In my family, we joke and say going out to eat is "sport". In all seriousness though, I love going out to a good restaurant! Who doesn't!? This year dining out looks a bit different, but I appreciate and love it even more after those #lockdowndays. I've always loved outdoor dining, and prefer it as soon as the weather gets warmer! Now it's not only a safer alternative, but also a great way to support our local businesses here in CT! There are tonssss of great outdoor dining spots right here in our lovely little state so lets get into it! We're gonna break it down into my three most important categories :
1. By the water (duh, its summer, we wanna be sipping cocktails with a water view)
2. Cool vibes/ambiance (some would say I care more about this than the food, and it is definitely a close one!)
3. Casual, but good food!
Get ready to dine al fresco and give these awesome local businesses my BoujE on a Budget stamp of approval!
First up: On the Water!
CT has some amazing water view dining options, ranging in price, but all great!
-Shell and Bones, New Haven- My fav! Shell and Bones is definitely on the pricier side, but you cannot beat the view and the food! The deck is literally over the water, the only way you could get closer, is if you went in for a swim! If you're both a seafood and meat lover, like me, you'll be in heaven!
-Prime, Stamford- Prime is also located right on the water in Stamford's Harbor Point. Also on the pricier side, but what I loved about it was that they had sushi options! Save this for a special occasion, it will definitely be worth the splurge!
-Dockside, Milford- Dockside is a new Brewery/Restaurant in Milford, right on the Housatonic River. It just recently opened, and business is booming, which is really great to see, given the state of everything right now! They have multiple levels of affordable waterfront dining, great food and a cool summertime ambiance! Given the fact that's it's new and has a good buzz about town, its tough to get a rez. If you're planning on going a weekend night for dinner, I suggest checking a week in advance, but its worth it! I'm going again Saturday night and cannot wait!
-StonyCreek, Branford- Stonycreek has been a longtime fav of mine ever since it opened! Originally a traditional Brewery, however, now given COVID restrictions, StonyCreek is offering a menu with pizzas and salads, making it a great, casual place to grab some food and drinks with friends with a great view. They even now offer frozen cocktails, hard seltzers and wine, which a non beer drinker like me, definitely appreciates!
-Saybrook Point Inn- Located in the cutest little New England Resort in Old Saybrook, the restaurant here is a great place to dine by the water at a reasonable price! I've only been for lunch, which was great, but I hear the brunch is fab as well!
Cool vibes/Ambiance
Next up in my important categories, cool vibes/ambiance, because outdoor dining doesn't always have to mean dining in a parking lot! Its always a plus when the food and the atmosphere is instragrammable!
-Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire: This is my favorite patio to dine outdoors at in CT! Bold statement, I know, but I really love it! This HUGE, newly renovated outdoor space is perfect for social distancing and just perfect in general! I love the vibes here and I haven't even started to mention the food and drinks, which are also awesome btw! Highly recommend!!
-Cava, Southington: Speaking of instagrammable, Cava's rooftop in Southington has Instagram worthy moments in every corner! This place will have you transported, as if you're on a chic NYC or Miami rooftop. The drinks at Cava are delicious,and they often do events like Margarita or Rose tastings, however, I think the food is just OK, especially for its price tag. Definitely check it out for the atmosphere and cocktails though and get that insta pic! Look at this place, its so dreamy!
-Evaritos Rooftop, Norwalk: Speaking of rooftops, everyone knows I'm a sucker for a good one and I definitely found it with this gem! I loved the Brooklyn like vibes of this Mexican Restaurants rooftop. The drinks were fab and tacos are always an easy way to my heart! We got the taco packs and they did not disappoint!
-Bella Gio, Cheshire: Bella Gio is another local gem with a spacious, partly covered (in case of rain) patio. The food here is delish and it's a great little scenic spot to grab dinner with friends and family! Look at how pretty that Sangria is!
-Mikro Depot, Hamden: Mikro was originally located in a small, but cool spot, however their new location is even more awesome! Located in an industrial old factory, the venue matches the unique and local cuisine, and for the beer lovers out there,Mikro is stacked with loads of craft beers! As for their patio, I love it! Its located right on the Farmington Canal trail and its great place to ride your bike or walk to. They also often have foodtrucks as well if you don't want to order off their traditional dining menu and part of there patio is covered, which is always a win if it rains! They also have a fabulous brunch! One of my fav local spots for sure!
-Bears Smoke House at the Stack, New Haven: This place has a huge outdoor area adorned with large picnic tables, twinkly lights, and fire pits, a brewery on site and BBQ food, whats not to love!?
-The Village Bistro at Beach House, Milford: I love this patio! The fire pits, the vibes, everything! The food is great, and at brunch, they have a Bubbly bucket! Is anything better than that!?
Casual/Good food: Sometimes its just nice to hang at a casual patio, where you dont have to get all fancy, and just have delicious food. These are some of my fav places around town to do that!
-Kala, North Haven: Kala is my new local! Its right down the street from our house and I love to go for a casual date night! The food is Mediterranean and delish and they have a big tent so your outdoor dining plans aren't ruined if it rains! Get the empanadas! They are to die!
-Sidestreet, Hamden: Sidestreet is a local Hamden fav! I've been going here for years, since my college days but I still love it. Their outdoor area is causal but fun and a great place to hang with friends. Get the wings, their famous!
-Back Nine and Hawk Ridge Country Club, Southington: Both patios are located on Golf courses in Southington and both are great casual places to grab a cocktail,some pub food and watch the golfers play!
These are all my top fav outdoor dining spots, but you know I'm always looking for the next best thing I always have a long laundry list of places I'm dying to try! So whats on my radar?
-The High George Rooftop in New Haven
- Boca Oyster Bar, Bridgeport
-Rooftop 120, Glastonbury
Cant wait to try them!!
Now you're ready to dine al fresco at some of my fav watering holes! You're eating out and you're being a hero, supporting small business, win win!! Don't forget, many of these restaurants now require a reservation and have restrictions on capacity, so check ahead of time before you head there! Also don't forget to tip your wait staff well, they've been out of work for a while and can use your support! #supportsmall and enjoy and nice meal and cocktail while you're at it!
Thanks for reading!
xoxo
Elisa
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