" was the entrance, only to find a sign saying to use the front door, but no arrow as to where that is (and keep in mind, I don't know the area, this place, never been here before) and if it were raining - This would have been a horrible way to start the dinner. PLEASE post a sign on the door with an arrow showing which way to go. Also, the door says it's for disable folks, but it's locked. OK - My griping aside... Coming in, I was quickly greeted and seated. The staff here was GREAT! Very engaging and VERY helpful! The menu here is AMAZING! Good thing it's a joint that specializes in small plates and that I was part of a group of three, it gave us the ability to try a bunch of items; seven, in fact and that's not including dessert! The flavors from their vegetarian and vegan dishes were so darn good, you don't miss the meat! Everything was plated beautifully and perfectly! We also placed our entire order (not desserts) all at once and they brought them out as they were made, which worked perfectly with our timing too. They not only have a full bar here, they have a "craft cocktail" quality bar! Upon walking in, one of the first things I noticed was their yellow chartreuse! Of course, next to this was green. So, when I sat down I asked about it, and my server told me how they were able to get this and so I ordered a Last Word, which came out SPOT-ON PERFECT! When it came to the food, some favs of ours - Their Watermelon Crudo - This looked and had the texture of tuna - AMAZING!! The Vegan Empanadas had amazing flavor and texture! I also liked their Stuffed Peppers - The "Samosa Potatoes" in them really hit nicely as well as the sauce on top. Save room for dessert, they have some great options here! We couldn't decide, so the 3 of us ordered 4! We tried their crème Brûlée, their Unbirthday cake, Tres Leches Tiramisu, and their Brûléed Cornbread. The Unbirthday cake was nice - reminded me of what it looks like, Funfetti! But their Brûléed Cornbread was AWESOME! Loved the crispy edges of the cornbread and the entirety of flavors. It wasn't until mid-meal that we really had a talk with our server about the amazingness of the food, the artfulness of it, as well as the attention to detail and creativity of the menu and that's when we learned that the chef here recently won an award for best chef in Connecticut! Well, now it's obvious - Why the parking lot was packed and why everything was so very good! Highly recommend stopping in - but make reservations!

I'm glad I gave this place a second chance before writing my review. Our first visit was for dinner…read moreand while things were good, I did not love it. But it wasn't their fault, I didn't realize that there were olives (in some form or another) pretty much in every single dish I ordered and I don't love olives. As in, whatever I saw, say fish or duck with something I wanted, so I just ordered it without reading the fine details of what were in the dish. So that was my fault, I am sure they would have either suggested things without olives, or told me what things the olives could've been removed from. I knew the service was good and the food was beautifully plated, I just didn't love the things we ordered that time. I saw a post on Instagram that they had a French toast with Ube sauce and I knew I needed to go! I fell in love with Ube in Seattle a couple of years ago and now anytime I see it near me, I have to go get it. I saw the post on a Saturday morning and jumped online and made a brunch reservation for 11:45 the same day! Everything we had was fantastic, rather than wanting a basic sausage or bacon to go with the French toast sticks. I ordered the Bella Bella wings as my protein to go with my Ube French toast, and they were fantastic. I also had to start with the watermelon Crudo, which was interesting, the flavors were excellent, but the texture of the watermelon did not resemble watermelon so it could throw you off if you're not at least a mildly adventurous eater. My husband had the prawn and grits and said it was fabulous and that he would order it again. I did not try it because the portion is not that big and the French toast was filling me up so I let him enjoy his own meal, and did share a couple wings with him and he agreed they were really good. The service was great again, and as simple as it sounds, I loved how when we were seated the hostess asked what kind of water we wanted, we did not have to wait for any period of time for a server to come over and ask us. The attention is in the details and that is always important. The cocktails were great, though a little pricey, which is on par for things in CT. We enjoyed them both at brunch and on our first dinner visit. We will be back, and I actually already prepaid for a dinner experience coming up with Filipino food and I'm excited for it! I have friends that went to the first one and said it was epic! So, while we usually go to brunch only if there are bottomless mimosas, this is one exception that will stay in our rotation! The restaurant is cute, intimate and clean.

Easily a 5 star establishment. Do not sleep on Le Mazet! We've walked by so many times and I regret…read morenot trying this place sooner! Definitely need a reservation to get in on the weekend fyi! When we arrived we were seated at a beautiful booth. The interior is gorgeous here. Our server was fantastic I wish I remembered his name! He suggested some great items. We started with their steak frites and I cannot rave more about it! First this plate is definitely shareable. Among myself, my husband and young toddler we destroyed this. My daughter was eating so much of this steak and so were we! It was sooo tender and we loved the gravy on top. The fries were amazing and when they were drenched in that gravy it was chefs kiss! What really brought it all the together was the salad paired with it- it was light and refreshing and the dressing was so good! For dessert our server suggested the chocolate custard so we got that and a berry handpie. We ate both and kept saying "oh my god" with each bite. My daughter especially loved the chocolate custard but my husband and I loved both equally! We immediately said after our meal how we have to come back. We cannot wait to try other menu items and their cocktails next time. We are huge fans and will definitely be back!!

My son let me know this restaurant serves Arethusa Farms ice cream, which is heaven on earth!…read moreImmediately, my husband and I were triggered with heightened curiosity. We visited Arethusa Farms years ago, and we felt like pioneers discovering gold. I digress. I loved our experience at Le Mazet. The food is scrumptious and although the environ is cozy and has an inviting feel of a warm country cottage, the refined service is on par with the legendary Four Seasons Restaurant in NYC (not to be mistaken for the hotel flag). Chef's kiss to Jared and his inimitable staff!

I stopped in for a drink and some food and was pleasantly surprised. The service was excellent and…read moreincredibly fast. The pizza was so crispy and delicious. Will definitely be back!

Once upon a time their pizza was good and they were actually open but the last few times I've tried…read moreto order they have either been closed or not doing any food. Finally saw they were open online today, placed and order, went to pick it up and at the time the food was supposed to be ready, they cancelled the order. The text stated they are too busy for orders. When I called the person who picked up stated they are not taking food orders. Don't take the chance, find another restaurant.

Favorite lychee martini I have had ever!! Very citrusy…read more Always a chill vibe + good flatbreads. Parking gets full in the primary lot. They have outdoor seating + drink specials + canned drinks that I cant find at other bars.

I wanted a chocolate martini so I searched for a nearby place to try out & found Social Lounge…read more It's next to Max Fish in Sommerset square in Glastonbury. Plenty of parking. The place isn't too big. Bar stools & some hightops. There was a big screen tv with a football game on, and there was decent music (not too loud) playing. I had been to a speakeasy overseas recently, and though I wasn't expecting something that different, I did wish this place had a more interesting vibe. The interior was nice, just felt it needed something 'more'. We were there on a Saturday night - kind of early (a little after 8). Hardly anyone in the place, but I'm guessing it fills up later? I noticed outdoor tables for nicer weather which would be good. My chocolate martini was really good & reasonbly priced ($13). My husband had a beer (bottle) for $5. Server/bartender very nice, making sure our drinks were good. We didn't try any food (they have some small plates). Overall - there was nothing bad about Social Lounge. It was good, however, not great.

A selfie museum close to home that gives you the New York experience. Not too loud on the night…read morewhen I visited but there was a bar and a section for a DJ. This hidden gem is located on Market Street in Hartford right beside the 960 Main St building. It's a selfie museum and a restaurant all in one. The restaurant menu is small but there are a wide variety of options to choose from. I came for Christmas dinner with friends who were all dining for the first time. I ordered the New York strip with candied yams and mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was a little bland but was still edible. It was my first time trying candied yams and it was so rich, sweet, and delicious. I had my steak well done and it was so juicy. The serving size was also pretty decent as I had leftovers for the next day. For my drink, I had the soho punch which was very tasty and fruity. To be able to take pictures I believe you have to pay for that part separately, however, based on the numbers in our party, they told us we could take pics and you know the model I am, I went around and took photos at nearly all the photo booths. Each photo station has a ring camera with a ring light which makes it perfect for taking pictures especially if you do not have anyone to take your pictures. All the others in my party also enjoyed their meals. They had jerk chicken alfredo, fried whiting fish, salmon alfredo, Buffalo chicken wings, burgers and so much more. They also do paint and aip and will be hosting a New Year's Eve brunch if you are interested.

Delicious grilled cheese! The drink was ok, the service was not unfriendly but not friendly either.read more

Very good experience visiting L Bar. Just learnt about this spot after my office moved into the…read moreBoat Building. It is very convenient and a good spot for happy hour. The happy hour menu is great and so is the timing, 1PM for a start, cannot complain. Very good drinks and the bartender, she is excellent; friendly, gave us recommendations and also topped off drinks for some of us. Definitely coming back to enjoy more drinks and trying the happy hour food menu too.

This is a fully self-contained mobile full bar is served from a converted horse trailer. The…read moreowner was professional, prompt and she met with me prior to our party to confirm all the details including the names of the signature cocktails and placement of the trailer. Cocktails and the Carriage is a must have at any event!!!!

Cocktails on the Carriage was the talk of our event. The staff was super friendly. Drinks were…read moreDELICIOUS!!! The owner customized a package specific to our needs. Highly recommend booking cocktails on the carriage for any event!

Stopped in and it was happy hour. Everyday 3:30-5:30 drinks, apps, food & pizza. We got the $8…read moresmash burger and it was delicious. Think a grilled cheese with a burger inside. It was just the right size too. Very flavorful. Got a side of fries too and they were just ok, next time we will try the duck fat crispy potatoes. Partner did get a bite of bone in their burger, but understand how that can happen. Great atmosphere and service. Sir at bar for happy hour.

*This review is from June 2023, I forgot to post it, accuracy was preserved with Word…read more Came for brunch. Menus were confusing, printed on paper in landscape format. Choices were limited to 'small and large plates', there was no appetizer section. We were asked "sparkling bottled ($$) or tap water?". We chose tap. Server brought an old-style quart-size milk bottle and small juice-size glasses. The water had no ice, so I assumed water was cold, it wasn't. I ordered a 'breakfast' stout, my wife coffee. Stout was served in a wine glass, not a traditional pint glass. Wife said coffee wasn't that hot. When they brought our beverages, wife asked for a napkin since none were on the table. Like most civilized countries, I like to put a napkin in my lap when I sit down in a restaurant. Apparently you need to ask for one here. Young server muttered something about place settings are brought when food is delivered. I guess an ale and coffee aren't napkin worthy. Not sure what they accomplish with this goofy policy. It looks more like some kind of cost cutting measure. We made reservations a week earlier, wanted us to confirm a second time through text the same morning. It led me to think this must be a popular place with people clamouring to get in. Once there, place wasn't bust at all, no waiting customers and a sea of unoccupied tables. Our guest arrived after we ordered our beverages. After a few minutes, I ended up flagging down a server to get her a drink. Another sign we were stuck with a 2nd or 3rd-string staff. Our aunt ordered a specialty drink from their menu; "champagne in a laundry basket", (looked more like laundry water in a wash tub). After taking our orders, paper menus were collected to be reused. Maybe they were saving money on copy paper. I kinda' wish she left one in case we wanted desserts or something later. They were keeping the table clear of literally everything. I ordered a humus plate for use as an appetizer, something to share and couldn't be screwed up while waiting for our main course. When entrees showed up, we all chose 'smoked sausage eggs-benedict', extra servers were in tow with plates, napkins and silverware, napkin place settings given after all plates were on the table. My wife was seated across from me, sitting next to her Aunt Nan. The first plate was placed in front of me. Even being the neanderthal caveman I am, I knew this was the most basic etiquette faux pas (I felt humiliated j/k). Ladies are ALWAYS served first, another red flag from an inexperienced staff. The 'smoked sausage' Eggs Benedict failed on many levels. It wasn't hot, poached eggs were both over and under-cooked- egg whites had chunky white snot, yolks were not runny. The 'smoked sausage', was kielbasa logs cut in half lengthwise, they were overcooked and impossible to cut without flattening and mutilating egg and muffin. They could be used as wheel chocks, I had to deconstruct it so sausage could be wrestled with on the side. Wife said the 'homemade' English muffin had the tap water taste like what we were served 'for free'. I couldn't help but envision a garden hose filling a mop bucket used for filling the milk bottles. The Hollandaise sauce lacked silky richness and flavor, I've had better with McCormick packets. Benedict was overpowered with the taste of the smoked sausage. This meal was our aunt's special treat for our birthdays. They did not finish their meals, leaving mostly the pieces of the hockey puck-hard sausage. Server had been touting the pastry chef for the home-made English muffins. They were not any better than Thomas's English muffins. I am a plate-cleaner by habit, I've even been called human garbage disposal, so I managed to clear this one, (except for the egg snot, it would've taken a straw to finish it). My wife always has leftovers I happily dispose of quietly, not this time, gave it a hard pass. I felt unfulfilled, I was food frustrated, so I ordered some bacon cheese scones and shared them with the table. They turned out to be the best thing we had, warm Bisquick quality with a good taste of bacon and cheese almost as addicting as Red Lobster cheddar biscuits. We consumed them like a pack of hungry wolves. I asked and was told they don't serve them with butter. These begged for butter. IMO, butter should already be on the table. My wife picked this venue for our birthday treat meal with our beloved Aunt Nan from MA treating us. I apologized to her for our disappointing choice. She said she was glad I said it, she didn't want to say anything to make us feel bad. With tip, the bill for 3 was $171.00. We could have had a better meal and service at an IHOP for a quarter of the cost, I know I would have felt more satisfied. This experience made onto my list of top 5 worst eating experiences.