Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Connecticut

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Connecticut? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Viñas Wine & Tapas - New Haven

4.9

4.9 (46)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

New Haven

About the restaurant

Chilean inspired 🇨🇱 wine & tapas
Featuring: local wine, wine flight tastings & live music

Top review

cece

Dined on Apr 14, 2025

I honestly loved the service. The waiter was so sweet to our table , i loved the food 10/10 would recommend to anyone who love a nice dinner date.

Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant - Ridgefield

4.9

4.9 (24)

$31 to $50

Southwest Spain

Ridgefield

About the restaurant

Tablao Wine Bar & Restaurant is a taste of Spain featuring an authentic tapas menu, global wine list, and live music. Tablao’s high energy fuels the block with its indoor/outdoor dining and active bar scene. Sangria, mojitos, and caipirinhas share the stage with Tablao’s extensive wine program which feature such favorite Spanish varietals as tempranillo, verdejo, albariño, and syrah. With over 30 tapas to choose from as well as traditional Spanish dishes, customers rave about the inspired land and sea menu which includes; beef empanadas with garlic aioli; cheese croquettes; hanger steak with green chimichurri; tortilla Espaňola; sautéed shrimp with garlic and guindilla peppers; classic paella, and a mixed grill of seafood or meat.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined 6 days ago

Everything was great! I went during happy hour and again, all was great. Was a bit noisy I felt but it was a full house so perhaps that’s why! Ty : )

Krust

4.8

4.8 (190)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Middletown

About the restaurant

Wood Fired Pizza - Craft Beer/Cocktails - Whiskey Bar

Top review

DafnaVIP

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

We had a large group for a birthday, they took great care of us, food was great, good vibes, thank you!

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Popular dish

Shroom

Six One Nine Supper Club

4.8

4.8 (117)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Wallingford

About the restaurant

Welcome to Six One Nine, a sophisticated yet approachable dining haven that captures the essence of urban living. We seamlessly blend style with comfort to create a vibrant atmosphere where guests can indulge in modern, inspirational cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Our chic and inviting space serves as a backdrop for memorable moments, whether you're enjoying thoughtfully curated dishes or sipping on meticulously crafted cocktails.

Top review

Katherine

Dined 5 days ago

Always fabulous food and service. Welcoming, fun, friendly and delicious menu.

Ola - Orange

4.7

4.7 (143)

$31 to $50

Latin / Spanish

Milford

About the restaurant

Ola Nuevo Latino Cuisine is a splashy, exuberant culinary form of celebrating the heritage and the Latin spirit.

Enjoy a lively cosmopolitan atmosphere and a sophisticated restaurant experience, featuring stunning contemporary design elements and world-class Latino Cuisine.

Top review

Lindy LeeVIP

Dined on Mar 23, 2025

Ola offers nice hospitality and a menu that is creative and suitable to all palates. They take care to present each plate and make it suitable for photos. It is a very nice dining experience.

The Tin Peddler

4.7

4.7 (91)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

North Stonington

About the restaurant

The Tin Peddler offers culturally influenced contemporary American cuisine in a modern and stylish atmosphere. We are conveniently located 2.5 miles from interstate 95, 5 miles from Foxwood's Resort and Casino, and 7.2 miles from Mystic, CT. We are an owner operated establishment, providing our guests with a one of a kind culinary experience. After major renovations winter of 2024, we now proudly offer a 15 seat bar boasting the latest in craft beer, wine, and spirits. Visit our website for more details. Thetinpeddler.com

Top review

Jen

Dined on Apr 20, 2025

Absolutely wonderful food! We were there for Easter Brunch and had deviled eggs, baba ganoush, the Peddler’s Benny (eggs Benedict), and the cured salmon Benedict. We also enjoyed two Irish coffees. Everything was cooked perfectly and very fairly priced. Some of the best bacon I’ve ever had!

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Experience

Wine Night

Experience

Join us every Sunday from10am til 2pm for Brunch

Experience

Margarita Mondays

Surfridge Brewing Company

4.7

4.7 (48)

$30 and under

Pub

Centerbrook

About the restaurant

Wood fired Artisanal pizza and brewpub. Cold and hot share plates, Neapolitan Pies, and chef driven cuisine. House brewed beers, wines, mixology. Large patio, family and dog friendly.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Mar 23, 2025

As always, the service, food, and beer were exceptional! It’s our go-to place!

Milestone - Mystic

4.6

4.6 (108)

$30 and under

American

Mystic

About the restaurant

Milestone redefines the notion of a neighborhood gathering spot by combining simply prepared, boldly flavored fare made from scratch and classic cocktails done right with professional, understated service in a stylish yet warm and welcoming setting. Staying true to the best of classic comfort foods, while also offering a wide array of other foodie and healthy options, Milestone is always striving for the perfect bite.

Top review

Rachel

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Fantastic food and amazing service. Very welcoming with a great family atmosphere.

The Russell Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (192)

$30 and under

Caribbean

Hartford

About the restaurant

Located in Downtown Hartford, Visitors love the Russell’s interior, which reminds them of an intimate getaway in a classic island hotel. “The Russell should feel like home,” says owner Hugh Russell, “I wanted to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.”

Open for, happy hour, dinner, and special events with live entertainment, there’s always a memorable moment to be made at The Russell.

Top review

Kim

Dined on Mar 21, 2025

Overall I like the Russell. I ordered the calamari, it was almost cold and had more peppers than calamari, but the flavor was good. I also ordered the yucca fries but they needed some Jamaican love. The best thing on the table was the pasta which was hot and flavorful. The atmosphere was elegant, classy and casual at the same time. The wait staff was extremely attentive and helpful. We were greeted upon arrival by the hostess - this was the icing on the cake.

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