Oasis Cafe - Hartford

(Last visited ?? ?? 2023. I'm here often, but I know I must've forgotten to check in one of 12 times so that's why I have that date there. Lol. C'mon. AJ's! Do I even have to do a review for this place? Nope, but I'm going to! Atmosphere Appearance: This is a for-sure dive bar. No bones about it and that's okay! The parking lot is basically gravel, so... just know that. Lol. Next to the building is like an abandoned warehouse with numerous windows busted out. The police station is right up the street so they're always riding around. This place feels dangerous... so that's how you know the food SLAPS. Inside is basic. There's a Keno machine in the back, a couple of pool tables, high tops and a big wrap-around bar that seats people on 3 sides. The bathrooms are tiny, but none of that matters. You're here for a good time and the food. Lol. Service: Rob and Debbie are the main ones that'll be taking care of you. They're cool, but don't expect the best service. Lol. They might smile. They may take a lil' while, but it's all about the charm of this place! Food: So I come here for one reason. The wings. AJ's Oasis Cafe offers Saturday night happy hour from 7:00pm to 10:00pm so that's when we normally pull up. I've had about 11 different flavors here and they are all AMAZING. The wings are HUGE as well. Definitely Foghorn Leghorn status wings. I usually have a prejudice against breaded wings, but these are lightly dredged so I let them pass. Lol. I love them so much and I'm overdue for a Saturday night happy hour here. Value: Wings are $0.75 a piece between 7:00pm and 10:00pm on Saturday. That's the only thing that matters. In conclusion, AJ's is a go-to place for wings for me AND my wife. She actually mentioned wanted to come here a couple of weekends ago, but we stayed in instead. I have a feeling we'll be paying this place a visit pretty soon.

Hosted our daughter’s engagement party on the patio and it was spectacular. The food, drink and service was beyond all expectations! We’ve held many special occasions at the restaurant as well as catered events off site! Best ever!

This is truly a special place! My family and I spent many days and nights here through my dads illness and the staff could not have been kinder! They were extremely supportive, welcoming, let us stay for as long as we wanted with no rush! The food and drinks were exactly what we needed to fill our stomachs and recharge after hours at the hospital. We are forever grateful for J’s and their team! We consider them family!

This restaurant has been around for a while always striving to get better. Family owned and started as a pizza place it morphed into a full service restaurant under the second generation. Jordan, the owner, expanded the building, creating a friendly modern gathering place. When the pandemic hit, and indoor seating had to be limitted, he started thinking outside the box and expanded his outside dining into the side parking lot. Using gazebos, pallets, clear plastic wind screens and shipping containers, he created an outdoor dining area replete with chandeliers and heating. A shipping container serves as a dining hall with the inside walls painted to depict a Parisian street scene overlooking the Eiffel Tower. J serves an eclectic menu of old and new favorites, comfort food and the Greek style pan pizza that his father was known for. Best in the area!!! But there is so much more to savor there. I started my meal with grilled octopus served on a bed of arugula. Tender and flavorful with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. Simply Greek and delicious. For my entree I chose an old favorite, veal Parmesan with penne pasta. That's comfort food for me. The veal was tender, juicy, lightly breaded and pan sauteed, covered in good mozzarella and a bright marinara sauce made in house from high quality tomatoes. Home run! I had to have dessert. The chocolate mousse is made with Belgian couverture chocolate and is the perfect ending to any meal. All of this and a great selection of wine, beer and spirits, J should be on everyone's go to list.

My family of 5 had dinner at J Monday evening . We had our own enclosed , heated gazebo . We felt very cozy inside our space . The twinkling lights and garland decorating the patio made it look like a winter wonderland . The food was excellent and the service was great . We were celebrating 3 birthdays and the staff made us feel really special ! We will be back . I have already recommended J to other people since our visit .