A gastropub and European beer bar specializing in great food and specialty beers, The Half Door is located on Sisson Ave in Hartford. Every Wednesday and Friday night enjoy live music starting at 9:30 p.m. Mainly an indie rock scene, past performers have included Sidewalk Dave, Adam Ezra and Fancy Trash. There is a $5 cover charge for the shows, but if you show up early take advantage of the great happy hour specials from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Half Door
270 Sisson Ave.
Hartford, CT 06105
860-232-7827
thehalfdoorhfd.com
Take in the local band scene at the City Steam Brewery Cafe. Every Tuesday and Saturday night enjoy music from an eclectic mix of bands in the Band Brew Slam. On Tuesday nights the music starts at 9 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m. On Saturday bands begin at 10:30 p.m. and go until 12:30 p.m. and there is never a cover to listen to the bands. The City Steam also features happy hour specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday as well as a comedy series on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
City Steam Brewery Cafe
942 Main St.
Hartford, CT 06103
860-525-1600
citysteambrewerycafe.com
Located in downtown Hartford on the corner of Trumbull and Asylum, McKinnons Irish Pub offers food, drinks and entertainment. It offers some great drink specials as well as live music and karaoke. Every Monday enjoy the musical styling of your fellow bar mates starting at 9 p.m. If you prefer to hear professionals, each month McKinnons features live music and bands, with no cover charge.
Mckinnons Irish Pub
114 Asylum St.
Hartford, Ct. 06103
860-524-8174
mckinnonsirishpub.com
A great barbecue and blues joint in downtown Hartford, Black-Eyed Sally's features some of the best jazz, blues, rock and roots music around. Recently named one of the best blues clubs in the U.S. by Blues Review magazine, past performers have included Larry Coryell, Lucky Peterson, Clarence Clemons and Dave Matthews. Every Wednesday night enjoy open jam sessions, with great bands playing every Friday and Saturday night. Check out its website for more information on the bands performing or to purchase tickets. Black-Eyed Sally's also offers great Cajun and barbecue cooking along with a full bar.
Black-Eyed Sally's
350 Asylum St.
Hartford, CT 06103
860-278-7427
blackeyedsallys.com
Specializing in contemporary American cuisine, the Firebox Restaurant is a feast for all the senses. Experience amazing decor, great food and live music on Broad Street in Downtown Hartford. Enjoy bluegrass music every Sunday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Wednesday listen to live jazz from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. There is no cover and drink specials are offered. On Sundays all bottled wine is half off, and on Wednesdays indulge in mojitos and sangria.
Firebox Restaurant
539 Broad St.
Hartford, CT 06106
860-246-1222
fireboxrestaurant.com