THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Nixs Awards

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Nixs Restaurant Review:

Hartford's long-imagined Front Street District has become trendy reality, and Nixs can claim a portion of the credit. The theming here is a bit confusing, with the grisly tale of 18th-century pirate William Fly, who's buried on Nixes Island in Boston Harbor, scrawled on one wall; old Hollywood black-and-white movies silently animating cinematic screens; industrial styling; Broadway-esque lights above the bar entreating patrons to "Play Nice" and a thoroughly modern selfie machine and #playnice hashtag. Happy hour crowds don't waste time pondering the décor, though. Far better to contemplate signature cocktails, including a new invention each week, and the menu of shareable small plates. Don't be surprised if your server steers you toward New England's Best Damn Lobster Roll. You won't be disappointed by the quality or quantity of freshly shelled lobster crammed inside a buttered, toasted bun --- even though the claim is overblown. Kitchen and service hiccups do make us scratch our heads, and while some bar bites like seafood and cheddar tater tots with lemon aïoli are notable, overall, the scene upstages the cuisine. More evidence of an identity crisis: Nixs turns clubby after 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with visiting DJs and VIP table service.