(Credit: Richard Messina/Hartford Courant)
When Al Gamble and Sean Skehan, owners of Plan B in West Hartford and The Half Door in Hartford, bought the restaurant, the Farmington Valley was buzzing about what was to come of the beloved American pub. Although the decor, menu and overall atmosphere of the new Plan B at One Way stray from the long-loved train-themed setting that was One Way Fare, the burgers, service, beer and martinis soar far above the expectations of One Way Fare regulars. Plan B is a top notch burger joint.
Food: "Fresh, never frozen beef" and "never a perfectly round hamburger" are the mottos proudly displayed throughout the restaurant. Perfectly round or not, the burgers at Plan B are indeed the best burgers you will taste in Connecticut. The extensive burger selection features mini burgers as an appetizer, a tasty and as-spicy-as-it-gets Baja burger, salmon burger, veggie burger and even a lobster burger.
Burgers are served with your choice of fries: Parmesan, sweet potato, truffle chive or green fries (fried and salted green beans, which are much more addicting than one would anticipate).
If burgers and fries are not your thing, pamper your taste buds with the crusted brie plate - brie baked to perfection and served with freshly cut apples, toasted bread, roasted tomatoes and a delicious onion marmalade. Salads, spaghetti and meatballs, salmon and fish and chips are among other dishes on the menu. The dessert menu is tempting, and the portions are intended for sharing.
Insider Tip: To truly enjoy the best burger in Connecticut, stick with a more traditional burger. Seasoning, sauces, mayo, peppers and mushrooms, although tasty, are not needed to enhance the tastiness of the well-cooked, certified natural beef. Less is definitely more.
Booze: Beer, beer and more beer. With more than 60 bottled beers and 15 on tap, ranging from $3.50 to $28 for a 22-ouncer, you name it, Plan B has it. There is a limited, but sufficient and reasonably-priced wine menu, a specialty martini list, as well as a wide variety of single malt scotches, whiskeys, ports and cordials.
Vibe: Plan B still has the "where everybody knows your name" atmosphere of One Way. This is a place where anyone can feel at home. Friday and Saturday nights draw a young crowd and plans for live weekend entertainment are in the works.
Digs: Plan B has preserved the intimacy of One Way Fare, combining it with an upscale attitude. The modern lighting, classic brick walls, and framed black and white photos of the railroad station create an ambiance that matches the eclectic crowd.
Bottom Line: Customers leave smiling and "they're always glad they came..."
Plan B at One Way
4 Railroad St., Simsbury
860-658-4477
Mon.-Thu., 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
