Mrs. Large and I were out last night running a few errands, and we drove by where one of our old favorite restaurants, Tequilas, used to be in Oakville. We were surprised that the space that Tequilas formerly occupied was in full renovation mode, but even more so that a new restaurant had already opened up in the plaza.
With all of the bad news that we're inundated with every day, I'm very happy to report that there is a new Italian Restaurant, Vintage 471, located at 471 Main Street (Rt. 73) in Oakville.
According to their website, Vintage 471 is serving Lunch and Dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 11AM-2PM, and 4:30PM - 8PM. You can see in the image above, they've enclosed a portion of their parking lot with colorful Jersey barriers, and there looks to be tables socially distanced apart. I can tell you that while we were sitting there and snapping the photo you see above, the smell from the kitchen was wafting over to our vehicle, and oh man, it smelled good.
Italian is the cuisine at Vintage 471. Taking a quick glance through their online menu, some of the dishes that stood out to me were 471's version of a Charcuterie Board that they've dubbed the '471 Provincal Lath', the list of ingredients on that one made my mouth water. A decadent Paella, Livorno Chicken Tuscany, Shrimp Brodetto, and the must-have for me, Calamari Fritti, round out a very nicely thought out menu.
Although we didn't make a stop in last night, we will be in the very near future. Good luck Vintage 471, I can't wait to try out your white clam sauce Fettucine. Drooling again.
Here are 9 really good Drive In's around Western Connecticut
Denmo's - 340 Main Street South - Southbury
I was just there this afternoon, Denmo's has been serving excellent roadside fast food here since 1978. I had the whole belly clams, a dog, and a Coke, and they were top notch. You can find their menu online at denmosdrivein.com
Sycamore Drive In - 282 Greenwood Ave - Bethel
I knew I had to list this local favorite very early, and you can believe the Best of Connecticut hype about the Sycamore's Root Beer Float, damn, it's heavenly. The grub is pretty simple and good too.
Google
G's Burgers - 1300 Main St. Watertown
G's Burgers has been around for over 10 years, and they've grown into one of my go-to places when I just need a great burger and fries. The added bonus both here and at the other G's location along Rt. 63, in Naugatuck is that there is also a Carvel Ice Cream store at both locations.
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Lake Zoar Drive In - Rt. 34 - Stevenson -
Lake Zoar Drive In is right around the Stevenson Dam area on Rt. 34, and it's a great little roadside gem. Serving up breakfast , lunch, and dinner, with a diverse menu that features all of the usual suspects, plus a few nice local specials, the Zoar Burger and the Hangover Buster breakfast. Check out their menu at lakezoardrivein.com
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Blackie's Hot Dogs - Waterbury Road - Cheshire
Walking into this legendary establishment for the first time makes you feel like that classic SNL 'CHEESEBURGER CHEESEBURGER' sketch. They do very few things at Blackie's Hot Dogs, if you're looking for complicated? Or you ask if they have fries? (Gasp) You get the dead eye look. Famous Hot Dogs, cheeseburgers, potato chips, beverages. Ice cream. That's it. Oh, and relish too, don't forget their famous relish. Really good dogs though.
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Glenwood Drive In - Whitney Ave - Hamden
Glenwood Drive In has been around for a very long time, since they American heydey of the 1950's. In fact, Glenwood's founder came from the Tip Top world, a name my Mom and Dad always swooned over. Glenwood features a classic American Drive In menu with burgers, hot dogs, and a great seafood selection too. Check it out at glenwooddrivein.com
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Bill's Drive In - Monroe Turnpike - Monroe
Bill's Drive in on the Monroe Turnpike serves up an all day menu, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Two menu items caught my eye, you don't see Greek Gyros and Souvlaki on too many roadside menus, and they serve Georgia Red Hots at Bill's too. I love both.
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New Guida's Restaurant - Meriden Road - Middlefield
When I first started in CT radio, I used to work in Middletown, and on the way in along Rt. 66, I passed by a really nice little drive in on a quiet stretch in Middlefield. I used to love stopping in and stuffing one of their delicious hot dogs or burgers into my face. New Guida's has been around for a very long time, built in 1957. I've seen generations of happy families smiling as they wait in line to get their yummy treats.