The Coastal Confidence first began with my goal to share the charm and tradition of the New England lifestyle with you all. Over the years, we have maintained that goal by highlighting the style of New England, home decor, our historic towns and the small businesses that make each of them so unique.

While I’m not one to discuss National or International Events on my solely New England-themed platform: I believe it’s important for The Coastal Confidence to address COVID-19.

COVID-19 is affecting everyone around the world. Healthcare providers, first responders, and essential workers are all selfless heroes – thank you. To those who are out of work or in the travel industry – my heart goes out to you. Students, like my two sisters – I empathize with how your education has been impacted. To anyone who is part of a small business – I too am in your boat by bringing business to a halt in order to protect our community. This week my father and I temporarily shut the doors of Mr. Trophy – a business we purchased just 5 months ago – to help combat the spread of the virus.

COVID-19 continues to impact all of us, including the small restaurant owners in New England who are the backbone of our local economy. As we work to maintain social distancing, we can still support our local restaurants by ordering over the phone or online and picking up curbside.

Below I’ve shared some of my favorite Connecticut restaurants that are still open for takeout and would benefit from our support!

Central & Eastern Connecticut Shoreline:

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Alforno Trattoria – Italian, Old Saybrook | The take-out menu is available daily for lunch from 12:00 to 2:30 pm and dinner from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, great for pizza or pasta, personally I love the spaghetti with littleneck clams! Call 860.536.3228 to place your order 860.399.4166

Essex Coffee & Tea – Coffee Shop, Essex | Takeout only but open with regular business hours, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Rise – Breakfast, Mystic | Call ahead for takeout. For delicious breakfast, call 860.415.9519 to place your order!

Bravo Bravo – American Restaurant, Mystic | Call ahead for takeout Monday through Sunday 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Call 860.536.3228 to place your order – I recommend the salmon with a cocktail to go!

Central Connecticut:

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Pho 501 – Pho, East Harford | By far one of my favorite restaurants of all time. They’re offering curbside pickup! Call 860.569.3700 to order – I recommend the beef pho.

J. Gilbert’s – Steak House, Glastonbury | My family loves eating here for birthdays or special occasions! Takeout is now 20% off. Make sure to call early, they have been selling out daily! Call 860.659.0409 to order – I recommend the ribs and green beans.

Sayulita – Mexican, South Glastonbury | This restaurant is almost impossible to get into – now is a great time to taste-test their menu. They offer a modern spin on Mexican food. Takeout with curbside pickup from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM by calling 860.430.9941. I recommend the enchiladas!

The Spicy Green Bean – American, Glastonbury | Call ahead for takeout with curbside pickup at 860.657.3500. I recommend anything on the menu!

Daybreak Coffee Roasters – Coffee Shop, Glastonbury | Open for takeout during 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For questions, call 860.657.4466.

Seed – Breakfast Sandwichs, Glastonbury | Offering takeout via online ordering or call ahead. To order by phone call 860.430.6404.

Northern Connecticut:

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Toast & Co. – Coffee Shop, Litchfield | Curbside pickup only! Call to order 860.567.0301.

Rein Deli – New York Style Deli, Vernon | Offering takeout with curbside pickup from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Order by calling 860.875.1344. I suggest you try their roast beef sandwich – it is so good!

Fairfield County, Connecticut:

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Hoodoo Brown – BBQ, Ridgefield | Now sounds like the perfect time for comfort food, which is why I had to add Hoodoo Brown BBQ to my list! They are open for call-ahead takeout with curbside pickup, call 203.438.6033.

Knot Norms – Seafood, Norwalk CT | Lobster Roll season is amongst us, so get your first lobster roll by ordering take away at Knot Norms! They are open Tuesday to Saturday 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, call 203.354.3194 to order or place an order online.  

Tequila Revolucion – Mexican Restaurant, Fairfield | Open for call-ahead takeout with curbside pickup, 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Call 475.888.9841.