It’s getting colder out which means it’s the perfect time of year to cozy up by a fire. Each Tuesday, Kevin and Jenna talk about all things food in Connecticut with Alex from CTFoodGirly. Today, Alex shares the best places in Connecticut to grab a bite or drink by the fire. From outdoor fire pits and igloos, to warm indoor fireside tables.
BEST FIRESIDE DINING OUTDOOR:
The Stand, located in Branford, is known for their awesome outdoor space, live music, and
classic American comfort food with a southern twist. This spot is always packed late-night in the
summer, and in the winter season, they have a great room off to the side that is heated, and you
can see right through the glass to the outside, perfect for dinner or if you’re having a holiday
event or party/. They have heaters and bonfires around their grounds as well. I was here
yesterday and tried their famous smoked dry rub wings, they were delish.
Dockside Brewery, located in Milford, just opened up their heated igloos, which all have a
different theme inside. I saw a neon one, Taylor Swift, jungle and even Vegas themed too. I’m
headed there Thursday night to check one out, and it’s more of a unique themed dining
experience, none of the igloos have the standard table and chair decor. The igloos do have two
heaters inside and this is a great idea for your next night out with friends. You can reserve the
igloos online. They have espresso martini flights Monday to Thursdays, and that sounds like the most perfect
time.
Fire at the Ridge located in Middlefield at the Powder Ridge Mountain Park and Resort, it’s a
great spot if you’re looking for that snowy getaway. The restaurant has this great wrap around
bar, and open dining area that is definitely cozy. They had their bonfires outside a couple weeks
ago and I know they did have those heated igloos last year, I hope they bring them back
BEST FIRESIDE DINING INDOOR:
Brushmill by the Waterfall, located in Chester, it was a bit of a drive for me, but well worth the
trip. There is a lot of history at this restaurant, since the property has been around since the
1800s, and when you walk inside the restaurant, you go onto a bridge that has the most
beautiful waterfall underneath. The restaurant has a bunch of different renovated rooms located
between the two floors, all with amazing design and comfort in mind. The menu is seasonal and
they use locally sourced ingredients, and the food and drinks were fantastic from start to end.
There is a giant stone fireplace, that is the coziest spot, the Brushmill is a must for this winter.
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill, located in New Haven, is really known for their
award-winning seafood and amazing waterfront views, but people are quick to forget that this
restaurant has an amazing white brick, double-sided fireplace. It’s one of my favorite sections of
the restaurant, and the fireplace really brings a different vibe to this summer-loving restaurant.
They have one NY strip dish with truffle frites, and sauteed spinach that is to die for and now I
need to sit at the Shell & Bone fireplace with that steak.
The Lodge at Silver Sands, located in East Haven, has a glorious stone fireplace that travels
up the entire wall. This spot really reminds me of a nice Vermont getaway. The smells, the dark
wood, the comforting food. They have a great cocktail list and appetizer section to their menu.
It’s a great, easy-going spot, that is the perfect place for their homemade mac and cheese and a
drink by the fire.
Steakhouse at Millpond Gathering, located in Northford, is split up into the steakhouse section
and the tavern section. It’s truly gorgeous inside with heavy wooden walls, stone floors, and
wooden ceilings. They have a beautiful stone fireplace that is open on two sides and goes up
the middle of the restaurant. It’s a cozy spot with great food, this would be the perfect date night
spot for the winter.
Image: Getty Images