West Hartford Seafood Raw Bar Hartford County Cocktail Lounge Cocktails

RAW* in Hartford: Seafood, Cocktails And A Hell Of A Party From Place 2 Be Team

Jessica Ryan October 24, 2023

We recently had to the opportunity to visit the newly opened RAW* restaurant in downtown Hartford. Raw* is the newest concept by Gina Lauri, founder and CEO of The Statement Group which also owns the successful The Place 2 Be restaurants. Much like its predecessors RAW* is visual eye candy with a vibrant aquatic theme. The interior boasts an artistic and modern flare which was created by mixing assorted metals, white subway tile, neon lights, fun and whimsical artwork, graffiti, and a swimming-pool blue for an ultimate industrial-meets-under-water-vibe. But there’s no need to hold your breath here. In fact you’ll want to breathe deeply and take it all in. And there’s so much to take in!

Detail is everywhere. Let’s start with the cocktails, each one more beautiful than the next. The Mermaid’s Tail a lovely lavender butterfly cannon tequila, lemon and sparkling yuzu served in a fun and whimsical mermaid tail glass. The Dragon Fruit Martini is a stunning bold drink made with Haku vodka, dry vermouth and a dragon fruit liqueur which gives it it’s stunning color. The earthy Matcha Mojito may resemble your morning green drink but with ingredients like mint, lime, matcha and Bumbu rum, I assure you it’s not! If you’re a martini fan you’ve got to try the Shuck it Dirty, made from Belvedere, dry vermouth, olives and brine as well as oyster. The fish bowl presentation is spectacular! The Blow Me is stunning in a long stemmed fish glass with Blue Curacao, Alize, Haku, vodka and Cointreau. With a cheeky name like Spread Your Legs you’ll have fun sipping this delightful pink concoction made from Haku vodka, lychee liqueur and dry vermouth also served in a wonderfully whimsical glass. If you’re a Margarita fan, a RAW ‘Rita will not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the passion fruit with tajin, which is also visual stunning.

For those of you who aren’t necessarily fans of fish or seafood, raw or otherwise, there’s still plenty to choose from – their Kimchi Burger is very generously sized, loaded w flavor, American cheese. Kimchi, spicy aioli, lettuce, tomato, roasted shitake and served on a toasted brioche bun. I’d like to give honorable mention to the fries… oh the fries. Think steak fries shaved thin. Dip them in the spicy aioli and ketchup, and you won’t be able to stop at just one.

We also tried the Katso Chicken Sandwich. I loved the super crisp chicken breasts with hoisin, shredded lettuce, kimchi, ranch and served on a grilled brioche bun. This also comes with the yummy fries. There are many more non-seafood options.

Moving onto the seafood…

We began with a tray of clams, oysters and shrimp, then moved on to the Firecracker Shrimp, crispy with spicy mayo and a sweet buffalo sauce. We also enjoyed a thick and creamy New England Style Clam Chowder with bacon, potatoes, and littleneck clams and the Raw Roll, made with Kani salad, tuna, salmon and avocado.

I’m really not one to ever order Lobster Mac and Cheese. Truth be told it’s not really my jam, but when this stunning lobster brimming with lobster meat and pasta was presented to us I had to try it. I mean how can I write about something I haven’t tried? So I did. I did not expect to keep digging in! Generous amounts of very nicely sized tender lobster meat sat atop a bed of Campanella pasta in a decadent four cheese sauce and lemon scented bread crumbs. This is a fun dish shared. Share it with one, share it with the table!

You probably won’t have room for dessert but get one for the table and ask for a few spoons. I know you’ll find room for it. The Matcha Tiramisu is a fun way to end your meal. Matcha dipped ladyfingers are layered with mascarpone and white chocolate is really quite yummy.