The past year and a half has presented many unforeseen challenges for local restaurants. Yet, the ways in which they’ve adapted and persevered to provide great food and friendly service speaks volumes about their passion for community.
With that in mind, we’ve asked each member of our team to recommend a local restaurant. We hope you’ll check out a few for yourself!
These Guys Brewing
Norwich, CT
“The food is amazeballs.” – Amber
Te Amo Tequila Bar
New Haven, CT
“LOVED my food, the street corn quesadilla was amazing. Happy hour drinks until 7ish (on a Saturday!). 8.5 out of 10” – Paula
Liv’s Shack
Old Saybrook, CT
“Awesome lobster rolls and a coastal New England vibe. Great truffle fries too!” – Dami
Flat Rock Village Bakery
Flat Rock, NC
“They have the best Garden Salad with grilled chicken and a cream cheese brownie for desert. Yum!” – Anne
La Llorona Progressive Mexican Cuisine
Niantic, CT
“Great atmosphere, indoor and outdoor dining. Great drinks and even better food! I had the braised beef burrito; the flavor was out of this world…..yummy! The homemade guacamole and chips are a must-have for the table, to go along with a spicy margarita!” – Tracy
G-Zen
Branford, CT
“If you are in the Branford area and looking for a vegan-only menu, Zen-G is your place. Great food and lots of choices.” – Laura
Jessica Tuesday’s
Putnam, CT
“If anyone finds themselves in the ‘Quiet Corner’ of CT, this is a great spot!” – Jena
The Monkey Farm Cafe
Old Saybrook, CT
“Great food, great people watching, strong drinks, and such a fun time!” – Hali
The Green Room
New London, CT
“The best shrimp scampi I’ve ever had. I’m not kidding. So lemony. So garlicky. No skimpy on the shrimpy. And the garlic toast….oh my word. They have a brunch menu as well (hello, complimentary mimosa with every dish!).” – Chelsea
Dockside
Essex, CT
“The lobster roll at Dockside in Essex was good! It’s the old Abby’s that was redone. Bigger, better deck and now a bar. View of the marina.” – Rebecca
Mamoun’s Falafel
New Haven, CT
“Excellent after a late night in New Haven when you didn’t think you were in the mood for a falafel and a baklava, come to find out you were.” – Jimmy
Brewett City
Jewett City, CT
“This place is fantastic! The beer is great and the food even better.” – Cheryl
Shanks Waterfront Dining
Clinton, CT
“Love the fish tacos!” – Kelly
Rio Salado
Mystic, CT
“Love it because they have a vegan menu!! And the sangria is on point!!” – Sue
Marker 37
Chester, CT
“Delicious!!!!” – Wendy
Hoof’s
Pawcatuck, CT
“If you’re in the Pawcatuck/Westerly area, I HIGHLY recommend Hoofs! It’s a fairly new Italian restaurant, great food, great drinks and great vibe!” – Brenna
Mystic Salad Co.
Mystic, CT
“Check their Facebook page for the daily specials – sometimes they have tuna poké bowls that are SO good.” – Jess
The Nordic
Charlestown, RI
“This place has been open since I was a very young child and I have been going ever since. Price now is $125 per person but well worth it! All-you-can-eat seafood with a max stay of 2 hours.”
Benton’s Sugar Shack
Thornton, NH
“Family run, they are only open on Saturdays and Sundays, 8AM – 2PM. The wait isn’t too long, even when the line is out the door. Homemade, locally sourced food with extremely generous potions is popular with the locals and tourists!” – Ann Marie
Ferris Acres Creamery
Newtown, CT
“The best ice cream EVER! If you are ever in the area, it’s a must-try!” – Katie
Mindy K’s
Old Saybrook, CT
“It’s the kind of place that has hand-written menu options all over the place and they are extensive to say the least. Cash Only with an ATM on premise. Highly recommend the Zippy Wrap. Also, consider them for catering. Their summer rolls and spring rolls are renowned in the area.” – Ryan
Lobster Shack
East Haven, CT
Jen gives Lobster Shack two thumbs up!