Little River Restoratives

Do you want a place where the bartender really knows what she’s doing? Then check out Little River Restoratives. Tucked nicely and slightly out of sight in Hartford, LRR is the cocktail bar you need to find and go to.
Without a doubt, you will definitely find something at LRR as it has an extensive menu of every form of beverage you could think of, from basic light cocktails to creamy and spicy cocktails. Add a talented and knowledgable bartender, and you have the perfect concoction.
Though I was not able to find something I would keep drinking or order again, I appreciate the many tastes and flavors offered. Of note was the bartender. She was outstanding! She made my experience at LRR very memorable and one that will have me back to try again and find the perfect cocktail for me.
I absolutely love the feel of LRR. The atmosphere is very comfortable and welcoming, set mostly by the bartender. It has unique décor that make it interesting and upscale. With exposed brick and a shiny wood bar along with every beverage imaginable and light bites to go with them, LRR is the perfect setting to enjoy a cocktail with friends. Be adventurous and try it out! Based on my take of the bartender’s talent and knowledge, this is the place to try cocktails!

In short: TERRIBLE service. Food was good. Not great, but good.
Three of us ordered cocktails and some small plates. Cocktails were pretty good. I got the Grilled Cheese. I expect simple comfort food to be spot-​on, this could have had a way better crust/​crisp to the bread, which was from Hartford Baking Company and thus was incredible. The tomato soup it came with was really good.
We also got the bluefish pâté. It was incredible.
Our server dropped our food on the table and we never saw her again until she was asked for. Never came to check on how our food was, and our drinks sat empty on our table for 15 minutes. When we asked for advice on dishes, she affirmed that «She Doesn’t eat meat, so…»
–We don’t give a crap about your personal eating habits. Tell us it’s your most popular dish despite your lack of experience. Upsell it. Between being a brat about our food and completely ignoring our empty drinks she missed out on about $ 20 added on the bill.
When we flagged her down to ask for the bill the first words we heard were «…you weren’t closed out already?» Thanks, you have a nice night too!

If you like your drinks delicious and also strong, this is the place to come! I loved the boozy, old-​timey concoctions that were on the menu. We came in here around 5pm on a Monday night and the place was empty. Throughout the next hour or so, people started trickling in — the atmoshphere was fun, but casual, and not too crowded. The waistaff and bartenders clearly knew their stuff, and I could hear some serious muddling noises coming from the bar at various points throughout the night — pretty legit. My only wish is that there would be more food to choose from! I would have loved to have stayed a bit longer and enjoyed the cool vibe, but starvation hit and I had to be moving on. I’ll be back though — a fun change from your average Hartford scene, very enjoyable.

great lil cocktail spot. just what the area needed! good crowd and nice stiff drinks with a good wine list as well. beer is just ok

So I gave Little River 5 stars for 3 reasons. 1) They are bringing a great local business to an area that has a bad image. 2) The service was fantastic. 3) The style of the place was great.
With that said and I can review it as just being a bar that promises a great cocktail I was sadly unimpressed. When I go to a cocktail bar I don’t choose off of their menu of cocktails I simply order an old fashion. Because if you can’t make a old fashion that stand out above any other bars then the fancy cocktails don’t matter. I know that sounds a little jaded but think about it an old fashion is a simple drink but has so much potential for a bartender to put a interesting personal twist on it. However I got a sugary old fashion like I can make at home. However that’s just my look on the joint. Other than that great little hang out and totally a hidden gem.

What a fabulous little spot! Very friendly staff, out of this world cocktails. I highly recommend the bourbon posset. Will definitely go back again and again. Don’t be deterred by the neighborhood.

After a handful of visits, Little River Restoratives is one of my new favorite hang-​out spots.
I like that the max occupancy is roughly 40 – 50 people. I like that there isn’t a large food menu and just a handful of small plates. What I adore most though is the attention to detail when it comes to drink-​making. Whether it be making classic renditions like the Manhattan or the Sazerac or creating new twists on vintage drinks — I dig it.
Food is limited, think more along the line of snacks. Plates like spiced nuts, house pickles, deviled eggs, cheese/​charcuterie plates, or the grilled cheese and tomato soup are some options
Street parking only, opt for spots on Putnam or Babcock Street. Mondays at 8pm is also vinyl night. Local guest DJs come spin and the drinks are cheaper: $ 3 beers and $ 5 wines and/​or punches!

Well, Little River is still as fantastic as it was on my first visit back in the fall, but it’s worth noting a few scattered updates beyond the damn fine cocktails. Monday night vinyl: go there. Great DJs each week (Connie, Ed & more) with fabulous tunes at a volume that still allows for fun, engaging conversation with friends. Happy hour 3 – 6: one of the best around. Cheap cocktails (the cava cocktail is my forever favorite… $ 6 I think) and wine specials. Food: everything I’ve tried has been stellar. The charcuterie board is surprisingly hearty, packed with an excellent assortment of cheeses, meats & accoutrements.
Ok, fine, back to the drinks. I’ve noticed some of the cocktails have already changed to complement the winter season and they’re pretty close to perfection. On that note, I’ve got three words: Mexican Hot Chocolate. You’re welcome.
(Oh! Also, try the celery gin & tonic. And, let’s be honest, everything else.)

Place is okay. Seems kind of full of itself. Honestly don’t understand all the hype but then again perhaps only a hipster would.
Also why is there a strange accent of pronunciations on the drink menu? I can’t tell if it’s French or trying to represent some sort of throwback.

Why do you go to a bar (and lets not get it twisted this place is a bar)? Is it to have a few drinks in a relaxing atmosphere, listen to some good tunes, and maybe nibble on some snacks? If you like any of those things then Little River Restoratives is exactly where you should be going for your next happy hour/​date for drinks.
No they don’t have TVs but with drinks and food this good you won’t need to watch whatever crap is happening Tuesday at 5pm, you’ll just want to tuck into a flatbread and loudly slurp on whatever drink sounds interesting.
This place may be a far cry from any other bar in Hartford in both tone and their offerings, but that is certainly a good thing. Trust me, if you want to both have a good time relatively inexpensively (during happy hour 3−6pm) and class it up a bit for a change then park down the street and amble on into unassuming front door for a great time.

This is the best bar in Hartford. The cocktails are pro. The bartenders are knowledgeable, kind, and very experienced. I would highly recommend this place, but honestly I don’t want you to come. I want it all to myself. Especially if Sarah, Kristen, and Alexa are working.

I’m going to admit this… I am a booze snob. I want great ingredients, great bartenders, and it’s helpful if the atmosphere is cool. This place exceeded any expectation I had. The booze is great. Skilled bartenders and friendly. I have to come here for work but I live in the Bay area and cover the PacNW, this place stands up to any bar in my territory.
Locals don’t be scared by the surroundings. It’s warm and friendly and low key in here. Oh and they serve grilled cheese and tomato soup so that’s all good. Shout out to Alexa, John and Kristen highly informed, creative and friendly bartenders. Thank you

A few hours before my 30^th birthday, I found myself in Downtown Hartford. I was with a group of my younger friends from an an adult kickball league and they were having a good olé’ time. I however was bored stiff and dumbfounded as to why they were so thrilled with the bar/​club we were at??? It was overcrowded, the drinks were «meh», and the music was too loud to have a conversation. Around 11:15 I left. I wasn’t done for the night. In just 45 minutes, I’d be turning the big Three-​Oh! I headed to Little River Restoratives as I heard it was a interesting place from a few different people.
I got there around 11:30 and while busy, it was sane and swanky. I sat down in the front corner of the bar. It had a chill atmosphere and was a true cocktail bar.
My best description is– Ever been to the cool speakeasy-​style cocktail bars in NYC? Their drinks are expertly crafted and ultra delicious. Their bartenders really know their stuff and deliver a unique drinking experience. They offer quality over quantity. And, the speakeasy theme is a nice touch, that harkens back to the prohibition era. «LRR is similar, but minus the Speakeasy novelty. (Hey, at least the bar is easy to find and has an actual front door, lol).
I ordered a gin drink the way I drink gin. My drink wasn’t even on the menu. Its light and refreshing, tropical but not with citrus undertones and über-​dry. I liked it so much I ordered a second one. I guess the bar’s owner heard it was my b-​day and offered me a 30^th bday shot (Thanks Chris). When the clock struck 12, I turned 30, had a nice bday «present» and headed home.
Since then, I’ve been back twice. The second time I played «stump the bartender» and was impressed with my drink– a PB&J creation of cognac, frangelico, grape (something), and egg whites. I was back a third time and started trying drinks that were actually on the menu and was very impressed, as was my friend. Their prices also average $ 10-​$ 12 a drink, which is more than reasonable, especially for this style of bar.
Each time I’ve been by, I’ve been treated very well and my booze has been stellar. Extra points for good, friendly service and relaxed vibe inside the bar :). I’m extremely confident in saying that LRR is the best cocktail bar in the Greater Hartford area. It’s not quite as good as some of the top NYC cocktail bars/​speakeasies, but for Hartford, (Pardon this old, grade-​school expression), «This place is the bomb, yo»! I’m impressed.
Thanks for making my 30^th birthday special and for giving me a reason to come to Hartford =) 4.5 stars.

As I watched the bartender/​owner craft 2 cocktails, I asked him, «Who made the cocktail menu?» (knowing it was him.) «I did,» he says. I was in awe. This is the man’s art and he has perfected it. Try the Grapefruit Daisy cocktail — tasty and balanced!
All cocktail flavorings are house-​made and the environment feels perfect. Charming, quaint, and clean.
The cheese plate was an awesome selection of meats, cheeses, and condiments that went very well together. The noodles were simple, yet very tasty.
I can’t wait to bring friends to this fantastic new spot!

I am so happy this place is open. La Paloma was a Hartford icon and to see the space used again as a neighborhood gathering spot just feels right.
This is a drinking establishment primarily. They do have food and it’s great, but the emphasis here is on the cocktails.
I wish there was some outdoor space which is why it’s a 4 star review and not 5. This is worth the trip to Frog Hollow. You won’t be let down.

You walk into this place, and the vibe is warm and inviting. Servers hang your coats for you. The menu is a binder of wonder, filled with creative and classic cocktails.
I recommend asking a server what you should have to drink, they’ll ask more about what you like and want, and suggest a perfect solution. When it arrives in its perfectly hipster yet classic Glass, you’ll be impressed by the presentation alone, with the metal garnish skewers. Then, you’ll take a sip and you’ll taste greatness.
I ordered the Gershwin, which was awesome, but tasted some of my friends drinks. Each one was delightful.
We only stayed for a brief drink before moving onto dinner elsewhere. Had I known it’s awesomeness, I would have made for more time there.
Not ideal for a big crowd of people, but awesome for a drink with an intimate group.
Didn’t stay fit for, but excited to try for happy hour from 3 – 6!
I will definitely be back!

I’m just a step away from 4 stars on this one! Can I give it 3.5?
First of all, loved the ambience and vibe in this place. It’s quaint and cozy with just the right amount of lighting. The menu is adorable with it’s perfectly designed pages that match the restaurant’s logo.
At 8:30 pm on a Saturday night, the bar was full and there was only one table available. The table service was very good– I am not sure how she kept up because by 11:00 pm it was standing room only.
The drinks were very tasty. I like the theme of a vintage cocktail bar, but I wanted a little more to offer in terms of hand crafted cocktails. A few more choices with muddled fruit or better yet, pureed berries in some of the drink choices would be delightful! There was sparkling wine but we had to ask– it was not on the menu. I would love to see some champagne cocktails offered, but we were able to ask for a drink from the menu to be topped with sparkling wine.
We loved all of the food… we ordered the charcuterie plate with delicious cheeses and meats. We also ordered some asian noodles that were served adorably in a chinese to go container. The BLT sliders had very fresh, thick cut bacon.
There were 2 downsides to the food. 1) not enough choices. I think a couple more small plate offerings would be great, and a salad option. 2) the plateware. Our tiny plates were what appeared to be a disposable/​recyclable bamboo or thin wood, and we were given teeny tiny paper pitchforks to eat with.
In contrast, the drinks were served in very classy vintage-​looking gold rimmed glasses. Some came with metal straws that had spoons on the other end. Even the toothpicks were medal and we loved that presentation! We think the dishware should also be as pristine.
We will definitely be back and hope to try a few different types of cocktails. I am anxious to sit at the bar and watch the bartenders in action.

I was excited to see a new establishment of this kind of open in Hartford. Walking in, I had high hopes and an absurd amount of excitement. That immediately went down the drain with the poor treatment I had received. I stopped in on a Friday night around 7pm. It was busy, but not packed. I was able to find a seat at the bar where it took almost 5 minutes after I sat down to have someone greet me. Mind you, there were three bartenders behind the bar. I placed my order for a cocktail and then proceeded to move to a table shortly after.
My server was pleasant and took my food order. After waiting almost twenty minutes for my drink, I mentioned to my server that I had been waiting an unreasonable amount of time and it bothered me. I tried conjuring up different reasons to justify my unacceptable wait time. The bar was not packed and there were only a few tables with a handful of patrons at each. There was no valid reason as to why it should have taken that long to make my drink. My food order that I had placed ten minutes later arrived before my drink. That was a first to me and it was quite impressive.
My initial server had decided to send over someone else because she didn’t want to deal with me post my expression of concern. I didn’t think it was very professional that they proceeded to point at my table and whisper like adolescents to one another. I ask for the check and when paid, the server asked if I would come back again. I was forth-​coming and said «no». She then ask for my reasoning and I explained my case. I am understanding in the fact that it was only their third week open and there were details in the fabric that needed to be worked out. I get that. I didn’t receive an apology and was treated like a second class citizen, it was terrible. The bartenders were pompous and only seemed to be caught up in their sham of a Brooklyn-​esk lifestyle in Hartford, Connecticut. They were more concerned with serving their friends than paying attention to the real customers.
The poor service and lack of sincerity is what lead me to leave a review of this kind. Despite my ill treatment, the place is not a complete flop. Walking in, I felt like I was somewhere in Williamsburg or Park Slope, Brooklyn. The interior is warm and inviting. The exposed brick and choice of decorations is fitting to the theme.
I wish my first time would have been a hit like I wanted it to be. I reached out to the owner via Twitter and expressed my concern. Once again, I got a cold, non-​responsive reply. Clearly, there is such a large backing for this establishment, the customer doesn’t matter. The location is terrible and the parking is close to nothing (nothing that is safe). Little River sticks out like a sore thumb in that neighborhood. It’s on the end of a strip of low-​income housing and struggling businesses. Only time will tell the success. The cocktail menu is exceptional with a variety offerings. The different offerings are not only delicious, but they are esthetically pleasing.
I upped my star rating by a star. After having my review plastered on social media, like I’m the one that caused my poor service.

Phenomenal drinks. Gorgeous interior. Looks so much nicer than it did as Paloma Sabanera. The owner is extremely nice and the drinks are made expertly. I would easily come here again. Only thing: deviled egg (s) with blue crab and salmon roe came with two egg halfs (one egg) on a plate of mixed greens… was hoping for a bit more for $ 6. Most drinks are ~10 $ but they do have happy hour specials! I will definitely be back!

A creative, eclectic cocktail bar in Hartford that is focused on providing inspirational drinks.
Awesome, knowledgeable bar staff with superb attention to detail.
Classy, quaint, comfortable atmosphere with unique decorations (they have a mannequin with a sequents dress and stuffed Fisher cat LOL)
It’s off the beaten path in Hartford, but don’t let that deter you!
Definitely check it out! Try something you’ve never imagined or have a classic.