Located in Hartford, the state capital, the upscale Room960 was conceived with the young, modern and chic clubber in mind. The ultra-sleek design is closer to a venue you would find in Miami's South Beach than in New England, with plenty of leather couches and minimally styled tables.
The musical entertainment, which Room960 has managed to attract, as well, and which includes guest DJs and the Black Eyed Peas, represents a type of talent more likely to be found in the big city clubs.
Considering the trendiness of Room960, the drinks, which consist mostly of a wide cocktail selection, are reasonably priced (generally under $10) and there is usually no official dress code, although the patrons tend to dress to impress on their own accord.
Room 960
960 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
860-522-9960
room960.com
New Haven is not only home to one of the oldest and most respected institutions in the country, Yale University, but also to the local favorite jazz club, Firehouse 12. What makes this "nightclub" different from most is that it's not just a bar and music venue, but also home to a recording studio and record label, all under the Firehouse 12 moniker.
According to the New York Times, the venue is "the pre-eminent spot for improvised music in the region" and is often full-up with its intimately sized performance setting, which is connected to the studio in order to record high-quality live performances.
Firehouse 12 has an extensive beer selection, both bottled and on tap, and attracts not only Yale students, but jazz lovers from around the region.
Firehouse 12
45 Crown St.
New Haven, CT 06510
203-785-0468
firehouse12.com
The Hartford club Up or On the Rocks is another popular spot for nighttime entertainment. Not quite as chic or upscale as Room960, Up or On the Rocks still attracts a young crowd looking to experience some live music or hit the dance floor on a DJ night. There's also plenty of seating available, both on the numerous couches or the stools along the bar.
The club offers several entertainment options, with a large space for those seeking loud music and a smaller outdoor space for those who prefer to converse over some lighter acoustic tunes.
Up or Or The Rocks also provides VIP service to those who make reservations, allowing them to be seated at their own table without waiting in line.
Up or On the Rocks
50 Union Place
Hartford, CT 06103
860-247-6257
uporontherocks.com
The Grand in Stamford is a nightclub that provides not only drinks and entertainment but one of the more sophisticated menus in the city. Items like seared duck foie gras and lobster bruschetta are just a few of the delicacies you can enjoy on a night out. While there are tables for diners, there are also plenty of couches in the lounge and bar area, above which, in the DJ booth, mostly modern, urban electronica is spun.
The Grand attracts crowds of all ages, but it's mainly a cosmopolitan bunch--those who prefer a place where they don't have to shout to be heard and where they can indulge on snacks that are just as intricate as the cocktails served.
Grand
15 Bank St.
Stamford, CT 06901
203-323-3232
stamfordgrand.com