For a truly unforgettable dining experience you need three things: One, a restaurant that you have never visited. Two, an extensive menu to experiment with. And three, a cool atmosphere that transports you somewhere other than where you actually are. Lucky for you, I found a hidden gem that is offering all of this at a low, low price. So get ready to change up your usual schedule, because this will definitely become your new dinner destination.
Mi Rancho Deli & Grocery Store is a little hidden spot in Bridgeport.
As you can see from this menu preview, there are a lot of options here (including free delivery!). This authentic restaurant prides itself on big flavor and small prices.
This is one of those cool situations where you can totally sit down at a table and eat, but this is really and truly a grocery store. So, you're getting fresh ingredients and a different atmosphere than you would anywhere else.
Feel transported to Mexico and even experience some Aztec history.
The vibrantly painted walls and intimate seating couple well with the Latin tunes and decorations throughout the store. You can impress your friends by showing them a hidden store with a hidden eatery.
You'll definitely have to frequent this place to try everything. Frequenters say this place is arguably the best spot for Mexican food in Fairfield County. But nobody knows about it!
Yum! Are you ready to stop over in Bridgeport to taste test this place for yourself?
Picture this: it's summer in Connecticut, and you have a craving for seafood. So you hop in the car and head to Noank to satisfy the aforementioned craving. You head to Abbott's Lobster in the Rough, order a massive lobster roll, and take your food to a picnic table to dine, where you'll bask in the warm summer sun and gaze out at the Mystic River. Ah, you think, it doesn't get much better than this.
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And truly - it doesn't get much better than this.
When the craving for delicious seafood strikes, there's no better place to go than Abbott's Lobster in the Rough. This tiny-but-mighty eatery is nestled along the mouth of the Mystic River in Noank, Connecticut, and it has delighted diners with delicious fresh seafood for over 70 years.
Established in 1947, Abbott's Lobster in the Rough is a hidden gem known primarily to locals for its very distinct brand of Connecticut-style lobster roll, served on a warm, buttered bun stuffed to the gills with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth morsels of lobster meat. (Maine lobster rolls, by contrast, are served cold with lots of mayo.) For those outside of Connecticut, this local lobster shack is relatively unknown; however, it's the kind of place that certainly belongs on any seafood lover's radar -- and coverage in recent years has certainly helped this lobster shack shine.
You'll find Abbott's at 117 Pearl Street in Noank, right on the mouth of the Mystic River (one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Connecticut). The atmosphere is casual and inviting -- no need to dress up here -- with a decidedly "sea shack" vibe. Despite the fact that lobster is often viewed as a luxury entrée, the lobster rolls at Abbott's are affordable and generously apportioned, and the lobster suppers are served with coleslaw, potato chips, and drawn butter... don't forget the napkins!
Of course, Abbott's boasts an amazing menu full of other fresh catches: clams and oysters on the half shell, mussels, shrimp, crab, and the restaurant's legendary "New England Seafood Feast" make for a menu sure to tempt and tantalize any seafood lover's taste buds. The aforementioned feast is a "best buy" at Abbott's and features the restaurant's Clam Chowder, Shrimp in the Rough, a bowl of Steamers and Mussels, Steamed Lobster, plus potato chips, coleslaw, and drawn butter. This is the kind of mouthwatering meal memories are made of!
Dine inside the cozy storefront or enjoy a meal right next to the water. No matter where you sit, you're in for a treat -- nothing beats the spectacular view surrounding you.
Make the effort to visit Abbott's Lobster in the Rough in Noank, Connecticut, before they close their doors for the season; for 2024, that date is October 14. Please note that reservations for the general public are neither needed nor accepted; dining is strictly "first come first served" and the restaurant is open rain or shine. To learn more about their seasonal hours and menu, visit the official website for Abbott's Lobster in the Rough.
Have you ever eaten at this scrumptious lobster shack in Connecticut? What's your favorite dish on the menu? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And be sure to show your support for this small business in Connecticut by following Abbott's Lobster on Facebook.
Of course, there are many amazing businesses doing great things in the Nutmeg State. Do you have another business you would like to see profiled on Only In Your State? Please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Connecticut on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems throughout the state.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
I find few things more satisfying than dining out at an upscale restaurant. Most of us can't afford to indulge in such luxuries on a daily basis, but that's what makes it so special. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just feel like treating yourself, enjoying the opulence and exquisite dishes at Connecticut's best fine dining restaurants is a wonderful experience to treasure every once in a while. If you're visiting the lovely city of New Haven, there's certainly no shortage of places to dine: it is the home of Connecticut-style apizza, after all! But if you're looking for something a little more upscale, you won't want to miss a visit to olea, one of the state's top restaurants. Here, you'll find a menu full of Mediterranean and Spanish delights that are absolutely delectable. Check it out:
Before you even walk in the door, you'll be struck by how incredibly pretty this place is. The simple, but elegant, exterior belies the explosive flavor of the food inside.
The menu is full of innovative Spanish cuisine, made with both locally-sourced ingredients and some components that are imported from the Mediterranean region.
The chef's tasting menu is available on weekdays and features six prix-fixe courses specially selected by Chef Manuel Romero. If you prefer to "choose your own adventure," there's also a traditional dinner menu where you can select your own dishes.
And boy, oh boy, are these dishes beautiful! They're almost too pretty to eat. This place is known for its immaculate presentation. While the menu changes seasonally to reflect ingredient availability, the one thing that stays constant is you can expect a good-looking and good-tasting plate of food.
The drink menu is similarly full of creative options, and whether you're looking for a pre-dinner cocktail or want to pair a wine with your meal, there's something for everyone at olea.
Have you ever enjoyed a meal at this delicious fine dining restaurant in New Haven? Learn more or check out a current menu from the olea website or olea Facebook page. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via the website.
Looking for the perfect place to stay in New Haven? Check out The Historic Mansion, conveniently located right in the heart of the city.
