Filtering by Category: Restaurant

Legendary Walter’s Hot Dogs Coming to Harbor Point, Stamford, in August

Restaurant Hot Dogs Stamford Delicious Dives Kid Friendly ice cream Lunch Homepage

Andrew Dominick

Get ready, Stamford, an almost 100-year-old hot dog institution, with a ton of accolades, is opening just in time for your summer sausage eating pleasure. Walter’s Hot Dogs is set to split, grill, and slather up their famed franks in early to mid-August, located in the space by the fountain in Commons Park, previously occupied by Mr. Frosty’s and The Hut. The Harbor Point edition of Walter’s is their second big reveal in just a few months as they announced a White Plains location would be opening sometime this fall. 


Where To Eat Warm Lobster Rolls In Connecticut, 2017 Edition

Restaurant Seafood Lobster Road Trip Mystic Best of CT New London Noank Milford West Haven Delicious Dives Homepage

CTbites Team

To celebrate National Lobster day on June 15 — the perfect kickoff to summer — we’ve highlighted our top picks for hot lobster rolls that we’ve tried and tested over the years. The simple yet perfect dish of buttery lobster meat stuffed in a bun is best eaten in its classic presentation — with a side of melted butter, cole slaw and possibly even French fries.

The 2017 edition features all of our past favorites plus new additions from southeastern Connecticut where views of the Long Island Sound enjoyed with your meal add to the summertime ambiance.


Dough Girls Wood Fired Pizza Truck

Restaurant Food Truck Greenwich Stamford Pizza

Peter Dunay

I come from Italian blood, and I have eaten my fair share of pizza, pasta, and pastries throughout my life. I have had pizza in Pisa and Parmesan in Parma, and it was all lovely. However, may I say, watch out grandma’s worldwide, Dough Girls Pizza Truck is coming for you because these pizzas are epic. Their custom outfitted food truck is packing a blazing hot wood fire oven which they use to crank out personal sized pizzas on the spot. Dough Girls Pizza Truck is based out of Greenwich, CT and sometimes make appearances in Stamford during lunch hours.


Top Ten Burgers In Southwest CT: 2017 Edition

Restaurant Best of CT Comfort Food Stamford Greenwich Westport Norwalk SONO Homepage Burgers

Lou Gorfain

2017 was a good year for burger lovers in Southwest CT. A closing (Fleisher's Craft Kitchen) and a fire (The National) have sadly removed two of 2016’s winning burgers from contention in our 2017 edition of Top Ten Burgers in Southwest CT.  Nonetheless, the local burger scene remains vibrant, inventive, and ever evolving. So we happily welcome three new, mouthwatering iterations to our 2017 Top Ten Burgers list. 

We sampled over 75 burgers to arrive at this list. Our rankings this year are focused exclusively on the sandwich and its ingredients alone, not the accompanying sides. 

Herewith, the Winners….


CT Spots To Celebrate Father’s Day 2017

Restaurant Holiday Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Fire up the grill… Father’s Day is Sunday June 18!  Of course, if you’d like to take Dad for a special meal out, Connecticut restaurants are offering their own twists on BBQ, brunch, dinner, and more.  These Connecticut restaurants special have festivities fit for fathers, but we know there are more out there! If we missed a spot, please add your suggestion to the comments section below. 

  1. Redding Roadhouse, Redding: Celebrate Father's Day in style with a good ole fashioned pig roast at Redding Roadhouse! Join them from 1-7pm.
  2. Plan b, Milford, Fairfield, Glastonbury: In honor of Father's Day, plan b will have a special brunch menu complete with enormous "Manly Marys."
  3. Mill Street Bar & Table, Greenwich: Mill Street Bar & Table will have both Father's Day brunch and dinner on June 18.

Nit Noi Provisions: Sustainable Thai Style Soups & Provisions

Restaurant Asian Thai Noodles Soups

Jessica Ryan

It’s all about the broth, North Shutsharawan told me when I met him at Nit Noi Provision’s pop-up location at Bar Bucha in Westport last week. Inspired by the Thai street food scene and the healthy foods available for lunch, North had the idea to replicate his grandmother’s recipe with the hopes of selling it both in Connecticut and in Colorado. Nit Noi which literally means “a little bit” is based on a simple soup he ate as a child purchased from vendors at the market called Guay Tiew Kwa Gay. At the market each vendor had his own specialty dish, just one, North explained to me. 


Tasty Road Trip Along Southeastern Connecticut’s Shoreline: Niantic, New London, Mystic & Stonington

Restaurant Niantic Stonington New London Mystic Road Trip Homepage

CTbites Team

Hugging Connecticut’s southeastern shoreline along I-95, southeastern Connecticut is my stomping ground. I’ve dined out so many times in East Lyme, New London, Mystic, Stonington Borough, and other inland locales that there are only a few restaurants I’ve not yet had the chance to taste. But if you’re not a local, these beautiful shoreline towns feature great sightseeing and more importantly, excellent dining experiences.


Village Beer Garden Opens in Port Chester's Metro North Station w/ Ales, Lagers, Schnitzel and Bratwurst

Restaurant Beer Garden Beer Lunch Bar Opening

Stephanie Webster

The Village Beer Garden makes its debut this weekend at the Metro-North Train Station in Port Chester. Our House Hospitality, whose eating and drinking establishments include the Rye House in Manhattan and Port Chester, and Sala One Nine, Tapas Bar & Restaurant in the Flatiron District of New York, has created an open-air urban retreat reminiscent of a German Biergarten – only now with the whistle and hum of a north and south bound locomotive in the background.   


Best Food Trucks in CT: New Haven, Hartford, Milford & Beyond (2017 Edition)

Restaurant Food Truck Catering New Haven Hartford Milford Bethel

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

We don't have to be behind the wheel for food trucks to drive us crazy!  Mobile eateries continue to take the state by storm, offering curbside versions of favorite restaurant dishes and original creations from talented chefs who would rather take their cuisine on the road.  We told you about food trucks worth the visit in Fairfield County.  Now, CTBites presents our annual list of outstanding food trucks (and carts!) in New Haven, Hartford and beyond.


Best Food Trucks in Fairfield County CT : 2017 Edition

Restaurant Food Truck Stamford Norwalk Bridgeport Homepage

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson

Food trucks are on a roll!  As the Fairfield County culinary scene evolves, mobile eateries continue to rise in popularity with scores of trucks hitting our streets everyday.  This past year saw the debut of new trucks, like The Tasty Yolk, and the expansion of favorites, like Taco Loco's third party truck.  You can also find food from your favorite restaurants while out and about- Bodega, Valencia, Boothbay Lobster Company, and more all take their show on the road.  Here is CTBite's annual guide to the best food trucks in Fairfield County.


Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet

Restaurant Hot Dogs New Britain Kid Friendly Comfort Food Lunch Homepage Burgers

Hope Simmons

Tucked down a side street in downtown Hard Hittin’ (New Britain), Riley’s Hot Dog and Burger Gourmet is turning out some of the most creative dogs and burgers around. From the Nacho Poppa Dog to wild creations brimming with mac ‘n cheese, you’ll find combinations you never dreamed of. But this little “mom and pop” shop isn’t run by a husband and wife team. Rick Charamut and Deb Dalena are two friends, now business partners, who once worked together in a sign shop. “We both kind of needed a change of pace,” Rick says.


Harlan Publick Still Kicking Up the Flavors in South Norwalk

Restaurant Norwalk SONO Caribbean Outdoor Dining Bar Cocktails Pub

jeffrey schlesinger

The day started with snow flurries in Denver, pre-dawn, long week, long flight, two hours from Kennedy to CT. When my wife asked where we should eat, the temptation for a culinary transport to the Caribbean was too much to resist. After a quick drive to SONO, we were seated at one of my favorite restaurants, Harlan Publick, where Chef Kamal Rose is still creating magical combinations, balancing the spiciness of the Islands, with a delicate focus on subtleness.


Pito Sofrito Food Truck: Authentic Puerto Rican Fare in Stamford

Restaurant Puerto Rican Latin American Stamford Food Truck Delicious Dives Comfort Food Kid Friendly Lunch Homepage Catering

Peter Dunay

For me, it's hard not to be attracted to the scent of frying empanadas and Puerto Rican music which is why I found myself gravitating towards Pito Sofrito today. Pito Sofrito is a mobile food truck located in Stamford. CT and usually hangs around Atlantic and Bell street near the Veterans Park during lunch hours. They are serving up fresh, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine to the masses and we just can't get enough. The proprietors of the truck are two Puerto Rican natives who grew up cooking in the kitchen with their grandmother and mother which after all is where all great recipes, memories, and traditions are born. They came over in 2003 and made the intrepid plunge into the food truck industry just six months ago and have experienced great success.


The Village Tavern in Ridgefield: New England Fare with an Italian Touch

Restaurant American Italian Ridgefield Lunch Homepage

Jessica Ryan

The Village Tavern in Ridgefield is just as you expect a New England tavern to be. Exposed brick and dark wood furnishings greet you upon arrival. Handsome forest green paneling and plaid fabrics offer a feeling of comfort and familiarity. On the far wall, local Connecticut artist Sharon Leichsenring dazzles with a larger than life wall mural representing “abbondanza," paying homage to Brunetti's Market, a Ridgefield staple, and the former occupant of the space. The Village Tavern fills a void in the area’s already rich culinary landscape. Their elevated comfort food ranges from simple to sophisticated. Chef Minin will tell you that he creates “American food that has been kissed by an Italian.” 


The Port Opens Today in Westport w/ Casual American "Food We All Love"

Restaurant Westport American Lunch Kid Friendly

Stephanie Webster

The phrase, "It takes a village" comes to mind when describing the new restaurant that opens today, taking over the old Vespa space on the Saugatuck River in Westport. I've seen many restaurant openings in my day, but few have the support and focus on community in the way owner, Sal Augeri, has at The Port. This is Augeri's first restaurant, but he says "I've always wanted to open a restaurant, a neighborhood spot where locals can enjoy food that is approachable and comfortable." Indeed, Sal and his classic American menu may have hit upon something in the Westport food scene. Where does one go for a team dinner, a casual evening that won't break the bank, or a quick bite with your family after your kids’ practice? We haven't tasted the food yet, but according to Augeri and his 35 local Westport investors, you go to The Port.  


Little Box Pizza: New Pizza Truck in Stamford w/ a Mission

Restaurant Food Truck Stamford Pizza Lunch Home Delivery To-Go Take Out

Stephanie Webster

Just when it seemed consumers had seen it all in our local food scene, an innovative, socially conscious, quality driven pizza truck drove into town in the form of Little Box Pizza. In addition to authentic pizza made with honest ingredients and crafted-to-order, each mobile pizza kitchen is operated by a deserving, hard working individual who is being given a chance to make their future brighter.

Founders / Restaurateurs Brad Nagy and Angelo Viscoso created Little Box Pizza based on their passion for great pizza and a big heart for people. As social entrepreneurs, the team has created a model for using the power of small business to solve social challenges and do good things for other people.


CT Guide to Outdoor Dining (2017): 80+ Restaurants for Summer

Restaurant Outdoor Dining Best of CT Westport Norwalk Stamford New Canaan Darien Fairfield New Haven Milford Ridgefield Homepage

April Guilbault

“What’s the secret ingredient?”, you ask. Well, it’s…Air. 

The winter-that-wasn’t (save for one last see-I-told-you-so storm) is now officially behind us and folks everywhere are throwing open the windows and enjoying the sight of lush green grass and a continual parade of Spring flowers. Out come the patio chairs! Behold the grill! Phew, we have missed you. Let’s all enjoy this week of Connecticut Spring before it leaps to 90 degrees, shall we?

In the event that you have neither of these aforementioned outdoor items, you can hightail it to any one of these delightful establishments to dine alfresco. Doesn’t a little fresh air always put a pep in your step? And, in this case, a little sunshine on your biscuits. Head outdoors to dine and enjoy!

If we missed an outdoor venue that you frequent, please share your find below. 


House of Naan Opens In New Haven: Indian Fare with a Twist

Restaurant Indian New Haven Homepage Lunch Cocktails Bar

Ramin Ganeshram

Featuringclassic Indian favorites and South Asian twists on international flavor explorations, House of Naan in New Haven can best be described as hipster Indian fare (in a good way) in a fresh, modern setting replete with vibey alternative and chill tunes, some with an eastern fusion.

The eatery opened eight months ago and is the first restaurant for chef Harinder Singh, who learned his craft at Sitar, a beloved traditional Indian restaurant owned by his family in New Haven for the last twelve years.


Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters Opening in Fairfield's Brick Walk

Restaurant Coffee Tea And Coffee Fairfield Lunch Breakfast

CTbites Team

Ed Freedman, Fairfield County’s passionate organic coffee roaster based in Trumbull, CT, adds “café owner” to his impressive portfolio of work, further establishing himself, and the Shearwater brand as a premium organic coffee roaster. Opening in Fairfield, CT, Shearwater Coffee Bar takes up residence in a 1200 square foot corner location within the Brick Walk business and retail section of downtown.
 
Named One of the 15 Best New Coffee Roasters in America by the popular digital lifestyle magazine Thrillist.com, and bestowed a 92 rating from CoffeeReview.com  for their  Organic Homacho Waeno Ethiopian roast, Shearwater introduced its small batch coffee roasts to Fairfield County in September of 2013 and was soon touted by java junkies, major gourmet food markets, and reputable area chefs as one of the leading coffee brands in the state.


The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Connecticut via Best Things Connecticut

Restaurant Mexican Best of CT Homepage

CTbites Team

The web site "Best Things Connecticut" published this list of 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in CT. We were pleased to see a few CTbites favorites on this list. Check it out and tell us what you think? What's missing? Anything you would leave off this Top 10 list? 

1. Joy’s Restaurant, Norwich, CT

Joy’s Mexican food is impressive, hearty, and flavorful. The menu is packed with traditional favorites like fajitas, enchiladas, and tortas, but the stand out is really their tamales. The tamales are perfectly cooked, savory, and super affordable at under $3 each. Joy’s also serves breakfast, typical American dishes such as sandwiches, burgers, and salad, and more. Do be sure to dine at Joy’s Restaurant.