For anyone who feels like craft breweries are a dime a dozen these days, we’re here to tell you that the breweries of Hartford are gems that should not be overlooked. The city has no shortage of breweries serving up the best Connecticut has to offer in hops, hazy IPA’s, and old-factory-turned-chic-brewery ambiance.
Perfect for a weekend day trip into the city, decompressing after work on a Thursday evening, or maybe the place you stumble into after a Yard Goats game, casual beer drinkers and enthusiasts alike will find something worth sipping at each of these local spots.
Consider this your official guide to drinking beer in Hartford.
The Neighborhood: Parkville
Hog River Brewing Co. is a mom & pop craft brewery and taproom serving eclectic beer to Hartford locals and out-of-town visitors alike since 2016. Tucked away in the vibrant Parkville neighborhood, Hog River’s taproom is open Thursday through Sunday and offers classic bar activities like trivia nights, live music, and more! Come to Hog River Brewing for the extensive selection of constantly rotating taps and stay for the atmosphere, the food trucks on the weekend, and the close proximity to Parkville Market.
Phone: 860.206.2119
Go There: 1429 Park Street, Unit 115, Hartford, CT 06106
The Neighborhood: South Meadows
We promise there’s nothing spooky about the Phantom Brewing Company apart from its name. So if you do happen to walk through any cold spots while visiting, just know that it isn’t the ghost of some long-lost Hartford resident. It’s probably just because breweries get drafty, right? Right. Phantom Brewing Company sits in the heart of the South Meadows neighborhood in Hartford and is a brewery, taproom, and homebrew supply store all rolled into one. Stop by the taproom for a pour of one of their unique beers on draft, or pick up supplies you might need for at-home beer & winemaking, coffee roasting, kombucha brewing, and more — all in one visit. Phantom also offers private brewing classes for groups of 4 or less.
Phone: 860.247.2969
Go There: 290 Murphy Road, Hartford, Connecticut 06114
The Neighborhood: Downtown
If the rest of the breweries in Hartford are technically Gen-Z, consider City Steam Brewery your resident 90s Kid. Older and wiser than its youthful counterparts, City Steam has been serving up beers since 1997, and they have their whole operation down pat — comedy shows, karaoke, and a game room complete with billiards, Ms. Pac-Man, and cornhole. City Steam feels like more than just a brewery— it’s got that friendly neighborhood-bar charm that makes it a great place to meet new people. It’s also open late and caters nicely to the excitable crowds that erupt from the Dunkin Donuts stadium on any given Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
Phone: 860.525.1600
Go There: 942 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103
The Neighborhood: Sheldon Charter Oak
A true Hartford brewery experience wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Thomas Hooker Brewery. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that back in the 1630s, Reverend Thomas Hooker founded both the city of Hartford and the Colony of Connecticut, so the name has historical importance! That being said, Thomas Hooker beers are far from old and stuffy. Located in the historic Colt Firearms building, the taproom is full of history and style and offers enough options to please almost everyone in your party — even those who don’t like beer! Fear not - there are also cocktails, seltzers, and wines available. Come hungry because they’ve also got a menu full of delicious bar snacks.
Phone: 860.461.0945
Go There: 942 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103
