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State: CT

  • OEC Brewing – Oxford, CT

    OEC Brewing – Oxford, CT

    OEC Brewing

    Oxford, CT

    oec-brewing-oxford-ct
    Wild-fermented beers, rustic vibes, and a hint of mystery—OEC Brewing isn’t your typical brewery stop. 📷 OEC Brewing

    OEC Brewing (Ordinem Ecentrici Coctores)

    Address: 7 Fox Hollow Road, Oxford, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.oecbrewing.com

    Overview
    OEC Brewing isn’t your average taproom—it’s a little weird, a little mysterious, and a whole lot of fun if you’re up for something different. Tucked away in the woods of Oxford, this brewery leans into old-world brewing traditions with a modern, eccentric twist. Expect unfiltered, barrel-aged, sometimes funky beers inspired by Northern Europe, made using wild fermentation, open vats, and techniques that sound more like alchemy than brewing.

    The space itself feels like a rustic clubhouse for people who love beer (and maybe a good secret society reference or two). There’s stone and wood and Latin symbols on the walls, plus a patio for nice days. It’s quirky in all the right ways—and surprisingly approachable, even if you don’t usually go for the sour or funky stuff.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    There’s nowhere else in Connecticut quite like it. If you’re into unique beers, oddball history, or just want a brewery visit that stands out, this place checks all the boxes.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open Tuesday–Sunday (hours vary slightly; closes at 7pm Friday–Saturday)
    • Small seasonal menu available; outside food and snacks also welcome
    • Seating is limited indoors; outdoor courtyard open in warmer months
    • Beer list changes constantly—come curious
    • Funky, barrel-aged, and old-world styles are their specialty

    Fun Fact
    The Latin name is intentionally wrong—OEC stands for Order of the Eccentric Boilers, a playful nod to old brewing traditions and secret societies. The founders fully admit: they don’t take themselves too seriously.

  • Fox Farm Brewery – Salem, CT

    Fox Farm Brewery – Salem, CT

    Fox Farm Brewery

    Salem, CT

    fox-farm-brewery-salem-ct
    Crisp pours and country views—Fox Farm Brewery is a peaceful spot to sip and stay awhile. 📷 Fox Farm Brewery

    Fox Farm Brewery

    Address: 62 Music Vale Road, Salem, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.foxfarmbeer.com

    Overview
    Tucked down a winding country road in Salem, Fox Farm Brewery is a quiet standout on Connecticut’s craft beer scene. It’s set in a beautifully restored dairy barn surrounded by rolling fields, with a tasting room that’s equal parts rustic and refined. There’s no restaurant, no live music, no frills—just really, really good beer and a setting that makes you want to hang out for hours.

    Fox Farm is known for clean, balanced beers—IPAs, pilsners, lagers, saisons—all brewed on-site with an emphasis on subtlety and quality. You can grab a pour or a flight inside the barn, or take it outside to the picnic tables on the lawn. It’s not loud or crowded—just friendly, well-paced, and thoughtfully done. If you’re into beer (or with someone who is), it’s absolutely worth the trip.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    It’s peaceful, scenic, and refreshingly chill. A perfect place to unwind with a beer that was brewed just a few feet away.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open Thursday–Sunday
    • No food for sale, but you’re welcome to bring light snacks
    • Kid-friendly and dog-friendly outdoors
    • Indoor and outdoor seating available year-round
    • Most beers available to-go in cans

    Fun Fact
    The tasting room sits in what used to be a hayloft, and the original post-and-beam construction is still fully intact.

  • Hopkins Vineyard – New Preston, CT

    Hopkins Vineyard – New Preston, CT

    Hopkins Vineyard

    New Preston, CT

    hopkins-vineyard-new-preston-ct
    Hilltop views, a glass of white, and lake breeze for good measure—Hopkins Vineyard is weekend perfection. 📷 Hopkins Vineyards

    Hopkins Vineyard

    Address: 25 Hopkins Road, New Preston, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.hopkinsvineyard.com

    Overview
    Hopkins Vineyard is one of those places where you show up “just for a tasting” and end up spending the whole afternoon. Set on a hillside overlooking Lake Waramaug, the views are incredible year-round—especially with a glass of estate-grown wine in hand. It’s been family-owned for over 40 years, and it shows in the way the place runs: friendly, down-to-earth, and proud of what they pour.

    The wine list leans white and sparkling, with a few reds and rosés to round things out. You can sample a flight inside the cozy 19th-century barn-turned-tasting room, or grab a bottle and head outside to one of the picnic tables or Adirondack chairs overlooking the water. They often host live music and small events, but even on a quiet day, it’s a lovely place to settle in.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    The combination of lake views, laid-back energy, and solid local wine makes this a no-brainer for a casual date, a weekend outing, or an easy detour when you’re in the area.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open year-round, with indoor and outdoor seating
    • Flights, glasses, and bottles available
    • Small cheese plates for sale; picnics welcome
    • Check their website or social for live music dates
    • Popular in fall—go early for the best seating

    Fun Fact
    The vineyard has been in the Hopkins family for over 200 years, originally as a dairy farm before transitioning to wine in the late 1970s.

  • Community Table – New Preston, CT

    Community Table – New Preston, CT

    Community Table

    New Preston, CT

    community-table-new-preston-ct
    Seasonal plates, strong cocktails, and modern country charm—Community Table brings Litchfield flavor to every meal. 📷 Community Table

    Community Table

    Address: 223 Litchfield Turnpike, New Preston, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.communitytablect.com

    Overview
    Community Table is one of those places that just feels like Litchfield County—stylish but unfussy, locally rooted, and built for long, relaxed meals. Tucked just outside of New Preston, it’s a modern country restaurant with a real sense of place. The interiors are clean and warm, with wood beams, high ceilings, and a laid-back polish that makes you feel right at home.

    The menu is seasonal and changes often, based on what local farms and producers are bringing in. You’ll find creative vegetable dishes, house-made pastas, fresh seafood, and comforting mains that hit the sweet spot between rustic and refined. The cocktails are thoughtful, the wine list is solid, and the atmosphere is the kind of chic-casual that works for both a spontaneous weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    It’s elegant but easygoing, with great food, great drinks, and a strong local heartbeat. The kind of place you wish was in your own neighborhood.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
    • Reservations are encouraged
    • Menu changes frequently with the seasons
    • Good options for vegetarians and gluten-free diners
    • Indoor and seasonal outdoor seating available

    Fun Fact
    “Community” isn’t just in the name—CT regularly partners with local farms and artisans to bring the best of the region to the table.

  • The Pantry – Washington Depot, CT

    The Pantry – Washington Depot, CT

    The Pantry

    Washington Depot, CT

    the-pantry-washington-depot-ct
    Fresh-baked pastries, seasonal plates, and small-town charm—The Pantry is worth the detour. 📷 The Pantry

    The Pantry

    Address: 5 Titus Road, Washington Depot, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.thepantryct.com

    Overview
    The Pantry is the kind of place that feels like it’s been there forever—in the best way. Tucked into a quiet corner of Washington Depot, this café and market has been serving thoughtful, seasonal food since 1977. It’s warm, welcoming, and the kind of spot where regulars know each other’s names.

    Now run by Keith and Zoe (who met working here and eventually took it over), The Pantry still offers up some of the best casual breakfast and lunch around—simple dishes made with care, great coffee, and baked goods that feel like a hug.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    It’s not flashy, but it’s full of heart—and a perfect spot for a low-key morning or midday date that feels a little special.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Open for breakfast and lunch only
    • Closed Tuesdays
    • Small indoor dining area with a few seasonal outdoor tables
    • Menu changes with the seasons
    • Don’t leave without something from the bakery case

    Fun Fact
    The current owners met while working here years ago—now they run it together, and it shows in every little detail.

  • Oyster Club – Mystic, CT

    Oyster Club – Mystic, CT

    Oyster Club

    Mystic, CT

    oyster-club-mystic-ct
    Coastal flavors, wood-fired plates, and one of Mystic’s best patios—Oyster Club knows how to do date night right. 📷 Oyster Club, The Treehouse

    Oyster Club

    Address: 13 Water Street, Mystic, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.oysterclubct.com

    Overview
    Oyster Club has that effortlessly cool feel—the kind of spot where you can show up in jeans and still have one of the best meals of your week. Tucked away just up the hill from Mystic’s riverfront, this cozy spot serves locally sourced, seasonal dishes that celebrate everything the Connecticut coast has to offer. Seafood is the star, but the wood-fired vegetables, handmade pastas, and killer cocktails hold their own.

    Inside, it’s warm and unfussy—wood beams, soft lighting, friendly service—and if you head out back, you’ll find the Treehouse, a seasonal patio bar that’s perfect for oysters, rosé, and sunset views. Whether you’re out for a casual date or want to lean into a full-on feast, this place is built for good food and good company.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    The food is the kind that makes you pause after the first bite. It’s fresh, creative, and grounded in what’s growing and swimming nearby. Bonus: it never feels like it’s trying too hard.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Menus change often based on what’s in season
    • The Treehouse (open in warmer months) is more casual, with a separate menu
    • Not just for seafood lovers—there’s something for everyone
    • Great spot for a lingering lunch or a cozy dinner
    • Reservations are smart, but walk-ins are sometimes lucky

    Fun Fact
    The Treehouse out back is one of the best-kept secrets in Mystic—a laid-back, open-air space that feels like a backyard hangout, only with oysters and cocktails.

  • The Shipwright’s Daughter – Mystic, CT

    The Shipwright’s Daughter – Mystic, CT

    The Shipwright’s Daughter

    Mystic, CT

    the-shipwrights-daughter-mystic-ct
    Tide-to-table dining in downtown Mystic—The Shipwright’s Daughter makes every dish feel personal. 📷 The Shipwright’s Daughter

    The Shipwright’s Daughter

    Address: 20 Water Street, Mystic, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.shipwrightsdaughter.com

    Overview
    This one’s a gem. Tucked into the lobby level of The Whaler’s Inn in downtown Mystic, The Shipwright’s Daughter is easy to miss—which makes it even better when you find it. The vibe is relaxed but elevated, with just the right amount of coastal charm (no anchor décor in sight). The menu changes daily based on what local fishermen and farmers have brought in, so it always feels fresh and seasonal.

    Expect plates that are thoughtful without being fussy—like roasted carrots with tahini and herbs, house-made gnocchi, perfectly cooked seafood, and one of the better bread services you’ll find anywhere in New England. The cocktails are great, the service is warm, and there’s something about the whole experience that just feels… right.

    Chef David Standridge and his team don’t just talk the talk—they walk it. Sustainability isn’t a buzzword here; it’s how they run the place. From the tide-to-table ingredients to how they support their staff, there’s real care behind every plate and every decision. It shows.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    It’s one of the most genuinely thoughtful restaurants in the area, with a rotating menu that keeps things exciting and a relaxed atmosphere that still feels a little special.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Located inside The Whaler’s Inn, but totally open to the public
    • Menus change daily—check online or just go with an open mind
    • Good mix of seafood and non-seafood dishes
    • Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly
    • Reservations are a good idea for dinner, especially on weekends

    Fun Fact
    The team here isn’t just focused on the food—they’re trying to build a better restaurant industry. From retirement matching to paid trainings, they’re investing in careers, not just jobs.

  • Grano Arso – Chester, CT

    Grano Arso – Chester, CT

    Grano Arso

    Chester, CT

    grano-arso-chester-ct
    Handmade pasta, candlelight, and small-town charm—Grano Arso in Chester is a hidden gem worth slowing down for. 📷 Grano Arso

    Grano Arso

    Address: 6 Main Street, Chester, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.granoarsoct.com

    Overview
    Grano Arso is one of those spots you almost don’t want to tell people about because it’s that good—but also too good not to share. It’s tucked into a cute little town (Chester), inside what used to be an old bank, and it hits the sweet spot between cozy and cool. The food is Italian with a twist—homemade pasta, beautiful veggies, and comforting dishes that feel just a little elevated.

    Chef Joel (who’s cooked in some really impressive places and been on a few cooking shows, too) runs the kitchen, and his wife Lani keeps the vibe warm and welcoming out front. Together, they’ve created the kind of restaurant that feels like a treat without ever being too fancy. It’s the kind of place you go for a casual date night… and end up staying for three courses and a cocktail or two.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    The food is genuinely delicious, the service is thoughtful but never over the top, and the whole place just feels good. Like a little night away, without the travel.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • It gets busy—definitely make a reservation, especially on weekends
    • Closed Sundays and Mondays
    • The cocktails are great and change with the seasons
    • Gluten-free and veg-friendly options are available
    • Ask about the Chef’s Tasting if you want to try a bunch of things (it’s fun and totally worth it)

    Fun Fact
    Every now and then, they flip the whole menu and do a pop-up Vietnamese night—Lani hops in the kitchen and makes it happen. (If you see it, go.)

  • The Charles – Wethersfield, CT

    The Charles – Wethersfield, CT

    The Charles

    Wethersfield, CT

    the-charles-wethersfield-ct
    The Charles, set in a beautifully restored 18th-century home in Old Wethersfield, welcomes guests with timeless charm and a warm glow. 📷 The Charles

    The Charles
    161 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT
    State: Connecticut
    Website: https://www.thecharlesct.com/

    Overview
    Set in the lovingly restored E.G. Robbins House in the heart of Old Wethersfield, The Charles blends historic charm with a fresh, modern take on New American cuisine. This beautifully curated restaurant makes the most of its 18th-century bones, from cozy fireplaces to intimate dining rooms, all matched with a vibrant bar scene and thoughtful hospitality. The seasonal menu features bold, elegant dishes like fontina gratin, steak frites, and charred cauliflower with secret house spice blends—alongside standout cocktails and one of the most thoughtful wine lists in the state. Whether you’re here for a celebration, a work lunch, or a spontaneous date night, The Charles rises to the occasion.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop
    With a long list of local accolades and a commitment to sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients, The Charles is a romantic yet approachable gem where special meals and simple pleasures meet.

    What to Know Before You Go

    • Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends
    • Most items can be made gluten-free; just ask your server
    • Located in a walkable historic district with nearby shops and galleries
    • Parking is available on-site

    Fun Fact
    The Charles is named for the owners’ grandfathers—and honors the building’s legacy as a gathering place, once known as the Pyquaug Inn.

  • The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant – New Preston, CT

    The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant – New Preston, CT

    The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant

    New Preston, CT

    the-white-horse-country-pub-and-restaurant-new-preston-ct
    Rustic elegance meets riverside charm at The White Horse—perfect for a cozy date night or weekend escape. 📷 The White Horse Country Pub and Restaurant

    The White Horse Country Pub & Restaurant

    • Address: 258 New Milford Turnpike, New Preston, CT 06777
    • State: Connecticut
    • Website: www.whitehorsecountrypub.com

    Overview:
    Tucked along the banks of the East Aspetuck River, The White Horse in New Preston is the kind of place that feels pulled from a storybook. Inside, it’s cozy and rustic—with stone fireplaces, antique British décor, and warm lighting. Outside, the river burbles past a candlelit patio that’s become a favorite for couples and celebratory dinners. The menu mixes upscale comfort food (think duck shepherd’s pie, horseradish-crusted salmon, and truffled mac & cheese) with elevated pub classics and decadent desserts.

    Why It’s Worth a Stop:
    Between the atmosphere, the riverside setting, and the reliably delicious food, it’s easy to see why The White Horse is consistently ranked among the state’s most romantic restaurants. You don’t have to dress up, but it always feels like an occasion. Bonus: service is just as lovely as the setting.

    What to Know Before You Go:
    • Open daily for lunch and dinner
    • Reservations recommended, especially on weekends
    • Indoor and seasonal riverside patio seating available
    • Excellent cocktail and wine list
    • Dress is casual but elevated

    Fun Fact:
    The property dates back to the 1800s and was once a stagecoach stop—today, you might spot the occasional swan gliding by during dinner.