The Redding Roadhouse, 30 Years & Counting (sponsored post)

After 30 years, memories are still being made at the Redding Roadhouse.  Located in central Redding, aka where “all roads meet in the middle of nowhere”, The Roadhouse has hosted hundreds of weddings, graduations and holiday parties, and thousands of first dates and rowdy and rockin’ Saturday nights.  Happily, some things do stay the same!

After several years during which ownership passed outside the family, Jordan Wright, the current operator and nephew of founder Mac “Mackenzie” Groetzinger, has restored much of the original character of this iconic eatery. Drawing on his experience as a builder and his deep personal affection for the business, Wright undertook a major renovation in the fall of 2014. Rather than change the country ambiance, he made subtle changes and upgrades to improve the overall dining experience. Aging kitchen equipment was replaced, the custom mahogany bar in the Tap Room was extended, the bocce court was rebuilt and a stone fire pit was added to the patio. 

Wright envisions The Roadhouse is a gathering place for one and all so each area of the restaurant has been re-imagined with that in mind.  The upstairs function room has been transformed into the Mark Twain Lounge.

The Lounge, an “adults only” space, is an Art Deco-inspired, leather-furnished clubroom with a regulation oak pool table. Multiple flat screen TVs and a full service bar make the Lounge the perfect spot for quiet conversation, playing a friendly (and free) game of pool or watching a favorite sporting event.  The Patio Bar, on the other hand, caters to family dining in the early evening and sports bar patrons late night. .  Similarly, the Tap Room, Dining Room and Patio each have their own unique appeal. As in the past, each venue is available for private parties and special events for 20-175 guests.

Head chef, Mark Holliman, has applied the “updated tradition” theme to the menu as well. A highlight of the extensive steaks and chops selection is the Brined Hatfield Farms Reserve Pork Chop ($22).  Also, not to be missed is the Stormfield Harvest Salad, a delectable mix of field greens, apples, seasonal berries with raspberry vinaigrette dressing ($12).  A “Hand-to-Mouth” standout is the Shaved Prime Rib Panini on crusted peasant bread with guyere cheese, carmelized onions and horseradish sauce au jus ($14).  Weeknight Specials are popular and delicious. Monday is Burger & Beer Night ($12 adult/$5 child).  Taco Tuesday, Wing Night Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday are Tap Room favorites.

Live music continues to draw large crowds to Redding from across the state. On weekend nights local bands play everything from bluegrass to classic rock. During the week, acoustical artists often stop by for informal sessions.  

Holiday brunches and family dinners continue to thrive at The Roadhouse, but by far the most popular Special Event is Oktoberfest, kicking off its 30th Anniversary on September 18th, 2015.

The OomPahPah band will play on Sunday evenings (4 to 8 p.m.) from September 27th through October and the beer hall menu will return. Oktoberfest menu includes Kassler Rippchen, a smoked pork chop with sauerkraut and apples ($24.95) and Veal a al Holstein, wiener schnitzel with fried egg, capers and anchovies ($24.95). A German dinner is not complete without a hearty helping of Black Forest Cake or Apple Strudel.

The Redding Roadhouse has successfully weathered the storms of change that have shaken the restaurant industry in Fairfield County with a winning combination of “updated tradition” and an experienced, friendly staff.  It is both comfortable and welcoming in all the right places and is drawing great reviews. 

The word has spread so weekend reservations are recommended, and Oktoberfest should be a fantastic celebration.  Holiday parties are already on the calendar, so plan now to experience the great food and good cheer of an old favorite, The Redding Roadhouse.   

Open Monday-Friday for Happy Hour at 3p.m., and Weekends for Lunch at 11 a.m.

The Redding Roadhouse 406 Redding Road, Redding CT. 203.938.3388

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