The Russell Restaurant
The Russell Restaurant things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
Bi-level Caribbean restaurant with a curved bar, stylish decor of wood & leather & DJ nights.
attractions: XL Center, Dunkin' Park, The Bushnell Performing Arts Center, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Bushnell Park Carousel, DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown, Bushnell Park, The Goodwin Hotel, Bushnell Park Conservancy, Constitution Plaza, restaurants: Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar, Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen, Max's Trumbull Kitchen, Salute, Agave Grill, Max Downtown, Vaughan's Public House, Aladdin Halal, The Place 2 Be, Feng Chophouse
Ratings
Description
Bi-level Caribbean restaurant with a curved bar, stylish decor of wood & leather & DJ nights.
Posts
JERK OR FRIED CALAMRI on tiny tables! I took my wife there for the first time last Saturday, which was supposed to be a part of her birthday celebration but I don't know if that was the right call. Though, she liked her food, the negatives outweighed the positives for me. 1. The tables are too small. Firstly, we were brought to a round table that was clearly designed for having a couple of🥂 and could barely fit one person's meal, so we asked for a different table. We were then brought to a slightly bigger "squared" table that only had one chair 😑. Eventually we got two chairs. However, by the time our appetizers came, there wasn't any room for the main course on the table. My wife noticed that a spot having two adjoining "squared tables", like the one we were sitting at, became available and asked the waitress if we could move as she, the waitress, was struggling to place our plates on the tiny table. We were allowed to move and did so. 2. Our food came out before our drinks despite ordering everything all at once. I've never been to a restaurant where you get served food before beverages 😖. 3. The customer service of the staff needs plenty of work. Firstly, when she came to our table her approach was a bit dry. She didn't ask whether or not we wanted anything to drink, didn't even offer water. All she did was introduced herself and told us the menu was online only through scanning a QR code that was on the table with no instructions as to say, that's how the menu was, and the hostess who seated us didn't even bother to explain that. She just sat us and walked away. So there we were just sitting 😐, waiting for someone to give us menus. That's when the waitress walked over and asked if we were ready to order.🤔 4. The place is a little bit too dark. I've seen other reviews from customers saying this and it is true. We were struggling to see what we were eating. 5. Jerk Calamari or Fried Calamri? I ordered the jerk calamari as it sounded interesting and different. To my surprise I was served over battered fried calamari. I asked the waitress if a mistake was made and wether she lied/told the truth/finessed me, I don't know. She said it was called jerk calamari because the jerk sauce/seasoning was used to season it. If that was actually so, that's the most bland jerk seasoning I've ever tasted. Pictures are below for your own judging. I honestly wouldn't risk ordering it again. 6. The only highpoint was that my wife actually enjoyed her oxtail. The beverage/mixes that we got were below average.
ZelvaninhoZelvaninho
00
Super disappointed :( I was told the best Jamaican restaurant in Hartford was here and the reviews looked amazing. The venue was really beautiful I especially loved their lighting. The hostess was very friendly and helpful with our reservations. My waitress/bartender was polite for the most part but me and my friend discussed how weird we noticed her acting ? We didn’t pay too much because we were excited about the food. For our appetizer we ordered the grilled jerk shrimp skewers and they were really good. My friend ordered the honey bbq jerk salmon and I had the stew chicken. The salmon which I tried was SUPER DISGUSTING! I cook ALOT so I’m pretty sure they served frozen salmon and overcooked it at that. My stew chicken wasn’t that appetizing I’ve had WAY better at other restaurants. The only thing we enjoyed was the corn bread they serve as a free appetizer and the rice and peas our meals came with as a side. Such a shame because I was looking so much forward to write a good review.
Trin TorresTrin Torres
00
I had an amazing time at The Russell when I went on 6/26/22. I had planned a brunch for my family and everyone remarked about how the food was AMAZING. It truly was. The service was next to none. Our waitress Kiera was attentive, polite and professional. The restaurant was extremely clean, spacious and well decorated. THE. MUSIC. The playlist they had that day was on point. All in all it was an amazing experience. All my guests had a wonderful time. Hugh, the owner was very present and that made a world of difference. It's rare you see an owner interacting as closely as he was and it was refreshing. He brought food out and spoke to our guests. The Russell now has a special place in my heart because I ended up getting engaged there as well! We even had a champagne toast with Hugh! Thank you all again for such an awesome experience!
Rashida RRashida R
00
They would be what I consider an upscale Jamaican restaurant for the grown and sexy. If you love strong alcoholic beverages, the bartenders know how to pour. The food is delicious as well. Their new location is way better than the old one as there is more room to accommodate more guests. There are two full size bar, one on each side of the restaurant. The architecture is beautiful because there is Magany wood intertwined through out the establishment. There is plenty of street parking and they are also, right next to a paid parking lot. The location is about a 3 mins walking distance from the Bushnell, and a 1 to 3 mins drive from highway 84 or 91. They are also conveniently located across from the train/bus station. Everytime I go there I'm never disappointed in my experience.
Melissa M. SevilleMelissa M. Seville
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Russell Restaurant
XL Center
Dunkin' Park
The Bushnell Performing Arts Center
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
Bushnell Park Carousel
DoubleTree by Hilton Hartford Downtown
Bushnell Park
The Goodwin Hotel
Bushnell Park Conservancy
Constitution Plaza

XL Center
4.3
(1.6K)Click for details

Dunkin' Park
4.7
(1.6K)Click for details

The Bushnell Performing Arts Center
4.7
(1.5K)Click for details

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
4.7
(977)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Russell Restaurant
Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar
Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen
Max's Trumbull Kitchen
Salute
Agave Grill
Max Downtown
Vaughan's Public House
Aladdin Halal
The Place 2 Be
Feng Chophouse

Black-Eyed Sally's Southern Kitchen & Bar
4.4
(1K)$$
Click for details

Dhaba Wala Indian Kitchen
4.5
(773)$$
Click for details

Max's Trumbull Kitchen
4.4
(557)$$
Click for details

Salute
4.7
(1K)$$
Click for details