I've been researching some nice places to hang out in my off time, but would like some recommendations from locals. Bars, 3rd wave coffee shops, restaurants that aren't tourist traps etc.  

Suggestions?

Really classy, everything is made fresh and is super unique, and they have a full menu too (the Affogato is absolutely incredible)
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Its in West Hartford.

Here's the website: http://trevact.com/

More rave reviews: http://hartfordmag.com/article-133-best-cocktails-2012.html

Enjoy!

Windsor Restaurant

Vito's is a local "chain".  Pretty good Italian food, casual - http://www.vitosct.com/ There is one in Windsor and one in Hartford

Hartford Restaurants

On20 - http://www.ontwenty.com/ - The best restaurant in the entire state and likely in the top 10 in New England.  This rivals several NYC top spots.  It's only open on Friday night, but open every day for lunch. If you are free for lunch one day, make the trip downtown.

Max Downtown - http://www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/downtown/ part of the Max restaurant group and outstanding

Firebox - http://www.fireboxrestaurant.com/ Excellent farm to table restaurant.

Not sure how much time you have, but those three downtown will keep your palette quite happy

Hi, TCNY,

Welcome to New England, and I hope that you'll have a good time while you're here! Here are my suggestions: Night LIfe/Bar: http://www.clubpyur.com/ and Restaurant/ Lounge: http://therussellct.com/

Enjoy,
~Simply Tia