One of the great things about living in New England is that we have four distinct seasons, so you get the full experience of each. One aspect of that is that we have many seasonal businesses in the region that close down during the cooler months and are open in the summer. This is especially true during summer in Connecticut, and there's no shortage of restaurants that are only open during the summertime. We've gathered up some of our favorite seasonal restaurants in Connecticut that are must-visits while the weather is warm. Check these out, before they close for the season!
1. Captain's Cove Seaport: 1 Bostwick Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06605
Okay, so this one's actually a bit more than a restaurant, but it is seasonal and does serve food! Captain's Cove is a family-friendly spot with all kinds of attractions. There's a marina, shops, and even escape rooms all along the boardwalk here.
The upper and lower decks have more than 400 seats overlooking Black Rock Harbor. The menu is primarily seafood (fitting!), but you'll also find burgers, hot dogs, and more. Captain's Cove is typically open from around May to October, but dates do vary each year, so keep an eye on the Captain's Cove Seaport website for most current information.
2. Ferris Acres Creamery: 144 Sugar St, Newtown, CT 06470
Another variety of food that's often seasonal is ice cream, and one of the best seasonal ice cream shops in Connecticut is Ferris Acres Creamery. The farm has been open since 1864 and ice cream has been served here since 2003.
This family-owned farm has three generations involved in the production and sale process. The homemade ice cream here is superb, and there's nothing like getting to watch cows graze while you enjoy the fruits of their labor! The creamery is typically open from mid-April until October, but keep an eye on the Ferris Acres Creamery website for current dates.
3. Lobster Landing: 152 Commerce St, Clinton, CT 06413
Lobster Landing is a great seafood shack that's short on frills but huge on taste. This award-winning restaurant cooks everything from scratch, using locally-procured ingredients whenever possible.
The title of "the best lobster rolls in Connecticut" is a pretty bold claim, but we've got to say, if these aren't the very best, they certainly come close. The hours can vary each year, so you'll want to keep an eye on the Lobster Landing Facebook page, but in the past, the restaurant's season has run from April to December.
4. The Place Restaurant: 901 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437
The Place Restaurant may have a bit of a generic name, but it's such a unique place that has a phenomenal vibe. It's wonderful for socializing - all the dining is outdoors, with tree stumps for seats.
All of the food is cooked over an open fire pit and there's a fun communal atmosphere here. Seafood is the big draw, but you can also enjoy steak and chicken. The Place is typically open from April through October, and you can get current hours from The Place website.
5. Captain Scott's Lobster Dock: 80 Hamilton St, New London, CT 06320
Another great casual spot that's very "come as you are" is Captain Scott's Lobster Dock. It's right on the water in New London and has been open since 1996.
You can get fresh fish here, but in our opinion, the fried dishes are unbeatable. All kinds of fried offerings are available here, from calimari to shrimp. The season can change each year, but typically runs from around March through Christmas. You can check current hours at the Captain Scott's Lobster Dock Facebook page.
Yum! Better hit these up before they close for the season.
What are your favorite seasonal restaurants in Connecticut? Share your list in the comments!
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