Relic Brewing is a craft brewery that opened in Plainville, Connecticut in February 2012. It was…read morefounded by brewer Mark Sigman. Although his professional background was in advertising, Sigman had been an avid homebrewer since 1994. Eventually he decided to open his own brewery. Sigman chose the name "Relic" to reference his world travels. Aiming to craft artisanal ales inspired by flavors from around the world, he thought of himself as more of a chef than a brewer. Sigman doesn't brew beer based on which styles are trendy, but rather beers that he personally enjoys with tastes that he views as complimentary or exciting. I have visited Relic Brewing multiple times since I first became serious about craft beer in 2013. At that time, Relic was one of maybe 10 breweries in the state (today there are over 100). Of those original 10, only half remain in business. The taproom was very small during my initial visit: about 10 square feet and they only served small free samples. I recently stopped there with my older son because it occurred to me that I hadn't been there in at least 10 years. A lot had changed! In 2016, a full bar was added and Relic began to serve full pint pours as well as craft cocktails. A large back room addition opened in 2019, which featured a fully furnished lounge and a pinball arcade slowly evolved. When I first arrived, I ordered a taster flight which featured "Oktoberfest", "Nebraska IPA", "The Whim" (New England IPA), and "Double Whim" (Double New England IPA). I grabbed my flight and headed to the back room with my son. He was so excited to play the pinball machines and other various arcade games. The two of us had a nice father-son bonding experience playing pinball as I also enjoyed my beer samples; the "Oktoberfest" was my favorite! If you like great beer paired up with pinball, then head down to Relic Brewing!

I haven't been to Relic in a long time. Last time I was there it was still just one tiny room…read moreserving their beer and a selection of whiskies. They've since expanded the size of their tasting room into another huge, open space full of high tops and comfortable lounge seating along with a bar mixing up creative cocktails. The new space also has tons of pinball machines and other games. We stopped in after a movie on a Friday at about 6:30. There were a few groups hanging out but it wasn't too busy at all. It was pretty chill vibe, and I got the sense that a lot of locals frequent them, which is cool. We hung out for nearly two hours and by the time we left the only other folks there were at the bar in the front room. The beer is still good! I did want to try some of their cocktails though. They have some pretty creative cocktails made with interesting homemade syrups, shrubs, and the like. I tried the Honey Don't which was tart but well balanced. I wished it was a little spicier, but I am a spice fiend.Then I felt for something a little sweeter so I went with the Poolside gossip. All the different ingredients really combined into a unique and delicious flavor! I really enjoyed what they have going on. The space was comfortable and relaxed and there's something on their drinks menu for literally everyone, plus entertainment. They have small snacks available, but you're also welcome to bring your own food. So it's basically like a very relaxed bar. We'll definitely be stopping in more frequently!

Stopped in Sat. Aft. for a drink and a "Passport Stamp" with family; FOOD: did not try anything…read more Beer selection is limited and we tried the "Departure" which was just ok. SERVICE: Our server who was wearing a Hartford Whalers hat? was a bit standoffish at first but loosened up a bit once more conversation about the facility took place. AMBIANCE: A little difficult to find with poor signage. Small interior with chairs and a couch set-up in front of the gas fireplace. Live music was being set-up. Would only stop back by if in the neighborhood.

Here's your sign to try a new local CT brewery! The New Cambridge Project replaces the old firefly…read morehollow spot but in the best way. The ambiance is super cute- vintage, cozy, and fun. They have so many different seating areas to choose from. The owners & staff are all super nice and welcoming! I love how they support local and host local CT artists work each month. They have a ton of events going on that the whole family would enjoy. Beer and drinks are so good! My favorite is taxi! But I love them all. They have such a cool variety of beers that I'm sure even the pickiest beer drinker would find something to their liking! Seltzers are awesome too! The New Cambridge Project is just getting started! I can't wait to see how they grow throughout their first year but right now they are absolutely killing it! I'm a fan! Will be back for sure!!

If you're a sour lover, Witch Doctor Brewing Company is absolutely worth the visit. Their sour…read moreflights are yummy, and perfect for anyone who enjoys exploring different flavor profiles without committing to just one glass The vibe here is great. It's laid-back but still lively, with dart boards and games that make it easy to settle in and stay awhile. It's the kind of place where you can actually relax, laugh, and not feel rushed. They also have a bunch of different events which they lost in the walls and change each week. One of my favorite things about it is the flexibility with food. You can bring your own, which already makes it a win, but they also take have QR codes you can scan and have food delivered right to your table from nearby restaurants. It's such a seamless setup and honestly makes the whole experience even better. All around, this spot nails the balance between great drinks and a genuinely fun atmosphere. Perfect for a casual night out, meeting up with friends, or just switching up your usual brewery routine. Definitely a go-to. Ive been a few times and I'll definitely be going back.

This was my second time coming to this brewery. We came on Halloween just to go out and do…read moresomething. It was a karaoke night. The beers were good and the vibes were chill. Nice and unassuming brewery for some relaxed vibes. Would return for some casual gatherings

Coles Road Brewing is based in Berlin. I have been there each of the last 3 Novembers for a…read moreWingsgiving my friend plans. The space is perfect for small, medium or large get togethers. I know they are very flexible with my friend. The beer is good. They make a mix of things. Recently, I had an IPA and a slightly spicy Mexican lager. I wouldn't put their beer in the top tier, but it's good. They also sometimes have food trucks. 4 Stars

This brewery offers a very large list of beers in tasting room. Large indoor room and patio to…read morerelax. I tried a Mexican style Pilsner and a spicy version of the Pilsner. You can find many style beers in room. The brewery had a good vibe for just hanging out. We were there for trivia night which added to the experience. Service was very prompt after I sat down. I was actually surprised they had servers walk over to the table. Apple Pay available. They offer food truck for food. Pets allowed. Very large parking lot as well.

I did a ladies' day wine tour with several friends and had an awesome time. We had a guided tour…read morewith Mitch and Joe driving. They were great and took good care of us, even going above and beyond by stopping for ice cream on the last stop . We went to Paradise Hill, Gouveia, and Arrigoni and the guys arranged for pizza delivery at one of the stops and supplied snacks and water in between. I will definitely be booking again

The day was full of fun laughter and friends. Being on the van allowed me to have fun and not worry…read moreabout anything but having a great time.

Friendly staff, excellent brews, and pizza and pretzels made in a brick oven that are amazing…read more Great flavor combinations. They work very well with the local community and host the local community foundation's Giving Brewsday every year on Giving Tuesday right after Thanksgiving.

5 Churches is a brewery in the downtown New Britain area. It's located in an industrial looking…read morebrick building, but when you climb the stairs to the main tap room, you'll see high ceilings and lots of cool wood. A gorgeous space. 5 Churches also has a pizza oven, although I haven't tried their food. When I visited, I ordered a 4 beer flight with an American style IPA, an Imperial IPA, a Das Froot Blueberry Pancake Sour, and a Mashacre Imperial Stout. The Blieberry Pancake as a sour was well executed and tasty. Great color, density and mouthfeel too. The other beers were accurately described and pretty good. Would definitely return to check out more beer. 4 Stars

The place was awesome and the food was so good, definitely going back there again. The only problem…read morewas the space was too cramped but was the still 10/10

Still the best wings and French onion soup in Connecticut. JTims will always have our hearts and…read morepatronage. We made a first-ever fatal flaw as a family today. We went beyond the wings/apps page and got entrees and sandwiches too. I know. I know. We brought it upon ourselves. Rather than go into detail on our disappointment in a place we love. Just passing along the positive advice of eat as many dirt wings as you can. Guzzle gallons of their French onion soup - have whatever beverage you choose - and leave the other items right where they are and enjoy the wing and onion soup perfection. Always great!!! Service too.

I've been here once before, but when only the first floor was open. Their second floor was a nice…read moreaddition. Service is quick and attentive. Upstairs has cans and bottles only, nothing on tap. There are not as many games upstairs but lots of lounge and seating areas. Bathrooms on both floors too! I love the variety of games, old school pinball machines and arcade games. It's a great time for a date night or a night out with friends.

Beer and video games, what's not to love. A lot of classic arcade games and pinball. Had a great…read moretime.

I visited Five Corners Bistro for the first time on Valentine's Day with my boyfriend. He made…read morereservations for an early dinner (4pm). It was a really good experience! Our waiter Elijah had a cool vibe and was attentive. For drinks, I ordered their Valentine's Day special cocktail which was tasty and pretty. My boyfriend ordered a sour beer which he said was one of the best sours he's had. For appetizers, we ordered the flatbread which was spiced pumpkin, goat cheese and sage. It was so flavorful! I would definitely order again. We also ordered the Cajun tacos which were also very flavorful and good balance of flavors. Would also order again. For our entrees, I ordered the Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese with truffle fries. It was so delicious. I love that it was on sourdough bread and the cheddar cheese (I think it was cheddar) made every bite just so good. The fries were not the truffle that I was expecting. Instead of oil I think they used a seasoning so it was a little salty but I found that I couldn't stop eating them. My boyfriend ordered the bacon burger with pork belly and massive onion rings. He did say that he wish he ordered what I got and he said the pork belly was a little too crispy for his liking. Overall, I would recommend Five Corners Bistro. I can't wait to come back and try some more dishes!

Wonderful spot with beers on tap and extensive hard liquor selections. The ambiance is that of…read moremodern farmhouse vibe. Clean lines and high roof gives it an open air feel. The craft bar is the indeed integrated into the name. Two pages of gin options aloneAnd also you get to select the type of wood for your smoked old fashioned? They make their own pasta and yes, they have gluten free options too. We had the rigatoni. James also did a great job of expedient service, with a fabulous of recommendation for the house made seasonal pumpkin spice cheesecake.

Great little Restaurant in the center of town. Seems like a hidden gem. Not sure why this place is…read morenot busier. The food was great. Our bartender was very friendly. The restaurant is very cozy and comfortable. They had a singer with live music in the lounge area. I highly recommend people start supporting these local businesses so we don't lose them. We had the baked burrata special, fish and chips, and a burger. Everything was cooked perfectly and we had no complaints.

One word, INCONSISTENT! I called to place an order, the Marry Me Pasta with shrimp. ($30) I asked…read moreif garlic bread comes with the meal and the girl stated"yes" I even confirmed that there would be no up charge and she stated "yes". I used to go weekly to this place and I know they had some hiccups at the beginning, hence my questions while ordering. I get there and they're trying to charge me for a full sized garlic bread. I reiterated what was stated to me over the phone and the manager or owner that was there refused to honor what their staff had stated over the phone. They said they had no problem keeping the bread.... Save yourselves the time and energy and DO NOT come here! Prices are never consistent and now their customer service is less than satisfactory.