Above: Milestone
A sampling of delicious eats in Georgetown, your go-to destination for good times.
BLACK CAT GRILLE
This is one of those restaurants where you sit down and can’t decide what to order because all of the options look too good to pass up. Additionally, Black Cat Grille specializes in creating a comfortable and friendly space that promotes the “enter as strangers, leave as friends” mentality. Its American pub fare, including scores of apps, craft sandwiches and brunch, as well as tap takeovers, live music and holiday events have locals flocking here year-round.
LOMBARDI’S TRATTORIA
Established in 2013, Lombardi’s Trattoria brings its native Italy right to Main Street, making it the most inexpensive Euro-like getaway we can think of. Try an array of Italian specialties in the dining room or enjoy a drink and its new piattini (small plates) menu in the restaurant’s newly redesigned bar space.
MILESTONE
Milestone is the newest restaurant to open in Georgetown, but from the looks of it, it has already become a local staple. Owner Peter Fine is reintroducing recipes from his mother, who owned the former Soups On in Westport. Its niche is the brick-oven they use to cook everything from pizza to even dessert. Try a classic cheese pizza or the Popeye topped with pancetta, garlic and, of course, spinach. Bring the little ones—they’ll love it too.
RANCHO ALEGRE
Rancho Alegre is no newcomer on the food scene. It’s been serving authentic and delicious Mexican food for twenty years running. If it’s your first visit, start things off right with guacamole or sloppy nachos followed by an entree of sizzling fajitas or a variation of dinner combos. Round out the experience with a refreshing Mexican beer or margarita.
REDDING BEER CO.
With all these great restaurants, you’ll want to find a spot to wash it all down. Redding Beer Co. is the newest brewery in town, tapping out seasonal and traditional ales, IPAs and other drink choices—like grown-up sodas, wine and nonalcoholic beverages. What started as a curious interest for Jim Baulsir and his son Dave developed into a business, and they’ve been perfecting their craft (beer that is) ever since.
UNCLE LEO’S NOT JUST COFFEE AND DONUTS
Next time you’re in Georgetown, pop into Uncle Leo’s Not Just Coffee and Donuts for coffee and donuts—and more. Locals stop by for the breakfast sandwiches, served on fresh bread as well as the fruit turnovers and deli sandwiches. Show your town spirit by trying “The Georgetowner,” with pastrami, melted Swiss and Russian dressing on grilled rye.
WIRE MILL SALOON & BARBEQUE
Owner Gino Marsili, a Georgetown native, found his “Georgia peach,” Robin, while operating a fine Italian restaurant down South. The two decided to bring Robin’s Southern cookbook and smoker to Connecticut. Named after the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Co., Wire Mill BBQ house-smokes a variety of meats, from pork to brisket to sausage. When asked about the recent food buzz around town, Gino said, “Georgetown offers unique cuisine with a hometown feel. Not sure what’s better than that!”
GUIDE TO GEORGETOWN
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
WE’VE DRAWN IT OUR FOR YOU. HEAP UP OR DOWN MAIN STREET!
BLACK CAT GRILLE
58 Redding Rd., Redding,
203-587-1276;
blackcatct.com
REDDING BEER CO.
7 Main St., Redding,
203-587-9000;
reddingbeer.com
MILESTONE
2 Main St., Redding,
203-587-1700;
milestonect.com
WASHINGTON PRIME
19 Main St., Redding,
203-587-1488,
washington-primect.com
UNCLE LEO’S NOT JUST COFFEE AND DONUTS
19 Main St., Redding,
203-587-1050;
facebook.com/uncleleos
restaurantji.com/ct/redding/uncle-leo-s-not-just-coffee-and-donuts-/
LOMBARDI’S TRATTORIA
22A Main St., Redding,
203-544-9447;
lombarditrattoria.com
WIRE MILL SALOON & BARBEQUE
12 Old Mill Rd., Redding,
203-544-9988;
wiremillbbq.com
RANCHO ALEGRE
6 Main St., Georgetown,
203-544-9464;
ranchoalegrect.com
THE FULL SCOOP
We couldn’t talk about Georgetown without mentioning Heibeck’s Stand off Danbury Road. Since 1931, Heibeck’s has been grilling up all-American burgers, hot dogs and other classic staples in its cozy stand, with redwood log siding. Another selling point is its homemade ice cream, with unique flavors that have delighted families and out-of-towners for eigthy-seven years. heibecksstand.com
All photographs by Gavin Binzer.