City Steam has nine levels that include a banqueting room with a special menu and facilities for private functions. The club is housed in the Cheney Building, a fine example of Romanesque architecture, once the home of the Brown Thomson and Company department store. The store hosted a comedy club, which helped to launch such acts as Ray Romano and Sarah Silverman. The present owners carry on the comedy tradition under the name of Brew Ha Ha. The comedy shows are a regular attraction for group parties and celebrations. City Steam also hosts wedding receptions. The general restaurant menu includes burgers, omelets, steak, pasta and pizza. The bar serves beer on tap, specialty martinis and cocktails.
City Steam Brewery Cafe
942 Main St.
Hartford, CT
860-525-1600
citysteambrewerycafe.com
Room 960 has a reputation for hosting celebrity DJs and performers. The dress code is casual chic and strictly enforced, as is the minimum age requirement of age 21. Weekly events are organized; a V.I.P. menu is available if ordered in advance. Located within the G. Fox Building, the decor is an attractive blend of onyx stone and mahogany, with faux marble flooring. Music includes a mix of rhythm & blues, hip-hop, techno and pop. The regular Friday night event is called Girls Night Out.
Room 960
960 Main St.
Hartford, CT
860- 522-9960
room960.com
Shish Lounge presents itself as a sophisticated venue and hosts nights run by well-known guest DJs. There is a long cocktail menu and special mixer lists for vodka and tequila. The food menu contains burgers; it also has a Mediterranean flavor with kebabs, salads and flat breads.
Shish Lounge
904 Farmington Ave.
West Hartford, CT
860-986-7698
shishlounge.com
Pigs Eye Pub is two bars in one, one of which is on the roof top patio overlooking Bushnell Park. DJs play through the week for a young crowd; the club is open on every day of the year. There is never a cover charge. The club hosts regular events to celebrate holidays and special dates on the calendar. 2010 events include a New Year's Eve Ball, a Halloween Costume Party and an event to mark National Talk Like a Pirate Day.
Pigs Eye Pub
356 Asylum St.
Hartford, CT
860-278-4747
pigseyepub.com