You don’t need a large upscale dining room or a giant flashing sign to serve up delicious food. In fact, the most unassuming restaurants are sometimes home to the best food around! So here are some of our favorite picks! Check it out:
Please note, Harry’s Place and Rustic Café are temporarily closed.
- J. Timothy’s Taverne (Plainville)
J Timothy’s Taverne/Facebook 143 New Britain Ave., Plainville, CT 06062
J Timothy’s Taverne/Facebook Established in 1988, this casual restaurant serves up amazing wings, in addition to a number of other American favorites. If you love restaurants with a rustic feel, you’ll feel right at home!
- Hank’s Dairy Bar (Plainfield)
Hank’s Dairy Bar/Facebook 1006 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT 06374
Hank’s Dairy Bar/Facebook It’s not just great ice cream! They serve everything you’d expect from a clam shack, plus everything you’d want from a diner! Not to mention the entertainment value of musical performers and classic cars.
- Harry’s Place (Colchester)
Harry’s Place/Facebook 104 Broadway St., Colchester, CT 06415
Harry’s Place/Facebook This roadside stand serves up delicious seafood and arguably the juiciest hamburgers in the state! A long time favorite, you’ll need to hurry over before winter sets in.
- Rustic Café (East Lyme)
Rustic Cafe/Facebook 516 Boston Post Rd., East Lyme, CT 06333
Gee L./Yelp This classic New England style dive and bar is beloved for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. It’s quiet and cozy too, so it’s the perfect escape for a lunch date.
- Rein’s Deli (Vernon)
Rein’s Deli/Facebook Shops At 30, 435 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066
Rein’s Deli/Facebook This deli is definitely not afraid of extra meat! Come here for stacked sandwiches you won’t believe and a great selection of sides to go with them.
- Brass City Bistro (Waterbury)
Google 812 Hamilton Ave., Waterbury, CT 06706
Brass City Bistro/Facebook This family-friendly establishment has plenty of fun shareables and all your favorite American staples. Plus they’re apt to decorate for the holidays and even add themed plates.
- Monaco’s Ristorante (Winsted)
Monaco’s Ristorante/Facebook 380 Main St., Winsted, CT 06098
Monaco’s Ristorante/Facebook This family owned restaurant brings Italy to Connecticut with their authentic dishes and friendly atmosphere. So be prepared for a carb overload as you fall in love with their extensive pasta options.
- Heirloom Food Company (Danielson)
Heirloom Food Company /Facebook 630 N Main St., Danielson, CT 06239
Heirloom Food Company /Facebook Nobody does healthy eating better than these guys! Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or something in-between, they’ve got options! So head this way for guilt-free eating.
- Mike’s Stand (Putnam)
Deary Bros Mike’s Stand/Facebook 12 Intervale St., Putnam, CT 06260
Deary Bros Mike’s Stand/Facebook Only open four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, you’re sure to find a line at this fan favorite. But the food is definitely worth it! No summer is complete without stopping by this roadside gem.
- Country View Restaurant (Brooklyn)
Vincent V./Yelp 170 South St., Brooklyn, CT 06234
Brooklyns Country View Restaurant/Facebook If you can make it here for breakfast, their dishes will make your taste buds explode! Plus they’re located near the country club, so why not make it a day trip? This would be a great (and delicious) way to kickstart the weekend!
- Roots Down (Woodstock)
Google 18 CT-171, Woodstock, CT 06281
Roots Down/Facebook Please note, Roots Down is no longer in business. This place serves 5-star cuisine without all the fuss, making it perfect for date night. So eat your heart out, New York City! This local establishment is definitely worth skipping the commute.
Want more unassuming restaurants? Check out these Hole In The Wall Restaurants to discover even more of Connecticut’s awesome dining scene!
J Timothy’s Taverne/Facebook
143 New Britain Ave., Plainville, CT 06062
Established in 1988, this casual restaurant serves up amazing wings, in addition to a number of other American favorites. If you love restaurants with a rustic feel, you’ll feel right at home!
Hank’s Dairy Bar/Facebook
1006 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT 06374
It’s not just great ice cream! They serve everything you’d expect from a clam shack, plus everything you’d want from a diner! Not to mention the entertainment value of musical performers and classic cars.
Harry’s Place/Facebook
104 Broadway St., Colchester, CT 06415
This roadside stand serves up delicious seafood and arguably the juiciest hamburgers in the state! A long time favorite, you’ll need to hurry over before winter sets in.
Rustic Cafe/Facebook
516 Boston Post Rd., East Lyme, CT 06333
Gee L./Yelp
This classic New England style dive and bar is beloved for its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. It’s quiet and cozy too, so it’s the perfect escape for a lunch date.
Rein’s Deli/Facebook
Shops At 30, 435 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon, CT 06066
This deli is definitely not afraid of extra meat! Come here for stacked sandwiches you won’t believe and a great selection of sides to go with them.
812 Hamilton Ave., Waterbury, CT 06706
Brass City Bistro/Facebook
This family-friendly establishment has plenty of fun shareables and all your favorite American staples. Plus they’re apt to decorate for the holidays and even add themed plates.
Monaco’s Ristorante/Facebook
380 Main St., Winsted, CT 06098
This family owned restaurant brings Italy to Connecticut with their authentic dishes and friendly atmosphere. So be prepared for a carb overload as you fall in love with their extensive pasta options.
Heirloom Food Company /Facebook
630 N Main St., Danielson, CT 06239
Nobody does healthy eating better than these guys! Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or something in-between, they’ve got options! So head this way for guilt-free eating.
Deary Bros Mike’s Stand/Facebook
12 Intervale St., Putnam, CT 06260
Only open four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, you’re sure to find a line at this fan favorite. But the food is definitely worth it! No summer is complete without stopping by this roadside gem.
Vincent V./Yelp
170 South St., Brooklyn, CT 06234
Brooklyns Country View Restaurant/Facebook
If you can make it here for breakfast, their dishes will make your taste buds explode! Plus they’re located near the country club, so why not make it a day trip? This would be a great (and delicious) way to kickstart the weekend!
18 CT-171, Woodstock, CT 06281
Roots Down/Facebook
Please note, Roots Down is no longer in business. This place serves 5-star cuisine without all the fuss, making it perfect for date night. So eat your heart out, New York City! This local establishment is definitely worth skipping the commute.
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