"Embracing the traditions of Hartford's South End"

Over Sixty Years of History...

Arena Patio Restaurant has been a destination in Hartford's South End for 50 years for great Italian food and quality beverages in a convivial atmosphere.

We're pleased to have the privilege of continuing this tradition. We've embraced the original concept of the restaurant with a very simple Italian-American menu and a solid bar.

The decor is simple and tasteful and reflects the original design of the restaurant. Extensive repairs and renovations have been performed to ensure that we provide a clean, comfortable and safe experience for our customers.

Whether a lunch with friends, a special dinner, or a quick cocktail, we provide a friendly staff and quality, value-priced food and beverages whatever your reason for visiting. And there's always so much going on, you'll want to visit over and over again.

ABOUT THE RESTAURANT

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're 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 stereo -- 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.


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.

WHO WE ARE

Arena Patio is a dream come true for restaurateur and jazz buff Paul Lewis, whose most recent projects have been Asian-themed restaurants featuring music, notably West Hartford's Szechuan Tokyo Restaurant.

This is Paul's first Italian-themed project as principal. Paul will be joined by restaurateur and South End community leader Roger Grano who will add his inimitable style and expertise to the project. Chef Diane Morin (who's worked for the past three owners of the property and is responsible for its reputation as a destination for great food) will be joined by Victor Stagnitta in the Arena's kitchen. (Photo: John Woike, Hartford Courant / July 28, 2011) (c) Hartford Courant 2011)

Always an attractive landmark on Wethersfield Avenue's southerly border, Arena Patio has undergone repairs, maintenance and improvements to make it even better. We're proud to be part of the South End neighborhood revitalization!