Char Koon could qualify as one of the Hartford area’s best kept secrets.
That may not seem true from the several glowing reviews posted proudly around the entrance to this Pan-Asian restaurant in South Glastonbury, but
Char Koon still can’t help being off the beaten path. Tucked away on Route 17 (882 Main St.) beyond the four-lane highways, it's an easy, but hardly brief, drive from downtown Hartford.
For those willing to venture a little bit into Glastonbury, the restaurant offers plenty of rewards, from the top-notch food to the tight but relaxing dining area. And with new restaurants opening in Glastonbury seemingly on a weekly basis, Char Koon is a battle-tested veteran after more than a decade in town.
Food: If there’s any reason to grab a table here, it’s the food, billed as “serious Pacific Rim cuisine.” Start with wonton soup to warm you on a cold winter day, and follow up with the light, crispy spring rolls. Move on to an ample main course, such as the smooth and spicy Pad Thai or the rugged Volcano Flank Steak. Most dinner entrees are under $15, and lunch prices dip below $10.
Décor: You have to take the atmosphere at Char Koon for what it is and what it isn’t. It’s not elaborately adorned, and it’s no place for the claustrophobic, with only about a dozen tables. And, the fish tank is oddly prominent in the room. On the other hand, it is cozy and inviting, with brick walls, understated wall-hangings and bamboo lattice on the ceiling.
Crowd: Some office dwellers make their way here from Glastonbury Center on their lunch break, and local retirees can be found at other tables. The evening crowd is similarly diverse, from young to old. Half of the tables seat two, a nice place for a romantic dinner. Jeans are acceptable if you prefer. Despite the tight space, the restaurant also can accommodate larger parties, but you probably should call ahead.
Service: Char Koon is the kind of place where the waiters welcome you like you’re a regular even on your first visit. Expect plenty of smiles and prompt delivery of your meal.
Sounds: The noise of the fish tank can be distracting. They’re large fish, and they seem addicted to picking up gravel in their mouths, sucking on it and letting it drop to the bottom. (This is more odd than annoying.) Otherwise, there is a nice buzz at Char Koon, the buzz of people chatting and enjoying their meals.
Char Koon 882 Main St., South Glastonbury
860-657-3656
