This Buzzy Connecticut Restaurant Does One Dish Really, Really Well

Dining out while traveling is tricky, especially when you're in a new location. So when a recent trip took me to Old Saybrook, Connecticut, I did plenty of research on where to fill up. I looked at a lot of places—but one stood out. After all, who could resist dining at a spot called Monkey Farm? I didn't know what to expect, but what I found was a quirky, old-school diner and dive bar in a unique environment, serving up a menu of old-school plates.

The whole menu looked tempting, but I quickly settled on a retro combo you don’t often see anymore. I was blown away, and one of the best things about a place like Monkey Farm is that once you find that one dish that stands out, you know this will be a regular stop for you every time you're in town. Unsurprisingly, what I ordered seems to be the most popular dish at Monkey Farm, if a look at the other tables around me was an indication!

These days, Old Saybrook's main drag leading from the train station is a busy area filled with strip malls and large businesses. And in the middle of that, like a blast from the past, you'll find the Monkey Farm Cafe. But this isn't some quaint neighborhood bistro; it's the wackiest restaurant in town, with longer hours than your average restaurant and a unique dive-bar vibe.

You'll know you're in for a time when you arrive on the porch and find the large monkey plushie wearing a novelty shirt, along with a sign warning you that this is a cash-only establishment. In good weather, you can eat outside on the porch.

But personally, I'd take a seat inside because the atmosphere here is incredibly unique. It's a little rowdy, with a big central bar and some very unique ways to stay amused. You'll find darts, pool, video games, and regular trivia events. The menu is diverse and old-school, with a diner vibe and weekly specials.

As soon as I saw the pork chops and applesauce on the menu, I knew what I was getting. I was blown away by this dish: two huge, thick chops, a tangle of thin-cut fries, and a full ear of corn on the cob. The applesauce, served in a cup, made for a fantastic little dessert.

Have you dined at the Monkey Farm Cafe in Old Saybrook, Connecticut? Do you think the pork chops and applesauce deserve to be the most popular dish at Monkey Farm? If you haven't tried them for yourself, make sure to tell a friend about this article and pay a visit! You can see the whole menu on the Monkey Farm website, and the Monkey Farm Facebook page will give you all the details on the weekly specials.

Old Saybrook is consistently called one of the best vacation spots in Connecticut, and it's home to an amazing artisanal bakery, but if you're in town for the day and need more ideas of what to do, check out Only In Your State's AI-powered travel planner for some unique ideas!