Choosing a local restaurant over a fast-food chain is more than a matter of just taste. The choices you make impact our economy and the future of restaurants and businesses on the shoreline.
For breakfast, lunch, after-school snack, or dinner, the Shoreline is home to a variety of restaurants. Students at the Morgan School, or ‘self-proclaimed experts, ’ take a stand to share their favorite hidden gem restaurants around.
The shift toward national chains takes a huge toll on your local economy. Local restaurants benefit from citizens eating locally. According to the Impact Study Series: Salt Lake City, Utah Civil Economics, the transition from independently owned businesses to giant corporate food chains results in an estimated loss of 38.4% in revenue that flows back into the local economy. All independent and locally owned business revenue profits go back into Connecticut, boosting our economic revenue for the local community. Including profit, workers, and charity.
When you spend a dollar at a national food chain, that circulates into their corporate headquarters. In contrast, when you spend that dollar in a locally owned business, it will stay within the Connecticut economy. Leading to more money put back into your town. This makes it even more important to eat locally, and Morgan Students have many suggestions!
Copper Skillet: A Cozy Breakfast Hidden Gem
Copper Skillet in Killingworth stood out as a well-loved breakfast and lunch place. Colton Landino, a junior at The Morgan School, likes to order two large chocolate chip pancakes and described the food as “seductive.”
What makes Copper Skillet special to him is its small-town, humble feel. “It’s mom-and-pop, very small, and not many people really know about it,” he said. The atmosphere is a big reason he keeps going back. “It adds this aspect that just makes you want to keep returning.”
Colton usually visits with his family, often after school, for a late lunch. He rated the restaurant a nine out of ten for affordability, said it was extremely teen-friendly, and described it as a place to hang out or grab a quick meal. For him, it’s the first place he would recommend to any new student looking to check out the food options on the shoreline.
Doro Marketplace: New, Trendy, and Modern
One of the newer additions to the Shoreline food scene is Doro Marketplace in Old Saybrook. Senior Payton Corgan described it as a “Mediterranean and Bougie cafe with a Gen-Z friendly vibe.”
Her favorites are a honey nut latte and avocado toast, and she also emphasized the market’s grab-and-go options. While the drinks may be pricey, she said the sandwiches are reasonably affordable, and there are good, healthy options.
Payton thinks Doro is popular because it’s trendy, quick, and perfect for breakfast or lunch with friends.
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.
Rosemary and Sage: A True Hidden Gem
Among all the interviews, Rosemary and Sage really stood out. Senior Greyson Vandersloot described the food as “sensational” and some of the best he has ever had.
His go-to dish is the Filet Florentine over pasta, and he said it was so good he “genuinely licked the plate”. He said the restaurant is warm and cozy with high-quality food in an unexpected location.
He rated the availability as a four out of ten, but said it was worth the price. He said that while people know about it from driving by, they don’t know how good it actually is.
Haywire Burger Bar: Cozy and Filling
Haywire Burger Bar in Westbrook is Cameron Mails, a sophomores favorite spot. His go-to order is the bacon burger and describes the food as “glamorous.”
Cameron said the best part of the restaurant is how cozy it feels, “it has a warm and cozy feeling,” he explained. He typically goes with his dad after school for a late lunch or early dinner, and hangs out for a bit.
Although he rated the affordability a five out of ten, he still considers Haymore as teen-friendly and “worth the price.”
Little Pub: A Family Classic
For freshman David Roberts, Little Pub in Old Saybrook is his favorite restaurant. He typically orders chicken fingers and fries and describes the food as “crunchy”. He says their fried chicken is very good, and really sets Little Pub apart from other restaurants.
He also loves the atmosphere of the restaurant. “The music’s good, and the lighting’s pretty good,” he said.
While he doesn’t consider it to be a very teen-focused place, he said it’s definitely teen-friendly, being open to families. He rates it a seven out of ten for affordability and said it’s easy to get a good meal and quick service, making Little Pub a great place for a family dinner.
