See & Be Scene

Real Art Ways

56 Arbor St.
Hartford, CT
(860) 232-1006
www.realartways.org

If there were a Readers' Poll award for coolest place to hang out, the good money would go to Real Art Ways for that one, too. The arts space, performance venue, theater and cafe is a cultural oasis. And the film selection is indicative of the general forward-thinking vibe at Real Art Ways. "We show movies seven nights a week, one showing on the weekdays, and matinees on most weekends," says Communications Coordinator Abby Ohlheiser. "Everything from documentaries to really obscure foreign films. Stuff that you wouldn't otherwise get to see in Hartford." The selection should be enough to lure you down to the cool Parkville space, but, if not, there's the added appeal of RAW's beverage selection. "We're still the only cinema in town with a liquor license; we serve wine and beer," says L.B. Munoz, RAW's hospitality manager. "We encourage people to come early and stay late. We're always open with our wi-fi. And the space is conducive to sitting down with your friends and talking about what you just saw."