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7 Classic Drive-Ins

One of the best parts about being on the road in Connecticut is stopping at a drive-in restaurant for a quick but tasty bite. The state offers many spots, but here are seven of the most tried and true.

Sea Swirl seafood and ice cream stand with customers waiting outside Sea Swirl seafood and ice cream stand with customers waiting outside

Sea Swirl, Mystic

It’s easy to identify the Sea Swirl as a former Carvel ice cream shop, but focus pivoted from dairy treats to delicious fried seafood, particularly their clams, scallops and oysters! However, it's their whole-belly clams are what bring fans back over and over!

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White outdoor restaurant building with blue awning and American flag White outdoor restaurant building with blue awning and American flag

Clamp's, New Milford

Not many places scream summer the way Clamp’s does, especially if you're on the road. Maybe it’s the roadside location (since 1939) on Rte. 202, or the picnic tables scattered in the shade. Perhaps it's the fact that it’s open only during the summer, with no official website or phone - talk about an adventure.

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harry's place harry's place

Harry’s Place, Colchester

Looking for a real juicy burger? Harry’s shapes its patties into a ball, puts them on the grill & then gradually flattens them with a spatula. The results have brought customers back every summer for decades - Over 100 years to be exact.

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Classic cars parked near Glenwood drive-in restaurant at dusk Classic cars parked near Glenwood drive-in restaurant at dusk

Glenwood Drive-In, Hamden

Serving Route 10 for over 65 years, Glenwood offers burgers and dogs flame-broiled over charcoal. Craving seafood instead? Indulge in their delicious lobster rolls, grilled cheese, and signature onion rings. They have even been voted #1 Hot Dog in CT by Connecticut Magazine!

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Outdoor seating with seafood signs and pirate flags at Stowe's Seafood Outdoor seating with seafood signs and pirate flags at Stowe's Seafood

Stowe’s Seafood, West Haven

They’re always on a roll at Stowe’s: lobster roll, shrimp roll, scallop roll, squid roll, and fried clam roll. You’ll like the across-the-beach vibe. Note that they're cash only, but offer an ATM on site.

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Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant with parked cars and an American flag Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant with parked cars and an American flag

The Sycamore, Bethel

Known for its steak burgers and homemade root beer, along with its carhops and '50s ambience. Please note that The Sycamore is currently closed but plans to reopen under new management.

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Sign for Blackie's with homemade relish since 1928 Sign for Blackie's with homemade relish since 1928

Blackie’s Hot Dog Stand, Cheshire

There are many excellent hot dog stands in Connecticut, but none have quite the roadside allure of Blackie’s, which has been around since 1928. The menu may be limited, but the relish is revolutionary!

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