The Connecticut Shoreline has a large variety of restaurant options that have become staples for local high school students at The Morgan School. Students are looking for something quick and affordable after school or a family dinner spot, and each student’s favorite restaurant has a little something different to offer. Through student interviews, a few stood out for different reasons, including atmosphere, accessibility, timing, and overall experience. According to Nations Resteraunt News, high school students tend to like familiar brands, convenience, customizable options, and things influenced by social media and peer choices.

Swell: A Healthy, Trendy option

For students who want something quick, healthy, and relatively affordable, Swell in Old Saybrook is a popular choice. Freshman Nola Flaherty described the restaurant as “trendy and beachy,” making it a go-to breakfast or lunch spot.

Her favorite choice is the ‘Coco Love Bowl,’ and she summed up the food in one word: “yummy.” What really sets Swell apart for her is the convenience: “It’s healthy, and you can just go in and out,” she explained.

Nola typically goes with family or friends and prefers stopping in during lunchtime. She considers it teen-friendly, saying it’s a place you can stop in quickly or sit down and hang out. She rates the affordability a seven out of ten (ten being the most affordable). With quick service and being easily accessible, Swell seems like a realistic choice for students paying for their own meal who want to eat healthy.

Jersey Mikes: Fresh and Fast

For Christian Harris, a senior at The Morgan School, Jersey Mikes stands out. There are locations in Clinton, Madison, and Guilford, but Christian prefers the new Clinton location. His usual order is a number sixteen chicken Philly, loaded with lettuce, grilled onions, and peppers. He described the food as “a mouthful.”

What sets Jersey Mikes apart, he said, is the freshness. “They slice my meat right there, it’s not processed, and it always tastes really good.” Christian also highlighted the welcoming atmosphere, noting that the employees all know him by name and his order when he walks in.

He likes to go with teammates and friends, usually after practice or during lunch. He rates the availability a seven or eight out of ten, and described it as very teen-friendly, praising its variety for anyone, even including vegetarian and vegan options.

Bills Seafood: Dining on the Water

For Nick Maenza, a senior at The Morgan School, Bills Seafood in Westbrook is his top pick. His go-to order is usually fish and chips or clam strips, and he likes how they have a lot of options and variety on their menu.

One of his favorite things about Bills is the atmosphere, “you can sit right on the water,” he said, adding that you can even pull up a boat. He usually goes with friends or family for dinner and likes to hang out there for a while.

McDonald’s: A Fast and Familiar Favorite

Despite the many local restaurants on the Shoreline, McDonald’s remains a consistent favorite for freshman Chloe Shields. Her go-to order is a Big Mac with extra pickles and a medium vanilla milkshake, and she described their food as “very tasty.”

One thing that sets McDonald’s apart for her is the Big Mac sauce, which she says “keeps her coming back.” Chloe usually goes with family, friends, or teammates and likes to go at night.

While she said the atmosphere can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, saying “there’s some scary folks in there sometimes,” she did say it is “usually a very welcoming environment.

Chloe believes McDonald’s is an all-time favorite among high school students because it is quick, affordable, widely available, and offers a drive-through, making it convenient for after school or practice.

Bradley and Wall: A Deli for Everyone

Bradley and Wall in Madison is an all-time favorite for high schoolers on the shoreline. Senior Whittney Treubig’s go-to order is “a chicken cutlet panini with mozzarella and pesto.”

What makes Bradley and Wall so special for Whitney is that they make the food right in front of you, and it tastes great every time. She said the staff is always friendly and they are always busy, making it “welcoming and popular amongst students”.

She did say it’s a little pricey and can add up quickly; her sandwich and a drink are close to $20, but she says it’s “definitely worth every penny.”

“They have a lot of options for everyone, and that’s what makes it so popular,” she explained.