Lunch used to mean a soggy peanut butter and jelly sandwich extracted from sticky wax paper. Those days are over now. In Connecticut, there are many great places to grab a quick bite in the middle of the day, but if you are looking for a marvelous meal in a trendy setting we've got the perfect list for you. Heavenly burgers, perfect sandwiches, and scrumptious seafood are just a few things on the menu at these colorful cafes.

1. Prospect Cafe

345 Prospect Ave.,

West Hartford, Connecticut

The Prospect Cafe serves classic American fare done right. The burgers and sandwiches, like the BLT above, are built to perfection with great ingredients and sauces.

2. Dog Lane Cafe

1 Dog Ln.,

Storrs, Connecticut

Located near the University of Connecticut, Dog Lane Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Focusing on American and European dishes, this colorful cafe has something for everyone. The scrambled egg burrito, artisan grilled cheese, and ahi tuna are all favorites at Dog Lane Cafe.

3. Molina's Cafe

95 High St.,

Enfield, Connecticut

Breakfast burger anyone? A hamburger topped with cheese, bacon, fried egg and served with a side of home fries is a home run at Molina's Cafe. Serving a variety of comfort plates, this colorful cafe has quite a following.

4. John's Cafe

693 Main St. S.,

Woodbury, Connecticut

John's Cafe is an upscale place with bistro style dining indoors and outside. The scallops and mussels are definitely worth trying, but there are plenty of non seafood items on the flavorful menu as well.

5. Mountainside Cafe

251 Rt. 7 S.,

Falls Village, Connecticut

Fresh farm to table cuisine is on the menu at the Mountainside Cafe. There are many scrumptious choices for both breakfast and lunch on the menu here. From fruit topped French toast to portabella wraps, there are no lack of options at the Mountainside Cafe.

6. 189 Sports Cafe

189 Federal Rd.,

Brookfield, Connecticut

A delicious selection of salads, wraps, and signature sandwiches are available at the 189 Sports Cafe. For burger lovers, you can try the black angus or kobe beef and build it anyway you like it.

7. Anastasio's Boat House Cafe

307 Front St.,

New Haven, Connecticut

With water view dining on the outdoor deck, this cafe shares spectacular scenery with its diners. The fried fisherman's platter is a hearty portion with lip-smacking crispy breaded seafood. Anastasio's Boat House Cafe also has a variety of other yummy options.

8. Cafe Atlantique

33 River St.,

Milford, Connecticut

Located in downtown Milford, Cafe Atlantique is just a very short walk from the train station. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The salads are very fresh and light - perfect for a quick bite.

9. Greenhouse Cafe & Tavern

511 Spielman Hwy.,

Burlington, Connecticut

The Greenhouse Cafe & Tavern is a wonderful place to grab pizza or sandwiches. It's also a great spot to buy plants with its greenhouse right on the premises. The unique dining experience is what landed this restaurant on our list of colorful cafes.

10. Bella's Cafe

896 Whalley Ave.,

New Haven, Connecticut

Serving breakfast all day just might be the thing to bring you to Bella's Cafe. This cheerful spot serves up omelettes in a fresh and new way and yes, they have superb shrimp and grits too.

11. Middle Ground Cafe

42 Main St.,

Stafford Springs, Connecticut

Located in a historic bank building next to the train tracks, Middle Ground Cafe is well known for its pastries. They serve both breakfast and lunch with lots of yummy choices, but we just can't seem to get enough of their quiche.

12. BMuse Cafe

665 N. Colony Rd., Unit B,

Wallingford, Connecticut

BMuse Cafe in Wallingford has sandwiches and salads to please any palette. They also offer a good variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free choices. The Santa Fe salad with fresh avocado is a patron favorite.

Have you eaten at any of these colorful cafes before? What was your favorite thing on the menu? Or do you have a favorite spot to add to this list? Let us know in the comments section below.

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