Contributors: Harris Decker, Danielle Huppke and Sarah Wilson

So you’re in Hartford for the America East Tournament, but you don’t know where to go around town for food. We’ve got you covered; these are the best spots in town to grab whatever: A burger, a taste of the Mediterranean and more.

Best Quick Pick Up

Moe’s Southwest Grill
54 Memorial Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 231-7388

Located in West Hartford Center, Moe’s is a chain restaurant that has brought the tastes of Mexico to Hartford. Serving a full line of burritos, quesadillas, tacos and salads, Moe’s is known for efficient service and a friendly attitude.

One of the best things at Moe’s is the salsa selection. After grabbing your food, take a walk over to the great selection of salsas from mild to atomic hot and everything in between. Another interesting thing about Moe’s is that they serve beer. Usually thought of as fast food, people are often surprised by their selection of beer including Corona.

If you’re in the mood for a huge step up from Taco Bell, head into West Hartford and check out Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Best Alternative Restaurant

Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe
537 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
(860) 523-5417

For some true wining and dining in a unique setting, check out Tisane on Farmington Avenue.
This Euro-Asian tea and coffee bar serves everything from specialty drinks to elegant dishes, which include a blend of flavors from across the hemispheres.

Tisane features a series of original martinis and drinks. Their “Sexy Lexi” is a delicious blend of Stoli Razberi, Triple Sec, lime, Chambord, grapefruit, pineapple and champagne. On the lunch and dinner menu is a wide array of reasonably priced sandwiches and Asian inspired chicken and noodle dishes. And don’t forget to leave room for their selection of decadent fondues and desserts.

With a truly Euro-Asian flare, the mood is set with the décor provided by local artists, always for sale, a gem for the art lovers out there.

If you’re looking for an alternative to typical drinks and cuisine, Tisane is your best bet.

Best Burger Bar

The Counter
50 Memorial Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 236-8400

If you’re from the big city and missing that fast paced life or you’re just a fan who knows what they want, The Counter has the burger for you. The Counter builds custom burgers for each of its customers.

After filling out a sheet, choosing burger size, bread, toppings and cheeses, your burger is constructed from top grade ingredients making for a tasty explosion of flavors. Alongside the best burgers in Hartford, The Counter offers some tasty fries, onion strings and sweet potato fries.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the milkshakes at The Counter always leave you wanting more. Located centrally in West Hartford Town Center, The Counter is a 10-minute trip from campus.

Best Mexican Restaurant

Agave
100 Allyn Street
Hartford, CT 06103
(860) 882-1557

Are you in the mood for some great margaritas and authentic Mexican food in downtown Hartford? Agave is the place for you. Their selection of food includes traditional favorites such as quesadillas, tacos and enchiladas.
In addition to these classics are some original dishes such as the spice rubbed steak wrap and mango barbecue ribs. If you find yourself looking over the menu in the heart of downtown Hartford, it is a must to try the guacamole, which is prepared tableside with fresh avocado, tomato, cilantro and lime.
It is served with fresh tortilla chips and is a perfect way to warm up on a cold March day. Reasonable pricing, friendly service and great food help to make Agave one of Hartford’s most frequented restaurants.

Best American Style Food

Plan B Burger Bar & Tavern
138 Park Road
West Hartford, CT 06119
(860) 231-1199

If you are far from home and without mom to cook you dinner, Plan B might just be the perfect place for you to eat.

Located 10 minutes from campus in West Hartford, Plan B is American style food at its best.

Specializing in burgers, they offer a wide selection of American style food including southwest stuffed chicken, fish and chips and mac n’ jack, their take on macaroni and cheese with a little extra kick.

For me, there is nothing better than their spaghetti and meatballs and they have the best meatloaf in Hartford. In addition, Plan B has a full selection of salads, fully stocked bar and some of the best sides in town.

Best Japanese Cuisine

Sake Café
774 Park Avenue
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 286-7898

Sake is a modern Japanese restaurant located eight minutes from campus in Bloomfield. They serve a wide variety of sushi, Japanese entrees and hibachi items. With a lot of different Japanese eateries in this area, Sake distinguishes itself with a selection of original sushi concoctions and the tastiest hibachi I’ve tried to date.

If you’re headed to Sake, I would recommend “The Temptation Roll” featuring chicken tempura, sweet potato and avocado. If you’re in the mood for traditional sushi, try the “I-95” a mix of shrimp, snow crab and rice. The drink menu at Sake Café is extensive. From original cocktails to traditional favorites, the fully stocked bar has everything you need to celebrate a big win (or recover from a devastating loss).

The staff is extremely friendly and is sure to make your experience a pleasant one while the chefs prepare the best Japanese food Hartford has to offer.

Best Greek/Mediterranean

Tapas Mediterranean Grill
864 Cottage Grove Road
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 882-0756

Located just minutes down Bloomfield Avenue, Tapas is a hometown favorite for Hartford residents. With two locations (one downtown and one in Bloomfield), Tapas offers a full selection of traditional Greek food with choices like gyros, falafel and muffaletta.

If you find yourself in the mood for salad, Tapas features two of Hartford’s best. Their traditional Greek salad is served with a homemade dressing and is delicious. Also on the menu is a Caesar salad that rivals any in Connecticut. It is served with grilled chicken or fish. If you find yourself in need of breakfast on Sunday morning, Tapas offers the best brunch in town with a selection of eggs, steaks and some irresistible French toast.

Best High-End Dining

Grants
977 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06107, (860) 236-1930

If you’re looking for a five star dining experience comparable to one that you would encounter in New York City, Grants is the place to be. Grants integrates both upscale French and Italian cuisine into an elegant modern dining experience. The menu includes everything from foie gras and jumbo shrimp cocktails to a gorgonzola encrusted filet mignon that is out of this world.

Desserts are definitely their specialty, with the homemade chocolate tiramisu being a personal favorite. With their food designed to transfix the senses, Grants is surely one of the best restaurants that West Hartford has to offer.