OT: Best Restaurants/Food or places to go in CT

[Hoophound]

The bethel place is la fartuna (sp)

I will pass on any place named "fartuna". I think you probably meant La Fortuna.

 

[husky91]

Just went to Union League recently, not impressed at all. Would prefer Max downtown anytime over it.

Plan b is great, Max Fish, etc

Agreed, solid New Haven list. Union League is the safest and most consistent bet for a great meal for me. Everything is always "just right." Dinner is great, but a nice long lunch, lingering into the mid-afternoon, is even better imo. The natural light in that room is great at that time.

Not a huge Caseus fan. I think it's overrated, overpriced for what you get in both quality and quantity.

Love "L'Orcio. I'd add Skappo for other different Italian (more Umbrian, not red sauce Neapolitan). The sandwiches at their market, Skappo Merkato, are also excellent.

Other great New Haven spots are Thali and Barcelona, both of which I realize are local chains, but both still excellent imo.

Best Thai I've ever had on the East Coast is The Terrace in Hamden.

 

[8893]

Just went to Union League recently, not impressed at all. Would prefer Max downtown anytime over it.

Sorry to hear that. I've eaten there dozens of times over some 20 years now and have never had anything less than an excellent meal.

I've eaten at Max Downtown a few times and have always had very good meals.

Two very different places imo, and I guess it depends on what you're looking for and what you prefer. Union League is classic and elegant, with a focus on the quality of the sauces and the basic ingredients that comprise the dish, and never over-the-top in terms of flavoring. Max Downtown strikes me as more of a "scene," with a fusion menu that focuses on the current culinary trends, and a lot more heavily flavored dishes--including some that are intentionally over-the-top. Many people I know get turned off just looking at Union League's menu, because it doesn't sound interesting enough to them. I used to think the same until I finally went there.

It reminds me of a comment I read in Anthony Bourdain’s Medium Raw, in the chapter about Le Bernadin (a great read, btw, and Le Bernadin is the best restaurant meal I’ve ever had). In discussing the unsurpassed quality of the seafood served there, Eric Ripert (I think; it could have been Primo) explained that the price you pay has more to do with what’s not on the plate than with what is on the plate.

 

[Excalibur]

I still think Cavey's dowstairs in Manchester is consistantly the best.

It's my 1(b) to Union League's 1(a).

 

[junglehusky]

I didn't know about Side Street in Hamden, I've gone by there a bunch of times and never looked twice. Thanks, to whoever suggested it several pages ago. Very close to there is a newish place called Mikro (as in microbrewed beers). The have a pretty extensive selection of beers and the food is pretty good, sometimes they use locally grown stuff if you're into that.

In New Haven, Liffey's is ok, Cojones is OK... for cheap mexican takeout I like La Carreta, also on State street, but the best mexican I've had in CT (not that I check every place out) is a little farther up State, a place called Mezcal. I always get the Tostadas de Tinga... mmm...

A couple summers ago I went with my Dad to a place he loves, the Hopkins Inn on Lake Waramaug (in Warren). They serve excellent Austrian fare... if my dad says a place is good you know it's really good. In the summer you can sit outside, nothing better on a nice day than some good wine or beer, Wiener Schitzel and Spaetzel.

 

[Excalibur]

I didn't know about Side Street in Hamden, I've gone by there a bunch of times and never looked twice. Thanks, to whoever suggested it several pages ago. Very close to there is a newish place called Mikro (as in microbrewed beers). The have a pretty extensive selection of beers and the food is pretty good, sometimes they use locally grown stuff if you're into that.

In New Haven, Liffey's is ok, Cojones is OK... for cheap mexican takeout I like La Carreta, also on State street, but the best mexican I've had in CT (not that I check every place out) is a little farther up State, a place called Mezcal. I always get the Tostadas de Tinga... mmm...

A couple summers ago I went with my Dad to a place he loves, the Hopkins Inn on Lake Waramaug (in Warren). They serve excellent Austrian fare... if my dad says a place is good you know it's really good. In the summer you can sit outside, nothing better on a nice day than some good wine or beer, Wiener Schitzel and Spaetzel.

I've been interested to try Mikro. I need to get there soon.

Have you tried the Watch Factory Restaurant in Cheshire? I thought it was very good German/Austrian but I'm no connoisseur.

 

[EdgewoodNHV]

Best restaurants in CT, eh? I could go on and on...

In New Haven area:

Caseus: Don't agree with people who say it's overrated, it's high-quality food and service, high-quality ingredients. You don't have to blow a ton of money if you don't want to, but it really is delicious. Never had a bad meal here.
Prime 16: Some call it a rip-off of Plan B, but I find their beer list to be slightly better and their burger concoctions to be slightly more creative. Also, their sweet potato fries are a little better. But they're both great restaurants.
Bentara: The service can be terrible, but the Malaysian food is awesome. The noodle dishes are the real deal. Highly recommend the two-soy dish and the kepak (?) dish.
Thali: My favorite Indian place in New Haven. It can be a tad expensive but all their dishes are really good. They have a bangin' brunch on Sundays.
Miya's: Very creative sushi plates. You can spend a lot or a little. You won't be able to get some overfished things here, though, like shrimp and tuna. Still, who doesn't want some peanut butter and cashew in their sushi?
Mezcal: Very spotty service but this is some legit down-home Mexican food right here. The margaritas are strong and delicious as well. Though it does appear to be ripe for stabbings. I've never been stabbed here, fyi.
L'Orcio: Very romantic patio in the back, a little overpriced but quite good.
Pepe's/Sally's/Modern/BAR: You could argue about this all day.

In central-ish CT area:

Eli Cannon's: Love this place. Artisan trailer trash beer bar. The pulled park nachos are the real deal. Seriously. Everything is good, though. And 33 beers on tap. Can get pretty crowded, though, especially in the winter without the patio in the back.
Cora Cora: Peruvian place. Oh man. They make some bangin' food here. Lotta seafood/chicken dishes but seriously authentic. I don't even remember what I got -- I asked the waiter -- I just remember it being delectable and wishing I had another stomach to eat it all.

Eastern CT:

Burton's: My mother loves this place and I can see why. Yeah it's just a steakhouse but I dig it. The imperial haddock is especially amazing. Good service and very good desserts, too. Pricey.
Willimantic Brewing Company: The crown jewel of eastern Ct. Nothing else even comes close, and I'm not just saying that cause they have a salad named after Coventry. The nachos could feed some small countries.

 

[8893]

MiKro is great. A weekly stop for me. I've had most things on the menu and all have been very good to great. The confit chicken wings are always a standout; the style changes seasonally.

 

[8893]

@ Irish Loop:

Good call on Bentara. I forgot to mention it. That was the place that started it all in terms of the Ninth Square renaissance. I've been eating there since they opened their doors and have never had a bad meal. And at this point I've had almost everything on the menu. Pechal Salad, Rojak Salad, Curry Mussels (get the Roti Chanai to soak up the curry) , Spring Rolls, soups (esp. Tom Yum) and noodle dishes (especially Mee Hoon Goreng) are my favorites. I also bring home orders to go from there a few times a year and the food travels pretty well. NB for first-timers: If you like things reasonably spicy, order "regular," which is in between medium and spicy. Ordering "spicy" will render some dishes too hot for most tastes.

My problem with Caseus is that I think it's more faux than legit. A lot of poseurs there imo, both clientele and the folks who work there. Basically, it leaves me wanting real bistro food, which I don't think it is.

Where is Cora Cora? Sounds like a place I need to try.

Also reminds me to mention Charcoal Chicken in West Haven. Great Latino food--especially the chicken.

Oh, and on the burger front, here's my quick take:

"Gourmet" burgers: Plan B is best meat; Prime 16 close, with more interesting options (and better beer selection).

"Greasy" burgers: Shake Shack is best; Five Guys next after that.

And of course, Louis Lunch, but only if you really, really appreciate the taste of top quality, lean beef, with little else. And not ketchup, which is a problem for me because I really love ketchup.

As for Eli Cannon's, I've also been going here since they've opened their doors. All I can say is that they have been a roller coaster in terms of both beer and food quality in recent years. The beer has improved markedly again since they brought back an old beer manager, but on my last few visits the food was disappointing. And the wings haven't been good at all in recent years, which is a real shame because once upon a time they were the best.

IMO, the best Middletown bets there are O'Rourke's, which is the best diner, period. Seriously, nothing comes close to this place, and Brian O'Rourke is a great man. And Forbidden City has some great Chinese fusion, albeit a bit pricey. The ION used to be great, as in the best vegetarian food I've ever had, but it is a mere shadow of its former self these days.

 

[DaveHuskiesFan]

@ Irish Loop:

Good call on Bentara. I forgot to mention it. That was the place that started it all in terms of the Ninth Square renaissance. I've been eating there since they opened their doors and have never had a bad meal. And at this point I've had almost everything on the menu. Pechal Salad, Rojak Salad, Curry Mussels (get the Roti Chanai to soak up the curry) , Spring Rolls, soups (esp. Tom Yum) and noodle dishes (especially Mee Hoon Goreng) are my favorites. I also bring home orders to go from there a few times a year and the food travels pretty well. NB for first-timers: If you like things reasonably spicy, order "regular," which is in between medium and spicy. Ordering "spicy" will render some dishes too hot for most tastes.

My problem with Caseus is that I think it's more faux than legit. A lot of poseurs there imo, both clientele and the folks who work there. Basically, it leaves me wanting real bistro food, which I don't think it is.

Where is Cora Cora? Sounds like a place I need to try.

Also reminds me to mention Charcoal Chicken in West Haven. Great Latino food--especially the chicken.

Oh, and on the burger front, here's my quick take:

"Gourmet" burgers: Plan B is best meat; Prime 16 close, with more interesting options (and better beer selection).

"Greasy" burgers: Shake Shack is best; Five Guys next after that.

And of course, Louis Lunch, but only if you really, really appreciate the taste of top quality, lean beef, with little else. And not ketchup, which is a problem for me because I really love ketchup.

As for Eli Cannon's, I've also been going here since they've opened their doors. All I can say is that they have been a roller coaster in terms of both beer and food quality in recent years. The beer has improved markedly again since they brought back an old beer manager, but on my last few visits the food was disappointing. And the wings haven't been good at all in recent years, which is a real shame because once upon a time they were the best.

IMO, the best Middletown bets there are O'Rourke's, which is the best diner, period. Seriously, nothing comes close to this place, and Brian O'Rourke is a great man. And Forbidden City has some great Chinese fusion, albeit a bit pricey. The ION used to be great, as in the best vegetarian food I've ever had, but it is a mere shadow of its former self these days.

Give Goldburgers a try in Newington Center. Just as good if not better than the ones you mentioned.

 

[cohenzone]

well, to be honest, it wasn't a handjob, it was a footjob - my date was sitting across from me in the booth and got her foot between my legs.

Edit: and for full disclosure, it wasn't a footjob to completion, but definitely headed far down that road.[/quote

Who was he?

 

[cohenzone]

I've heard of that place, the views are supposed to be amazing.

A relative lives close to there with even better views. Can see the vineyard below his place. But the views really are great.

I think it's still there, the best burgers ever at Harry's Place in Colchester. But not a full restaurant. Haven't been there in many years.

 

[ctchamps]

I believe Avon Dakotas has been closed for a while.

That's a shame. I went there when it first opened. Salad bar was incredible.

 

[Deepster]

Here's another little gem.

El Sarape on Broad St in Hartford. Just up a block from Firebox. It's the definition of a "hole in the wall" with the best Mexican food you're going to get around here. AMAZING and authentic. They don't even have a website, but some spots have their menu online.

 

[Mr. Hand]

Best place to have breakfast, not just in Connecticut but maybe in the whole northeast, is Nita's in Willimantic.

Anyone ever eaten there? I bet not, otherwise it'd already be in this thread...

 

[methodology]

To add to New Haven:

Cafe Goodfellas
Ibiza - might be the best restaurant in ct
Archie Moore's - great bar food wings

East Haven:

Tollis Pizza along with John and Maria's are 2 good pizza spots
Branford:

Assagio: i really enjoy this restaurant great place to take a date

Hartford:

Piolin - not the best location but great authentic peruvian food.

 

[junglehusky]

I've been interested to try Mikro. I need to get there soon.

Have you tried the Watch Factory Restaurant in Cheshire? I thought it was very good German/Austrian but I'm no connoisseur.

I haven't heard of it... I don't actually drive through Cheshire much. Might have to try it.

 

[junglehusky]

I haven't been to Plan B yet but I've been many times with my coworkers to Prime 16 (apparently they have good veggie burgers too). I love the Cowboy burger with a fried egg. I heard the owner opened a new place that specializes in meatballs (?), on Chapel across from the new Rudy's (which is now somewhat upscale and has quite good food too).

 

[bear]

If you want Tapas:
Barcelona in New Haven - My favorite of the 3 Barcelona locations that I've been to.
Ibiza in Hamden - Small place but delicious

If you want Italian:
Quattro Pazzi in Stamford - Phenomenal
Roma's in Waterbury/Oakville - My favorite in CT. Literally rivals Arthur Ave. for me
Carbone's in Hartford - Excellent but I've had a few less-than-stellar meals here. Most people call it the best in CT

If you want Sushi:
Singo Sushi in Waterbury - The prices are high and the place is really small/ looking, but the sushi is unbelievable
Feng in Hartford - Best I've had in the Hartford area

I also love the Max restaurants, with Max's Downtown and Trumbull Kitchen being my two favorites.

 

[rman726]

I went to McDonalds in my town tonight, it was pretty great. I think there are a few locations in Connecticut. I recommend the #1 meal.

In all seriousness, I love the burgers at Bobby's Burger Palace at Mohegan Sun. They don't have a great selection unfortunately, but mmm crunchified burgers. Plan B is also excellent for burgers.

 

[mauconnfan]

Had the Beef Stew recently at Plan B at the Basketball HOF and it's a winner with one (or 2) of their micro's.......

 

[8893]

I haven't been to Plan B yet but I've been many times with my coworkers to Prime 16 (apparently they have good veggie burgers too). I love the Cowboy burger with a fried egg. I heard the owner opened a new place that specializes in meatballs (?), on Chapel across from the new Rudy's (which is now somewhat upscale and has quite good food too).

His new place is called the Meatball House. It's a good food concept, with four different meatballs (beef, pork, chicken, veggie) plus one daily special, and you can order them a variety of ways, i.e., over some great sides (people rave about the black garlic mashed potatoes and the mac and cheese, but my favorite sides are the kale and quinoa), on a roll, with one of four different sauces, or over a salad (also a favorite, especially the arugula). They also have a few different small pizzas. Like Prime, he has a decent beer selection at the new place, as well as some decent wines. BTW, he also owns C.O. Jones.

Rudy's is another that deserves mention. It's not the Rudy's we grew up with, but the new place is nice, and the Belgian frites and dipping sauces are still the best in the state imo.

 

[8893]

Waterbury has gotten very little love in this thread. I'll have to try Roma's. Diorio was my favorite there for years, but I recently visited La Tavola for the first time and was pretty impressed.

 

[Waquoit]

Archie Moore's - great bar food wings

FWIW, I went to Archie Moore's in Milford last month for the 1st time. I had heard about the wings and was a bit turned off by the look of the menu, too many rules and very corporate looking IMO.

But the wings deserved every bit of the hype. They were what I think of when I'm thinking great buffalo wings. Crispy, tasty, perfectly sauced. They put the Bidwell to shame. The burger at Moore's was pretty damn good as well.

 

[junglehusky]

Waterbury has gotten very little love in this thread. I'll have to try Roma's. Diorio was my favorite there for years, but I recently visited La Tavola for the first time and was pretty impressed.

Ever been to Bella Italia? In the 80's-90's my family used to stop by there whenever we were driving back from Pennsylvania on 84. Since I was a kid, I think I only ever had the pizza. We stopped going when they changed chefs and my parents thought it became average.

 

[8893]

FWIW, I went to Archie Moore's in Milford last month for the 1st time. I had heard about the wings and was a bit turned off by the look of the menu, too many rules and very corporate looking IMO.

But the wings deserved every bit of the hype. They were what I think of when I'm thinking great buffalo wings. Crispy, tasty, perfectly sauced. They put the Bidwell to shame. The burger at Moore's was pretty damn good as well.

Yes, one thing I will give Archie's is that their wings have remained consistently excellent and a textbook example of great buffalo wings for decades. The New Haven location is still my favorite, but I have been impressed that the quality of the wings has also remained consistent at their other locations.

Ever been to Bella Italia? In the 80's-90's my family used to stop by there whenever we were driving back from Pennsylvania on 84. Since I was a kid, I think I only ever had the pizza. We stopped going when they changed chefs and my parents thought it became average.

No. I only started frequenting Waterbury in the past decade or so, usually for work or for concerts at the Palace.

 

[iam76]

I'm sorry, firebox sounds like someone you take to a restaurant like that.

yah no doubt.
Restaurant is in an old hollowed out and redone fire house.

 

[Excalibur]

One I haven't seen mentioned is Zinc. I know some people don't like it, but their main gripe is with the vibe, not the food (or, when asked what they didn't like about the food, they bitch about the vibe). Been a few times and it's been consistently good.

 

[Excalibur]

Best place to have breakfast, not just in Connecticut but maybe in the whole northeast, is Nita's in Willimantic.

Anyone ever eaten there? I bet not, otherwise it'd already be in this thread...

Prime time in Pawcatuck would be my choice, if only for the stuffed French Toast. If you're looking at the whole northeast, Johnny's Luncheonette in Newton Mass. is my favorite.

 

[junglehusky]

One I haven't seen mentioned is Zinc. I know some people don't like it, but their main gripe is with the vibe, not the food (or, when asked what they didn't like about the food, they bitch about the vibe). Been a few times and it's been consistently good.

I thought the food at Zinc was okay, not quite as good as I was expecting. Though the prices weren't exorbitant I think it's one of those things where pricing it a few bucks more causes me to raise my expectations disproportionately. I've actually been to Kitchen Zinc more times, which is a good place for a group if you want to sit outside with drinks and snack on some artisinal pizza.

Oh and I just realized I had a brain fart - Bella Italia was in Danbury, not Waterbury.

And near Storrs... nobody rebuilt the Mansfield Depot, right? I remember their portobella mushrooms with carmelized onions and gorgonzola. Too bad.