Guidebook for Branford
Food Scene
Willoughby's Coffee & Tea
550 E Main StSecond best coffee in the state
Common Grounds
1096 Main StFriendly atmosphere; right on Branford Green
Lobster Rolls, atmosphere, outdoor seating only, BYOB. What could be better?
16 recommandé par les habitants
Lobster Shack
3 Cosey Beach AveLobster Rolls, atmosphere, outdoor seating only, BYOB. What could be better?
This is a high end deli. Great food with an eye to Paleo diets and grass fed beef.
Shoreline Prime Meats & Deli
103 N Main StThis is a high end deli. Great food with an eye to Paleo diets and grass fed beef.
Hornets Nest Deli
269 E Main StGood grub for lunch. Not too expensive, large portions.
This is a great alternative to the more popular and famous Pepe's and Sally's in New Haven. The pizza is outstanding. The place lacks atmosphere though. They added a large renovation that's beautiful, but they only use it for large parties, so it's kind of a waste. The owners frequent the establishment and like to talk to customers.
Tolli's Apizza & Restaurant
410 Main StThis is a great alternative to the more popular and famous Pepe's and Sally's in New Haven. The pizza is outstanding. The place lacks atmosphere though. They added a large renovation that's beautiful, but they only use it for large parties, so it's kind of a waste. The owners frequent the establishment and like to talk to customers.
Klekolo is really nowhere near our home, but I commute past it to work. Klekolo has the best coffee in the state. Highly recommend. Their specialty coffees are better even than Willoughby's and that says a lot. Owner and employees are very friendly. Even customers will strike up a conversation if you show even the slightest inclination to allow it. Great place. Near Wesleyan University.
Klekolo World Coffee
181 Court StKlekolo is really nowhere near our home, but I commute past it to work. Klekolo has the best coffee in the state. Highly recommend. Their specialty coffees are better even than Willoughby's and that says a lot. Owner and employees are very friendly. Even customers will strike up a conversation if you show even the slightest inclination to allow it. Great place. Near Wesleyan University.
If you want good Mexican food in Branford, Jalepeno Heaven beats the tar out of Margaritas. Su Casa is another option, but I like Jalepeno Heaven. It is a tiny place and it looks run down, but don't judge a book by it's cover, the food and drinks are solid.
Jalapeno Heaven
40 N Main StIf you want good Mexican food in Branford, Jalepeno Heaven beats the tar out of Margaritas. Su Casa is another option, but I like Jalepeno Heaven. It is a tiny place and it looks run down, but don't judge a book by it's cover, the food and drinks are solid.
Tommy Sullivan's is a bar but it serves great burgers and ribs. You wouldn't know it by driving by because it's a dive. I guess I just like that kind of place.
Tommy Sullivan's Cafe
240 N Main StTommy Sullivan's is a bar but it serves great burgers and ribs. You wouldn't know it by driving by because it's a dive. I guess I just like that kind of place.
Take the Cake
2458 Boston Post RdFantastic cakes. If you're celebrating a birthday in the area, get a cake from here.
Great Italian food. Not as well known as Goodfellas, Tre Scalini, or Adriana's, but the food is the real deal. The atmosphere isn't the best, but the menu is always interesting and well done.
9 recommandé par les habitants
L'Orcio
806 State StGreat Italian food. Not as well known as Goodfellas, Tre Scalini, or Adriana's, but the food is the real deal. The atmosphere isn't the best, but the menu is always interesting and well done.
Disclosure: I know the owners of this restaurant. I met them when my wife and I lived in New Haven. This is as authentic Italian as it gets. The owners work there every night. They like to stoke up singalongs with patrons singing traditional Italian songs in Italian while you eat. Great after you've had a few glasses of wine. The food is set up like a tapas bar; small dishes, but many of them. Nice wine list too.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Skappo Italian Wine Bar
59 Crown StreetDisclosure: I know the owners of this restaurant. I met them when my wife and I lived in New Haven. This is as authentic Italian as it gets. The owners work there every night. They like to stoke up singalongs with patrons singing traditional Italian songs in Italian while you eat. Great after you've had a few glasses of wine. The food is set up like a tapas bar; small dishes, but many of them. Nice wine list too.
Here it comes: better pizza than Pepe's. There; I said it. Pepe's wins out in the atmosphere category, and definitely in marketing, but little Sally's up the street is the OG pizza establishment of New Haven and it just can't be beat. If you want an alternative to Sally's, try Modern Pizza on State Street before Pepe's. I'm not trying to knock Pepe's; I enjoy the place. It's just so damned touristy and plus the owner's kids sold out to the man and started opening different locations around the state.
72 recommandé par les habitants
Sally's Apizza
237 Wooster StHere it comes: better pizza than Pepe's. There; I said it. Pepe's wins out in the atmosphere category, and definitely in marketing, but little Sally's up the street is the OG pizza establishment of New Haven and it just can't be beat. If you want an alternative to Sally's, try Modern Pizza on State Street before Pepe's. I'm not trying to knock Pepe's; I enjoy the place. It's just so damned touristy and plus the owner's kids sold out to the man and started opening different locations around the state.
I've known Joe Goldberg for a long time. He's as genuine and generous as they come. Plus, his restaurants are the best seafood on the shoreline if you're looking for old fashioned fried seafood and lobster. It isn't art food, it's grub. Joe does it right though. Outstanding atmosphere and ideal for kids and families. The place has a carousel on site (which my father in law helped to build) and Joe donates ticket sales to charity. Here's the perfect day for a family staying at our property: A day at Hammonassett State Park Beach (and Nature Center), followed by a late lunch/early dinner at Lenny and Joe's topped off with a few carousel rides and ice cream. Nothing better for kids!
23 recommandé par les habitants
Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
1301 Boston Post RdI've known Joe Goldberg for a long time. He's as genuine and generous as they come. Plus, his restaurants are the best seafood on the shoreline if you're looking for old fashioned fried seafood and lobster. It isn't art food, it's grub. Joe does it right though. Outstanding atmosphere and ideal for kids and families. The place has a carousel on site (which my father in law helped to build) and Joe donates ticket sales to charity. Here's the perfect day for a family staying at our property: A day at Hammonassett State Park Beach (and Nature Center), followed by a late lunch/early dinner at Lenny and Joe's topped off with a few carousel rides and ice cream. Nothing better for kids!
Skip the market and go fruit picking. The market is a high-priced rip off, but the fruit picking is loads of fun for kids and families. I suggest raspberries but the apple orchard seems like it never ends. The Bishop family has been doing this on the same property for 300 years. You can usually pick peaches and apples on the same trip in early autumn. Apples only in late September and October (also pumpkins).
57 recommandé par les habitants
Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery
1355 Boston Post RdSkip the market and go fruit picking. The market is a high-priced rip off, but the fruit picking is loads of fun for kids and families. I suggest raspberries but the apple orchard seems like it never ends. The Bishop family has been doing this on the same property for 300 years. You can usually pick peaches and apples on the same trip in early autumn. Apples only in late September and October (also pumpkins).
This is my favorite place for fruit picking. It's much smaller than Bishop's but it is far less crowded and it is peaceful. Pick raspberries in early September, then apples and peaches in mid September. After that, it's apples and pumpkins. My kids love this place and I've been coming here since I was a kid.
Scotts' Connecticut Valley Orchards
274 Kelsey Hill RdThis is my favorite place for fruit picking. It's much smaller than Bishop's but it is far less crowded and it is peaceful. Pick raspberries in early September, then apples and peaches in mid September. After that, it's apples and pumpkins. My kids love this place and I've been coming here since I was a kid.
Drinks & Nightlife
Outstanding beer; fantastic atmosphere. Brewery tours on weekends. This is currently THE place to hang out at night in Branford. Always a crowd, but the place is big enough to handle it.
56 recommandé par les habitants
Stony Creek Brewery
5 Indian Neck AveOutstanding beer; fantastic atmosphere. Brewery tours on weekends. This is currently THE place to hang out at night in Branford. Always a crowd, but the place is big enough to handle it.
The food is only average, but it's a great spot for a good drink. Very popular with the locals. Obviously specializes in Margaritas
Chuck's Steakhouse Margarita Grill
377 E Main StThe food is only average, but it's a great spot for a good drink. Very popular with the locals. Obviously specializes in Margaritas
Smaller and less flashy than Stony Creek Brewery, but still great beer and a great place to visit with some friends. Some like Thimble Island better than Stony Creek.
21 recommandé par les habitants
Thimble Islands Brewing Company
16 Business Park DrSmaller and less flashy than Stony Creek Brewery, but still great beer and a great place to visit with some friends. Some like Thimble Island better than Stony Creek.
Sightseeing
Take a 45 minute tour of the Thimble Islands on board the Sea Mist; narrated by Captain Mike. You just can't visit Stony Creek and not take the island tour!
26 recommandé par les habitants
Thimble Islands
4 Indian Point RdTake a 45 minute tour of the Thimble Islands on board the Sea Mist; narrated by Captain Mike. You just can't visit Stony Creek and not take the island tour!
Parks & Nature
This is the best beach in Connecticut. Stop by the new Nature Center at Meig's Point; it's small but worth the time. Take a short walk along Meig's Point after visiting the Nature Center. Then relax on the beach for the afternoon. When you leave, have a late lunch/early dinner at Lenny and Joe's up the street. Or, if you don't have kids, go to Donovan's across the street from Lenny and Joe's for drinks.
173 recommandé par les habitants
Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post RdThis is the best beach in Connecticut. Stop by the new Nature Center at Meig's Point; it's small but worth the time. Take a short walk along Meig's Point after visiting the Nature Center. Then relax on the beach for the afternoon. When you leave, have a late lunch/early dinner at Lenny and Joe's up the street. Or, if you don't have kids, go to Donovan's across the street from Lenny and Joe's for drinks.
Hike the land trust trails next to our property. There are two loops. One takes you over to the Stony Creek Quarry, and the other links up to Westwood Trails out to Guilford. The old farmer's meadows are my family's favorite places.
The second land trust property to hike is up the street from Medlyn's farm. Walk along the back edge of his field, go under the railroad tracks, and then walk out to the mouth of the estuary. It is beautiful.
Third land trust hike is walk from our property over to the old Trolley trail which takes you into Stony Creek village.
Branford Land Trust
26 School StHike the land trust trails next to our property. There are two loops. One takes you over to the Stony Creek Quarry, and the other links up to Westwood Trails out to Guilford. The old farmer's meadows are my family's favorite places.
The second land trust property to hike is up the street from Medlyn's farm. Walk along the back edge of his field, go under the railroad tracks, and then walk out to the mouth of the estuary. It is beautiful.
Third land trust hike is walk from our property over to the old Trolley trail which takes you into Stony Creek village.
Tiny beach and only good at high tide, but you can crab, fish, and dive off the jetty when the tide is right. Most important is that the beach is right at the center of Stony Creek village, so the atmosphere and views are unbeatable. Massive schools of bluefish are known to swim into the area at dusk; bring your fishing rod!
12 recommandé par les habitants
Stony Creek Market
178 Thimble Island RdTiny beach and only good at high tide, but you can crab, fish, and dive off the jetty when the tide is right. Most important is that the beach is right at the center of Stony Creek village, so the atmosphere and views are unbeatable. Massive schools of bluefish are known to swim into the area at dusk; bring your fishing rod!
Bayview Park
playground
Branford Supply Pond Park
Arts & Culture
Kids love this place. The museum is tiny and you can see everything, including the short film, in 30-45 minutes. The real fun here is riding the trolley. It's worth a few hours if you have kids.
18 recommandé par les habitants
The Shore Line Trolley Museum
17 River StKids love this place. The museum is tiny and you can see everything, including the short film, in 30-45 minutes. The real fun here is riding the trolley. It's worth a few hours if you have kids.
Go to a concert at Woolsey Hall. The New Haven Symphony is a good show. Very inexpensive for a symphony; kids are free when an adult ticket is purchased. The symphony's programming is well done. Not as polished as New York or Boston, but still the quality is good. The conductor is about nine feet tall. I go to at least three shows per year.
New Haven Symphony Orchestra
4 Hamilton StreetGo to a concert at Woolsey Hall. The New Haven Symphony is a good show. Very inexpensive for a symphony; kids are free when an adult ticket is purchased. The symphony's programming is well done. Not as polished as New York or Boston, but still the quality is good. The conductor is about nine feet tall. I go to at least three shows per year.
A tiny library but if you want a quiet spot in the heart of Stony Creek village to relax for a while, this is the place. Willoughby Wallace hosts art exhibits on a rotating basis and many of these are written up in the New York Times. It's kind of a hidden treasure.
Willoughby Wallace Mem Library
146 Thimble Island RdA tiny library but if you want a quiet spot in the heart of Stony Creek village to relax for a while, this is the place. Willoughby Wallace hosts art exhibits on a rotating basis and many of these are written up in the New York Times. It's kind of a hidden treasure.
I don't care what, if any, religion you are, St. Mary's is worth a visit for the architecture alone. The interior and exterior are beautiful and worth a visit. If you do attend a service, go to noon mass on Sunday, as the music is outstanding.
St. Mary's Church
5 Hillhouse AvenueI don't care what, if any, religion you are, St. Mary's is worth a visit for the architecture alone. The interior and exterior are beautiful and worth a visit. If you do attend a service, go to noon mass on Sunday, as the music is outstanding.
Yale is huge and the architecture is stunning. Take a campus tour. Walk down Hillhouse Avenue and hit St. Mary's Church while you're there. Woolsey Hall is a stone's throw from there as well. Don't miss the new School of Management building. It is ultra modern and some think it was the wrong choice given the Gothic style of the rest of campus. In fact the new Yale project, which is around the corner from Hillhouse, was specifically designed in the Gothic style because the primary donor made that a condition of his donation.
156 recommandé par les habitants
Université de Yale
Yale is huge and the architecture is stunning. Take a campus tour. Walk down Hillhouse Avenue and hit St. Mary's Church while you're there. Woolsey Hall is a stone's throw from there as well. Don't miss the new School of Management building. It is ultra modern and some think it was the wrong choice given the Gothic style of the rest of campus. In fact the new Yale project, which is around the corner from Hillhouse, was specifically designed in the Gothic style because the primary donor made that a condition of his donation.
Take a look at "The Kate's" schedule of events. The facility is small, but very well done. It's a great place to catch a performance.
52 recommandé par les habitants
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
300 Main StTake a look at "The Kate's" schedule of events. The facility is small, but very well done. It's a great place to catch a performance.
Shopping
Lots of organic, vegetarian, and vegan choices at Four Seasons. It has a strong Asian influence. Pre-made food is great and the prices are actually not too bad for an organic market.
Four Seasons Market LLC
875 W Main StLots of organic, vegetarian, and vegan choices at Four Seasons. It has a strong Asian influence. Pre-made food is great and the prices are actually not too bad for an organic market.
Buy your wine and alcohol from here. A tiny place owned by a husband and wife who are the only employees. Fantastic people and their prices are about the same as everywhere else. A great wine selection for its size. You can almost walk here from our property.
Stony Creek Package Store
3 Thimble Island RdBuy your wine and alcohol from here. A tiny place owned by a husband and wife who are the only employees. Fantastic people and their prices are about the same as everywhere else. A great wine selection for its size. You can almost walk here from our property.
Entertainment & Activities
It's close by, very clean, and usually punk free. Other than that, it's just a movie theater.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Regal Branford
325 E Main StIt's close by, very clean, and usually punk free. Other than that, it's just a movie theater.
I've been going here for six years. Stop by for an intense workout and talk to the owner Dave; who is about the nicest, most enthusiastic, and most knowledgeable Crossfit trainer you could ever hope to find.
Shoreline Athletics - Home of Shoreline CrossFit
540 E Industrial RdI've been going here for six years. Stop by for an intense workout and talk to the owner Dave; who is about the nicest, most enthusiastic, and most knowledgeable Crossfit trainer you could ever hope to find.
Brand new, spotlessly clean facility. Two pools, workout room, and regular fitness classes. Highly recommend for kids and families.
Soundview Family YMCA
628 E Main StBrand new, spotlessly clean facility. Two pools, workout room, and regular fitness classes. Highly recommend for kids and families.
This is a hike from our property, but if you have kids and you want to go to an amusement park, this is hands down the place to go; especially on a hot day. The water park is new and clean. The place is small, so it's nearly impossible for a child to get lost in. It's kind of like a very large carnival with the same types of rides. It has a big carousel and a brand new wooden roller coaster that is way more fun than it looks even for adults.
38 recommandé par les habitants
Parc d'attractions et parc aquatique Quassy
2132 Middlebury RdThis is a hike from our property, but if you have kids and you want to go to an amusement park, this is hands down the place to go; especially on a hot day. The water park is new and clean. The place is small, so it's nearly impossible for a child to get lost in. It's kind of like a very large carnival with the same types of rides. It has a big carousel and a brand new wooden roller coaster that is way more fun than it looks even for adults.
This is a small zoo, but it is designed well for it's size. The condors, wolves and tigers are a must-see. Don't overlook Beardsley Zoo; I was very impressed. Kids love this place.
63 recommandé par les habitants
Zoo de Beardsley dans le Connecticut
1875 Noble AveThis is a small zoo, but it is designed well for it's size. The condors, wolves and tigers are a must-see. Don't overlook Beardsley Zoo; I was very impressed. Kids love this place.