West Hartford’s GastroPark

days a week. Lobster Tales opens at noon on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and they also offer breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. on the weekends.

The other two food truck spots are filled by a rotating group that often includes Fuego Picante, East-West Grille on Wheels, and Feelin’ Saucy Pasta. CraftBird, which had been resident at GastroPark, will continue to be in the rotation. A quick check of social media (@thegastropark on either Facebook or Instagram) will feature the most-up-to-date schedule of food trucks as well as highlights of other happenings.

Those other happenings include trivia nights, a monthly night market featuring local small businesses like artists and bakeries (an upcoming Night Market is scheduled for May 26, from 5-8 p.m.), and live music. There have been dog adoption events – and others are in the works – as well as other charitable events.

Small State Provisions features their special “grandma-style” pizza on the first Thursday of the month.

Also, there is now ice cream. Hartford’s famed Capital Ice Cream cart will be onsite through at least the end of September – under the covered awning if it’s inclement weather – on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m.

“We have the most popular flavors from our shop,” said Capital Ice Cream owner Chantelle Boissiere-Kelly. “All of the deluxe flavors and a few toppings, too.”

GastroPark’s permanent awning was installed this spring, and along with lighting has attached heaters which will allow for the phase-out of the propane heating towers. There’s also a large fire pit that provides added warmth to the outdoor area – and like many of the elements at GastroPark was created from a salvaged item, in this case a large cement pipe that was on the former auto repair shop property and dug up during the construction.

“It was great seeing everyone gather around the fire pit for St. Patrick’s Day,” Norden said.

“There’s a great happy hour menu,” Norden said, weekdays from 3-6 p.m. and weekends from 4 p.m. until close, with select beers for $5, select wines for $6, and select cocktails for $7.

Frozen beverages have returned for the season as well.

“We’re further beautifying our property,” said Norden. They’ve added raised beds, and are growing mint, rosemary, and lavender that are used in the kitchen.

“It’s nice to be able to create the full circle,” said Norden. The on-premises kitchen serves a menu to augment the food truck offerings, and features a selection of smash burgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese bites that can be ordered at the bar. The kitchen is open daily at noon, and at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays with brunch items like egg sandwiches and avocado toast as well as the regular menu.

“Our goal is to try to expand,” Norden said, while continuing to offer consistent food throughout the day, with something for everyone.

It’s a place where families can come for a quick bite and not worry about their kids making a mess of the floor – the outdoor “floor” is gravel, plus there are swings – where people can hang out with their human and furry friends (friendly and well-behaved dogs are not just welcomed on the patio but social media posting about their presence with the hashtag #dogsofgastropark is encouraged). It’s a spot where you can have a meeting over coffee in the morning, or grab a beer or cocktail with friends as a preview to other plans, or stick around to eat a full meal where there is something to please any palate.

“Gather. Graze.” Just like the tagline says.