Seeking a unique dining experience in Connecticut where the atmosphere is as great as the food? Try one of these re-purposed restaurants for a completely captivating meal. Each place on this list was an existing business much different from the restaurant that now occupies the space. Through creativity and renovations, these buildings have been given new life as local eateries that just ooze with personality, style, and food so divine you’ll be back for more.
The Stand was once a full-service filling station, but now serves up mouthwatering BBQ to hungry customers. From ribs to chicken, you'll drool over the slow-cooked meat choices on the menu. With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, this friendly joint is a fantastic roadside spot to grab a delicious meal. Learn more about The Stand here.
You'll find fresh and authentic Italian cuisine at Bread & Water, the casual fine dining spot that used to be a jail. This historic place has been remodeled into a Victorian style dining room but large parties can rent the private jail cell for a unique experience at the restaurant. Dive into classic Italian dishes with a fresh twist at Bread & Water. Learn more about the restaurant here.
MBAR is the second service station on our list of re-purposed restaurants. Visit during warm weather and enjoy breezes coming in through the open service bay doors. This renovated space keeps diners fueled up with a fantastic selection of wine accompanied by small plates of divine cuisine. Creative salads and sandwiches will take over your taste buds at this trendy spot. Learn more about MBAR here.
The food is nothing like cafeteria fare at this re-purposed 1872 schoolhouse. Given a fresh look inside its quaint interior, this restaurant serves award-winning fare to its patrons. Crave-worthy dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and plenty of care at this charming spot. Learn more about The Schoolhouse at Cannondale here.
The old Providence and Worchester Train Station in Putnam is no longer a waiting room for the railroad, now it's a popular restaurant and brew pub. There are plenty of house and guest brews on tap to quench your thirst. Pick a locally crafted beer and pair it with a delicious sandwich or burger. You'll love this casual spot that pays homage to the good old rail days. Learn more about The Crossings Restaurant & Brew Pub here.
This list of re-purposed restaurants has one more renovated service station on it. PizzaCo has a nostalgic vibe with plenty of vintage signs and other automotive decor in its modern space. Fill up on pizza that aren't quite your traditional pies at this unusual eatery. An everything bagel pizza for brunch or a camp-fired dessert pie that is loaded up with s'mores are just two of the unconventional pizzas coming out of the oven here. DIve into more traditional pies too or custom build your own. Learn more about PizzaCo here.
This restaurant has its home on a circa 1840s barge that has been transformed into a casual riverside eatery. You might recognize this spot from its feature on the Food Network show, DIners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. The nautical decor lends a beachy vibe to this waterfront spot. The food is quite tasty with an incredible selection of well prepared seafood and juicy burgers. Learn more about the Black Duck Cafe here.
A 1920s subway car has been converted into a small pizzeria located right beside the railroad tracks in Wallingford. The dining car has a retro vibe that locals love and the signature brick oven fired pizzas are a true delight. Choose from plenty of toppings to create your perfect pie at this quaint little eatery. Learn more about Trackside Brick Oven Pizzeria here.
Have you ever dined at any of these re-purposed restaurants? Share your experiences in the comments section below. If you’re really hungry, visit this diner where there’s one meal that not many people finish. Bring your appetite it’s a big one!
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