We have plenty of delicious Mexican restaurants in Connecticut, and one of the oldest and most delightful is Viva Zapata in Westport. This delicious eatery is set up in a historic home that looks quite tame from the outside. Inside, however, you'll find a peppy and colorful spot with unique decor and incredibly tasty food. It's no wonder that it's been around for over half a century.
Viva Zapata recently celebrated its 50th year of good times in Westport. The eatery opened up back in 1969 and has been delighting Nutmeg State residents ever since.
That's quite the feat in today's world, which often feels like it's a revolving door of closing and new eateries!
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This place has a great atmosphere and is open late.
You'll find music, margaritas, great food, good times, and even an electronic dart board here.
The outdoor patio is open seasonally and perfect for a warm weather day.
You'll find the typical variety of Mexican dishes here, including burritos and enchiladas.
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There's also a "for the doubting gringo" section of the menu where you can pick up surprisingly good burgers and fries.
The nachos are delicious, with a number of toppings to choose from.
Of course, you can't go wrong with tacos! There's a reason they're such a favorite.
The shrimp tacos are particularly great, but you can also get meat or fish as fillings.
The portions are quite sizable, and many of the plates come with rice and beans.
Not only is Viva Zapata one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Connecticut, it's also among the tastiest!
For more information about this delicious Mexican restaurant in Connecticut, check out the Viva Zapata website.
Have you ever visited Viva Zapata in Westport? Share your experiences in the comments!
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.
This is the type of restaurant where you immediately feel at home.
The bar looks straight out of Cheers, and it shouldn't be a surprise that many of the people stopping by are regulars.
All kinds of fun relics decorate the interior...
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...it's easy to see why this is a popular spot with kids!
Rosy Tomorrow's menu focuses on American dishes, with sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and more.
This is one spot you don't want to skip out on salad! There are some great options here.
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.