OT: Favorite CT restaurants | Page 2 | The Boneyard

OT: Favorite CT restaurants

I'll go in a different direction. Hot and Spicy chicken for lunch at Saigon Kitchen in Hartford. Lived on it for years when I worked next door. Still go back for it. The line is still out the door.
 
Deepster said:
I'll go in a different direction. Hot and Spicy chicken for lunch at Saigon Kitchen in Hartford. Lived on it for years when I worked next door. Still go back for it. The line is still out the door.
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So you still eat meat sometimes?
 
Vinted in blue back square in west Hartford doesn't get enough love. Pork Belly tacks there are my absolute favorite.

Love El Sarape in hartford and los adobes in west Hartford as well for really good tacos
 
8893 said:
I like the trucks but don't get down there often.

I'm jammed up now and trying to head out for vacation, but off the top of my head in that general area I like Tikkaway (Indian), Mediterranea (Middle Eastern), Zafra (Cuban), Cafe Java, the Jasmine food cart, Mecha Noodle Bar, Prime 16, Beer Collective.
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Have you tried Elm City Social yet? A couple of my coworkers have raved about it.
 
UConnKev said:
I frequent the taco trucks on Long Wharf for better or worse. I can't say no to street tacos.

Any other lunch spots you like? I am in and around Chapel Street and GA23 court.
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Not to take this OT but since you asked and it's walking distance for you - Vito's Deli on Center Street (btwn Church and Orange) for a sangwich. Either the Godfather or the Salami, Pepperoni, Prov, Roasted Peppers.
 
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UConnKev said:
Have you tried Elm City Social yet? A couple of my coworkers have raved about it.
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No but have also heard very good things. Are they the same people as Woodbridge Social? I have been there and liked it.

huskymedic said:
Not to take this OT but since you asked and it's walking distance for you - Vito's Deli on Center Street (btwn Church and Orange) for a sangwich. Either the Godfather or the Salami, Pepperoni, Prov, Roasted Peppers.
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Haven't been there in years but that was always a legendary sangwich, so much so that you could make another sandwich from the stuff that falls out while eating.

I'm nostalgic and somewhat amazed at how much I used to eat for lunch.
 
huskymedic said:
Not to take this OT but since you asked and it's walking distance for you - Vito's Deli on Center Street (btwn Church and Orange) for a sangwich. Either the Godfather or the Salami, Pepperoni, Prov, Roasted Peppers.
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I've gone to Vito's very good spot! I'm still waiting to try Caseus and the Jitterbus.
 
8893 said:
So you still eat meat sometimes?
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I've eaten meat a bunch in 2017. Long story. I find the combo of limited alcohol, no meat and exercise was a three headed puzzle. If I go on a drinking bender, I have to cut out meat and exercise more. If I stop exercising, I have to ratchet back the food and drink. So I am eating meat sometimes and trying to balance it back with the other two. It ain't easy. To be honest I think I'll go back off it completely again soon.
 
The best meal I've had recently was Bonda in Fairfield. Been to Mecha twice, got ramen both times. Didn't like either meal. Then went to Ivan Ramen and disliked my meal. I think I just don't like ramen. What else is good at Mecha? Or is the ramen really the standout?
 
walker11 said:
The best meal I've had recently was Bonda in Fairfield. Been to Mecha twice, got ramen both times. Didn't like either meal. Then went to Ivan Ramen and disliked my meal. I think I just don't like ramen. What else is good at Mecha? Or is the ramen really the standout?
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The Bao is very good but the Ramen is the thing. Theirs is very good so I suspect you don't like Ramen. I'd try a Bao and tell them you don't like Ramen and ask what else they'd recommend. Staff has been very good and well informed both times I've been.
 
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Deepster said:
I've eaten meat a bunch in 2017. Long story. I find the combo of limited alcohol, no meat and exercise was a three headed puzzle. If I go on a drinking bender, I have to cut out meat and exercise more. If I stop exercising, I have to ratchet back the food and drink. So I am eating meat sometimes and trying to balance it back with the other two. It ain't easy. To be honest I think I'll go back off it completely again soon.
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I hear you. I've lost 60 lbs. since last August mostly through a lot more exercise, less booze and more sensible eating overall, but now I want to hold and it's a delicate balance. I don't eat a lot of red meat though. Less than once a week.
 
UConnMatt813 said:
Zia Cucina in Waterbury. It's a hidden gem in a bad neighborhood, but well worth it.
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OMG, can't believe somebody else knows about this place :)

Paglia Fieno, 1249 Recipe, an all-time favorite

I loved the 1249
 
Roma, Treva, Chowder Pot , Bar American, Michael Jordan's, Ruths' Chris, Somewhere Near Bangkok, El Pulpo, Portofinos, Ralph & Rich's,..................too damn many to name them all

I think Treva in West Hartford is my favorite currently
 
I haven't lived in CT for 10 years, but I was impressed with a recent visit to Castello for a small city like Danbury. Its a family run place and they do a very nice job. I believe they are NYC expats. I recommend the caesar which they toss table side and also the branzino which they filet table side.

Castello Restaurant - Danbury, CT

Very friendly. Mom & pop in the kitchen, the boys serving, and sis hostessing. Nice to see.

On a side note. I went to La Voile on Newbury St in Boston tonight and it was excellent. The lamb and Dover Sole! Very under the radar place.
 
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willie99 said:
OMG, can't believe somebody else knows about this place :)

Paglia Fieno, 1249 Recipe, an all-time favorite

I loved the 1249
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Their rigatoni w/ sausage, escarole and beans is so simple but the bomb. Healthy dose of crushed red and it's lit!
 
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Jay-Bone said:
Also was always fond of Carol Peck's Good News Cafe in Woodbury.
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Another solid choice. John's cafe across the street is also good. I think Marketplace is the best on that strip, however.
 
Nataz north Branford. Byob and can't beat the price, portion size and food is fantastic.

My brothers father in law literally drives 1+ hr any time he hears we are going there because he enjoyed it so much after we had my brothers engagement party there
 
UConnKev said:
I frequent the taco trucks on Long Wharf for better or worse. I can't say no to street tacos.

Any other lunch spots you like? I am in and around Chapel Street and GA23 court.
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You should try the food trucks by Yale hospital. Cedar st I believe. Lots of different options and most are pretty good. Theres also healthy food options because a lot of the Drs and nurses get food there
 
8893 said:
No but have also heard very good things. Are they the same people as Woodbridge Social? I have been there and liked it.
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Use to go to Woodbridge social a lot for Sunday brunch and watch early football games. They had some all you drink mimosas/bloody Mary special for like $20 but we talked our way into vodka/sodas. Those Sundays got out of control sometimes

Their brunch food was great never had lunch there
 
Also, Charley's Place at the Yale School of Management (across from Peabody Museum) is probably the best lunch deal in town. Pay one price ($7.95, cashless) for your choice of several salads and proteins to mix and match, or one of four entrees, two of which are always some interesting ethnic dish (one of which is a vegetarian option of the dish). The food is fresh and locally sourced and the people who work there are great. Fresh ice water coolers mixed with fresh fruit takes care of the beverage, and it's a nice space to eat, inside or out.
 
methodology said:
Nataz north Branford. Byob and can't beat the price, portion size and food is fantastic.

My brothers father in law literally drives 1+ hr any time he hears we are going there because he enjoyed it so much after we had my brothers engagement party there
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Thanks for this one... Putting it on the list!
 
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8893 said:
Bistro Mediterranean in East Haven for best fine dining value.
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Went here once and it was absolutely horrible. Giant hair in my food (after sending the first one back), food had a very off-putting taste, there was a sewage issue in the bathroom, and the front patio was falling apart. The manager, to his credit, comped the entire meal for us. Hopefully it was just a bad night.
 
A couple for the cheaper/casual end...

Mitchell's in Cromwell is delicious. Best pancakes I have ever had by far. Also in Cromwell is a little Mediterranean place called Ambrosia. Great crepes, delicious gyro's, really good egg sandwiches. It's one of the few places I can think of that I could eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at and feel totally satisfied.

Others...

Sayulita in S. Glastonbury
2 Hopewell in S. Glastonbury
Puket Cafe in Rocky Hill
It's Only Natural in Middletown is too expensive, but the food is really good and you don't feel like butt afterwards. I'm far from a Vegan, but this place is really good.
 
Anybody try Ray Allen & family's new place -Grown? It's in Middletown at Wesleyan, near Kid City.
 
boog204 said:
A couple for the cheaper/casual end...

Mitchell's in Cromwell is delicious. Best pancakes I have ever had by far. Also in Cromwell is a little Mediterranean place called Ambrosia. Great crepes, delicious gyro's, really good egg sandwiches. It's one of the few places I can think of that I could eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at and feel totally satisfied.

Others...

Sayulita in S. Glastonbury
2 Hopewell in S. Glastonbury
Puket Cafe in Rocky Hill
It's Only Natural in Middletown is too expensive, but the food is really good and you don't feel like butt afterwards. I'm far from a Vegan, but this place is really good.
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Ambrosia is a guilty pleasure of mine. Very underrated spot.
 
boog204 said:
Went here once and it was absolutely horrible. Giant hair in my food (after sending the first one back), food had a very off-putting taste, there was a sewage issue in the bathroom, and the front patio was falling apart. The manager, to his credit, comped the entire meal for us. Hopefully it was just a bad night.
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I've been going there since they opened and have eaten there dozens of times. Never had a hair in my food but have had that happen in even the finest of restaurants and would hope that was an aberration.

That said, it is not the finest of restaurants, and yeah the bathroom sometimes smells a little funky and not all of the dishes are great. But having eaten nearly everything on the menu by this point, I can always find something to suit my mood and I can't remember the last time I was disappointed. I have sent many people there and most have loved it and become regulars, but a few have had experiences like yours and have never returned. As I noted initially, it's the value for the quality that I appreciate, but that obviously won't be the case if it doesn't taste good to you.

They also have a place in Westbrook and I have been there a handful of times with good experiences as well. Same food.

Best dish and most frequent for me is the shaved brussels sprouts salad with truffles over fried risotto cake. It is on the dinner menu only now but they will make it for lunch if you ask. The seafood dishes have always been solid, too.
 
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