Hamden, Connecticut, was originally part of the New Haven Colony, but split off and incorporated as its own town in 1786. As it grew, several small, independent villages formed within the town limits mainly due to the large influx of Italian, German and Irish immigrants. Today Mount Carmel, Whitneyville, Highwood and the State Street section still retain an echo of the past which is reflected in the varied and authentic cuisine that is available. Hamden is home to the New Haven Country Club and two public golf courses---the Laurel View Course and the Sleeping Giant Golf Course.
The Playwright
The Playwright is the quintessential Irish pub located just minutes from the New Haven Country Club. Although extremely clean and well-run, there are very few frills at The Playwright. Expect to drink your beer from a bottle or plastic cup. The menu is extensive and reasonably priced. Typical pub food is always available, as well as a long list of main courses such as chicken pot pie, New York strip steak and pork chops with an Irish whiskey sauce. The Playwright's Irish specialties consist of Guinness stew, fish and chips, shephard's pie, corned beef and cabbage and bangers and mash. They also offer hamburgers and sandwiches.
The Playwright serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. They offer live entertainment on the weekends and a traditional Irish music session on Sundays and Tuesdays where everyone is invited to join in. Outdoor dining is available in the summer months.
The Playwright
1232 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT 06517
(203) 287-2401
playwrightirishpub.com
Ristorante Luce
Ralph and Anna Iannaccone started Ristorante Luce in 1992 so that they could share their passion for great Italian food and fine wine. Although a fine dining establishment, Ristorante Luce has a relaxing feel with a Tuscan ambiance. Their extensive wine list has earned them awards from the Wine Spectator for the past seven years, and "Connecticut Magazine" awarded Ristorante Luce the Best Restaurant Wine List in 2009. The menu is written in Italian with English descriptions, and includes a good assortment of pastas, appetizers, soups and salads. Main dishes include grilled chicken layered with prosciutto and smoked mozzarella, veal with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes and pignoli nuts and a New York strip topped with wild mushrooms and a gorgonzola-cognac sauce. Ristorante Luce is approximately five minutes from the Laurel View Golf Course and is open for lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Ristorante Luce
2987 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 407-8000
ristoranteluce.net
Glenwood Drive-In
Glenwood Drive-In is a Hamden institution. It has been owned and operated by the Stone family for over 50 years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. They are known for their hotdogs, hamburgers, hand-breaded onion rings and French fries but also include a host of seafood options from hot lobster rolls to clam strip rolls. Glenwood has won the "Best Hot Dog" award from "Connecticut Magazine" and the New Haven Advocate. The attached Kelly's Kone Konnection, which was launched by Kelly Stone 20 years ago, serves a variety of shakes, ice cream and sundaes. The drive-in has plenty of indoor seating, low prices and is family-friendly. The Sleeping Giant Golf Course is located less than five minutes away.
Glenwood Drive-In
2538 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 281-0604
glenwooddrivein.com
About The Author
After attending Fairfield University, Hannah Wickford spent more than 15 years in market research and marketing in the consumer packaged goods industry. In 2003, she decided to shift careers and now maintains three successful food-related blogs and writes online articles, website copy and newsletters for multiple clients including Trails, Travels and Golflink.
