To get to the amazing restaurant we're about to clue you in on, you'll have to wind through the Litchfield hills for miles. That is, unless you're one of the 750 or so people who actually live in the town. Arethusa al tavolo is all the way up in the quaint town of Bantam. It might be a trek, but it's absolutely worth it.
Since its opening in 2013, Arethusa al tavolo has become a destination for foodies in Litchfield County and beyond.
Looking for the perfect wine to pair with your meal? They have 12 wines available by the glass through an innovative cruvinet system. Of course, there's a great selection of bottles, too.
Connecticut is a pretty small state, so it's easy to travel just about anywhere in it on a day trip. Still, some areas of the Nutmeg State aren't visited, especially by tourists, as frequently. The northeast corner of the state, near the Rhode Island border, is one of those areas. That means some of its best surprises are true hidden gems, and I found one of them in the small town of Danielson. This beautiful town of around 4,200 people is home to natural beauty and historic buildings as well as a great rural restaurant in Connecticut. George's Galley is a true hometown restaurant, serving diner-style classics, with a little extra flair, in a laid-back environment. It's usually packed with locals every morning, but there's always room for newcomers. Pay a visit and see why it lives up to its reputation.
Despite its nautical theme, George's Galley is well inland. While it's not a seafood restaurant, this humble local eatery specializes in the kind of hearty food sailors would kick off their day with. It's been serving big plates to the locals since 1978, survived a car accident a few years ago that took out a wall, resulting in a temporary closure, and it isn't slowing down any time soon.
A western omelet also known as a Denver omelet
Breakfast is the biggest meal of the day here, and omelets are the signature at George's Galley. There are over a dozen options, including some unusual choices like kielbasa and cheese. Breakfast sandwiches and lighter dishes are also available, so it's a great place to kick off your day. Almost everything is under $10, except a few specialty omelets.
High angle view of freshly grilled hot dogs with various condiments like chili,sauerkraut, onions,mustard and cheddar
At lunch, the menu shifts to sandwiches, including the restaurant's famous Coney dogs. The price is a huge draw here, as are the big flavors. You can also get a selection of entrees, including daily specials like pastrami on rye and beef stew. George's Galley makes an especially great stop after a day of hiking.
Have you visited George's Galley in Danielson? If not, tell a friend about this article and make a day trip to the area! You can see the full menu on the George's Galley website, and the George's Galley Facebook page is where you'll find the latest announcements about the restaurant's hours. If you're looking for a sweet treat after a meal here, the nearby Moon Magick Cafe serves magic-themed coffee and snacks. Independent local hotels are often a toss-up, but the Quiet Corner Inn, only a few minutes away by car, gets incredible reviews for its price and comfort if you're looking for a place to spend the night.
Picture this: it's summer in Connecticut, and you have a craving for seafood. So you hop in the car and head to Noank to satisfy the aforementioned craving. You head to Abbott's Lobster in the Rough, order a massive lobster roll, and take your food to a picnic table to dine, where you'll bask in the warm summer sun and gaze out at the Mystic River. Ah, you think, it doesn't get much better than this.
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And truly - it doesn't get much better than this.
When the craving for delicious seafood strikes, there's no better place to go than Abbott's Lobster in the Rough. This tiny-but-mighty eatery is nestled along the mouth of the Mystic River in Noank, Connecticut, and it has delighted diners with delicious fresh seafood for over 70 years.
Established in 1947, Abbott's Lobster in the Rough is a hidden gem known primarily to locals for its very distinct brand of Connecticut-style lobster roll, served on a warm, buttered bun stuffed to the gills with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth morsels of lobster meat. (Maine lobster rolls, by contrast, are served cold with lots of mayo.) For those outside of Connecticut, this local lobster shack is relatively unknown; however, it's the kind of place that certainly belongs on any seafood lover's radar -- and coverage in recent years has certainly helped this lobster shack shine.
You'll find Abbott's at 117 Pearl Street in Noank, right on the mouth of the Mystic River (one of the most beautiful bodies of water in Connecticut). The atmosphere is casual and inviting -- no need to dress up here -- with a decidedly "sea shack" vibe. Despite the fact that lobster is often viewed as a luxury entrée, the lobster rolls at Abbott's are affordable and generously apportioned, and the lobster suppers are served with coleslaw, potato chips, and drawn butter... don't forget the napkins!
Of course, Abbott's boasts an amazing menu full of other fresh catches: clams and oysters on the half shell, mussels, shrimp, crab, and the restaurant's legendary "New England Seafood Feast" make for a menu sure to tempt and tantalize any seafood lover's taste buds. The aforementioned feast is a "best buy" at Abbott's and features the restaurant's Clam Chowder, Shrimp in the Rough, a bowl of Steamers and Mussels, Steamed Lobster, plus potato chips, coleslaw, and drawn butter. This is the kind of mouthwatering meal memories are made of!
Dine inside the cozy storefront or enjoy a meal right next to the water. No matter where you sit, you're in for a treat -- nothing beats the spectacular view surrounding you.
Make the effort to visit Abbott's Lobster in the Rough in Noank, Connecticut, before they close their doors for the season; for 2024, that date is October 14. Please note that reservations for the general public are neither needed nor accepted; dining is strictly "first come first served" and the restaurant is open rain or shine. To learn more about their seasonal hours and menu, visit the official website for Abbott's Lobster in the Rough.
Have you ever eaten at this scrumptious lobster shack in Connecticut? What's your favorite dish on the menu? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! And be sure to show your support for this small business in Connecticut by following Abbott's Lobster on Facebook.
Of course, there are many amazing businesses doing great things in the Nutmeg State. Do you have another business you would like to see profiled on Only In Your State? Please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Connecticut on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems throughout the state.
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Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
