There are some pretty iconic Connecticut foods. Oftentimes, you don’t realize it until you move away, mention your favorite dishes from back home, and are met with blank stares from people who have no idea what you’re talking about. But, then again, many people in other states say pop instead of soda, so we shouldn’t be too surprised. Trying to find decent clams outside of New England is pretty much impossible, nobody knows what birch soda is, and the ice cream is nothing compared to Tulmeadow’s. If you’re new to the state, we would definitely recommend you conquer this list of food invented in Connecticut. But make sure your taste buds are ready, because these Connecticut foods really pack a flavor punch!

1. Steamed Cheeseburgers
Ted's Restaurant, 1046 Broad St, Meriden, CT 06450, USA
K LaMay's Steamed Cheeseburgers, 690 E Main St, Meriden, CT 06450, USA
Voravut R./Yelp
A lot of folks outside the area have actually never had one of these, and they are prone to panic when you explain how there is no grilling involved. But whether it's Ted’s Restaurant or K LaMay's, Connecticut offers the best steamed burger on the market. Definitely worth a trip!
2. Apizza
Sally's Apizza, 237 Wooster St, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
Magnus Manske/Wikimedia
New Haven style thin crust, extra crispy with hot oil is the best to me. But others would disagree. What's most important is that you get the name right. You might hear locals say "pizza is what you eat everywhere else" if you forget the a in front. Head on over to Sally’s to experience apizza the way it was meant to be made.
3. Yankee Fare
G.W. Tavern, 20 Bee Brook Rd, Washington Depot, CT 06794, USA
Para/Wikimedia
You know the saying "As American as apple pie?" It comes from the idea of America being agriculturally diverse and being able to survive because of the new recipes (like apple pie) that they created when they settled modern day United States. Well Connecticut, being home to the first cookbook, does yankee fare, or original colony food, better than anybody else. Yankee restaurants like G.W. Tavern in Washington Depot let you have Thanksgiving whenever you want.

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4. Apple Cider Doughnuts
1355 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437, USA
Mattie Hagedorn/Flickr
These sweet treats will drop your jaw if you're new to their rich cinnamon sugar flavor. We have never had an apple cider doughnut better than the ones they have in Connecticut, and were disappointed to discover some states don't offer them year-round! We've always enjoyed Bishop's in Guilford but you can't really go wrong. Every orchard will have their own recipe so if it were up to us, we'd say: try them all!
5. Hot dogs
Capitol Lunch, 510 Main St, New Britain, CT 06051, USA
dinnercraft/Flickr
Nobody has hot dogs like nutmeggers. If you've never had a split hot dog, a two footer, or the famous sauce at Capitol Lunch then you haven't lived! Some people think fancy oversized hot dogs can only be found at baseball games, but in Connecticut you can get incredible hot dogs pretty cheap and pretty often.
6. Grinders
Magnus Manske/Wikimedia
We are talking about a hot sandwich, loaded up, put between two semi-thick pieces of Italian and toasted until its crispy and golden. It should be a workout to eat this manmade miracle. If you say sub or hoagie we will assume you are referring to something entirely different. Like Subway. When we say grinder, we're talking about Nardelli's!
7. Warm Lobster Rolls
Yuri Long/Flickr
Yummy! Hot lobster on a roll with some excellent house fries will make your Friday night. This is "classic New England" and a definite must in Connecticut. Invented in Meriden, this is not to be confused with that cold lobster salad thing they do in other states. This is hot lobster, drizzled with butter and served in a toasted bun. It is the most laid back way to enjoy a lobster and it tastes great to boot!

 

Well, we definitely want to eat these Connecticut foods now! Is there any other Connecticut food you think is iconic to the state? Have you tried all the dishes mentioned above? Whatever it is, tell us!

The eateries above aren’t the only spots dishing up must-try Connecticut foods. There are several others, including the oldest restaurants in Connecticut.

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Connecticut Foods

Daniella DiRienzo | September 21, 2022

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Connecticut?

Some of the best restaurants in Connecticut are also the most obscure. That’s certainly the case with Elizabeth’s Farmhouse. Located off the beaten path, in the small town of Putnam, the quaint and cozy farmhouse restaurant is full of charm and rich with history. The interior of the restaurant is reminiscent of an old New England homestead. And though utterly unique, the setting isn’t the only thing that makes Elizabeth’s Farmhouse a must-visit dining spot. There’s also the homemade fare, which consistently receives rave reviews from diners.

Where can I find the best tacos in Connecticut?

Food invented in Connecticut isn’t the only must-try grub in the state. A paradise for foodies, there are lots of great restaurants in Connecticut. As far as tacos are concerned, there are lots of places to get your fix, including Milagro Café. Located in Stonington Borough, the tiny café is bound to make a big impression, as it’s known for serving up some of the tastiest tacos and Mexican dishes in the state. Carne asada tacos, Baja fish tacos, and chipotle chicken tacos are among the café’s biggest sellers.

Where can I go for fine dining in Connecticut?

Just like there are plenty of casual restaurants in Connecticut, there are also lots of fine dining establishments. One spot that shouldn’t be missed when craving a high-end meal is the Capital Grille. Fittingly located in Hartford, the restaurant is revered for its masterfully prepared dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and sommelier-selected wines.

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