When you’re looking for fast food restaurants in Connecticut, your mind probably goes to major chains like McDonald’s or Burger King. But we’ve actually got a great fast food restaurant that’s local to the Nutmeg State! Duchess has been around for over 50 years and it’s a unique spot that’s only available in 14 locations in Fairfield and New Haven counties. With dozens of items on the menu and everything made fresh, this is a wonderful spot to grab some great food while supporting a local business.

Duchess was opened in 1956 by a pair of brother-in-laws who bought a hamburger and hot dog restaurant in Milford and were looking to rebrand the little shack.
John Ference/Google Maps
The restaurant was named after Dutchess County, New York, but without the "t."
Duchess offers both drive-thru and dine-in service, or you can get your food to-go.
Janica Bagosy/Google Maps
This place definitely looks more upscale than you'd expect from a fast food restaurant, but not so elegant that it's off-putting.
While most traditional fast food places have food shipped in frozen and then cooked, everything at Duchess is made fresh, without being frozen or processed.
Christy Allington/Google Maps
This leads to healthier and tastier meals, and you can really tell the difference in quality.
mirriam esteban/Google Maps
Most places have a constant desire to expand, but Duchess has (thus far) not gone national and remains only within the Nutmeg State.
Matthew C/Google Maps
The reasoning behind this is that since many of the ingredients are obtained locally, an entirely new supply chain would have to be developed with each new state that was expanded into.
Duchess has an extremely varied menu with breakfast, hamburgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and plenty more.
Jarrett Catalano/Google Maps
If you're looking for fast food in Connecticut and want something better than your typical fast food joints, check out Duchess!
Tay Josephine/Google Maps

For more information about this tasty spot, check out the Duchess Restaurant website.

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Featured Addresses
Duchess, 157 Main St, Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Duchess, 306 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820, USA
Duchess, 690 Lordship Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615, USA
Duchess, 60 Pershing Dr, Ansonia, CT 06401, USA
Duchess of Danbury, 104 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury, CT 06811, USA