CT BA's, help out ya boy

Going to be a great day!

I had a great time when I visited Hop Culture and there is a great cheese maker, Cato Corner, right down the street from them (they actually sell the cheese at Fox Farm).

My experience with Stranger Tides is unfortunately similar to the reviews... The people there were nice but I did not enjoy the beers at all.

Paddle Creek has a nice little outdoor area but I have never had the beer. Problem Solved had solid brews and they had converted some of the parking lot to an outdoor area. Hanging Hills closed their taproom at the start of the pandemic and are looking to relocate so that one can get crossed off of the list.

Other places somewhat on the route I would be Broad Brook who make some solid beers. They also do pizza, the kitchen wasn't ready when I was there so I cannot comment on that. Back East brewing is one of the best in the state and I would highly recommend. They have an outdoor space to hang and a big open tent if it is hot. Thomas Hooker at Colt is in a cool old building with a little patio.

If you can take a small detour there is Parkville Market in West Hartford that is a big open air food court with nice little restaurants, a couple bars and tons of outdoor seating. Hog River brewing is right around the corner and they make a couple decent beers.

 

Was just at New Park Brewing in Hartford on Saturday before a concert. Beers were pretty solid and the Hot Sausage Pizza absolutely hit the spot. Also had plenty of outdoor seating.

 

Yes.

 

Glastonbury has many great restaurants, dine in and take out. Easy on/off from Route 2. Could grab food and head to Riverfront Park for a view.

Agree with Sully, pass on the brewery in town.

 

Parkville Market is super close to Hog River, literally across the street. For Parkville, you go inside to order from different food stalls. It's a big space but you are right next to a lot of other people. So just a heads up, there isn't any social distancing. You can bring your food outside to eat, there are picnic tables, but if it's nice outside those fill up quickly (depending on the time you're there). FYI, masks are required indoors anywhere in Hartford. In CT, it's a town-by- town decision. Not sure if masks are required at the other places, but have them available just in case.

Enjoy!

 

Stranger Tides blows. Hop Culture is solid. Food trucks as well. Not sure if Cato Corner Cheese is open (1 min from HC). If going 84 on the way back, hit Lasting Brass in Oakdale. Also, J. Timothy’s in Plainville for eats.

 

I live in Colchester, not too much on food in the area... The Vintage is really nice, there menu changes often and is locally sourced. Its a small place, but you can do pick up and eat at Hop Culture. I would say they are solid for sure. I went to Stanger Tides once and havent been back...

Just to check, you made a reservation at Fox Farm correct? You need a reservation to visit the tap room, otherwise its just cans/bottles pick up.

Hog River is defiantly under appreciated in my opinion. If you plan to stop by, I would follow others recommendations and go to Parkville Market across the street. Large verity of food, and you can bring it over to Hog River. Heck, you can order at Hog River and have it delivered to you.

FYI that Hanging Hills no longer exists as a taproom. They closed the taproom sometime last year after some issues and have been focusing on rebranding and distro.

 

So since you mentioned a Problem Solved, I take it you’re going Mass Pike to 91, etc? Problem Solved is not solved. Pass, even though it’s easy on/off 91. I haven't been to Broad Brook's new location (their old location was Problem Solved's current location) nor do I really drink their beer, so can't comment. Further down 91 is Back East, probably less then 10 minutes off exit. Good Beer, Good Place, Good people, one of my favorites in this neck of the woods. Moving into Hartford, Hog River is best bet, others already commented. New Park in West Hartford is better for Hazy's/Sours/fruited shit but probably too far off your path. Hooker at the Colt building might be a cool spot, always solid beer and I have that on my radar to check out that location. But that's a touch further down 91 after you would have gone west to get on 84 to get to 2. After that make a b-line to Fox Farm, nothing in Glastonbury worth stopping at.

In other words, not the best route to get the best beer in CT... But your destination is the best beer in CT, so there's that!

 

Hanging Hills has been brewing out of East Rock and distributing in CT (smaller footprint). Had some of their stuff out of East Rock and it's worth checking out, but obviously, it's not a brewery experience.