Celebrate Pride Month in CT: Events, Bars, Restaurants & Specials (2026 Edition) Features Pride Day Pride Month Pride Events Pride Hannah Goodman May 23, 2026 Pride Month is just a week and a half away and it’s time to prepare for all the exciting events that Connecticut has to offer all June long (some places even get the party started in May)! Inclusivity is a vital part of our community – whether it be in our towns, cities, states, or country. Without each other, there is no unity, and without unity, there is no community…it’s literally embedded in the word. We must love one another and not disparage each other’s differences, but accept them. Life is not worth living if we don’t have love in our hearts, in our bodies, and in our communities. June is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and I am so proud to live in Connecticut, where there are so many safe spaces and places for Queer people and allies to gather and celebrate their culture. So Live Out Loud! And not just in June, but in every moment of every day, all year round. Below you will also find a list of Pride celebrations happening throughout the state. Have fun and be safe! P.S.: Pride in the Hills is a great CT resource for the Queer community. Their mission: “to celebrate and uplift our local LGBTQIA+ community by funding programs that support, empower, and create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth in CT.” Read More
Brass & Bone: Bringing Live Music + New Orleans Inspired Food to South Norwalk Features Interview Restaurant Norwalk Music Live Music Cocktails Southern Food New Orleans Cuisine Homepage Interview Andrew Dominick May 17, 2026 Third times a charm, right? That’s what the ownership quartet of Maxim Schiavone, Joseph Magrath, John McGraw, and Jonathan Ackerman is hoping for with Brass & Bone on Norwalk’s Washington Street. Replacing two short lived music venue, restaurant and bar concepts before it in Music & Industry and Washington Social, Brass & Bone’s foursome of friends believe they have the recipe to make it work, especially with their respective backgrounds. Schiavone is an entertainment guy, McGraw has a tech and marketing background, Ackerman is a veteran bartender, and Magrath is a chef. Read More
jjStacks Gets New Life in Newtown: Epic Burgers + Comfort Food Menu Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Newtown Burgers Wings Fried Chicken Sandwich Sports Bar Family Friendly Opening Interview Homepage Andrew Dominick May 15, 2026 “It wasn’t a decision made lightly with how the last two worked out,” says Joe Attonito, who’s talking about giving restaurant ownership another go after his Ridgefield sports bar, Tiger’s Den, had to close in 2018, and when he decided to shutter jjStacks in Brookfield at the end of 2023. While Tiger’s Den never got a second run, jjStacks never went away. Attonito operated it as a food truck while simultaneously running the brick-and-mortar and when it closed, the Stacks Mobile, its signature chicken wings, burgers, and hefty hot dogs included, kept the brand alive. The “decision” Attonito speaks of is the return of jjStacks, this time in Newtown, and so far, he’s been welcomed with open arms. Read More
Guide To Mobile Cocktail Bars in Connecticut (2026 Edition) Features Catering Guide Caterer Mobile Caterer Mobile Bars Cocktails Highlight Carly Terzigni May 14, 2026 With summer right around the corner, it’s time to take the party outside! Mobile cocktail bars are all the rage right now, making the perfect addition to your wedding, birthday party, corporate gathering, or event of any size. These mobile cocktail bars come in all different shapes and sizes and offer a variety of alcoholic beverages to suit your personal preferences. Many include nonalcoholic drinks and food options, too. Check out the following businesses serving Connecticut as you plan your upcoming event this season! Read More
Celebrate Shelton: Food Trucks on the River Festival May 29-30 (sponsored post) Features Food Truck Food Festival CTbites Team May 13, 2026 Mark your calendars! As Celebrate Shelton kicks off its 13th year, they are thrilled to announce one of CT’s biggest food truck experiences, Food Trucks on the River. Food Trucks on the River returns for two days of delicious eats at Veterans Memorial Park in Shelton on Friday, May 29th from 5:00 - 10:00 PM and Saturday, May 30th from 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. (Rain date: Sunday, May 31st) Read More
Connecticut Food Trucks Guide (2026 Edition) Features Highlight Food Truck Guide Food Truck Catering Catering Guide Mobile Caterer Homepage Carly Terzigni May 09, 2026 Warmer weather beckons us all to dine outside, and what could be more convenient than a food truck parked at your next gathering or at the corner as you take a stroll through town? The following food trucks can be found all around Connecticut, perfect for catering a wedding, graduation party, corporate event, or whatever special occassion calls for some yummy food! You can also keep your eyes peeled for these trucks at the local fair, festival, or town green this summer.This guide is organized by food category. Head to the type of cuisine you’re in the mood for and see which food trucks offer the perfect menu.Scroll down for food trucks organized by category: Read More
CT's “Nacho King” Goes National With Debut Cookbook Totally Nachrageous Features Cookbooks CTbites Team May 08, 2026 Connecticut-based media personality, content creator, and cookbook author Alex P. Taylor, nicknamed the “Nacho King,” will release his debut cookbook, Totally Nachrageous: Next-Level Nacho Recipes for Parties, Game Days, and Crowd-Pleasing Fun, nationally on August 25, 2026, through Harvard Common Press, an imprint of Quarto Books US.Totally Nachrageous is not just a cookbook. It is part 1980s time capsule, part celebration of food and life, and a full-on invitation to embrace joy, turn up the music, and bring people together.The book takes nachos beyond the expected with shareable recipes designed for gatherings, celebrations, and everyday fun. Through 70 inventive original recipes, nostalgic pop culture references, playful storytelling, and “Snack Tracks,” which pair each recipe with a song suggestion from the era, Taylor invites readers to immerse themselves in a full kitchen party experience. The book also features Taylor’s curated list of the most creative and unique nachos he identified across the United States and Puerto Rico, further reinforcing the cookbook’s national scope. Read More
CT Guide To Cinco De Mayo 2026 Events, Bars, Specials, & Catering Features Cinco de Mayo Mexican Holiday Cocktails Tequila Homepage Hannah Goodman April 29, 2026 Cinco de Mayo is less than a week away and it just so happens to land on a Tuesday, aka TACO TUESDAY! How perfect is that?! This year it’s a Cinco de Mayo-Taco Tuesday extravaganza and whether you’re staying in or going out, this list has got everything you may need to make the holiday special. Several places throughout Connecticut offer taco kits, pre-made margaritas, apps, and sides – making it easy to stay in and party it up with your friends, family, cats, dogs, etc…we don’t discriminate here. You can also hit the town (any town!) all weekend long leading up to the big day. As long as you’re decked out in your best party hat and dancing shoes – the heels that are too tall and you swore you’d never wear them again because the last time you wound up twisting your ankle on the dance floor but you didn’t even feel the pain because of all the great tequila shots…yeah, you know the ones. We hope everyone has fun and enjoys the holiday responsibly. Get out there and show your local small businesses the utmost support! Read More
Guide To Kentucky Derby Events & Parties in Connecticut (2026 Edition) Events Features Kentucky Derby Carly Terzigni April 28, 2026 The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday, May 2, and the most exciting two minutes in sports will be `` on at restaurants across the state. Whether you’re looking to just watch the race with friends or you want a day-long extravaganza where you can sport your favorite fascinator, there’s a Derby event for you! Check out the restaurants and businesses around Connecticut that are hosting special events for the Derby. Keep in mind that the post time is just after 6:50 PM – don’t miss it! Read More
75+ CT Restaurants, Caterers & Events for Mother's Day (2026 Edition) Features Mother's Day Holiday Events Carly Terzigni April 26, 2026 Treat your mom, grandma, aunt, sister, bestie, or yourself to a delicious brunch or dinner at one of Connecticut’s many restaurants featuring menu specials this year. From buffets to à la carte specials, there’s something in this guide for every mom figure. Should you prefer a traditional Mother’s Day breakfast in bed, catering options are also available at select businesses.To help you plan your Mother’s Day festivities, this guide is broken up by county. That way, you can easily find a restaurant near you. Read More
Bar Naan Welcomes Acclaimed Chef Valice Francis and Opens Monkey Bar Speakeasy in Brookfield Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Brookfield Indian Speakeasy Cocktails Bar Homepage Interview Andrew Dominick April 24, 2026 Despite being open since the end of 2023 and a positive reception from the get go, Brookfield’s Bar Naan was missing something. If you ask its sibling duo owners, Regal and Renal Patel, and they’re honest about that. “We’re not restaurant people,” Regal says. “My sister, my mom, and I were doing it. When we started, it was decent. Then, my mom came to help us, and it was good. Now? It’s much, much better.” Coming from their family’s hotel business (and Regal was formerly an investor in Pieology Pizzeria), the Patels knew, even with limited restaurant experience, was that they needed a chef. Read More
How Crust Issues Evolved from a Local Takeout Spot to Destination Dining Features Interview Restaurant Crust Issues Norwalk Pizza Sandwiches Supper Club Breakfast Interview Homepage Andrew Dominick April 19, 2026 When John Nealon opened Crust Issues, three years ago, he wondered if he’d be able to pay the electric bill each month. He knew going in that giving it another go as an owner after Fortina and after Taco Daddy, The Lila Rose, and Cugine’s Italian, that the restaurant game is a gamble. And he was already up against it by taking a lease across the street from Bob’s Discount Furniture, next to a car wash, and in a spot in a strip mall next to a hair salon, a tattoo parlor, and an adult novelty store. Oh, and the parking there, it sucks. But Nealon’s early mornings slaving over his dough recipe wouldn’t be for nothing. He kept at it and kept pushing, daring to create pizza, pasta, and sandwich combinations that not many others would attempt. Read More
Guide To Neurodivergent-Friendly Restaurants in Fairfield County, CT Features Neuro Divergent Kids Lauren Rosenblum & Chelsea-Elkind April 14, 2026 In honor of Autism Awareness Month in April, and with the help of our neurodivergent clients and community, we at NeuroMind Services have compiled a Guide to Neurodivergent-Friendly Restaurants in Fairfield County, CT. Read More
Ore Hill in Kent: Tasting Menu Dining Celebrating Local CT Farming Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Ore Hill Ore Hill & Swyft Kent Fine Dining Tasting Menu Farm To Table Homepage Interview Chef Andrew Dominick April 11, 2026 When Swyft opened in Kent at the very end of 2017, it was met with instant fanfare. Right out of the gate, they did things most taverns couldn’t, firing up perfect sourdough Neapolitan pizzas, creative small plates, and nearly every ingredient was homegrown by their own Rock Cobble Farm, located a few miles away in South Kent. It didn’t hurt that they also had a name chef and partner and a well-known owner in philanthropist, Anne Bass. The restaurant being inside of a historic and respectfully restored circa 1781 house didn’t hurt either. But the full name of the restaurant when it debuted was “Ore Hill & Swyft” and a promise of two concepts under one roof. Swyft would be casual and approachable. Ore Hill would be its more intimate, fine dining side. Both would be farm-focused. Read More
Gruel Britannia Opens 2nd Spot in Westport With Events + Pop Ups Coming Soon Features Interview Restaurant British Cuisine British Westport Interview Gruel Britannia Karen Hubrich Opening Homepage Prime Rib Andrew Dominick April 08, 2026 Karen Hubrich isn’t shy about telling anyone she’s a late bloomer. After a long career cooking in country clubs and as a private chef for Michael Bolton, she emerged on the Connecticut food scene in 2019 when she opened her Fairfield flagship, Gruel Britannia. Now a young 69-years-old, she’s opted for a second helping of Gruel, not too far away from the original, in Westport’s Coleytown neighborhood that debuted last July. Read More
"It's A Woman's World" Awards Semi-Finalist Announced Features It's A Woman's World Awards Homepage Stephanie Webster April 07, 2026 e are pleased to announce the semi-finalists for the “It’s A Woman’s World” awards, celebrating CT’s women in culinary.Four thousand people voted in eleven categories. The top three nominees can be viewed below. Finalists in each category will be announced at the event on April 27th at Hotel Marcel in New Haven. If you still need tickets to the event, you can purchase tix here. The $50 ticket covers the cost of the event. This is non-for-profit community event.Congratulations to all of our semi-finalists. We hope to see you on April 27th when we announce the award winners and celebrate ALL of Connecticut’s amazing women in culinary. Read More
South End in New Canaan Returns as South End Bar Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant New Canaan South End New Canaan New American Opening Interview Andrew Dominick March 31, 2026 One of the spots that’s synonymous with New Canaan’s dining scene from 2012 well into 2023 was South End. “Was?” Hmm…How about “is?” And that’s because South End is back, in a smaller space, down the same alleyway as Uncorked, in what was the Mexican-inspired The Back End, as South End Bar. If you’re one of the many who remembers South End, and all it’s modern tavern fare fondly, you’re not alone. Chef-owner Nick Martschenko does, too. Read More
TICKETS ON SALE: Join Us To Celebrate CT's Women in Culinary April 27th Features Events EVENT It's A Woman's World Homepage Stephanie Webster March 30, 2026 On April 27th, CTbites will host “It’s A Woman’s World: An Evening To Inspire, Connect & Celebrate CT's Women in Culinary“ honoring the many inspiring and trailblazing females in Connecticut’s culinary industry. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW.The evening will include great food, signature cocktails created by Banfi Wine & Sprits, tastings from Fifth State Distillery, awards, and of course, plenty of time to mingle and meet the women in our community at the beautiful Hotel Marcel in New Haven. Award winners will be announced at the event in 11 categories, and we NEED YOU to VOTE for the women whose work and influence have shaped the industry in meaningful ways.THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE WOMEN IN CULINARY-from chefs & restaurateurs to farmers and winemakers, artisans, bartenders, cheesemongers, and influencers. PUBLIC VOTING IS NOW LIVE HERE Read More
The Blind Rhino: Past, Present, and Future Features Ingredients Interview Restaurant Norwalk Black Rock Bridgeport Milford Chicken Wings Burgers Beer Food Truck Andrew Dominick March 25, 2026 In 2015, three longtime friends and lifers in the hospitality industry decided to open a sports bar in South Norwalk. Over 10 years later, The Blind Rhino, and co-owners Casey Dohme, Matt Bacco, and Jamie Pantanella have seen one location in SoNo grow into another in Black Rock, another in Milford, and two food trucks. And that’s not all. They’re present at events all over Connecticut and beyond and they do a lot for charity—including hosting their own golf tournaments to raise funds for local organizations. Still…not done. Read More
Hotaru Opens in Southport Featuring an Affordable, Intimate Omakase Experience Features Interview Ingredients Restaurant Omakase Sushi Japanese Opening Interview Southport Homepage Andrew Dominick March 24, 2026 3363 Post Road in Southport is no longer the home of the $5 footlong, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a deal to be had. In the bones of a former Subway franchise, right next to Dunkin’, is Hotaru, a predominantly Japanese restaurant where the star of their show is a very affordable omakase experience. Hotaru opened very quietly to friends, family, and random curious customer walk-ins on March 16 with an abbreviated menu that’ll soon expand. The team behind Hotaru is Yingying Yan, who owns Gingko Sichuan Cuisine in Fairfield, her chef at Ginkgo, Jerry, and Ken Piao, the owner of Yuki Kitchen in Westport. Read More
