Classic Diners and True Taverns in Connecticut
These lists below are both difficult to maintain – and difficult to “complete.” Diners and taverns are slowly disappearing for various reasons. And that was before the COVID-19 pandemic decimated both types of establishments around the country. I can’t define what a “classic” diner is – nor can anyone. At least a true Connecticut tavern is was defined by state licensing, and there are very few now none remaining. Many of these places have decades of history and I’m sure regulars could provide weeks worth of stories. So I’ll stop yapping and get to visiting.
Connecticut’s last True Taverns*
“Classic” Diners
White’s Diner, Bridgeport
Triple A Diner, East Hartford
Charlene’s Diner, Griswold
Norm’s Diner, Groton
Shoreline Diner & Vegetarian Enclave, Guilford
Glenwood Drive-In, Hamden
Zip’s Diner, Killingly
O’Rourke’s Diner, Middletown (Closed)
New Britain Diner, New Britain
New Canaan Diner, New Canaan
Windmill Diner, New Milford
Cody’s Diner, New Haven
Tandoor, New Haven
Olympia Diner, Newington
Sandy Hook Diner, Newtown
Blue Colony Diner, Newtown
Collin’s Diner, North Canaan
Post Road Diner, Norwalk
Silver Star Diner, Norwalk
Day Breaks Diner, Plainfield
Main Street Diner, Plainville
Agave Diner, Seymour
Laurel Diner, Southbury
Curley’s Diner, Stamford
Elm Street Diner, Stamford
Lakeside Diner, Stamford
Parkway Diner, Stamford
Twin Colony Diner, Torrington
Quaker Diner, West Hartford
Georgie’s Diner, West Haven
Makris Diner, Wethersfield
Orem’s Diner, Wilton
Aero Diner, Windham
Skooter’s Diner, Windsor Locks
The Winsted Diner, Winchester (Closed)
Book Review: Classic Diners of Connecticut
True Taverns
Years ago – probably in 2014 or so – I put together a list of Connecticut’s remaining true taverns. I did so by searching the state’s database of tavern licensees. (You’d be amazed at what information is available there on all sorts of things.) According to Connecticut law, a tavern permit allowed its holder to sell beer, wine, and cider up to 6% alcohol for consumption on the premises with or without the sale of food.
Since I put the list together in 2014, the list dwindled. The pandemic was not kind, and the market pushed a few to move “up” to the café license so they can serve double IPAs and liquor. On July 1, 2020, the state of Connecticut officially phased out the tavern license and forced all taverns to become cafes. In other words, there are no more true taverns in the state. Some of the below still adhere to the tavern ethos, but I’m guessing all serve beer over 6% ABV now. This makes me sad.
Calamari’s Tavern, Deep River
Gatehouse Tavern, Groton
Dutch Tavern, New London
Half Keg Tavern, New London
Sharon Valley Tavern, Sharon
Towne Tavern, Torrington
