~by Dena Burroughs

SALSA IN CONNECTICUT

Here's a few recommendations for the Hartford/New Haven area.  These places are good as of November 07.  Check by phone before you go to make sure they're still there!
 

THURSDAY SPOT - NEW HAVEN:  TROPIC AT NIGHT - http://www.myspace.com/tropicnewhaven  825 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
Five dollars cover charge.  The DJ mixes the songs.  Mostly Hector Lavoe songs and Colombian Salsa played, with bits of merengue and reggaeton here and there.  Looks like a small bar from the entrance, but opens up into a much larger dance area in the back.  The bar is downstairs from the Alisa's House of Salsa dance studio ( http://www.alisashouseofsalsa.com ) and the students come down to dance after their class. The instructor is Alisa Bowens, pictured below.

FRIDAY SPOT - HARTFORD: AZUCAR - 494 Franklin Ave, Hartford, CAT 06114
Five dollars cover charge.  Includes rice and potatoes buffet.  DJ plays Salsa romantica mostly, nice selections though.  Does not mix the songs.  Nice wooden dance floor although small.  Plenty of seating available.

SATURDAY SPOT - NEW HAVEN:  CAFFE BOTTEGA - 910 Chapel Street New Haven, CT 06510
Twelve dollars cover charge. Live Salsa with Mikata http://www.mikatabeat.com . Nice place with a complete food and bar menu at good prices.  Crowded but not overwhelming. 

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FOREVER LASTING SPOT- NEW HAVEN:  VAN DOME http://www.clubvandome.com 102 Hamilton St, New Haven
Five dollars cover charge.  Mostly reggaeton, but some Salsa.  The type of place you must go to at least once.