This place is AMAZING! Employees are fantastic, and the food soooooo good. It doesn’t hurt that the prices are on point for the amount of food you get. I had leftovers for days after 3 separate meals 🤗 if you’re thinking about stopping here, JUST STOP. You won’t regret it! Ralph, the owner & chef has a beautiful gem of a restaurant! He does his job so well.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Frittata
I walked in one day for a chai tea and cookie. Both were delicious! After talking with Ralph, the owner and chef, I knew I'd be back with my husband. What a treat! The cozy charm and river view right outside our window along with the amazing meals was just what we needed on a cold, gloomy day. My husband said that his pasta and clams was the best he'd ever had. I had the chicken pot pie which was full of meat, corn, peas, carrots, cut string beans and just the right amount of herbs. Yum! We enjoyed talking with Ralph about his specialties and unique cooking. As many of the other reviewers have said, while he has his regular dishes, he is always prepared to custom make your dish to your liking. Go and treat yourself to his cooking and meet his friendly staff!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Sandy Hook Cafe is where my mom and I meet for a late lunch on Fridays. We've never had a bad meal here...each dish is made with love and pride and is so, so tasty! Pro tip: give up control of the meal and let Ralph work his magic in the kitchen. He'll never do you wrong! Favorites include the meatball salad, the country fried chicken, and the Thai noodles. Don't miss dessert!
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
This place is so warm and cozy; I love ❤️ it. The food is amazingly delicious, and we cannot forget the best customer service we got from Ralph. We are going back again and again. 💙💙
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
The food is incredible and Ralph is such a nice guy! They have a set menu but he is always working on new specials. My family had a chicken pot pie and a pasta special (scarpariello i believe?) that they said were both incredible and generously portioned. I tried the pork schnitzel and it was absolutely delicious. Please do yourself a favor and check this place out!
Service
Take out
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
This place is just wow! Small and local Connecticut at its best! The food was so good, the atmosphere is amazing, and the service was super good! Friendly, tasty, and quaint. I’ll be coming back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Sandy Hook Cafe is BRILLIANT!! Such a cute little place with amazing views, incredible food, and wonderful service. Ralph, the owner and chef, explained the restaurant’s specials and made me and my friend’s mouths water before he was even halfway through the description!
We got his specials, the Thai-style noodles and the pear and balsamic cauliflower pizza, and we could not be happier. The cauliflower crust was crispy and sturdy, definitely could not tell it wasn’t dough! My friend brought home a second order of the Thai noodles specifically because they were THAT good (and when my dad tried the leftovers later, he immediately said I should have brought home another order, too)!
This small and unassuming, yet warmly appealing, cafe has some of the best food I’ve ever eaten at a restaurant, and that’s not an exaggeration. Add on the fact that prices are more than reasonable and the atmosphere autumnal and welcoming in all the best ways, and you have Sandy Hook Cafe.
I live about 50 minutes away, but I won’t hesitate to drive back again hopefully very soon :)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wonderfull, small-town, family-run cafe on the Pootatuck River.
EAT:
> Ginger Beer (mmm)
> Coffee (Dark Roast)
> Water
> Cookies
> Croissant
...less than $20!
Wifi (yes)
Seating:
> Indoor
> Outdoor (View of river)
Service:
> Given Cookie for children
Nearby Sandy Hook:
> River Walk
> Small Shops
Parking (Complimentary)
> Can walk around area
Child Friendly (Yes)
Wheelchair Access (Yes)
Closest HWY:
> I84
Would I Return? (Yes)
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$1–10
What a gem! I’m vegan and asked Ralph, the owner, what do you have that’s vegan. He said, tell me what you want. I will Veganized and customize whatever you want. I make an amazing potato wrap. Well, the rest was history as that is the single best breakfast food I’ve ever had in my life. This place is good for vegans to know about, but this is for everyone. It is immaculately clean, utterly charming, with a great five and a stunning river view. His food is made to order and made with love. He will really customize any dish on the menu or create some thing for you if there’s something you really want. And the portions are huge as well!
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Wonderful selection! Fresh salads and unique dishes are best explained with attached pictures. Ingredients are fresh and recipes are carefully crafted. It is evident that the owner takes pride in the preparation of every dish!
The figs with prosciutto, goat cheese and pecans are a must try.
Chocolate chip cookies are excellent. Bakery selection is very good, along with authentic gelato and great coffee/espresso.
Patio overlooks the Pootatuck River and provides a nice atmosphere.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
