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Connecticut Restaurants Reopening on 5/20 with Outdoor Dining

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 17, 2020

“Opening a restaurant demands a fervent love of the business… and because of that love restaurants have historically proven far more resilient than many other small businesses,” writes John Mariani in a recent article for Forbes. We are overjoyed that on Wednesday May 20, Connecticut restaurants can begin opening their doors per the governor and the state’s reopening plan. Things may look a little different at first- outdoor dining only, reduced capacity, spread out tables, and in some cases limited hours- but we are thrilled to return to our favorite local eateries. Here is a guide to restaurants reopening on May 20. Please let us know if you know of anyone not on the list. Please note that we are trying to keep up with updates, but these details are subject to change. Please call your favorite restaurants ahead of time to confirm.

Fairfield County

Viva Zapata, Westport

Dine on Westport’s oldest outdoor patio. The largest patio in town offers views of the Saugatuck River where you can enjoy award winning Mexican food and outrageous frozen drinks. Viva Zapata has been a Westport landmark for over 50 years!!! We offer Mexican favorites such as tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, our cilantro cream enchiladas, and shrimp encinada. You can also find non-Mexican items such as our burgers-- voted “Best in Westport” and barbecue ribs. We are doing first come first serve. We are allowed by state to have up to parties of 5, but if you are a family larger then 5 people we can accommodate you. We are strongly enforcing the 6 foot social distance. Please be respectful as we adjust to theses new guidelines. We continue to be open for curbside takeout. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones as we open our patio to safely serve our guests. 203-227-8226

Tavern on 7, Norwalk

As Connecticut commences its first phase of reopening on May 20, Tavern on 7, located at 611 Main Avenue in Norwalk, is excited to offer their patio space to locals who are craving to sit back once again enjoy the delicious Tavern on 7 dining experience. Known for its laid-back and friendly atmosphere, Tavern on 7 offers a vast array of food and drink options, as well as distinguishable daily specialty items ranging from braised short ribs to seafood linguine to sole livornese. The bar and grill’s classic, staple foods include burgers, buffalo wings, salads, sandwiches, tacos, pastas, and even house made dessert. Also offering kids menu options, Tavern on 7 understands the challenges of feeding large families during the coronavirus pandemic, and now offers numerous family option meals intended to serve 4 to 6 people at affordable prices for takeout. Taking pride in the health and safety of their customers and staff, Tavern on 7 follows strict safety procedures in order to assure complete confidence and responsibility in the well being of all customers and staff members. To learn more about Tavern on 7, visit their website at www.tavernon7.com and like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram, @tavernon7.

The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s, Darien

Why Stay Inside? When you could be eating outdoors at The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s in Darien. The owners, JoAnn and Sal Latorraca have been busy creating a beautiful outdoor dining experience on the waterfront. They are offering all of your favorites that made WEG the area’s premier steakhouse for decades. Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Certified Angus Meatballs or the Antipasto Board are just a few of the tasty ways to start off your meal. For the main course try the Ribeye or Filet Mignon or the delicious steak sandwich. The WEG always serves grass fed Certified Angus Beef®. There are also plenty of other options including Chilean Sea Bass. JoAnn and Sal are dedicated to maintaining the quality of food and service that solidified the restaurant’s standing in the community, but they also know it’s vital to stay focused on what’s important by following all guidelines set forth by the Town of Darien, Darien Health Department, CDC and Federal Mandates to keep you, the customer, happy and healthy through these changing times. JoAnn and Sal consider their customers family. Nothing makes them happier than to create an experience that you savor and remember. Make reservations 203.325.9979, 748 Boston Post Road Darien, Connecticut 06820.

Planet Pizza, Norwalk

At Dave’s Planet Pizza in Norwalk, we are taking the COVID-19 pandemic very seriously. As much as we want to see all of your familiar faces, for now it’s going to have to be outside on the patio or via delivery. We have added extra drivers to better serve you and we are delivering to not only Norwalk and Wilton, but to all the surrounding towns, including Weston, Darien and New Canaan. We look forward to serving you soon!

Boca, Bridgeport

Boca Oyster Bar is a stunning waterside restaurant, bar, and event venue located in the coastal Steelpointe Harbor neighborhood of Bridgeport, CT. Boca’s New England and seafood inspired menu is complemented by beautiful harbor views, majestic sunsets, and passing ferries. Home to one of Fairfield County’s largest outdoor dining spaces, Boca is excited to offer guests some quarantine relief in the form of beautiful outdoor dining with great food and drink, in a safe, spacious, and comfortable environment while adhering to the strictest of safety practices. Menu highlights include; the Boca lobster roll with fresh-picked Maine lobster and drawn butter; sesame-crusted ahi tuna tacos with wasabi and mango salsa; New Zealand lamb lollipops with chimichurri sauce; 42oz cowboy bone-in ribeye with choice of sauce; pan-seared Diver sea scallops with vegetable lo mein; and a variety of seasonal salads, juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches, and raw bar favorites. The beverage program combines today’s craft cocktail culture with island’esque frozen drinks, the popular frosé, craft beer, and an accessible wine list. Waterside dining can be enjoyed seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch. There is also Dock-n-Dine for boaters! (203) 612-4848 10 E Main St Bridgeport.

55 Wine Bar & Wood Grille, Fairfield

Amore Cucina & Wine Bar, Stamford

Artisan, Southport

Aurora’s, Fairfield

Bar Rosso, Stamford

Barcelona Wine Bar @ Waypointe, Norwalk (June 1-3 for patio-open)

Bareburger, Stamford

Bartaco- Open, but for takeout only

Bianco Rosso, Trumbull

Bistro Baldanza, Darien

Blackstones Steakhouse, Greenwich, Stamford, Southport

The Boathouse @ Saugatuck, Westport

Bodega, Fairfield & Darien

Bradford’s, Stamford

Brasitas, Stamford- Reservation only

Brick & Wood, Fairfield- outdoor opening next week

Brickhouse Bar & Grill, Stamford

Broken Symmetry, Bethel

Bruxelles SONO, Norwalk

BRYAC, Bridgeport

Cafe Dolce- 8am-2pm with sidewalk seating

Cactus Rose, Wilton

Cafe Eats, Stamford

Caloroso Eatery & Bar, Shelton

Capriccio Cafe, Stamford

Charter Oak Brewing, Danbury- Now with outdoor seating

Chefs Table, Fairfield

The Chelsea, Fairfield

Chez Vous Bistro, Stamford

Colony Grille, Stamford & Norwalk

Columbus Park Trattoria, Stamford

Cove Deli & Cafe- Open Monday Saturday until 3pm, Sunday 8am-2pm with outdoor seating

Crab Shell, Stamford

Craft 14 Kitchen + Bar, Wilton

Craft 260, Fairfield

Diamond’s Deli & Brick Oven Pizza, Norwalk

Dilly Duck Shop- Monday-Saturday, 8am-4pm

Don Carmelo’s Mexican Grill- Open Noon-7:30pm

Donovan’s, Norwalk- Open Wednesday-Friday for lunch 12-2pm, dinner 5-8pm. Saturday and Sunday 4-8pm.

Elm Street Diner, Stamford

Evarito’s, Norwalk

Fairfield Pizza, Stamford

Fairfield Social, Fairfield

Fiddler’s Green, Stamford

Fiesta on Main, Stamford

Fish Restaurant + Bar, Stamford

Fortina, Stamford

Foundry Kitchen & Tavern, Newtown

Gaudi Tapas And Wine, Danbury

Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, Fairfield

Gray Goose, Fairfield

Gruel Britannia, Fairfield

Harbor Harvest, Norwalk- Sunday 9am-3pm, Monday 8am-6pm, Tuesday-Friday 8am-7pm

Harbor Lights, Norwalk- 11:45-3pm lunch, 5pm-11pm dinner

Haruki, Norwalk- Open Tuesday-Sunday starting at noon

Ibiza Tapas, Danbury- Now open for patio dining as well as takeout and delivery

Jordan’s, Norwalk

Judy’s Kitchen + Bar, Stamford

Knapp’s Landing, Stratford

La Calle Arepas Bar, Norwalk

L’escale, Greenwich

Little Goose, Fairfield

Lucky’s, Stamford

Madonia, Stamford

Malibu Taco, Fairfield

Martel, Fairfield

Mecha, Stamford & Fairfield

Mike’s Deli, Norwalk- 5:30- 4pm

Milestone, Ridgefield

Molto, Fairfield

Monroe Social, Monroe

Mr. Frosty’s, Norwalk- Opens at 11am

Mystic Market, Westport

Oak & Almond, Norwalk- Tuesday-Sunday, 4-8pm

Oar & Oak Food Truck & Creamery, Stratford

Oasis Coffee, Norwalk- Wednesday & Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday-Sunday 11am-9:30pm

Ola Latin Kitchen, Bridgeport

Old Dog Tavern, Fairfield- Open 3-10 pm. 203-290-4994

Old Post Tavern, Fairfield

O’neill’s Irish Pub, Norwalk- Tuesday-Sunday

Outriggers, Stratford

Osteria Romana, Norwalk & Monroe- 3-9pm

Overton’s, Norwalk- 10am-8pm

Parkway Diner, Stamford

Partner’s Cafe, Norwalk- Wednesday-Sunday 11:30am-8pm

Pearl at Longshore, Westport

Prime, Stamford

Prime 111, Trumbull

Quattro Pazzi, Stamford

Ralph n Rich’s, Bridgeport

Remo’s Brick Oven Pizza, Stamford

Ripka’s Beach Cafe & The Dugout, Norwalk

Riverview Bistro, Stratford

Roger Sherman Inn, New Canaan

Romanacci, Westport

Sedona Tap House, Norwalk

Sign of the Whale, Stamford

Spiga, New Canaan

Spotted Horse, Shelton & Westport

Stonebridge, Milford

Stormy’s Bull & Barley, Shelton

Sugar Bowl, Darien

The Sinclair, Fairfield

Sono Baking, Norwalk- 8am-3pm

Spotted Horse, Westport & Shelton

Super Taqueria Las Salsas, Bridgeport

T’s Pizza Kitchen, Stamford

Table 104, Stamford

Taco Co, Shelton

Taco Daddy, Stamford

Taco Loco, Bridgeport

Taproot, Bethel- Outdoor service and curbside pick-up

Tawa, Stamford

Ten Twenty Post, Darien

The Spread, Norwalk- Courtyard now open

Tomato Tomato, Stamford

Tony’s @ J House, Greenwich- Limited seating on patio, reservation only

Toto, Fairfield- Open for dinner, reservations only. 3 tables only.

Townhouse, Greenwich

Valencia, Norwalk

Via Sforza, Norwalk- 4-9pm

Villa Italia Ristorante & Bar, Stamford-Tues-Fri Happy Hour 3-5pm, Tues-Thurs 3- 8pm, Fri 3-9pm, Sat 4-9pm, Sun 4-8pm

Washington Prime, Norwalk- Monday-Wednesday 4-8pm, Thursday/Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 12-9pm, Sunday 12-8pm.

Water’s Edge @ Giovanni’s, Darien

The Whelk, Westport- Open for outside seating starting 5/27

Winfield Street Coffee, Stamford

Wellington’s, Shelton- Serving outside and curbside from 3-8pm during the week, 3-9pm weekend

Zaza, Stamford

Hartford County

@ the Barn, Granby

Abigail’s Grill & Wine Bar, Simsbury

Artisan, Hartford

Beamhouse, Glastonbury- Open, but for takeout only

Bin 1228 Gastropub, Glastonbury

Blue Elephant Trail, West Hartford

Carmines Bar|Grill|Stage, East Hartford

Cava, Southington

Crown & Hammer, Collinsville

Cugino’s Restaurant, Farmington- Senior seatings 2-5pm, reservations required

Dish N Dat, Canton

Doogie’s, Newington

Effie’s Place, West Hartford

Figaro Ristorante, Enfield

Five Corners Bistro & Craft Bar, Farmington

Flatbread, Canton

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Hartford

Greenhouse Tavern, Burlington- Reservations required

Hartford Baking Company, West Hartford

Millwrights, Simbury

McLaddens Simsbury- Tuesday - Friday 4-8, Saturday & Sunday 12-8

Park & Oak Restaurant & Bar, West Hartford

Plan B, Southington and Hartford- OPEN Wednesday-Saturday from 4pm - 8pm for patio dining and contactless pick-up!

Puerto Vallarta, Newington

Rockledge Grille, Hartford- Starting off with takeout from 4pm-8pm with wings and tenders

Rooster Company, Newington

Rush Bowls, Hartford

Sally & Bob’s, West Hartford

Sayulita, Glastonbury- Tuesday- Friday 3:30pm-8pm Sat & Sun 2pm-8pm

Seoul BBQ & Sushi, New Britain

Taprock Beer Bar, Unionville

Tavern at Keney Park, Hartford

Tavern on the Trax, Berlin

Union Kitchen, Hartford- Tuesday - Friday 3-8, Saturday 10:30-8, Sunday 10:30-3

Union Street Tavern, Windsor

The Windsor Locks Diner, Windsor- Located at 2:55 Main Street in Windsor Locks Connecticut, they are offering take out and outside dining. Hours are Monday through Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Wood n Tap, Farmington

Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen, Hartford

New Haven County

Bear’s Smokehouse, New Haven

Blackstone Irish Pub, Southington

Cast Iron Chophouse & Oyster Bar- Now offering patio dining

Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill, New Haven

Hidden Kitchen Rt80, North Branford

The Hops Company, Derby

Los Mariachis, Wallingford

Maloney’s Public House, Meriden

The Place, Guilford

Reverie Kitchen, Branford

Ria's, Waterbury- Open for take out and outdoor dining Wednesday thru Sunday 11:30 to 8

Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill, New Haven

Sitting Duck Tavern, Oxford

Solun Tapas Restaurant, Woodbridge

Viron Rondo Osteria, Cheshire

Westbrook Lobster, Wallingford

Wise Guys, Meriden

Litchfield County

Fino Wood Fired Pizza & Bar, Watertown- First come, first served basis

Kingsley Tavern, Kent

Saltwater Grille, Litchfield- Outdoor dining available from 4-8pm. Reservations required. To make a reservation please email SaltwaterRSVP@gmail.com Include name, phone number, preferred time, number of people. We will confirm availability as soon as possible. Alternatively you can call 850 567 4900 between 4-8 pm. Curbside delivery and takeout will continue as well.

Middlesex County

The Essex, Centerbrook- Reopening May 28

Farrell’s, Portland- Tues- Sunday 12-8pm

Lobster Landing, Clinton- Opening 5/21

Los charros Cantina, Centerbrook- 2 giant tents in the parking lot!

Rocky’s Aqua, Clinton

Tavern on 66, East Hampton

The Griswald Inn, Essex- Offering outdoor dining on The Gris patio and Gris Terrace beginning May 20th, daily from 11:30am-8:00pm. Weather permitting.

Sunset Bar & Grill @ Water’s Edge Resort & Spa, Westbrook- 12-8pm, 1st come first served