Finding a place that actually feels like a community hub in a small town can be tricky. You’ve probably seen plenty of "pizza shops" that are really just takeout counters with a few plastic chairs. But Bond 124 Somers Connecticut is different. It’s a weird, beautiful hybrid of an Italian kitchen, a craft beer taproom, and a neighborhood living room.
Honestly, it’s the kind of place where you can grab a high-end Aperol Spritz or a local Wachusett Blueberry Ale without feeling like you're trying too hard. Located right at 124 Main Street, it has anchored the Somersville section of town since 2016. It isn't just a restaurant; it’s basically the heartbeat of the local social scene.
What Bond 124 Actually Is (and Isn’t)
Most people walk in expecting a standard pizzeria. They’re wrong.
While Mario Ferrentino and his team definitely know their way around a brick oven, calling this place a "pizza shop" is like calling a Ferrari "just a car." It’s a gastropub. The distinction matters. You aren't just getting food; you’re getting a curated experience with 26 taps of craft beer, mostly sourced from the hyper-local Connecticut and Massachusetts brewing scenes.
The atmosphere? It's cozy. Think warm lighting, exposed brick, and a vibe that shifts from a quiet lunch spot to a loud, live-music venue by Thursday night. They do things from scratch here. They roast their own deli meats. They make their own burgers. It’s that level of effort that keeps the locals coming back even when the "new car smell" of a grand opening has long faded.
The Famous Chicken Parm Pizza
If there is one thing you’ll hear about before you even step through the door, it’s the Chicken Parm Pizza.
It sounds heavy. It is. But it’s also legendary in Tolland County. It’s a fusion that shouldn't work as well as it does—crispy chicken, rich marinara, and that perfect brick-oven crust that has just enough char to keep things interesting.
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Some people swear by the Fungi pizza for a more "refined" palate, but let's be real: you're here for the comfort food. The menu is massive, ranging from arancini balls during happy hour to full-on Italian dinner entrees that would make a grandmother proud.
The Beer Situation: 26 Taps of Local Gold
You don't just "get a beer" at Bond 124. You navigate a list.
With 26 taps, they lean heavily into the New England craft scene. You’ll regularly find heavy hitters like:
- Back East Ice Cream Man (Bloomfield, CT)
- Thomas Hooker #NoFilter (Bloomfield, CT)
- Wachusett Blueberry Ale (Westminster, MA)
They even do beer flights, which is a lifesaver if you can't decide between a nitro stout and a hazy IPA. It's a "tap room" in the truest sense, bridging the gap between a dusty old tavern and a modern craft brewery.
Why the Location Matters
Somers is a town that loves its history.
Founded way back in 1734, the town has seen its share of changes. Bond 124 sits in the historic Somersville section, an area once known for its bustling textile mills. Today, that industrial grit has been replaced by a pastoral, residential charm.
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The restaurant itself fits into this "new-old" New England aesthetic. It’s become the go-to spot for "The Big Game" (Super Bowl Sunday is usually a madhouse here) and local trivia nights on Wednesdays.
Beyond the Food: Community and Events
During the pandemic, a lot of places retreated. Bond 124 did the opposite.
They partnered with the local school system to feed families in need. That kind of thing isn't forgotten in a town like Somers. It's why the patio is packed the second the Connecticut weather hits 60 degrees.
The venue also handles the "life stuff." You’ll see baptism celebrations, rehearsal dinners, and even the occasional graduation party happening in the back. It’s versatile.
What to Expect on a Visit
- Trivia Nights: These happen on Wednesdays and get surprisingly competitive.
- Live Music: Usually runs Thursday through Sunday. It’s mostly acoustic acts, which fits the "gastropub" vibe without blowing your eardrums out.
- Happy Hour: Look for the sliders and arancini specials. It’s one of the best value-for-money deals in the area.
The Reality Check: Is It Always Perfect?
Look, no place is.
If you go on a Friday night when a live band is playing and the 26 taps are flowing, it’s going to be loud. It’s going to be crowded. If you’re looking for a silent, romantic candlelit dinner where you can hear a pin drop, this probably isn't the spot for that specific night.
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Also, because they do everything from scratch, sometimes the service can take a minute when the kitchen is slammed. It’s the trade-off for not eating pre-frozen, corporate "pub grub." Most people find the wait worth it for a house-made burger that hasn't seen a freezer bag.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
If you’re planning a trip to Bond 124 Somers Connecticut, don't just wing it.
First, check the live music schedule. If you want a quieter meal, aim for an early lunch or a Tuesday night. If you want the full experience, Thursday through Saturday is your window.
Second, get a flight. With 26 taps, it’s a waste to just stick to what you know. Try something from a brewery in Bloomfield or Springfield that you’ve never heard of.
Third, ask about the daily specials. They often have "cocktails of the day" (like that Aperol Spritz) that aren't on the main printed menu but are usually the freshest thing behind the bar.
Finally, remember that parking is generally easy—there’s a dedicated lot and street options—but it fills up fast on event nights. If you're coming for a big game or trivia, get there at least 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
Whether you're a local or just passing through the rolling hills of Tolland County, Bond 124 is one of those rare spots that manages to be both a "special occasion" place and a "Tuesday night beer" place at the same time.