RJ's is a true neighborhood dive bar. It's just down the street from all the refineries in Hartford, so it caters to a true blue collar crowd. When a bar caters to a blue collar crowd, you know the drinks are going to be good and the food is going to be delicious comfort bar food.
I discovered RJ's from a local monthly coupon magazine that is delivered in the mail. On my first visit, I glanced over the menu and then noticed a flier with daily specials for the month. By chance, the day I was visiting the special was 8 piece wings and fries. I was sold, especially because I got decide between breaded or naked. I prefer my wings naked, so that was a win.
They offered four different sauces available. I asked the bartender which one she recommended and she suggested the one I was leaning towards - Sweet & Spicy. I'm a counter, I like to have the same amount of flats and drums. I favor drums, so I wasn't too disappointed when my order had 5 drums and 3 flats. The sauce lived up to its name, it had a nice tang and my fingers didn't get too sticky while eating. The fries were crinkle, which is my favorite right behind house-cut. They were super crispy and not overly salty. Wings for lunch is always a win for me.
They didn't have much of a selection of craft beers and had no IPA's. So I enjoyed a, Blue Moon. The bartender was attentive, but not overly friendly. The staff looked at me as if I didn't belong. It was my first time, I am sure once I return, they'll be warmer. I'm learning as I adjust to my new hood, that the neighborhood places are truly neighborhood favorites.
I did get a giggle that they sold Yankee Candles behind the bar. They also made me smile, by having hooks under the bar. The charms of a dive bar will always surprise. read more