11 Unassuming Restaurants To Add To Your Connecticut Dining Bucket List

You don't need a large upscale dining room or a giant flashing sign to attract folks to the best restaurants in Connecticut. Just serve up delicious food! In fact, the most unassuming restaurants are sometimes home to the best cuisine around. Here are some of the best places to eat near me.

1. J. Timothy's Taverne (Plainville)

Established in 1988, this casual restaurant serves up amazing wings, in addition to a number of other American favorites.

If you love restaurants with a rustic vibe, you'll feel right at home!

2. Little Goose Cafe (Fairfield)

Enjoy a rare culinary experience crafted from locally sourced ingredients that folks consider one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Connecticut.

Try the luscious Prime-Rib French Dip, served with grilled red peppers and onions, melted American cheese, and au jus for dipping.

Discover more of the menu on the Little Goose Cafe website.

3. Bridge House Restaurant (Milford)

Sit out on the patio, main dining room, or bar in this gastropub atmosphere serving delicious American food. With an award-winning staff, the owners' other two restaurants include the Bonfire Grille in the Woodmont section of Milford, and the Founders House Pub and patio downtown.

For a hearty dinner selection, order this juicy, 14-ounce Berkshire pork chop.

It is served with smashed, butternut squash; crispy maple risotto; and topped with a bourbon, fire, roasted apple cranberry compote with crushed, candied walnuts. Read more on the Bridge House Restaurant website.

4. Sitting Duck Tavern (Oxford, Stratford, Trumbull)

Pictured is the charming Stratford location. Stop into one of the three American Neighborhood Tavern locations, featuring regionally and locally sourced produce and other products.

We enjoy the Salmon Piccata and all of its lovely trimmings.

The pan-seared Atlantic salmon comes with wilted spinach, a piccata pan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy, whipped Yukon potatoes. See more photos on the Sitting Duck Tavern Facebook page.

5. Rein's Deli (Vernon)

"The taste of quality is long remembered" at this authentic deli, where just enough Hellman's Mayonnaise is used to hold the salads together.

This eatery is definitely not afraid of extra meat, where the flavorful corned beef and pastrami are Hebrew National.

Come here for stacked sandwiches you won't believe and a great selection of sides to go with them. See more food on Rein's Deli Facebook page.

6. Brass City Bistro (Waterbury)

This family-friendly establishment is one of the best restaurants near me, with plenty of fun shareables and all your favorite American staples.

Try one of the colorful salads and add fresh shrimp, chicken, scallops, or salmon to make it a hearty meal.

Check out the Brass City Bistro Facebook page for more information.

7. Monaco's Ristorante (Winsted)

This family-owned restaurant brings Italy to Connecticut with authentic dishes and a friendly atmosphere.

Be prepared for a carb overload as you fall in love with the extensive pasta options.

But this pretty antipasto comes guilt-free. Find out more on Monaco’s Ristorante Facebook page.

8. Heirloom Food Company (Danielson)

Nobody does healthy eating better than these guys!

Whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or something in between, the staff gives options! So head this way for guilt-free eating.

Study the interesting menu on the Heirloom Food Company website.

9. Deary Bros Mike's Stand (Putnam)

Only open four days a week, from Thursday to Sunday, you're sure to find a line at this fan favorite.

But the food is definitely worth it, especially a luscious lobster roll!

No summer is complete without stopping by this roadside gem, but the hours change after Labor Day. Read all about it on the Mike’s Stand website.

Brooklyn Country View Restaurant (Brooklyn)

Visit this charming, family-owned eatery and antique store.

If you can make it here for breakfast, the food will make your taste buds explode!

Read more on the Brooklyn Country View Restaurant website.

Andros Diner (Fairfield)

If you're seeking a great meal no matter what time of the day, stop by here.

This awesome diner is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

What is your favorite holiday dessert? The staff is known for its extraordinary baklava. Check out the story on the Andros Diner website.

For more of the best restaurants in Connecticut, check out these remarkable farm-to-table restaurants. Do you have a favorite eatery in Connecticut? If so, please share your comments below. And make it a weekend by finding a charming Vrbo.