5 PLACES FOR..
Great Bar Bites!
By Starre Vartan, Staff Writer
Places in and around Fairfield County that serve some of the best bar food.
Horseshoe Restaurant
355 Pequot Ave.,
Southport, 203-255-8624
Nachos Grande, $9
The Horseshoe is the definition of a neighborhood bar. The customers and bartender are friendly yet reserved, and it's got a great old-school vibe. Once I tried the Nachos Grande and the corn chowder, I knew why so many people order food with their drinks. The nachos feature a layer of made-that-day tortilla chips topped with fresh salsa, huge jalapeno slices, black olives, sharp cheddar cheese and sour cream. The chowder was house-made and packed with corn kernels and veggies and topped with cheese.
Greenwood's Restaurant
186 Greenwood Ave.,
Bethel, 203-748-3900
Caesar salad, $6.50
The first thing you notice in Greenwood's is the classic New England bar. There's lots of dark wood and glass, and colorful Tiffany lamps hanging over the tables. The tin-stamped ceiling dates back to the 1860s. The bottled beer selection is huge, with domestic choices like an Ithaca, N.Y., apricot ale, as well as imports like a light Hefeweizen from Germany. The Caesar salad was a perfect accompaniment; a huge plate piled high with romaine lettuce lightly dressed, crispy croutons and fresh shaved parmesan topping it off.
Barcelona
63-65 North Main St.,
Norwalk, 203-899-0088
Baby artichoke tapas, $8.50
Nobody makes a mojito like Barcelona, with just the right combination of sugar, fresh lime juice, light rum and oodles of fresh mint. The baby artichoke that was recently a special was a perfect first round, the soft artichoke smothered in olive oil, roasted garlic and herbs. Unlike its corn-based Mexican counterpart, the Spanish tortilla is made from eggs and potato, served in a wedge, and topped with chivey sour cream. Check out the fresh cheese or the chorizo for something meatier to accompany your drink.
Sakura
680 Post Rd. East,
Westport, 203-222-0802
Down Under Roll, $12.95
A Japanese restaurant might not be your first thought when you think of drinks and apps with your friends, but why not? Sakura is a busy restaurant with good music, a relaxed atmosphere and a comfortable bar. To get in the mood, try the Sakura-tini, a cold sake and Grey Goose vodka martini garnished with pickled ginger. Not too sweet, not too dry. Order a couple sushi rolls like the down under roll, with shrimp tempura, snow crab, mango and scallion and share them; you'll still have room for dinner.
Bear and Grill
2000 Black Rock Turnpike,
Fairfield, 203-333-1522
Spinach & Artichoke Dip, $6.95
Anyone who's a sucker for theme restaurants will love the Bear and Grill. Every inch of the place evokes an Appalachian mountain camp, from the stone fireplace to the soaring ceiling and the mounted bear heads and antler chandelier. With all the amusing kitsch, I was surprised that the food was so good. My spinach and artichoke dip was fresh and flavorful, packed with easily identifiable pieces of green leafies and artichoke heart, and not overly, disgustingly cheesy, which is how it's too-often served.
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Crisp tortilla chips topped with cheese, salsa, jalapeno peppers and more. Tell us where we can get some killer nachos.
Jesse Camille's in Naugatuck makes the best Nachos - hand cut and fried crisp to order - topped with spicy chili or cajun chicken, lotsa cheese and fixins. They are addicting!
Submitted by: Sophia Emmanuella
4:10 PM EST, Jan 14, 2008
Big Kohonie's in W.Hartford have the best nachos-LOADED & killer margaritas to go with.
Submitted by: Nacho Lover
12:17 PM EDT, Jun 3, 2007
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