Happy Monday!   Answering a question I get frequently in my DM’s on Instagram.   What’s a good spot to go for date night in West Hartford Center.

The main reason we moved to our current house was its proximity to West Hartford Center.   If you live in Connecticut you’ve probably at least heard of this area because it’s a small state and West Hartford Center is so concentrated with great bars and restaurants.  In 2015 when we moved to our current home our lives were quite different.   Uber was not bumpin’ yet and my husband was still drinking so it was ideal we could walk to and from so many great date night locations.   Needless to say – I’ve eaten at all the local restaurants quite a few times so I’m happy to share my favorites today!

Favorite West Hartford, CT Date Night Restaurants

BAR TACO

If you’re keeping things casual I LOVE the food and drinks at Bar Taco.   It’s super laid back so you can pop in any time of day.  I’m warning you that the wait can be long because it’s so popular.   They have call ahead seating but don’t take reservations.

Come warmer days their outdoor seating is my favorite!   My food favorites there are the cauliflower and pork belly tacos and I’m crossing my fingers they bring back the “secret” brussel sprout taco.  For drinks I usually order a spicy “skinny” margarita (ie: hold the agave, I’m sweet enough already).

For a casual date night or even a beach day consider this cute gauze kimono (available in 3 colors) which is such a versatile layer for spring or summer.   Sole Society offers several printed kimonos as well.   This is a great piece to throw on at the beach or to give you a little more backside coverage when you’re wearing shorts.

I added this statement bucket bag and paired my high waisted shorts (size up one) with a one shoulder bathing suit (wearing size 6) I love wear as a bodysuit.   The waistline is ruched which is flattering if you, like me, have a few rolls when you sit down to eat tacos.

SHOP THE LOOK

Onto another great patio…

ZOHARA

Onto somewhere a bit more fancy (but not too fancy), Zohara. They serve food with a Middle Eastern/North African/Eastern European vibe.   It’s another spot where I love to eat on the patio if outdoor seating is available.

If you go with a group you can order the MESHTA where they serve multiple courses of the chef’s favorites family style.   I also love the entire head of cauliflower that they serve as a side dish.    Zohara offers a good happy hour menu as well.

Again using this $30 one shoulder bathing suit (wearing size 6) as a bodysuit and I paired it with high waisted paper bag waist pants (I’m a size 2, wearing size US 4 here for reference).   I like to pair paperbag waist pants and shorts with more form fitting tops (which aren’t something I otherwise often reach for).

The leopard block heel sandals from Sole Society have a block heel so they’re comfortable enough for me to wear walking into town.  I am wearing my usual shoes size in these sandals.

SHOP THE LOOK

BRICCO

Maybe the most popular restaurant in West Hartford Center, Bricco, has been a favorite of mine for over a decade.   Consistent, delicious Italian food, they also have a patio but the seating area is much smaller so it can be tough to get outdoor seating at prime times.  If you can make it – they have happy hour on the patio everyday from 4-5 pm.   You can find me there more than I care to admit!

It’d be hard for me to narrow down my food favorites at Bricco but their tuna entree and kale salad are what I order most often if I’m not there for happy hour.

While not in my personal top 3 there are so many other great date night spots in West Hartford Center that are also worth checking out including:

• Barcelona is AMAZING.   They serve tapas and I probably should have included it in my top 3 but I haven’t been in a few months so just know I’ve never been disappointed there!
• Flora is a mostly vegan restaurant with really creative meals and drinks.
• Rizzuto has a great patio and happy hour over in Blue Back Square.
• Grant’s has a great brunch if you’re doing a day date.   Their dinner is good too but I’d pick their sister restaurant, Bricco, if I had to choose between dinner at one of the two.

Before I leave you, my husband insisted on chiming in with his opinion.   Since he’s not the cocktail type he wanted me to mention that his favorite West Hartford Center date night spot is Donut Crazy ?.  They do keep late enough hours for an aging couple like us to hit them up for date night, so if sweets are your thing – he loves the “Dough Boy” donut the best.  Personally I’d recommend going in the morning when the donuts are even fresher.

If you need any other local recs feel free to email or message me on social media!   I’m Connecticut born and bred so I’ve made the rounds!   Thanks for stopping by.