Arena Patio Restaurant

For over 50 years, the Arena Patio Restaurant has been a destination for fun and good food. It's our intention to advance the cause of neighborhood revitalization while embracing the Italian-American heritage of the area. Great food and classic restaurants steeped in tradition are what Hartford's "Little Italy" neighborhood is all about. Arena Patio Restaurant rises to the occasion by providing It

alian-American food at very reasonable prices; great spirits, wines and beers in a handsome, casual atmosphere where everyone has a great time. THE BAR

You never know who you're going to run into at the bar at Arena Patio. It's a dark space with cherry-wood paneling and bar punctuated with warm lighting accents and set off by a wall filled with photos which underscore the history and flavor of Hartford's South End and it's Italian-American heroes. There are several wide-screen televisions which provide sports, news and other programming, as well as a dynamic display of photographs of our friends, old and new. One display is dedicated to menu specials and restaurant information. Patrons can expect a wide variety of spirits as well as an assortment of wines selected for quality and value. Beer rounds out the selection of beverages, with popular domestic brands as well as several international favorites offered. For the designated driver there are plenty of offerings; among the sodas offered, Stewart's root beer is available -- from the fountain -- as well as a selection of high-quality fruit juices. Our cheerful staff is pleased to serve food to bar patrons. The entire dinner menu, as well as lighter fare is available at the bar. Or, have a drink while waiting for your take-home order to be prepared. Background music is provided by our state-of-the-art sound system -- and a juke-box boasts modern technology which is capable of down-loading literally hundreds of thousands of songs. The engineering of the sound system assures that although music is heard it does not obstruct conversation. A complimentary happy hour buffet is put out for our bar customers from 4:00 until 6:00 Monday through Friday. THE RESTAURANT

The dining room is a space of lighter woods, brick and subdued colors. The lighting is pleasant and somewhat brighter than at the bar area. Food is served at tables or in old-fashioned booth seating. The ceiling in the dining room soars and is somewhat angular. This provides an outstanding acoustic space for musical offerings. THE PATIO

During warmer months the outside area, surrounded by attractive landscaping and a wrought-iron fence, provides al fresco dining and cocktails. ARENA PATIO RESTAURANT - 873 Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford's South End. Telephone 860-296-2483. Open daily 11am - 11pm.