8 Outdoor Restaurants In Connecticut You'll Want To Visit Before Summer's End
Natalie Clunan
Author
Outdoor dining is an experience: it’s casual vibes, beautiful views, and, of course, delicious food! Connecticut has a variety of outdoor restaurants that will give you a true taste of The Constitution State. From lobster shacks to delicious burgers, you won’t go hungry at any of the state’s outdoor dining establishments. Here are eight outdoor restaurants in Connecticut you need to visit — ASAP!
Related Stories
You'll Never Look At Donuts The Same Way After Trying Neil's Donuts In Connecticut
This Speakeasy Hidden Behind A Secret Passcode In Connecticut Is Perfect For A Date Night
This Enchanting Garden Restaurant In Connecticut Will Transport You To Another World
How many of these outdoor restaurants in Connecticut have you dined at before? Which one do you plan on heading to next? Share your fave outdoor dining spots in the comments below — we’d love to hear about them!
And we’d be remiss not to include dessert options in this roundup, too, so be sure to check out these ice cream stands in Connecticut. Rumor has it that they serve up some the very best milkshakes in the state!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Outdoor Restaurants In Connecticut
Does Connecticut have any waterfront restaurants?
Waterfront dining is the ultimate outdoor dining experience, and Connecticut has some incredible places where you can do just that. The aptly-named A Waterfront Restaurant offers a spectacular view of the Connecticut River along with a gourmet array of tantalizing recipes that will fully satisfy. Located in Putnam Park in Wethersfield, enjoying the view of the Putnam Bridge and Connecticut River is a magical way to spend lunch or dinner. There are no "bad seats" here: each seat at River is the best seat in the house! Whether you prefer to enjoy a scrumptious dinner on the outdoor patio or have a preference for indoor dining, every table has a gorgeous waterfront view that will make your experience memorable. Of course, the food is incredible here, too: high-quality Mediterranean cuisine with antipasto, salads, soups, seafood appetizers, flatbreads, grilled steak, fresh seafood, and pastas. This waterfront restaurant is one you'll never want to leave!
What are some of the best restaurants in Connecticut?
Connecticut is home to several bucket-list-worthy restaurants. Some of our favorites include Swyft, an unassuming little restaurant in Kent that with crave-worthy burgers and Neapolitan-style pizza. Famous 50's Diner is another legendary place with nostalgic decor and dishing up classic American flavors like burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes. And Lenny's in Branford is a delight; this long-standing restaurant serves classic New England dishes in a vibrant and welcoming setting. Their clam chowder, fresh lobster, and smoked ribs will make your mouth water uncontrollably.
Are there many places to dine outside in Connecticut?
Absolutely! In addition to the above list of outdoor restaurants in Connecticut, you'll find a number of seasonally operated lobster shacks and ice cream stands sure to have you coming back for seconds! One of our favorite places to dine outside in The Constitution State is Fresh Salt. Tucked inside the lovely Saybrook Point Resort, Fresh Salt offers an exceptional, and romantic, dining experience. This exquisite eatery offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner; no matter when you come, you're certain to be impressed. The meals are fresh and delicious -- you'll find exceptional seafood dishes like raw oysters, grilled swordfish, and pan seared sea scallops. It doesn't get any fresher, or more delicious, than this! And the cherry on top are the views: the panoramas from the back deck are sublime, especially as the sun begins to set. Definitely one to check out ASAP! You can read about more outdoor dining options in this guide, too.