Harry’s Place

Colchester, CT

Harry’s Place

• Address: 104 Broadway, Colchester, CT 06415
• State: Connecticut
• Website: www.harrysplaceburgers.com

Overview:
Few roadside spots come with as much legacy—and as many great burgers—as Harry’s Place in Colchester. Open since 1920, this seasonal stand has been serving up hot dogs, burgers, onion rings, and milkshakes for over 100 years, with a story as rich as the food is satisfying. Originally founded by Harry Schmuckler and eventually taken over by a teen employee-turned-politician, Ruby Cohen, Harry’s has always been a place where food, family, and community come together. Today, it’s still family-run, still true to its roots, and still the kind of place where the menu’s on the wall, the line wraps around the lot, and summer just wouldn’t feel the same without it.

Why It’s Worth a Stop:
This is the real deal—a roadside classic that hasn’t lost its soul. Burgers are grilled to order, footlong hot dogs come split and seared, and the fried clam rolls are some of the best around. Families gather at the picnic tables out front, and longtime staff greet customers like neighbors. It’s a tradition, a gathering place, and a testament to what can happen when you do the simple things really, really well.

What to Know Before You Go:
• Open seasonally—typically March through mid-fall
• Outdoor walk-up counter with picnic table seating
• Cash and cards accepted
• Menu includes burgers, dogs, seafood rolls, onion rings, shakes, and more
• Family-friendly with plenty of parking
• Lines move fast, but come early on weekends for best seating

Fun Fact:
In the 1930s, Harry’s was purchased by Ruby Cohen, who ran the stand between legislative sessions—while also serving in the Connecticut General Assembly for four decades. That’s right: you could get a burger and some political strategy in the same visit.