Casona

I would give this place 3.5 stars, but rounded up because I like this place. My girlfriend and I ate here on a Thursday and liked the experience. I had the chicken casona and split a pitcher of sangria. I cant remember what my gf had, but she loved it. My chicken casona tasted great and the sauce had good flavor. I was surprised that it wasn't made with fresh baked chicken. Instead itt was some sort of grilled cutlet but it tasted better than I expected.

Drinks were good and we both liked the atmosphere. There was a live salsa band playing and the restaurant was clean with udpated decor. I give the owner credit for trying to create an upscale environment. This place is located on the boarder of Weathersfield on the south end of Harford. There's not that  many "nice" places to eat around this area and I like the vibe this place is trying to create.

My only complaint is the dessert. We had the tres leches, which is normally a favorite of ours but it was not fresh and seemed a bit dry and/or boarder line stale. I wouldnt get it again.

Overall, this place is going in the right direction and I hope they continue to make good food while they iron out all the wrinkles.

One of my favorite Latin restaurants!
I love the recent upgrades to the bar and dining area. The vibe is very Miami. The food is delicious. My favorite is the Lomo Saltado and I usually add a side of sweet plantains. Yum!

Casona is the place to go for both great food and dancing. If Latin dancing is your thing, you can go on either Thursday,  Friday or Saturday nights and get your fill of Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and more. On Friday evenings they open up the dinning room floor for more freestyle dancing. The dance floor is one of the best in Hartford. Parking is a little tight so it's best to arrive early.

On Wednesday nights there is  West Coast swing and at least once a month on Sundays you will find a nice mix of Hustle, West Coast Swing, Salsa and more. Occasionally there are live bands but most of the music is provide by DJ's. All of the DJ's are top notch and DJ Louie East is perhaps one of  the best Latin DJ's in Connecticut.

On Friday nights there is often a live Latin jam session with local musicians and singers as well as opportunity for live Karaoke. Except for rare occasions, there is a beginner dance class before each night of dancing

The staff is friendly and courteous. The food is fabulous and the owners are fantastic people.  Plan on a leisurely dinner time when dining at Casona as the food is prepared fresh and therefore takes a little longer.