Hello, foodies and music lovers! Are you tired of scouring the city for great restaurants that offer live music? Or perhaps you’re simply looking for something new to spice up your dining experience? Whatever your reason may be, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will be exploring the top restaurants with live music in Connecticut that will satisfy both your gastronomic cravings and musical cravings.
By the end of this article, you can expect to have a comprehensive list of the best restaurants that offer live music in Connecticut. Each restaurant mentioned will be accompanied by a detailed description of the food they offer and the type of music they play. We will also provide you with tips on what to wear, what to expect, and what time to arrive for the best experience. So whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a night out with friends, you’ll have everything you need to make an informed decision.
From jazz to rock, and from fine dining to casual eats, we’ve got it all. We understand that finding the perfect restaurant with live music is not an easy feat, and that’s why we have curated this list based on real experiences and testimonials. You can trust that the restaurants and live music venues we recommend are guaranteed to give you a memorable experience. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you to the best restaurants with live music in Connecticut.
Top Restaurants with Live Music in CT
If you’re looking for a great night out with delicious food and live music in Connecticut, then you’re in the right place. CT has a thriving music scene with talented musicians playing in various restaurants and bars. Here are some of the top restaurants with live music in CT that you should check out.
The Griswold Inn – Essex
The Griswold Inn is one of the top restaurants in CT, with a rich history dating back to 1776. It’s a famous landmark and a must-visit place for foodies and music lovers. The Griswold Inn has live music every night of the week, and you can enjoy a variety of music genres from jazz to blues, indie rock, and more.
On Mondays, you can enjoy live jazz by the talented Galvanized Jazz Band. On Tuesdays, you get to listen to the toe-tapping blues of Washboard Slim & The Bluelights. Wednesday’s feature “Jazz in the Gallery” with the Keith Ingham Trio, and Thursdays are Open Mic nights, where you can watch aspiring musicians perform. Fridays and Saturdays feature the best local bands, and Sundays are for classical music with the Essex Winter Series.
The Sidedoor Jazz Club – Old Lyme
The Sidedoor Jazz Club is a hidden gem located in Old Lyme, CT. It’s a small venue that hosts some of the best jazz musicians in the country. If you love jazz music, then this is the place to be. The Sidedoor Jazz Club has a casual atmosphere with great food and drinks.
Some of the top jazz musicians who have performed here include Jimmy Greene, Steve Davis, Renee Rosnes, and many more. You can enjoy live jazz music every Wednesday to Sunday, and they also have special events like jazz brunches and jazz dinners.
Infinity Hall – Hartford and Norfolk
Infinity Hall is a popular music venue in CT, with two locations in Hartford and Norfolk. It’s a great place to catch live music performances by local and nationally recognized musicians. Infinity Hall has a unique dining experience where you can enjoy delicious food while listening to great music.
The Hartford location has a full-service restaurant that offers farm-to-table dishes, while the Norfolk location has a bistro-style restaurant. Both venues have a bar, and you can enjoy a variety of craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Some of the top musicians who have performed here include B.B. King, Keb’ Mo’, and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Lenny’s Indian Head Inn – Branford
Lenny’s Indian Head Inn is a family-owned restaurant located in Branford, CT. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy live music and delicious seafood dishes. The restaurant has been around for over 80 years and has a casual atmosphere.
They have live music every Friday and Saturday night, and you can enjoy a wide variety of music genres like country, rock, and blues. Some of the top musicians who have performed here include The F & Blues Band, The Bernadettes, and The Redemption Band.
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great food and drinks | Noisy atmosphere |
| Live music performances by talented musicians | Crowded |
| Different music genres to choose from | Can be expensive |
| Opportunity to discover new musicians | Limited parking spaces |
| Friendly and welcoming environment | Long waiting lines |
- Great food and drinks: Most restaurants with live music have a wide variety of food and drinks to choose from. You can enjoy your favorite dish while listening to great music.
- Live music performances by talented musicians: You get to experience live music performances by some of the best musicians in the country. It’s a great opportunity to discover new musicians and support local talent.
- Different music genres to choose from: Whether you love jazz, blues, rock, or country music, you can find a restaurant that has live music performances in that genre.
- Opportunity to discover new musicians: You may discover new musicians that you’d never heard of before. Most restaurants feature both established and aspiring musicians.
- Friendly and welcoming environment: Restaurants with live music often have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy good food and music.
- Noisy atmosphere: Some restaurants with live music can be very noisy, making it difficult to have conversations.
- Crowded: During peak hours, these restaurants can get crowded, and you may have to wait in long lines.
- Can be expensive: Some restaurants with live music can be costly, especially if you want to sit close to the stage.
- Limited parking spaces: Some restaurants have limited parking spaces, and you may have to park far away.
- Long waiting lines: During peak hours, you may have to wait for a long time to get a table.
If you’re a music lover and a foodie, then restaurants with live music in CT are the perfect place for you. You can enjoy great food and drinks while listening to live music performances by talented musicians. Make sure to visit some of the top restaurants with live music in CT and create unforgettable memories.
Millwright’s
Millwright’s is one of the best live music restaurants in Connecticut, located in Simsbury, nestled on the Farmington River. These restaurants give a fantastic sight of the river and an exceptional experience with you and your family. The restaurant serves American cuisine with excellent food and drinks to go along with the live music. Below are some subheadings that detail Millwright’s;
History and overview
Millwright’s is a landmark restaurant in Connecticut that has been around for a long time, since the 17th century, when it was just a grain mill. The restaurant was renovated in 2012 to become a fine-dining restaurant with a charming environment but has retained some of the original features. The mill was converted to provide hydroelectricity and is still providing power for the restaurant. The restaurant’s success was aided by Chef Tyler Anderson, who was a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Best Chef Northeast award.
The Menu and Service
Millwright’s menu has a wide range of dishes, with creative new tastes and exquisite preparations. The restaurant creates its menu from locally grown and organic ingredients, and freshly sourced dairy and seafood plus much more, infusing a modern update to traditional American cuisine. The selection of wine, cocktails and beer is carefully hand-crafted and selected to complement their imaginative dishes, rounding out the meal perfectly. Millwright’s prepared its dishes with skilled chefs with the aim of providing a memorable dining experience for all its customers.
Live Music
Live music is one thing to look forward to when going to Millwright’s. The restaurant has live music, mostly played by local bands or musicians on specific days. These live performances enhance the relaxed, inviting atmosphere that Millwrights offers. The restaurant also has a lake stage that hosts live music events so that everyone could have a breathtaking view and two open-air spaces to enjoy the music.
Comparison
Choosing the right live music restaurant is essential as it can make or break your dining experience. Millwright’s stands among the top of the best live music restaurants in Connecticut. Below is a table comparing Millwright’s with two other live music restaurants in Connecticut;
| Millwright’s | Zen Asian Grill & Sushi Lounge | The Space Ballroom | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Quality | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Live Music | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Ambiance | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Overall Rating | 5/5 | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
- Millwright’s has an excellent rating on food quality compared to Zen Asian Grill & Sushi Lounge and The space Ballroom, as it uses locally sourced and organic ingredients to prepare its dishes, giving exceptional food quality.
- Live Music is vital to live music restaurants’ success, so it’s essential to compare their live music rating. Millwright’s stands high on this rating with an excellent rating compared to Zen Asian Grill & Sushi Lounge and The Space Ballroom.
- Millwright’s is set in a beautiful location that’s hard to beat, giving it an excellent ambiance rating compared to Zen Asian Grill & Sushi Lounge and The Space Ballroom.
- Overall, Millwright’s stands among the top-rated restaurants in Connecticut, with an excellent overall rating compared to Zen Asian Grill & Sushi Lounge and The Space Ballroom, showing that it’s the best option for live music and good food.
Conclusion
Connecticut is home to numerous live music restaurants, though not all offer an excellent experience. Among the best is Millwright’s, which provides fine dining with exceptional food and drinks to go along with live music. With a serene location, delicious menu items, and exceptional live music, it is the perfect spot for friends, family, and couples alike. With all its comparisons showing that it is Connecticut’s best live music restaurant, Millwright’s is the perfect option for your next live music dining experience.
The Ultimate Guide to Live Music Dining in CT
Connecticut is one of the best places for dining and music lovers alike. With its vibrant music scene and excellent culinary choices, residents and visitors can enjoy delicious food while being entertained by some of the best musicians. If you’re looking for a restaurant that provides a fantastic dining experience coupled with amazing live musical performances, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best restaurants that offer live music in CT.
Subsection 3: The Benefits of Combining Dining and Live Music
Many restaurants have embraced the trend of providing entertainment to their diners by incorporating live music. Combining dining and live music is a great idea because it has a lot of benefits that make the experience truly unforgettable. Below are the benefits of combining dining with live music.
1. Unique and Memorable Dining Experience
Combining live music and dining provides a unique and unforgettable experience that your guests will always remember. The atmosphere created by the music, coupled with the delicious food and drinks, takes dining to a whole new level. Such a dining experience is perfect for special occasions or date nights.
2. Enhanced Mood and Ambiance
Live music sets the mood and ambiance for dining, making it more enjoyable and relaxing. Good music has a way of uplifting spirits and making the dining experience even more pleasant. The music also creates an atmosphere that fosters a sense of community and togetherness, especially when guests join in the fun.
3. Greater Entertainment Value
Providing live music in your restaurant adds entertainment value to your guests’ dining experience. It gives them an option to sit back, relax, and enjoy the music while sipping on drinks and feasting on delicious food. It’s a great way to keep patrons engaged and interested in coming back for more.
4. Increased Revenue
Live music has been noted to increase revenue for restaurants considerably. It draws in a more diverse crowd and may encourage people to stay longer and order more food and drinks. It also provides another revenue stream for the business, as event fees, and additional drinks and food orders from the attendees, among others.
5. Bridging communities while promoting local talent
Hosting live music events is an excellent way to bring the community together, promoting local talent in the process. It is a platform for local musicians to showcase their skills while, at the same time, boosting the restaurant’s reputation as a sponsor of local talent.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creates a unique and memorable dining experience | May have sound limitations in the city |
| Enhances mood and ambiance | May require a significant investment in equipment and musicians |
| Provides entertainment value | May need a manager to deal with music program |
| Increases revenue | May require additional permits and permissions |
| Promotes local talent and bridges communities | May be noisy to others |
The benefits of combining dining and live music are numerous, but there are some cons to consider. Depending on the location and size of the restaurant, the sound limitations for live music may be severe. Providing live music also requires a significant investment in equipment and musicians, which may dent the restaurant’s budget. Additionally, managing a music program requires careful scheduling, the proper permits, and permissions. Finally, some diners may not appreciate the noise level, and it could lead to complaints from other patrons. Nonetheless, the positives outweigh the negatives.
In conclusion, providing live music in restaurants enhances the overall dining experience by creating a unique ambiance and atmosphere. This, in turn, generates higher revenue, and boosts the restaurant’s overall reputation. Whether you’re looking for a casual or fancy dining experience, live music dining in CT is the perfect way to enjoy delicious food and great music simultaneously.
CT’s Hottest Dining Destinations with Live Music
When it comes to dining in Connecticut, choosing a restaurant with live music can add excitement and entertainment to your evening. Many places around the state offer live music with their dining experience, providing a memorable night out. Here are some of CT’s hottest dining destinations with live music.
The Irons Restaurant and Bar at Hilton Mystic
The Irons Restaurant and Bar, located inside the Hilton Mystic, is a must-visit for live music lovers. Offering live music every Friday and Saturday evening, this spacious restaurant and bar features a contemporary American menu with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, seafood, or vegetarian options, The Irons has something for everyone. You can enjoy your meal while listening to live music from 7-10 PM.
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, the Hilton Mystic also offers a “Dinner and Cruise” package, which includes dinner at The Irons followed by a scenic riverboat cruise on the Mystic River. This package is perfect for special occasions or romantic evenings out.
Infinity Music Hall and Bistro
Infinity Music Hall and Bistro, located in Hartford and Norfolk, is a premiere live music venue in CT. Not only does this venue bring in top-notch musicians and bands from around the world, but they also serve some of the best food in the area. The bistro menu features a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The best part about Infinity Music Hall and Bistro is that you can enjoy live music while dining. The stage is visible from every seat in the house, so you can enjoy a great view of the performance while enjoying your meal. Some popular acts who have performed at Infinity include Melissa Etheridge, Dave Mason, and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes.
Roia Restaurant
Roia Restaurant, located in New Haven, is a French and Italian bistro-style eatery that exudes elegance and sophistication. The menu features classic French and Italian dishes with a modern twist, using locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, Roia features live jazz music, adding to the romantic ambiance of the restaurant. The intimate space and dim lighting create the perfect atmosphere for a date night or special occasion.
The Sitting Duck Tavern
The Sitting Duck Tavern, located in Stratford, is a unique dining experience that combines great food, drinks, and live music. The menu features classic pub fare with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Live music is a staple at The Sitting Duck, with performances every Wednesday through Sunday evening. The genres vary from jazz to rock to blues, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, they also offer weekly trivia nights and beer tastings, making it more than just your average dining experience.
Pros and Cons of Dining with Live Music
When deciding whether to dine at a restaurant with live music, it’s important to consider the pros and cons. Here are some of the key elements to keep in mind:
- Pros:
- Live music adds an exciting and entertaining element to your dining experience.
- The ambiance is often more lively and upbeat, making it a fun place to be with friends or on a date.
- Some restaurants offer unique packages, like the Dinner and Cruise package at The Irons, that combine dinner with another activity.
- Live music can create a sense of community and bring people together.
- The noise level from the live music may be too loud for some diners, making it difficult to hold conversations.
- Some restaurants may charge an additional cover fee to see the live music.
- Not all restaurants with live music have a wide variety of food options, limiting dietary needs and preferences.
- The live music may not cater to everyone’s taste in music.
| Features/Restaurants | The Irons Restaurant and Bar | Infinity Music Hall and Bistro | Roia Restaurant | The Sitting Duck Tavern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menu | American with local sourcing emphasis | Bistro with local sourcing emphasis | French and Italian with local sourcing emphasis | Pub fare with local sourcing emphasis |
| Live Music Days/Hours | Fridays & Saturdays, 7-10 PM | Varies, typically evenings | Thursdays-Saturdays, live jazz | Wednesdays-Sundays, varying genres |
| Live Music Genres | Varies, typically acoustic or soft rock | Varies, but always high-class acts | Jazz | Varies, ranging from jazz to rock to blues |
| Ambiance | Contemporary and comfortable | Modern and elegant | Romantic and intimate | Casual and fun |
| Unique Features | Dinner and Cruise package | Top-notch live musicians | Live jazz music | Weekly trivia nights and beer tastings |
In summary, dining at a restaurant with live music can add excitement and entertainment to your evening. Some of CT’s hottest dining destinations with live music include The Irons Restaurant and Bar, Infinity Music Hall and Bistro, Roia Restaurant, and The Sitting Duck Tavern. When considering dining with live music, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons, and choose a restaurant that fits your taste in music and food.
Experience Live Music and Dining at These CT Restaurants
Connecticut is home to a vibrant music scene, attracting musicians from all genres and backgrounds. As such, several restaurants have also embraced the culture of live music to deliver a unique dining experience for their patrons. This article will provide an overview of five restaurants in Connecticut that offer live music as part of their dining experience.
The Firehouse Grill
The Firehouse Grill is a restaurant located in East Haven, Connecticut, that is popular for its creative menu and live music performances. It has become a go-to spot for music enthusiasts who are looking for a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy local artists. Some interesting facts about The Firehouse Grill include:
- It was previously a fire station and has been renovated to a restaurant.
- The ownership group also owns Black Hog Brewing Co., which is next door.
- It has a full bar and an extensive menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
The live music performances at The Firehouse Grill typically include solo artists or small bands that play acoustic covers of popular songs. The restaurant provides a cozy and intimate atmosphere that encourages patrons to sing along and even make song requests.
The Westport Country Playhouse
The Westport Country Playhouse is a historic theater located in Westport, Connecticut, that has been transformed into a restaurant offering American cuisine. It is an ideal place for families and friends to experience exceptional dining while watching high-quality live performances within the same premises. Here are some interesting facts about The Westport Country Playhouse:
- It is a non-profit theater group that has been operating since 1931.
- It has housed several famous plays such as A Raisin in the Sun and The Lion in Winter.
- The restaurant has a large outdoor patio where patrons can enjoy live performances during summer days and nights.
Some of the performances that patrons can enjoy while dining include comedy shows, jazz music, and solo performances of renowned musicians. The restaurant also holds special events such as wine tastings, food pairings, and cooking classes.
The Buttonwood Tree
The Buttonwood Tree is a community arts center located in Middletown, Connecticut, that has been offering live performances since the 1980s. It is an ideal place for both artists and patrons to come together and appreciate different forms of artistic expression. Some interesting facts about The Buttonwood Tree include:
- It is a non-profit arts center that operates on donations.
- It has showcased various forms of art, including music, poetry, comedy, and dance performances.
- The restaurant serves vegetarian and vegan food options sourced from local farms.
The live music concerts held at The Buttonwood Tree feature both local and international artists who play different styles of music such as jazz, folk, blues, and rock. The restaurant provides a unique atmosphere that encourages patrons to engage with the artists and learn about their creative backgrounds.
The Bijou Theatre
The Bijou Theatre is a historic theater located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, that has been renovated to a restaurant and live music venue. It is an ideal place for patrons to enjoy dinner while experiencing live performances of local artists. Some interesting facts about The Bijou Theatre include:
- It was built in 1909 and has gone through several renovations.
- It was closed in the 1990s and was reopened as a theater and restaurant in 2012.
- The restaurant features an American-French fusion menu created by renowned chefs.
The live music performances at The Bijou Theatre include a diverse range of genres such as jazz, blues, classical, and contemporary. Patrons can also enjoy stand-up comedy shows and special events such as holiday-themed performances and movie screenings.
The Saybrook Stage Company at the Deacon Timothy Pratt Bed and Breakfast
The Saybrook Stage Company is a community theater group located in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, that performs at the Deacon Timothy Pratt Bed and Breakfast, which doubles as a restaurant. It is an ideal place for patrons to appreciate high-quality performances while dining in a quaint setting. Some interesting facts about Saybrook Stage Company and Deacon Timothy Pratt Bed and Breakfast include:
- The Saybrook Stage Company was founded in 2014 and has performed several popular plays such as Les Miserables and Into the Woods.
- The Deacon Timothy Pratt Bed and Breakfast is a historic inn built in 1746 and has been operating for over 30 years.
- The restaurant serves traditional New England cuisine and offers a fine selection of wine and beer.
The performances held at the Deacon Timothy Pratt Bed and Breakfast include popular plays and musicals performed by talented actors from the Saybrook Stage Company. The restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere that enhances the charm of the performances.
| Pros | Cons | Comparisons | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Firehouse Grill | Intimate atmosphere, locally sourced ingredients, creative menu | Small venue, limited space, might not suit some tastes | More varied menu options compared with other venues |
| The Westport Country Playhouse | High-quality performances, outdoor patio, special events | Non-profit organization, some performances may not cater to all tastes | More family-friendly compared with other venues |
| The Buttonwood Tree | Vegetarian and vegan food options, diverse artistic expressions, community-centered | Small venue, limited parking, donations-based | More focused on artistic expressions compared with other venues |
| The Bijou Theatre | Diverse range of genres, American-French fusion menu, cozy atmosphere | Small venue, limited space, some events may not cater to all tastes | More focused on live performances compared with other venues |
| The Deacon Timothy Pratt Bed and Breakfast | Historic setting, traditional cuisine, fine selection of wine and beer, high-quality performances | Limited venue space, limited parking, might not suit some tastes | More focused on theater performances compared with other venues |
In conclusion, these five restaurants in Connecticut offer unique experiences where patrons can enjoy delicious meals while also appreciating live music performances. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist visiting the state, these restaurants provide a unique opportunity to engage with Connecticut’s vibrant music scene.
FAQs – Restaurants with Live Music in CT
What restaurants in CT have live music?
There are several restaurants in CT that have live music. We recommend checking out Black Eyed Sally’s in Hartford, The Acoustic in Bridgeport, Cafe Nine in New Haven, and The Knickerbocker in Westerly. These places offer a great atmosphere and delicious food with live music performances.
What are the most popular restaurants with live music in CT?
Some of the most popular restaurants with live music in CT include Infinity Music Hall and Bistro in Hartford, the Palace Theater in Waterbury, and Toad’s Place in New Haven. These places offer a great variety of live music performances and events.
Do restaurants with live music in CT require reservations?
It is always recommended to check with the restaurant beforehand to see if reservations are required for live music events. Some popular places may have limited space and require reservations to guarantee a spot.
What is the cost of attending live music events at restaurants in CT?
The cost of attending live music events at restaurants in CT varies depending on the venue and the event. Some places may offer free live music performances while others may charge a cover fee or require the purchase of food or drinks.
Are there any family-friendly restaurants with live music in CT?
Yes, there are several family-friendly restaurants with live music in CT. You can check out The Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport, The Kate in Old Saybrook, and The Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton. These places offer a variety of live music performances suitable for all ages.
What type of live music can I expect at restaurants in CT?
The type of live music you can expect at restaurants in CT varies depending on the venue and the event. Some places may offer jazz or blues while others may have rock or folk performances. It is best to check with the restaurant’s website to see the type of music they typically host.
Are there any outdoor restaurants with live music in CT?
Yes, there are several outdoor restaurants with live music in CT. You can check out the Chamard Vineyards in Clinton, Captain Daniel Packer Inne in Mystic, and The Rustic Barn in Haddam. These places offer a great outdoor atmosphere with live music performances.
What is the age limit for attending live music events at restaurants in CT?
The age limit for attending live music events at restaurants in CT varies depending on the venue and the event. Some places may have a minimum age requirement while others may be open to all ages. It is best to check with the restaurant beforehand to see if any age restrictions apply.
Does COVID-19 affect live music events at restaurants in CT?
Yes, COVID-19 may affect live music events at restaurants in CT. Some places may have limited capacity or require social distancing during events. We recommend checking with the restaurant beforehand to see if they have any COVID-19 restrictions or guidelines in place.
What is the best day to attend live music events at restaurants in CT?
The best day to attend live music events at restaurants in CT varies depending on the venue and the event. However, many places offer live music events on weekends or Thursday nights. It is best to check with the restaurant’s website or social media pages to see their live music schedule.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CT offers several great restaurants with live music performances suitable for all ages and music preferences. Some of the popular places include Infinity Music Hall and Bistro, Toad’s Place, and Black Eyed Sally’s. We advise checking in advance to see if reservations are required or if any COVID-19 guidelines apply. After reading this article, you can plan a fun night out enjoying live music and delicious food. Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoyed this article. Check out our other interesting articles for more exciting ideas.