West Hartford is a town that has built a strong reputation for itself, especially in 2010. CNN Money recognized it as one of the top 100 places to live, and Kiplinger recognized it as a "Top Ten Best City for the Next Decade." As with any city that gets that much good press, there are lots of great places to eat in West Hartford. These are just a few of the most popular options.
Grants is a steakhouse in West Hartford that puts an emphasis on local ingredients and in-season foods for the freshest meals possible. The restaurant is owned by Billy Grant, owner of several of the top reviewed restaurants in Hartford, including Bricco. Zagat reviewed the restaurant with a score of 25 in the food category, a 22 in the decor category and a 24 in the service category. According to Zagat, the cost of food at Grants was $46, as of 2010.
The West Hartford location of the Barcelona restaurant is a popular local wine bar. This tapas restaurant chain was started in 1995 by Sasa Mahr-Batuz and Andy Pforzheimer. They now have six locations, with a seventh opening soon. The West Hartford location is located directly in the restaurant district and features a wine room that is available for private functions. The patio at Barcelona is a local hangout and is open from April to October. "The Hartford Courant" named Barcelona its "4-Star Choice for the best of the best." The executive chef in 2010 was Adam Greenberg.
Restaurant review sites such as Yelp and Urbanspoon consistently have the Plan B Burger Barn near the top of the best reviewed restaurants in West Hartford. Plan B is a restaurant dedicated to taking the burger and beer concept to a higher level. The restaurants only make burgers from completely natural beef that is certified as having been raised in humane conditions. Plan B never pre-forms or freezes its burgers. The same care is given to the drinks, as the restaurant features a wide menu of craft beers and top-quality bourbons. Plan B was mentioned in the "Best of Hartford" 2008 and 2009 editions.
With a Zagat review of 25 in food and 23 in decor and service, Max's has been picked as one of the best, by the best. Richard Rosenthal brought the experience of opening four restaurants to the table before he finally came to Max's, but decided he wanted to open a restaurant with an emphasis on seafood, something he had not tried before. Rosenthal hired designer Peter Niemetz to create a big city feel for this local restaurant. Private dining is available, as is takeout. In addition to the raw oyster bar, the dinner menu includes dishes such as pan-roasted longline cod and Connecticut lobster.
