World-class restaurants with private dining capabilities characterize both Hartford and Mystic Country. Quite a few options exist, from high-end establishments to pub fare, with several catering to meetings.
Max Downtown (860.522.2530; www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/downtown), a Hartford institution, can be booked in its entirety for meetings of up to 300 people, which includes private menus and audiovisual equipment. There are meeting rooms for smaller groups, and the restaurant also includes an atrium with marble floors and high ceilings, perfect for larger meetings.
Polytechnic ON20 (860.722.5161; www.ontwenty.com) offers haute cuisine with a spectacular view of Hartford from 20 stories high. Private rooms are available.
Dish Bar & Grill (860.906.7611; www.dishbarandgrill.com) in Hartford can accommodate a wide variety of sit-down meetings, depending on the needs of the client. Several dinner packages and custom menus are available.
For an unpretentious upscale dining experience, Firebox (860.246.1222; www.fireboxrestaurant.com) in downtown Hartford caters to a wide variety of private affairs in its stylish grand dining room. Sit-down dinners for up to 65 or wine dinners for 10 can be accommodated easily, and menus change with the seasons.
The historic building housing the Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub (860.536.3555; www.danielpacker.com) in Mystic was built on the river 250 years ago. New England-style meeting rooms are available. Kristen's Room can handle a maximum of 16 people, the Captain's Room holds up to 20 people, and the third floor can fit 45 people.
Just outside of Mystic Village, the Mystic Boathouse (860.572.1180; www.themysticboathouse.com) features American fare and old-fashioned seaport charm in a landmark building. Private events can be accommodated.
The Nathan Hale Inn and Conference Center at the University of Connecticut (860.427.7888; www.nathanhaleinn.com) is common for corporate events, weddings, educational meetings and receptions of all kinds. The Blue Oak Restaurant can accommodate parties of up to 12 people and the True Blue Tavern is available for private events.
