Here in the Nutmeg State, we're blessed with a variety of great restaurants, particularly if you're looking for breakfast spots. Do you prefer a nice elegant, upscale brunch? Or are you more a fan of hole-in-the-wall diners whose humble appearances belie the delicious flavors hiding within? How about an eatery that serves up incredible breakfast followed by a lunch that's just as tasty? We have plenty of spots that fit that description in Connecticut, and one of our favorites is the Route 80 Cafe in East Haven.
If you've lived in the area for a while, you may remember an old New Haven staple called The Copper Kitchen. The unassuming diner was in business for more than 40 years before closing in 2010. Bill Kalogeridis owned The Copper Kitchen for about 25 of those years, and now runs Route 80 Cafe in East Haven.
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.
Looking for a unique restaurant in Danbury, CT, that doesn’t feel like your run-of-the-mill chain restaurant? I’ve got the perfect spot for you! Rosy Tomorrow’s has been delighting residents and visitors to Danbury since 1980. This family-friendly restaurant is a delicious spot to grab a bite to eat, especially if you love unique surroundings and a vintage vibe.
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It’s housed in an old train car, and while the name hints at the future, the decor is full of references to the past. The interior has a wide variety of antiques, making it almost feel like you’re enjoying a meal in a museum. This is such a fun restaurant and is a wonderful option whether you’re dining with friends and family or on a date.
One of the most notable aspects of Rosy Tomorrow's is immediately visible. The train caboose houses a bar and lobby area. While it's not an authentic train car (it was built for the restaurant), it certainly sets the stage for the fun you'll find inside.
With such a fun vibe and delicious food, you don't want to miss out on this train car restaurant in CT.
For more information about this unique restaurant in Connecticut and to check out Rosy Tomorrow's photos, make your way over to the official website of Rosy Tomorrow's or the Facebook Page of Rosy Tomorrow’s.
