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.
- Eli Cannon’s Tap Room - 695 Main St., Middletown
Google Images/Aaron Johnson
Facebook/Eli Cannon’s 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.
- Goats N’ Roses - 86 E Hampton Rd., Marlborough
Facebook/Goats N’ Roses
Facebook/Goats N’ Roses 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.
- Alice in the Village - 27 Coogan Blvd. #26a, Mystic
Google Images/Heidi Dufree
Facebook/Alice in the Village 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.
- Shanks Waterfront Dining - 131-c Grove St., Clinton
Facebook/Shanks at Harborside
Facebook/Shanks at Harborside 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.
- Cream & Sugar Cafe - 7 P T Barnum Square, Bethel
Facebook/Cream & Sugar Cafe
Facebook/Cream & Sugar Cafe 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?
- Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House & Cafe - 374 Town St., East Haddam
TripAdvisor/Bruce H
Google Images/Robert Katz 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.
- Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill - 1 Bass Pro Dr., Bridgeport
Facebook/Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
Facebook/Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill 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 -212 Pomfret Rd., Rt 44, Eastford
Facebook/Frog Rock Rest Stop -212 Pomfret Rd.- Rt 44, Eastford, CT
Facebook/Frog Rock Rest Stop -212 Pomfret Rd.- Rt 44, Eastford, CT 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 - 1215 Post Rd., Fairfield
Facebook/MILKCRAFT
Facebook/MLKCRAFT 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.
- The Place - 901 Boston Post Rd., Guilford
Google Images/leslie borrelli
Google Images/Justin Lin 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!
- Top Dog Hot Dog - 221 Marlborough St., Portland
Google Images/Paul Sczurek 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.
Google Images/Aaron Johnson
Facebook/Eli Cannon’s
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.
Facebook/Goats N’ Roses
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.
Google Images/Heidi Dufree
Facebook/Alice in the Village
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.
Facebook/Shanks at Harborside
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.
Facebook/Cream & Sugar Cafe
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?
TripAdvisor/Bruce H
Google Images/Robert Katz
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.
Facebook/Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
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.
Facebook/Frog Rock Rest Stop -212 Pomfret Rd.- Rt 44, Eastford, CT
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.
Facebook/MILKCRAFT
Facebook/MLKCRAFT
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.
Google Images/leslie borrelli
Google Images/Justin Lin
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!
Google Images/Paul Sczurek
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.
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