Makris Diner Wethersfield December 2019 As I pulled into the parking lot along the busy Berlin Turnpike, Calvin said, “didn’t we just go here?” Chuckling, I replied, “Sorta. But that was a different diner on the same road that serves the same food.” Calvin knows by now that I bring him to repetitive … [Read more...]
Olympia Diner
Olympia Diner Newington October 2019 When I first put together my list of "Classic Diners" on this website, the list consisted only of actual classic diners. For some reason, I've expanded that original idea to include a bunch of decidedly non-classic dinners in the years since. It sort of bothers me, but I've … [Read more...]
Triple-A Diner
Where’s the Fonz? (AAAAaaaaaaa) AAA Diner, East Hartford May 2019 Yeah, I know. This diner sort of stretches the definition of “Classic Diner.” Except that there really is no definition of what makes a diner “classic.” The authors of Classic Diners of Connecticut are clear to say that a diner is “classic” if you … [Read more...]
Book Review: Classic Diners of Connecticut
Diners, Dives, and Drive-By's Classic Diners of Connecticut Garrison Leykam, 2013 Let's face it, diner culture is dying. Some have probably engraved the headstone already. It is for that reason that I decided to list and visit Connecticut's "classic" diners several years ago. My list has grown and shrunk over the … [Read more...]
Norm’s Diner
Norm's Diner Groton January 2016 NORM! I wonder if there’s some doofus who gets his daily breakfast from Norm’s Diner and enters each morning by yelling “NORM!” Probably. And if I lived near Groton and was the type to buy my breakfast every morning, that doofus would be me. NORM! Norm’s Diner is a … [Read more...]
Skooter’s Diner
Skooter's Diner Windsor Locks October 2017 As I write this, I'm still not sure it belongs on CTMQ. The original intent of the diners list was "classic diners." The O'Rourke's, Zips, Quakers, Norm's, Aeros, etc. of the Nutmeg State. Skooter's is not old and is not classic. But it was built to look classic! … [Read more...]
Main Street Diner
Main Street Diner Plainville February 20, 2013 If I was writing a fictional story about a town where nothing exciting happens, I'd center some of the dialogue around a local gathering place. And since the story would be an expose about the not-unexciting dark underbelly of this superficially boring town, … [Read more...]
The Winsted Diner
The Winsted Diner Winchester (Winsted) October 24, 2014 Yes! Finally! The Winsted Diner! Ever since I first saw this teeny tiny little teensy diner right on 44 at the western end of Winsted’s downtown business district, I have wanted to eat here. For a few years, I honestly didn’t believe this was even a … [Read more...]
Aero Diner
Aero Diner North Windham August 23, 2014 I should listen to long-time reader and friend Laura more. She has left a few comments on this website touting the virtues of the Aero Diner in North Windham for a few years. “Yeah, yeah, another diner,” I thought, “not exactly earth-shattering stuff for CTMQ.” And … [Read more...]
Quaker Diner
Quaker Diner West Hartford September 25, 2012 I've started a tradition with Damian wherein we go to these classic diners on days it's just us at home. In West Hartford, the public schools have both Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashana off - which means that our kids have 3 days off in September, the first month of … [Read more...]