Popular Hartford Restaurant's Last Day Now Official

HARTFORD, CT — Local seafood lovers might want to break out their calendars as the Chowder Pot of Hartford's last day of existence is now known.

The restaurant's owners said Monday the final day of lobster rolls, clams, prime rib and steaks will be Saturday, March 25, giving folks one last Saturday night dinner option.

After that, the location at 165 Brainerd Road, Hartford, will be shut down and folks will have to wait a bit for a business to go up offering another Saturday night option.

The location is expected to become a legalized marijuana growing and sales operation.

Restaurant officials posted a final update on the status of the eatery Monday.

"After almost 30 years, we will be serving our last guests on Saturday, March 25, 2023," wrote the Chowder Pot. "It has been bittersweet since announcing our closing."

The site has a long history in the local dining scene, as it first opened as a steakhouse in 1965.

For now, it is still known as a prime New England seafood, lobster and prime rib spot, a destination eatery that is a regular birthday, anniversary or holiday dining location.

But, the owners said Jan. 3, it is time to close the facility and sell it to a developer at that location.

Restaurant officials cited the building's age and costs associated with maintaining the building as one key reason for the impending closure.

On Monday, the owners said the popular restaurant has been busy since the announcement and staff members have been besieged with kind words.

"The number of guests that have come in to eat and all the positive comments in person and on social media have not gone unnoticed and are extremely appreciated by all of us here at the Chowder Pot," wrote the restaurant.

"While we had a good run at this location, it is time to say goodbye and look to do something different."

What or where that will be is not yet known.

For now, Chowder Pot officials are asking folks still coming to eat there to be patient, as staffing and supply challenges might impact operations.

From Jan. 9: 'Hartford Restaurant's Closing Timeline Is Clearer'

For more information on the Chowder Pot of Hartford, click on this link.