Filtering by Tag: Bar,Coffee

Toasted Oat Café Opens 2nd Location: Now in Newington & Canton

Restaurant Breakfast Sandwich Breakfast Coffee Canton Newington Comfort Food Lunch American Egg Sandwich Eggs Sandwich

Carly Terzigni

In an endless sea of Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks, it’s always refreshing to stop by a local cafe for breakfast and a cup of coffee. Combine with that a charming spot on Main Street and you have a recipe for a quintessential Connecticut morning – and that’s exactly what we found at Toasted OAT Cafe on Main Street in Newington.

If you’re fond of Toasted OAT Cafe in Canton which first opened its doors in 2018, then you’re in for a treat: a second location in Newington has opened in 2022, bringing their popular Packed Bowl among many other breakfast and lunch favorites to a second location in Connecticut. Just like Canton, the vibes are relaxed and welcoming.


Bar 140: Belgian Frites, Burgers, Bibimbap Wings + Booze in Shelton

Features Restaurant Bar beer Craft Beer Cocktails Chicken Wings French Fries Shelton Belgian Frites Best Wings Burgers Homepage

Andrew Dominick

It wasn’t that long ago that I found myself in Shelton covering all things pierogi at The Rogi Shoppe when I randomly received a few DMs on two different Instagram accounts saying I should stop by Bar 140.

The finder’s fee goes to Gina, who sang the praises of Bar 140’s bar food, particularly their Belgian style frites. That got my attention fast! But then that continued with a few other messages trickled in that it’d be my type of bar; casual, kinda hipster, solid cocktails, and a fine beer list.

I asked around and got much of the same. Even Mateus from The Rogi Shoppe said their fries were stellar.

After I set up an interview with Joe Ballaro, who owns Bar 140 with his wife, Tiffany, I told a few friends I was going up there. It got pumped up even more by my friend Katy, who said, “This is my spot! I used to be a regular when I worked a few block away. It’s a good little spot. Good beer list and food. The owners are really cool.”

Sold! Plus, I’ll never pass up the chance at eating carefully made, hand cut fries by the bucket full, with different dipping sauces to plunge them into.


The Port of Call Cocktail Lounge Opens in Mystic with Globally Inspired Menu

Restaurant Openings Mystic Cocktails Bar Bar Menu Global Cuisine Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe

How does Mystic do it? In such a small area, there’s a steady stream of creativity and passion, delectable food, and now, with The Port of Call, there’s a reason it has become my home away from home.

Dripping with history, the new two-in-one stop, is a complete experience. With a friendly Welcome from manager Nancy Hankins, your eyes, mind, and belly (not necessarily in that order), will be lit up and spun into a whir of pleasure when learning about the location’s past, the collaborations forged, not to mention the top notch drink and food offerings. Notice, I said drink then food….

The “Million Miles” Bar is front and center as you walk through the stately, yet otherwise, unassuming exterior. That’s because the drinks, or shall I say beverage program, is the first star on stage. Although we often enter a restaurant hungry, we are being not-so gently, happily hypnotized first by the drinks that will then be paired by knock-out plates honoring global ports. We’ve been conditioned to think about the food before deciding what drink to pair with it; The Port of Call is asking us to think in reverse: “Wet” your palates first, sailors. Helmed by Jade Ayala (who also rocks the booze next door at Oyster Club) and Sebastian Guerrero (of NYC’s Dante and Mother of Pearl), your drink will come with a “generous pour,” as my feller put it, and a side tale about the area’s notorious seafaring past.


B.J. Ryan’s East Takes Over Norwalk's Legendary Partner’s Cafe & Pizzeria

Features Interview Restaurant Norwalk Homepage Bar Pizza Pub Openings

Andrew Dominick

When you hear that a legendary hometown restaurant is ending its run after almost 40 years, a flood of memories tend to hit you. Suddenly, I was a kid again, sitting on a barstool next to my father. He’d chug away at a Heineken while I sipped on bubbly cola straight from the soda gun. Thin-ish, crispy crust bar pizzas—likely extra cheese, pepperoni, or both—were involved, too.

Even as an adult, I’d occasionally grab a couple pies from Partner’s Cafe & Pizzeria to-go. Every time I drove by, I’d think about pizza, soda, my dad, and feeling pretty damn cool sitting at the bar.

Thankfully, for me, and I’m sure for a hell of a lot of Norwalkers, Partner’s gets to live on thanks to B.J. Lawless and Keith Torpey, under a new name, but with intentions to preserve the bar’s neighborhood “where everybody knows your name” charm.


40+ CT Spots to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2022: Bars, Restaurants, Caterers & More!

Features St. Patrick's Day Holiday Bar Homepage

April Guilbault

Let’s bring on Spring and bring on the green! St. Patrick’s Day is here and I think we are all ready for some good celebrations, especially those involving good beer. Think of this listing as your very own 41-leaf clover, because you are bound to get lucky with these 41 options for food and drink at such convivial and delish establishments. Slainte!


40+ Spots To Celebrate Super Bowl 2022 in CT: Bars, Restaurants, Caterers & Take Out

Features Super Bowl Bar Homepage

April Guilbault

Super Bowl or…Superb Owl? Are you truly a pigskin fan or is it really just the wings, chips, and dips that make you circle this day on the calendar, you “sports lover”, you? However and whatever you are celebrating, it’s time to break out your favorite game day foods, grab a good drink and settle back for a few hours of fun. Jersey or bib, the countdown to good eats starts…3…2…1…now.


Tavern On State Owners Opening Fair Haven Oyster Bar in New Haven

Features Restaurant Openings Oyster Bar Seafood American Bar Cocktails Waterfront Outdoor Dining

Stephanie Webster

Emily Mingrone (recent winner for "Chef of the Year" at CT Restaurant Association’s Crazies Awards, and her partner, Shane McGowan, are expanding their presence in the New Haven area with a new spot opening this April, Fair Haven Oyster Co. Co-owners of Tavern on State, as well as the nose-to-tail butchery, Provisions on State, in the East Rock neighborhood, they are poised for a trifecta with this new seafood focused oyster bar on the waterfront of the Fair Haven Marina, a beautiful old water town dating from the late 1700’s.


"Miracle" Christmas Themed Pop-up Cocktail Bar Now Open at CT's Highland Brass & Riley's By The Sea

Features Holiday Pop-Up Cocktails Bar

CTbites Team

The long running Miracle Christmas pop-up cocktail bar holiday pop-up is now open at two Connecticut bars you know and love. For those unfamiliar with Miracle Bar, this beloved Christmas themed holiday pop-up cocktail bar launched in 2014 in New York City, will continue spreading holiday cheer this year with over 100 locations around the world.

Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up cocktail bar that serves holiday cocktails in a festive setting. With kitschy holiday décor, professionally-developed cocktails and the nostalgic energy of the best office party you’ve ever been to, Miracle is sure to get even the grouchiest grinch in the holiday spirit.

Where can you find Miracle in CT?

Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and head to Highland Brass Co. in Waterbury OR Riley's by the Seawall in Stratford. Both locations launches this past week and are ready for all the boozy holiday cheer you can muster.


Welcome to The Po Cafe: New England Charm + Damn Good Food In Washington CT

Restaurant Breakfast Sandwich Breakfast Lunch To-Go Comfort Food Washington Coffee Bakery Baked Goods sandwiches Homepage

Jessica Ryan

The iconic Po Café is located in the heart of Washington CT and lives in a charming historic white clapboard house right next to the town’s post office – hence the nickname. The building, once home to a pharmacy and grocery store, sits across from the idyllic town’s church. The area served as the inspiration behind fictional town Stars Hollow made famous by Rory and Lorelei Gilmore. As soon as you walk through the front door you can almost imagine Luke standing behind the counter of the old fashioned soda fountain pouring a cup of coffee.


2021 Guide To Great Coffee In Connecticut

Features Restaurant Best of CT Dining Guide Coffee Tea And Coffee Breakfast Homepage

April Guilbault

September 29th is National Coffee Day. Coffee addicts unite. Or those who just love a good cup o’ joe, stand up. Love learning about coffee and trying new varieties? Raise your hand (or mugs). Coffee is here! Connecticut is happily strewn North to South, East to West with roasters, cafes and lots of folks who know a whole lot about these little beans that captivate our attention. There are roasters who have subscription services, cafes with drink lists a mile long and honestly, many happy and caffeinated faces to go with each. You could spend all of next year jumping around the state and trying each one of these…hey, why not start now? And psst-if we have missed any places you love, please let us know in the comments section!


Bistro V Serves Up Casual French Bistro Fare & All the Vibes in Greenwich

Restaurant Greenwich French Lunch Burgers Bar Cocktails Bistro

Jessica Ryan

It’s been a couple of years since I dined at Bistro V on the Ave in Greenwich, and I was thrilled to have been invited for lunch last week.

When Marc and Evelyne Penvenne noticed a for sale sign on the restaurant’s doors they knew that they had to step in and purchase it. The former Versailles was not only a fixture in the Greenwich restaurant scene, but for this couple it had a nostalgic and sentimental meaning. They just couldn’t let the beloved establishment go; the two met there as employees in. The Penvennes had already established themselves as successful restaurateurs. The owners of another perennial favorite, Méli-Mélo, have been feeding guests there, just a couple of blocks away, for over 25 years.

After a slight rebranding, facelift and name shift, Versailles became Bistro V, inspired by their memories of growing up with the classic bistros in France.


Coffee for Good Opens in Greenwich: Great Coffee with a Great Mission

Features Restaurant Openings Coffee Tea And Coffee Greenwich Sandwich Breakfast Philanphropy

Stephanie Webster

Coffee for Good is now open in downtown Greenwich, and it’s not your ordinary high-end coffee shop. Sure, you can grab yourself a perfectly pulled shot of espresso or a latte c/o their well trained baristas and the fine roasters at PATH Coffee in PortChester. But Coffee For Good provides much more than a daily caffeine fix for our community.

Coffee For Good was spearheaded by Greenwich resident, Deb Rogan, in partnership with Abilis, as a self-sustaining, nonprofit organization, to serve as a training platform and employer for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The coffee shop, which provides espresso based beverages, smoothies, local baked goods, as well as sandwiches and salads, gives their trainees the opportunity to succeed and be a part of the local workforce.


35+ Spots to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Connecticut

Features St. Patrick's Day Holiday Bar Homepage

April Guilbault

Who needs a pot of gold when you can have a pint of Guinness? Bring on the Corned Beef, the Irish Coffees and pints of that creamy, frothy, velvety goodness (can you tell I’m a stout fan?). Sprinkle in some lively music and even catch some Irish dancers doin’ their thing and you’ve got a happy bit o’ holiday that everyone is craving right about now. And that’s right, the old adage is that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. That works out perfectly. Go get your green on, but keep from getting fluthered!…Or not?

We bring you 30+ Spots To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Connecticut.


Hudson Malone Opens in Westport From NYC's Legendary PJ Clarkes' Bartender, Doug Quinn

Restaurant Openings Westport Lunch Bar American Comfort Food Cocktails Homepage

Jessica Ryan

Hudson Malone is a unique place - a casual upscale eatery designed to be a neighborhood favorite welcoming repeat diners seeking comfort by the familiar and wowed by the unexpected. Upon entering the restaurant you’ll first notice the bar which has that old school, saloon style. Assorted painting, photography, memorabilia and Americana artifacts animate the walls throughout the establishment. You’ll see hints of New York City blending in seamlessly with the local backdrop. No matter how often you dine here, you’re sure to notice something new every time.

A rough hewn wood ceiling and support beams offer a rustic yet comforting tone balanced by the warm glow of the lighting overhead and stone fireplace. Natural sunlight streams in through the newly added windows along the left hand side which bounces off the elaborate navy lacquered ceiling. It’s cozy. It’s casual and it’s sophisticated. The setting is only part of the experience - for the rest you need to meet Doug Quinn, the man behind the Hudson Malone brand.


Donny Raus of Raus Coffee: Expert Coffee Roaster Now Hosting Barista 101 Virtual Classes

Ingredients Features Coffee Specialty Products Espresso Local Artisan Shop Local Interview Homepage

Stephanie Webster

Donny Raus of Raus Coffee has been intimately involved with coffee for most of his life. As coffee roasters go, Donny is at the top of his game in the fair state of Connecticut. He also claims responsibility for inventing a drink that every coffee enthusiast should get involved with, a cold brew based delicacy called the Cold Roman, served at farmers’ markets around CT. This blend of hand crafted fresh brewed espresso, a touch of raw sugar, his own “cuore di caffe” natural flavor infusion, served over ice with a splash of cold foam, might be the ONLY way a person should be asked to wake up in the morning. No…seriously. But Donny’s passion goes far beyond the perfect brew or roast. His mission is to “change the way the world drinks, connects, and interacts over coffee, creating a sense of excitement around their daily cup, while also having it serve as a reminder to reconnect not only with those around us, but with ourselves.

Donny Raus is a true artisan, fastidious and supremely knowledgeable when it comes to his craft and product. Now, you can benefit from his years of training, research and experience with the launch of his new “virtual espresso training workshops.” Home-users and aspiring amatuer baristas can learn how to make proper espresso from their home machines, pull the perfect shot, and get the right grind, via his new private zoom classes. Umm…Holiday gift idea? I think yes.


Bobo's Cafe, of Westchester Fame, Opens in Ridgefield TODAY: Acai Bowls, Coffee Drinks, Killer Sandwiches, Vegan and More!

Restaurant Openings Ridgefield Breakfast Coffee Acai Bowl Lunch Sandwich Smoothies

CTbites Team

Want some great espresso, specialty iced tea, frozen drinks? How about acai, pitaya, matcha or spirulina bowls alongside killer bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, basmati rice bowls, gluten free, vegan dishes, and mouthwatering desserts? The Westchester favorite, Bobo’s Cafe has crossed the border, and is opening in Connecticut…Ridgefield to be exact. According to their Facebook page, doors open today at 32 Danbury Road.

After completing their domination of Northern Westchester, owner Craig Bernardi said, “We look for communities that allow us the opportunity to really get to know people in town.”


The Lila Rose Opens in Stamford: Sophisticated, Deliciously Playful, and a True Dining Experience

Restaurant Openings Tapas American Global Cuisine Cocktails Stamford Bar Brunch Homepage Breakfast

Jessica Ryan

A couple of months ago John and Morgan Nealon (owners of the ever popular Taco Daddy) partnered up with Chef Mo Major, General Manager JJ Henao, and Mixologist Dave Cohade to create a restaurant experience like no other. This restaurant is The Lila Rose, a luxurious, sophisticated, whimsical and (I dare say) over-the-top restaurant.

The interior, dressed entirely in shades of pink and gold, is distinctly feminine with a flirty vibe that’s sophisticated yet playful. The Lila Rose is a delicious feast for the eyes offering up so much exquisite detail, you can’t possibly take it all in.

I had the opportunity to sample their menu a couple of weeks ago. With so few opportunities to “get away” these days, the Lila Rose fills that void, offering guests a truly memorable experience. This is the type of venue where you’ll want to slip into something more beautiful and we noticed that the guests thought so too.


Es Ok Cafe Opens In Stamford's The Lila Rose with Breakie, Lunch & Gorgeous Lattes

Restaurant Latte Tea Latte Coffee Tea And Coffee Sandwich Lunch Breakfast Espresso Openings Pastries Dessert

Stephanie Webster

Restaurateurs all over the CT are pivoting in response to the new pandemic reality facing both restaurant owners and diners, and while we all wish we could go back to 2019, smart entrepreneurs continue to reinvent themselves in unique and interesting ways. The team behind Taco Daddy and The Lila Rose, John Nealon and Morgan Machette are doing just that. With diminished dine in capacity, this duo, with the help of partner, Juan J Henao have expanded the reach of their new dinner spot, The Lila Rose, into an all day breakfast and lunch affair with their new, ‘Es Ok Cafe’.

Located in Stamford’s Harbor Point area, The Lila Rose was already closed during the day, except for brunch on Saturday and Sundays, so it was the perfect spot to house the cafe that this group had dreamed of creating pre-Covid. “Machette, Henao (JJ), and his brother, Juan Camillo Henao, have always been passionate about coffee and tea, so putting the concept together has been really fun. I also just like saying Sexy Lattes and Slutty Paninis,” says co-owner Nealon.


Guide To Great Coffee in Connecticut 2020: Happy National Coffee Day!

Features Restaurant Best of CT Coffee Tea And Coffee Breakfast Homepage

Kristin L. Wolfe

Those who know me, know I’m an equal opportunity caffeinator; I start my day low-key and sort of lady-like with a cup of Twinings Earl Grey. BUT, if I haven’t been punched in the face by mid-morning with a good strong cappuccino, then watch out. By the sheer number of places in our great state to get a jolt, I know I’m not alone. The list is long, but please, let us know if we’ve missed one of your favorite spot for java and we’ll add it to the caffeinated compilation. Go forth and get buzzed.


Kneads Bakery Café Opening in Westport Sept 5th: Artisan Bread, Breakfast & Lunch

Restaurant Breakfast Lunch Bakery Bread Local Artisan Pastries Dessert Coffee Homepage

Maddie Phelps

In his grandmother’s tapas restaurant in Dallas, a young Daniel Moreno grew up hidden away in the kitchen, learning, listening while cultivating a dream of becoming a chef. Over a thousand miles away in Connecticut, a young Brittany spent her days baking for her family, guided by the dream of running her very own bakery one day. Now married, Daniel and Brittany Moreno’s dreams have turned into a reality as they open Kneads in Westport.

With coffee, sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries and, of course, bread, Kneads offers a fresh, diverse “chalkboard” menu that features 100% whole grain organic flour. And, with a heavy focus on local products within a simple, cafe format, this husband and wife duo hope to bring a newfound appreciation of milling to town.