You know what makes a hole in the wall restaurant so cool? It’s local, which means you can only get it in one place. No chain restaurants full of menu items you can get anywhere. They’re often unique, making them more personal and quirky. Not to mention you will probably see the owner around pretty often and won’t have to deal with long waits or reservation only rules. And no dress codes! Try these restaurants in Connecticut for a taste of that casual one-of-a-kind dining experience.
- Pho Hong Thom (Bridgeport)
Pho Hong Thom/Facebook
Wil S./Yelp This family owned restaurant has a small menu and big flavors. If you’ve been craving pho, then you definitely need to check this place out! The broth always delivers and the cooks are generous with the seasoning.
- The Sloppy Waffle (Newington)
Leonardo D./Yelp
Angie N./Yelp Despite the name, these waffles are anything but sloppy! The well prepared and colorful plates are what you’d expect out of a high end metro joint. With tons of mix-ins, toppings, and chicken, you will never leave hungry or disappointed.
- Magee’s Curbside (Stamford)
Google Maps
Jason F./Yelp From nutella waffles to breakfast empanadas, this place is getting creative with its dishes! Locals say this might be the best place in the state to catch brunch, probably because of the extensive menu and friendly staff. But you’ll have to try it for yourself!
- People’s Choice (Norwalk)
Google Maps Talk about secret spots! This authentic Jamaican dive serves up oxtail and foreign soda for a totally different experience. But it’s not well-known and has a very limited web presence, so this is your chance to try a real hidden gem.
- GoldBurgers (Newington)
Keith B./Yelp
GoldBurgers/Facebook This award-winning burger joint scored rave reviews from diners and critics alike. You’ll love the chef’s specials with locally sourced ingredients.
- Sycamore Drive-In (Bethel)
Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant/Facebook
Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant/Facebook This nostalgic hot spot offers a fun ’50s vibe and homemade root beer.
- Westfair Fish & Chips (Westport)
Debbie C./Yelp
Westfair Fish and Chips/Facebook With all the fresh seafood and the cozy feel, you might think you’re actually out at sea. The made to order plates are perfectly fried and very well priced. Next time you’re feeling fishy, swim over to this little spot!
- Gaetano’s Deli (Stratford)
Gaetanos Deli/Facebook
Gaetanos Deli/Facebook The fresh mozz is a favorite at this spectacular deli. Eggplant Parm is another top pick.
- The Corner Restaurant (Milford)
Stephen S./Yelp
Dan O./Yelp This little spot is beloved by locals. And for good reason! With some of the best French toast you can find, this breakfast and lunch only locale is full of tasty treats. The theme here is whatever tastes good, and they do it quite well!
- Dive Bar (West Haven)
Deb K./Yelp
David R./Yelp This small bar is double stuffed with fun and comes with a beach view. Not only can you expect well made pub style foods, but you haven’t lived until you’ve tried their chips and the legendary snorkel fries. This place could definitely be the night scene you’ve been looking for!
Yum! If you have a favorite hole in the wall restaurant that deserves to be recognized, tell us about it!
Pho Hong Thom/Facebook
Wil S./Yelp
This family owned restaurant has a small menu and big flavors. If you’ve been craving pho, then you definitely need to check this place out! The broth always delivers and the cooks are generous with the seasoning.
Leonardo D./Yelp
Angie N./Yelp
Despite the name, these waffles are anything but sloppy! The well prepared and colorful plates are what you’d expect out of a high end metro joint. With tons of mix-ins, toppings, and chicken, you will never leave hungry or disappointed.
Google Maps
Jason F./Yelp
From nutella waffles to breakfast empanadas, this place is getting creative with its dishes! Locals say this might be the best place in the state to catch brunch, probably because of the extensive menu and friendly staff. But you’ll have to try it for yourself!
Talk about secret spots! This authentic Jamaican dive serves up oxtail and foreign soda for a totally different experience. But it’s not well-known and has a very limited web presence, so this is your chance to try a real hidden gem.
Keith B./Yelp
GoldBurgers/Facebook
This award-winning burger joint scored rave reviews from diners and critics alike. You’ll love the chef’s specials with locally sourced ingredients.
Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant/Facebook
This nostalgic hot spot offers a fun ’50s vibe and homemade root beer.
Debbie C./Yelp
Westfair Fish and Chips/Facebook
With all the fresh seafood and the cozy feel, you might think you’re actually out at sea. The made to order plates are perfectly fried and very well priced. Next time you’re feeling fishy, swim over to this little spot!
Gaetanos Deli/Facebook
The fresh mozz is a favorite at this spectacular deli. Eggplant Parm is another top pick.
Stephen S./Yelp
Dan O./Yelp
This little spot is beloved by locals. And for good reason! With some of the best French toast you can find, this breakfast and lunch only locale is full of tasty treats. The theme here is whatever tastes good, and they do it quite well!
Deb K./Yelp
David R./Yelp
This small bar is double stuffed with fun and comes with a beach view. Not only can you expect well made pub style foods, but you haven’t lived until you’ve tried their chips and the legendary snorkel fries. This place could definitely be the night scene you’ve been looking for!
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