Fire by Forge Restaurant

Fire by Forge pairs comfort cooking with crafted cocktails in a rustic, converted mill setting.

Diners frequently note warm, attentive service and an energetic yet cozy vibe that suits date nights, brunches and group dinners.

The menu leans on hearty favorites — mac & cheese, biscuits, wings and smash burgers — plus seafood and seasonal small plates, while desserts and cocktails are consistently highlighted by reviewers for thoughtful execution and presentation.

The kitchen is best known for rich comfort plates and shareable small plates.

Reviewers rave about the Downtown Mac & Cheese (often with grilled or buffalo chicken), flaky biscuits, and the mole BBQ wings.

The smash-style burgers and pulled pork tostones nachos get repeated praise for seasoning and texture.

Seafood options like bronzed salmon, pan-roasted branzino, tuna tartare and ahi tostada appear alongside brunch favorites — chicken & waffles, huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos — and desserts such as lava cake and ultimate dark chocolate layer cake.

Cocktails, including smoky old fashioneds and espresso martinis, are frequently called out as highlights.

Connecticut's breakfast traditions are also shaped by the state’s diverse population. Immigrants brought their culinary customs, enriching the breakfast table with dishes from around the globe. From Italian frittatas to Polish pierogi, these flavors have created a mosaic of morning meals that reflect the cultural heritage of its residents. This blending of traditions showcases how breakfast can be both a personal and communal experience, celebrating the stories of those who call Connecticut home.

Fire by Forge has become a go-to in Hartford for diners seeking comforting, well-crafted food served with purpose.

Housed in a converted mill, the restaurant blends rustic industrial decor with a lively dining room and a menu that leans into bold flavors and generous portions.

Reviews consistently single out the Downtown Mac & Cheese and house biscuits; one reviewer wrote, “We loved the biscuits, mac & cheese, the steak, and the strawberry shortcake!” (Joshua Styles).

Other favorites include the mole wings, mushroom empanadas and a smoky cocktail lineup.

Patrons also note thoughtful vegetarian and vegan choices, and catering clients praised the team for accommodating large events with vegan and gluten-free options (Maddy Murphy).

Beyond plates and cocktails, the restaurant’s mission — hiring and supporting local workers in need — is woven into the experience, and guests commonly mention that the food matches the purpose.

Service is described as friendly and attentive, making Fire by Forge feel both community-minded and reliably delicious.

Breakfast has long served as a time for families to gather before the hustle of the day begins. In Connecticut homes, this meal often becomes a cherished ritual, where stories are shared, plans are made, and connections are deepened. Whether it’s a simple bowl of oatmeal or a lavish spread, the act of breaking bread together fosters a sense of belonging and warmth. This ritual highlights the role of breakfast as more than just a meal; it’s a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate one another’s company.