Burgers, fries, franks and lobster rolls are as much a part of summer as oversized towels and flip-flops. There are plenty of good spots to pause and refresh yourself between sunbathing and dips in the Sound. Note: Most local beaches require resident stickers or a fee for entry. Check the towns’ park and recreation websites for the rules.
Joey’s By The Shore, Westport: Its subtle outdoor signage notwithstanding, this Compo Beach institution offers everything from ice cream-on-a-stick to some of the best lobster rolls in Fairfield County. Fans of traditional beach fast food swear that the fries here are second to none, and a taste of this crunchy-on-the-outside standard confirms their raves. Open 9 to 9 from May through October.
Johnny’s Grill, Tod’s Point, Old Greenwich: The concession here is a favorite with locals; no printed menu, just the day’s offerings posted on a board. One frequent Greenwich beachgoer gives her nod to the turkey burgers, Greek salads, iced mochas and other coffee drinks. The beach is open dawn to dusk.
Also in Greenwich, enjoy a ferry ride to Island Beach and enjoy the beach concession’s sausage and peppers on a roll, and the island’s beautiful and quiet thousand foot-plus shoreline. The ferry leaves from the landing at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park off Arch Street in central Greenwich. Parking is available across Arch Street. Ferry schedule here.
Pat’s Hubba Hubba, Stamford: Lots of fried fare here, and the chili is delicious. It’s close to Cummings and Cove Island Parks; kids enjoy the soft-serve ice cream after a busy day at the shore. No credit cards accepted, but there’s an ATM inside. 820 Cove Road, open from morning until the wee hours, most nights.
King’s Kitchen on Southport Beach, offering a great menu made with fresh and local ingredients, made a big splash for two summers until last fall’s superstorm imperiled the popular food shack. While the grill is still out of commission, cold food and drink are still available under a canopied shelter right next to the shack. Check out their offerings and progress on Twitter. Hope you’re back and running full steam soon, guys!
Sono Seaport Seafood started selling fish from its waterside location in South Norwalk thirty years ago; a year later, this family establishment opened a restaurant and never looked back. The seaside tables are great for eating fish, lobster, clams and oysters, and there are plenty of landlubber (burgers, steak, chicken) menu items for non- fish eaters. You can also carry out much of the menu for an impromptu picnic wherever you’re headed. It’s a great taste of the sea. 100 Water Street, South Norwalk.