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140+ CT Restaurants, Caterers & Farms for Thanksgiving (2025 Edition)

Ingredients Features Events Restaurant Seasonal Thanksgiving Dining Guide Guide Thanksgiving Guide Homepage

Carly Terzigni

As the holiday season approaches, there are restaurants and catering companies ready to make this Thanksgiving memorable. While there are plenty of businesses open for seating on Thanksgiving, there are even more offering holiday catering with all of the classic fixings to take the work out of your Thanksgiving Day hosting. To help you find the restaurant nearest you to order from or dine at on Thanksgiving, we’ve organized the guide by county. At the end, you’ll find a list of local businesses including farms, markets, and butcher shops where you can purchase turkey to prepare at home. We also noted which businesses specialize in vegan options. Happy Thanksgiving!


Chef Andrew Mercado's Butternut Squash Dashi Broth Soup Recipe

Recipe Features Recipe Soups

CTbites Team

A few years back, guests were delighted to find themselves dining under the stars in Terrain’s outdoor garden, at a pop-up dinner  hosted by Andrew Mercado of FED Hospitality Group and Chef Jes Bengston. One of the lineup’s starters was this wonderful soup, inspired by campfire cooking and the fall season. The beauty of this soup, is that it is vegan, and built upon a Dashi broth base. In Mercado’s words, it is “vegan, creamy, flavorful, soul-warming, subtly spiced, coconut-infused, simple and perfect for fall weather.” We couldn’t agree more.


Tree House Brewing Co. Bought a Farm in Woodstock: Go...Drink Some Cider

Features Brewery Ingredients Road Trip Seasonal Craft Beer Beer Cider Cidery Woodstock Tree House Brewing Company Homepage

Andrew Dominick

Ahh! Remember the good old days when standing in long lines at breweries was something people actually did?

Me too. And thinking back on it now, and despite making snobby craft beer small talk, that legitimately sucked. What were we thinking? I’ve even heard tales about people sleeping on the street overnight just to get stouts at Other Half. Perhaps the undisputed king of waiting in a beer line took place in the first half of the 2010s when Tree House Brewing Company moved to Monson, Massachusetts in 2013 and you hoped with all you had in your soul that you could get a growler fill or even a couple cans of Julius, Haze, or Green. IYKYK.

Hell, let’s take it even further to the days of making your non-beer drinking friend, mother, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, and possibly someone you didn’t even really like that much to go up with you, stand in line behind you, and you could potentially double your allotted Tree House haul.


The Cottage Westport Launches Farmers Market Prix Fixe Menu

Ingredients Interview Restaurant Seasonal Ingredients Farmers Market The Cottage Westport Westport Interview Homepage

Andrew Dominick

Just over two months from this very publication date, The Cottage Westport welcomed back chef de cuisine, Christian Wilki, after his stints at Villa Mulino in Avon and Swyft and Ore Hill in Kent. Having worked with chef and owner Brian Lewis for five years previously, Wilki is happy to return to further cultivate and create culinary magic at The Cottage. ingredients from the Westport Farmers Market.

“We did this a while back, but one day, me, Brian, and Ralph ( León)were sitting down after service sharing a bottle of water—I know, so exciting—and we sat here talking and I said that I wanted to do a farmers market menu again like we did years ago,” Wilki says. “Brian was like, ‘absolutely, let’s do it.’”


A CINCO DE MAYO Agave Spirits Primer & Recipes via CT Bartender Khalid Williams

Features Recipe Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Recipe Cocktails Recipe

Khalid Williams

My favorite tequilas that are values:

(I love George Clooney and all, but you can do much better than Migos.)

Cimaroon-this, by far is the most value driven example of pure agave flavor.

It may be a bit too funky for some, but it is super authentic and full of spice, lime, and herbaceous notes.

Casa Noble Reposado- Aged for one day less than an Anejo, this is attainable luxury in a bottle. They check all the boxes for production, sustainability and investment in the drinking public with good information about how to truly appreciate the spirit. Vanilla, white pepper and bright orange dominate. 

Gran Centenario Anejo- oak aging takes away agave flavor, and skill is required to add the notes of candied apple, chocolate and cinnamon while preserving the soul of an agave. This is great for a bourbon lover, and a spoonful on top of your margarita is instant elegance.


CT Cider Guide: 15+ Connecticut Cideries, Farms, and Taprooms

Features Seasonal Ciderhouse Cidery Cider Apple Cider Farms Guide Homepage Highlight

Hannah Goodman

Are you looking to branch out of your basic beer and wine slump? Bet ya didn’t know there were cider houses all over Connecticut looking to prove that hard cider (and non-alcoholic cider) can be just as refreshing, if not more, than beer, wine, and hard seltzers. Don’t know where to start your cider-tasting journey? We got you covered!


Holiday Cocktail Recipes from Bartender Khalid Williams

Features Recipe Cocktails Holiday Recipe

Khalid Williams

Two people walk into my bar. They both want to make amazing drinks for that holiday dinner. One of them is a bartender that studies the craft on a regular basis. The other person doesn’t know much besides a few drinks they they enjoy and have never made drinks themselves. Does one deserve to have a better time than the other simply because they do this all the time? I say no. We all deserve to have a good time and enjoy our adult beverages or mocktails. 

 IF YOU HAVE SKILLS WITH CRAFT COCKTAILS: Read the room, and read beyond the room. Holiday gatherings aren’t the time for us to prove why it was smart for us to drop out of college by pulling out the molecular mixology kits or playing with dry ice. The holiday gathering is about a laid back good time, or at least pretending that cooking for 17 hours is a relaxing activity. In any case, the beverage should contain flavors that anyone can understand, pronounce and enjoy without much research . 

Use familiar spirits -bourbon and rum are seasonally fun. Vodka is a safe bet. Gin seems adventurous and may get a side eye, but in a sour style fruity cocktail, your guests WILL enjoy it. Sell them on the yummy ingredients.

 Just One Thing-One ingredient can make multiple spirits shine and turn your 3-4 bottles into a complete menu. 


40+ Places For Great Holiday Pies in Connecticut (2023 Edition)

Features Ingredients Restaurant Seasonal Holiday Thanksgiving Catering Pies Pie Pie Guide Dessert Homepage

April Guilbault

In various rankings online, stuffing generally comes in first place on the Top 10 list of Thanksgiving foods. I personally cannot argue with that for one hot second. Desserts such as pumpkin or chocolate pie have hovered around 5th or 6th place, respectively, wistfully lagging behind mac and cheese and mashed potatoes but ahead of the love-it-or-hate it green bean casserole.


Dock & Dine! Boat On Up to 30 Waterfront Restaurants, Seafood Shacks, and More

Features Restaurant Seasonal Waterfront Water View Restaurants Seafood Summer Dining Summer Homepage Guide Highlight

April Guilbault

Waterfront. Dockside. Don’t those words just bring a smile to your face? Whether you are traveling by boat to go for a summer Sunday lunch or just wanting to enjoy your dinner with a beautiful view of the water, these restaurants will fit the bill for your summer enjoyment. And how is it exactly that everything tastes better when you are near the water?


Mike’s Organic Grocery Opens in Greenwich: 6 Questions with Owner Mike Geller

Interview Seasonal Events Grocery Store Shop Local farm fresh Greenwich Mike's Organic Cos Cob Interview

Andrew Dominick

In July of 2021, Mike Geller and his dedicated team at Mike’s Organic held an announcement event in the Cos Cob section of Greenwich where the bones of the former Patio.com store stood a vacant eyesore for about two years.

That day, in the parking lot, friends and family gathered, food was devoured, and drinks were sipped as Geller enthusiastically spoke about the expansion of his Stamford-based grocery delivery service that would be taking over the 600 E Putnam Avenue space as a grocery store, selling all the finest local, farm fresh produce, meat, seafood, and top notch products that Mike’s Organic has become known for over the years.

Fast forward to less than two years later, like right now, in the present, and Mike’s Organic Grocery is a real thing, as in, you can officially shop there! Preorder. Pick up. Push a cart and browse the shelves. Swing by for a grab-n-go lunch or dinner by their own “Made By Mike’s” lineup of salads, sandwiches, entrées, and more that are all made in-house. And we’re positive that there’s more in store when it comes to this new grocery store.

I recently caught up with Geller for an interview because, honestly, there’s no one better than him to speak about the brand he has created through years of cultivating relationships with farmers and purveyors the way he can.


40+ Sports Bars, Restaurants, BBQ joints, Pizzerias, Caterers, and More For Super Bowl LVII Orders

Restaurant Seasonal Super Bowl Chicken Wings Pizza Catering BBQ Sports Bar

Carly Terzigni

Whether you are rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, the Kansas City Chiefs, or Rihanna, nothing can bring the whole family around the television like the Super Bowl. And whether you are into wings, nachos, pizza, or all of the above (like us), there is no shortage of great food options to munch on while watching the game (or the commercials).


It's Not Too Late to Visit The Last Taco Stand at Norwalk Cove Marina

Features Interview Seasonal Tacos Food Truck Homepage Seasonal Norwalk

Andrew Dominick

The thing about most food trucks in our area is that they’re seasonal. Once the weather gets frosty, they hibernate until the flowers begin to bloom again. But still, it’s better to have found quality eats late in the season than not at all.

I first heard about The Last Taco Stand (and we LOVE the name) in a couple of Norwalk local Facebook groups, then when I posted a quick Instagram story that I was planning to check them and their picturesque tacos out, that’s when my friend, Dominique said it was a good idea. Dom’s one of the folks I trust when it comes to food and drink, so when she told me that Neil, The Last Taco Stand’s owner, is “the best” and to make sure I get the sweet potato taco and “any of his hot sauces,” I knew I had to follow her instructions.


Caramelized Figs and Burrata Recipe from Chef Luke Venner

Features Recipe Recipe

CTbites Team

Sometimes simplicity is best when it comes to cuisine. If you’ve ever eaten in Tuscany, you know this well. Great ingredients, prepared beautifully, and you’ve got yourself something delicious. Chef Luke Venner of Elm in New Canaan can execute the most elaborate dishes you’ve ever seen with layers of flavors and nuance, but he knows when to let the ingredients speak for themselves. We suggest sourcing your Mozzarella and herbs fresh from your local Farmers Market or cheesemonger. This simple dish is simply perfect. Enjoy his recipe for Caramelized Figs and Burrata.


2022 Guide to Pick-Your-Own Connecticut Apples

Ingredients Recipe CT Farms Local Farm Pick Your Own Homepage

Anna Bendiksen

At this time of year, when Connecticut’s leaves start to change colors, eventually rivaling those of a Turkish carpet, there are few pleasures keener than to drive along the back roads of our state to an apple orchard. To choose local fruit, often varieties that are otherwise hard to find, for oneself is a seasonal occasion worth seeking out, worth savoring, worth creating a special picnic for (think rustic breads, local cheeses, and local hard cider if the orchard allows it). If you’re lucky, all of this is set off by sweetly chilly temperatures and a sky of platinum blue---in which case, congratulations. You have officially reached peak autumn.

Our guide to some of Connecticut’s best pick-your-own-apple experiences is here. Readers are encouraged to add their own. Note that this past spring, in the short period during which apple trees are pollinated, weather conditions were very unfavorable; a lighter-than-usual crop has resulted, so bring your flexibility along. As with all such outings, a little thinking ahead goes a long way. Be sure to call ahead for availability, wear sturdy shoes, and choose a good time for your visit. Weekdays are better for a quiet group or one that can’t deal with crowds; weekends will thrill the extroverts.


Call, Respond, Then Run to RSVP for Beautiful French in West Cornwall

Features Restaurant Seasonal Road Trip Homepage French Chef's Tasting Tasting Menu Tasting Cornwall West Cornwall Litchfield

Andrew Dominick

Several months ago, I’m certain my reaction to my dear friend, Katy, mentioning RSVP was something like, “Yeah. That means respond.” If we’re being technical, it’s actually “répondez s'il vous plait” or translated from French to English, “respond, if you please.”

Until Katy finished her thought by telling me that RSVP a French restaurant in Litchfield County that she heard about from one of her friends who’s a bartender. “He raves about it,” she said.

As is always the case, time passed. We kind of forgot about RSVP and barely looked into it for weeks, even months. Only occasionally we’d briefly bring it up, referring it as “THAT French place in Cornwall.”


The Bloom Family Opens Copps Island Oyster Shack at Brown’s Marina in Stratford

Features Interview Restaurant Seasonal Food Truck Homepage Seasonal Seafood burgers Copps Island Oysters Stratford Opening

Andrew Dominick

If you’ve been by Brown’s Marina lately to cast your line in the water or to take a sunset stroll, you may have noticed a super-sized food truck parked just to the left and construction on what’s soon to be a retail store.

These upgrades are courtesy of the Bloom Family, a name synonymous with oysters, specifically Copps Island Oysters. According to food consultant Matt Storch—who you should know from his acclaimed Match Restaurant in South Norwalk—the Blooms purchased Brown’s Marina a few years ago from its original owners. “They spruced it up and made it a working oyster and clam dock and are in the process of turning the building into a Copps Island retail store (similar to the one in Norwalk),” he says. “They wanted to activate the beautiful space on the water because there could be more waterside dining here with exceptional, but simple food.”