This post is your destination for the best Connecticut summer eateries. These are the best places to cool off and enjoy summer time eats. Most feature outdoor seating. Some are even located near the beach.

Micalizzi’s

This is a staple in Connecticut. Micalizzi’s has been in business since 1977. The original location is in Bridgeport. There is a second location in Milford. I’ve been visiting this ice cream shop since I was a child. 

They offer authentic Italian ice. This is not your watered down, snow cone ice. This is a family run business that offers quality authentic Italian ice year after year. They also offer ice cream. Check out their Superman flavor. And if you know anything about me, you know how much I love this flavor.

Locations:
Bridgeport: 712 Madison Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06606
Milford: 1 River St, Milford, CT 06460

Cricket Car Hop

This is the cutest little diner located in Stratford, Connecticut.  It reminds you of a 1950s diner.  And rightfully so, because the restaurant’s history dates back that far. The Cricket originally opened in 1949. It ran until 2004 when it closed. Then in 2017 it was brought back as an all-new diner. So, you can eat their today.

The Cricket Car Hop has the standard food found at all the best summer eateries.  Choose from hot dogs, fries and burgers. There are also salads and seafood. You can’t forget the shakes. They have specialty flavors such as Oreo, cinnamon toast crunch, fruity pebbles and salted caramel.

Location: 900 Access Rd, Stratford, CT 06615

Yard House

The theme of this Connecticut eatery is “there is something for everyone.”  Maybe you like sashimi.  Or you have a taste for shitake garlic noodles. Are you in the mood for chicken tortilla soup? Yard House has it all. And you have your classic pub fare such as burgers and beer.

The location closest to me is South Norwalk, so you’re so close to the water. There are also locations in Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey.

Location: 100 N. Water St., Norwalk, CT 06854

The Little Pub

This is the cutest little pub reminiscent of British pubs in England. They were founded in 2009.  Choose locations in Fairfield, Greenwich, Stratford, Wilton and Old Saybrook.

The Little Pub have the best fish and chips. Other popular items include their chicken and waffles and their food truck fish tacos. Or sample the four different types of Mac & Cheese. This is another great summer eatery because they offer lots of weekend specials. Join their email list to stay up to date. Be sure to take a picture in front of the red phone booth on your way out.

Locations:
Fairfield: 2133 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield, CT 06825
Greenwich: 531 East Putnam Ave, Cos Cob, CT 06807
Stratford: 10 Washington Pkwy, Stratford, CT 06615
Wilton: 26 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897
Old Saybrook: 1231 Boston Post Rd, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

bartaco

bartaco is great for, you guessed it! Tacos. They started in 2010 and have restaurants all over the country. Their theme is “upscale street food.”

The taco selection at bartaco is quite large. Try the roasted duck tacos or even the falafel tacos. Besides tacos, they also have lots of great food choices. Think like chili-lime rice bowls and gazpacho soup. Then try their margaritas. 

Locations:
Westport: 20 Wilton Rd, Westport, CT 06880
Stamford: 222 Summer Street, Stamford, CT 06901
West Hartford: 971 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06107

Did I really eat fish at all of these places? Haha. Learn about a few more of my favorite Connecticut eateries in my Fairfield County staycation post.