Raising the Bar A Survey of Hartford's Notable Nightlife By Maura Heffner Photography by Nick Lacy Whether you’re in the city for business, need to escape the confines of the suburbs for a few hours, or just looking to get out on the town for a night, Hartford has over 25 bars and restaurants in the downtown area and even more in the surrounding neighborhoods. The bar scene in the capital city is richly diverse and there are many different options for indulging in your nightlife fantasies. From gay to straight, sports to wine bars, and lounges to dance clubs, here are five noteworthy spots worth checking out: Bin 228 228 Pearl St., Hartford (860) 244-WINE www.bin228winebar.com This wine bar bistro is the perfect locale for a date, a casual conversation or a small group gathering. A favorite spot for Theatre Works patrons both before and after the show, Bin 228 features an extensive wine and cocktail list and a solid menu of panini, appetizers and mezze, and daily specials. It’s one of the true jewels of downtown Hartford and wine connoisseurs, business types and those just looking for a relaxed night out will feel at home here. Décor: A smattering of tables and a scant bar area doesn’t stop enthusiasts from trying to claim a spot. Comfy plush pillows luxuriate tableside, and soft lighting and a changing art display complete the easygoing atmosphere. Vibe: Seemingly displaced from Greenwich Village, Bin 228 is consistently voted Hartford’s Most Romantic bar. The crowd is often upscale casual — sophisticated, but informal. Tipples: In addition to a full bar, Bin features an extensive list of Italian wines and a smaller selection of other varietals. Selections can be a bit pricey so it’s worth indulging in a full bottle rather than ordering by the glass. Food: The menu easily lends itself to a full meal or a lighter nosh. Specials are always worth investigating and risotto dishes change daily. Other favorites include the diverse panini menu, beef carpaccio, goat cheese tramezzini and roasted sweet potato bruschetta. Manic Mondays: All bottles of wine are 1/2 price. Polo Club 678 Maple Ave., Hartford (860) 278-3333 www.hartfordpoloclub.com www.myspace.com/ctpoloclub Best known for its cabaret stocked with the area’s brightest female impersonators, the Polo Club is an institution in Hartford’s South End. Tables are grouped about the stage a la The Stock Club, and there’s a separate bar area, dance floor and patio with plenty of places to mingle with the energetic clientele. Showtime: Decked in elaborate costumes, performers radiate sheer delight at both raising hell during their numbers and teasing the audience into being a part of it. Shows change weekly, and the Polo often features tribute nights dedicated to Broadway shows or movies, such as Hairspray. In between sets, the audience is welcome to jump on the stage and dance along with the DJ’s disco beats. Staff: Make sure you’re nice to Jimbo at the door. Bonus points for air-kissing owner Ralph Arena as he works the crowd. Bar Notes: Cocktails are served in pint-sized glasses, and be sure to check out their specialty martini menu for some of the more creatively named drinks in town. Specialty Nights: Diabolique hosts Amateur Nights every Thursday and Lady Tatiana celebrates Friday’s Latino nights. Saturday’s are “Simply Diva” with three cabaret shows and a thumping dance party. Koji 17 Asylum St., Hartford (860) 247-5654 www.kojidowntown.com Part Japanese eatery, part late-night happening, Koji is one of the forerunners of the “see and be” scene in downtown Hartford. Large leather banquettes line one wall, off-set by touches of red and green décor and a monster mash of Japanese movies playing on small plasma screens behind the bar. It has all the elements of a “bright lights, big city” lounge while still projecting a friendly, neighborhood attitude. Sake to Me: Koji offers a large menu of 50+ sakes at any given time and a full flight of varied saketini’s. If you don’t know much about sake, this is the perfect place to get an education. Bar Call: Bartenders and managers Dave “Messy” Roth and Kate Solomson are continuously experimenting with new cocktail recipes and mixing original concoctions. In addition to changing specials, the oversized Red Bull Scorpion Bowl is a unique experience that’s not to be missed. Nibbles: Koji has a full yakitori menu — small skewers of assorted meat, fish and vegetables — of fresh ingredients. Priced reasonably, it’s a perfect accompaniment with drinks either after work or later into the evening. Music: Different DJs play weekly, and Koji also offers monthly theme parties such as “Pirate vs. Ninja” or an Electrofunk Dance Party. Sound system selections range from ’80s favorites to techno dance hits. Good Times: Happy Hours feature drink specials and half-price appetizers.   Next >>