Dining out can be a real adventure if you know where to go. When you're craving more than just a tasty bite to eat, these 11 wackadoodle restaurants in Connecticut will provide more than just a delicious meal. From engaging environments to adorable animal dining companions, these eateries are crazy amounts of fun.
1. Eli Cannon's Tap Room - 695 Main St., Middletown
Eli Cannon's Tap Room with its odd decoration is instantly recognizable. Expect more of the same over-the-top eclectic collection of stuff on the inside too. The biggest surprise is the backyard beach that has plenty of sand, lounge chairs, sand toys, and even a tiki bar. Enjoy a solid variety of creative pub food along with flavorful beer at this quirky spot.
Dine under the open sky at the seasonal eatery, Goats N' Roses. Bright and fresh cuisine dominates the menu and creative desserts served in mason jars are tempting treats. Enjoy your meal with a ringside seat to a herd of playful goats that frolic while you indulge your taste buds.
3. Alice in the Village - 27 Coogan Blvd. #26a, Mystic
It's time for tea at Alice in the Village. This Alice in Wonderland themed tea room is a delightful change from other eateries. The food and atmosphere are equally whimsical at this storybook spot. And you never know when the Mad Hatter might pop in to join the party.
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4. Shanks Waterfront Dining - 131-c Grove St., Clinton
If you love fresh seafood, head to Shanks Waterfront Dining. Walk up to the food truck boat to place your order and then snag a picnic table with a waterfront view. This dry-docked vessel is fully equipped with a kitchen that sends out mouth-watering dishes like lobster nachos and fish tacos.
5. Cream & Sugar Cafe - 7 P T Barnum Square, Bethel
If you have a sweet tooth that never seems to be satisfied, Cream & Sugar Cafe is the spot for you. The enormous freakshakes served are loaded with candy and toppings are almost too massive to devour on your own. Everyone deserves to indulge sometimes, right?
6. Two Wrasslin' Cats Coffee House & Cafe - 374 Town St., East Haddam
Two Wrasslin' Cats is an unusual spot indeed. The bright exterior beckons you inside where you'll instantly feel at home. The decor is a collection of mismatched furniture and cat decor that is oddly charming. Dive into a creative sandwich or sip on a rich cup of coffee. This eatery focuses on food and community and it shows.
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7. Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill - 1 Bass Pro Dr., Bridgeport
Classic American fare is served up in an aquarium-like atmosphere at Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill. You'll feel like you're underwater with sharks swimming overhead at this ocean-themed spot. Right next door is a bowling alley that carries on the theme to the extreme.
Frog Rock Rest Stop began decades ago as a rock painted to look like a frog and a few picnic tables. Today this groovy roadside joint has an antique store, playground, and live music on the weekends. Grab a burger or a dog and join the lively outdoor party at this seasonal spot.
MILKCRAFT brings science and food together. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze your ice cream choices right on the spot at this trendy new dessert cafe. The ice cream is then placed inside a real waffle for your consumption. Watch the science take place right in front of your eyes at this popular ice cream shop.
Every year, locals eagerly await the April opening of The Place. Dining here is like enjoying a huge backyard cookout any day of the week. Clams, lobsters, corn, and more are grilled over an open fire and served to diners perched on tree stumps. Wacky? Yes, but we love it that way!
11. Top Dog Hot Dog - 221 Marlborough St., Portland
Cravings for hot dogs can be taken care of at this roadside stand in Portland. You'll instantly recognize the bright yellow taxi hooked up to a food truck that looks like a hot dog. Top Dog Hot Dog has been making diners giggle and return again and again with their bright and fun set up. A creative line up of hot dogs will satisfy all that stop in and there's even a vegetarian option.
Which of these wackadoodle restaurants have you been to and which ones are you going to add to your dining bucket list? What other spots deserve a place on this list? If you're a literature lover, you'll love this library restaurant where you get a free book with every meal.
The One Restaurant in Connecticut That Becomes Even More Enchanting at Christmas Time
Cava Restaurant in Southington, Connecticut, transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland with 85,000 lights and festive decor, making it a must-visit during the holiday season.
We like to bring a little spirit into our homes by stringing up lights and garlands for the holidays. There are several restaurants in Connecticut that like to add some festive decor to their space to make the season more fun. But there is one spot, Cava Restaurant, that could easily be nicknamed the Christmas restaurant in Connecticut because its holiday decor features 85,000 sparkling lights and much more!
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Cava Restaurant in Southington, Connecticut is a gorgeous place to dine throughout the entire year.
Located in Southington, this restaurant is known for its fine Italian cuisine. It is also the perfect venue to hold private parties and events.
The restaurant is well known for its spectacular rooftop dining space with incredible views. It is highly recommended that you make reservations if you want to dine at Cava Restaurant, it is insanely popular. It is a first-class place with decadent food and top-notch service.
Cava Restaurant goes all out for the holidays. They use 85,000 lights to decorate both the outside and inside of their space, transforming it into the most beautiful Christmas restaurant, a must-visit during the season. Pictures just could not possibly do it justice.
The tradition began ten years ago when the restaurant started its large Christmas display. The decor on the outside of the building is quite subtle compared to the delights you will find inside.
You will be absolutely dazzled when you walk through the doors and enter Cava Restaurant at Christmas time.
This Christmas restaurant puts on a holiday spectacular that will take your breath away. You don't know where to look first as you begin to take in all the sparkling Christmas decorations throughout the restaurant spaces.
Each area of the restaurant is completely decked out, but not always in the same fashion.
The decor uses a lot of shiny ornaments which bounce the light around the room. Even the baskets of ornaments hanging from the ceiling help with reflecting the holiday glow. The bar area also explodes in holiday cheer.
The shiny wood surfaces are the perfect backdrop for the red and white themed decor. Who wouldn't want to enjoy a cocktail in this room that exudes so much warmth? Some rooms are incredibly full of lights and sparkle! Bright and beautiful — the ambiance in this highly decorated room is just spectacular. The chandelier hanging from the ceiling is a majestic part of the decor.
And though the interior decorations of this Christmas restaurant are all very brag-worthy, the cuisine here is top rated too.
Some of the more popular dishes are the cavatelli, lobster ravioli, and bolognese. The seafood is cooked with care and the steaks are juicy and tender.
Before you say goodbye to Cava Restaurant, you must try one of their sumptuous desserts like the amazing chocolate torte.
Cava Restaurant in Southington, Connecticut is well worth a visit any time of the year, but wouldn't it be more fun during the holiday season? It could even become one of your favorite Connecticut Christmas traditions each year. Cava Restaurant will keep its winter spectacular alive until February so even more patrons can enjoy the display.
Check out this video footage from inside this Christmas restaurant in Connecticut during the holiday season:
To peruse the menus before making a reservation, head to the Cava CT website. To see more Cava Restaurant photos, visit Facebook.
If you absolutely adore Christmas and can't get enough of the holiday fun, then take a trip to one of the best Christmas towns in Connecticut.
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Need some gift inspiration? Check out our handy Holiday Gift Guide for great ideas for the travelers on your list!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
