Are you looking for information about Wallingford, CT and its surrounding towns? I’m so excited to share A Guide to Wallingford (and beyond)! Here is a post on where to eat, shop, and play in the place I call home. Enjoy these local small businesses and reasons why I love to visit each and every one.
Please note: THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS!
Check the Wallingford Center Inc. website and my Facebook group: Bringing Sunshine to Wallingford for more up to date information about seasonal and annual town events.
Places to Eat in Wallingford
Michael’s Trattoria
Our family’s favorite restaurant for celebrating special occasions is Michael’s Trattoria. Affordable fine dining for delicious Italian food with homemade sauces, soups, salad dressings, and dipping oil. We love the Dirty Martini and wonderful wine list. Our daughters enjoy this ‘fancy restaurant’ with the best meatballs in the world! My favorite dish is the Chicken Parmigiana.
Gaetano’s Tavern
Gaetano’s Tavern on Main is family friendly restaurant in the center of Wallingford. If you’re looking for a family friendly casual dining spot, this is your place! We think they have the best window table for watching the snow fall as a family. The bar has Keeno, Karaoke, and live music. They make amazing nachos and my favorite Asian Chicken salad in town!
Archie Moore’s
Archie Moore’s first appeared in New Haven as a local watering hole established by Irish immigrant Archibald Moore in 1898. The Wallingford location is the place to grab a beer and a plate of their famous buffalo wings while watching the snow fall from a bar table. When out with friends we find ourselves at Archies to watch sports, enjoy lunch outdoors, or to order a nightcap.
The Library Wine Bar & Bistro
Located in the old town library, The Library is owned by the Gouveia family, owners of Gouveia Vineyards. We like to stop here for happy hour on the patio, dinner by their cozy fireplace, or fun cocktails at the gorgeous bar. This is our family’s go-to local venue for baby and wedding showers.
Christo’s Restaurant & Bar
Christo’s Restaurant & Bar is a family run establishment located on Route 5. Even though they have a full menu with many options, our favorite thing to order is PIZZA. My husband loves the Detroit Style pizza, while I enjoy their New Haven style brick oven pizza. The Greco salad is so tasty, and so is the kids pasta! We’ve also sampled their desserts – so good!
Pig Rig BBQ
Pig Rig BBQ has easily become one of our go-to places for catering family parties. Not only does Pig Rig BBQ offer catering, but they also have a Hot Rod BBQ Food Truck with mobile smoker. Not having a party? Then dine-in (and BYOB) or order take-out! The pulled pork and chicken are absolutely delicious, as are all of the sides (especially the smoked mac and cheese)! My Dad loves the ribs the most!
Trackside Pizzeria
Have you ever wanted to eat in an old train car? Trackside Brick Oven Pizzeria is owned by my high school friends’ family! It’s a fun spot to bring your kids for dinner, but also great for takeout. We like to order the New Haven style pizza. I also love the Chicken Caesar Salad pizza and well the Old Fashioned Marinara pizza!
Half Moon
Half Moon Coffee & Grille Cafe serves everything from a delicious Spiced Chai Tea Latte to a bowl of scrumptious gnocchi. The menu is diverse with everything tasting equally delicious. My sisters swear they have the best french fries in town! Another bonus: it’s BYOB! Make sure to make a reservation for a large group.
Neil’s Donuts
Truth be told, I’ve never been much of a donut girl. Then I ate one of Neil’s Sugar Donuts and I was converted. Our family loves to grab Neil’s every weekend – our go to order is: 3 Chocolate frosted donuts, 1 Sugar (or Cinnamon) donut, 1 Blueberry Cake Donut, and 1 Coffee Cake Muffin. We also occasionally order breakfast sandwiches or bagels to go. This is a must visit small business in Connecticut!
Rosa’s Deli
Rosa’s Deli is a family owned Italian Deli established in 1981. They’re known in town known for their fresh ingredients, hot or cold sandwiches, Italian desserts, and dinners to go. Our household favorite is the Chicken Pastina soup, a comfort food we all enjoy when we are sick, cold, or in the need to feel cozy.
Alyssa’s Cakery
Alyssa’s Cakery offers a variety of sweet treats: custom cakes, cupcakes, cakepops, gourmet coffee, muffins, hot chocolate bombs and more! We order custom birthday cakes from Alyssa’s Cakery almost every year! They can make anything you can dream up! P.S. I grew up with the owner, Alyssa, and she is beyond nice!
Wild Alchemy Cafe
Wild Alchemy Cafe is known for their organic and fresh smoothies, juices, bowls, and plant-based entreés and sweets. If you’re looking for gluten-free or vegan desserts, I hear they are so amazing!
Los Mariachis
Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine? Los Mariachis is our favorite local Mexican restaurant! Their menu features scratch made family recipes, delicious mojitos, and an awesome queso dip. My husband loves being able to order a burrito, beer, and watching soccer here!
Serafino’s
The first meal we ordered to-go after moving into our house in 2017 was from Serafino’s! My favorite thing to order is one of their salads with grilled chicken. Each salad is HUGE and delicious. We also love a white pizza with broccoli, sausage, and black olives.
Vinny’s Deli
Another awesome place to grab a sandwich in town is Vinny’s Deli – the King of Roast Beef! One of the coolest details about Vinny’s Deli is their monthly special sandwiches, usually made up by someone in town (or a frequent customer). This is one of the few places in town where you can grab a hot lobster roll to-go in three different sizes. Check out the Vinny’s Deli website for $5 off your first order!
Arles & Boggs Vegan Eatery
If you love vegan food, or are looking to try something new, Arles & Boggs Vegan Eatery is a must visit restaurant. They are a family owned eatery focused on all natural plant based dishes. Some fun features – they have an awesome cocktail and late night eats menu! One of my favorite dishes: NACHOS. Who knew vegan cheese could taste so good!
Sweet Cream’s
My daughters vote Sweet Cream’s as the BEST ice cream in town! They like to order one scoop of cotton candy and one scoop of cookie dough. Sweet Cream’s carries tons of ice cream flavors though! Note: We buy all of our ice cream birthday cakes from Sweet Cream’s.
Center Street Brewing Company
Located in downtown Wallingford, Center Street Brewing Company believes in brewing an ever-changing selection of fresh, well-balanced, delicious beers for all to enjoy. You can bring your own food to enjoy while playing games indoors (and outdoors), trying new beers, or even sipping wine. Check out new Covid-19 guidelines here.
Hong Kong Restaurant
Hong Kong Restaurant has been a family favorite for years. The family owned restaurant opened in 1991 and offers both Chinese and Japanese dishes for pick up and delivery. We love to order a mixture of sushi rolls and the black bean chicken and vegetables!
Tap & Vine
Tap & Vine is a a unique establishment with an amazing, ever changing beer menu, carefully curated wines, creative cocktails and delicious food. They have a romantic interior and a great outdoor patio. Reservations are preferred due to limited seating, but not required.
FunJu Noodle Bar
Looking for delicious ramen noodles and great happy hour prices? FunJu is one of my husband’s favorite places in town for a delicious bowl of Tonkotsu (pork ramen) and a cold beer while catching a soccer game. My daughters and I love their Chicken Pad Thai too! If you don’t want to dine it, FunJu offers delivery and pick-up as well.
The Eatery
The Eatery in Wallingford is known for uniquely delicious soups, sandwiches, and salads. They use New York baked breads and work with local Connecticut/New England farmers to serve food made with the best produce and dairy. They accommodate many dietary restrictions, so don’t be afraid to ask for gluten-free, dairy- free, etc.
Places to Shop in Wallingford
Connecticut Fresh Food & Produce Market
Looking for fresh produce, meats, and more? The Connecticut Fresh Food and Produce Market is the best place to go in town for every day or specialty items. Want to make a charcuterie board? Stop in to get all the ingredients! We love their fresh bread (baked daily!), cheese selection, and the butcher shop.
Redscroll Records
One of my brother’s favorite shops in town, Redscroll Records carries albums, cds, magazines any more. They specialize in underground music but have a wide selection of new and used music too. This is the place to go for a gift certificate to give to a music-loving friend!
Cindy’s Unique Shop
If you love thrifting and consignment, check out Cindy’s Unique Shop! Once a week Cindy’s goes live on Facebook to share their newest (or seasonal) items. Not only can you shop in the huge store, but you can also bring your items to sell for money or store credit.
Sweet Cioccolata
Sweet Cioccolata is a one of a kind gourmet chocolate shoppe making chocolate covered everything in downtown Wallingford. From pretzels to apples to popcorn, there is a treat for every chocolate loving person. You can pop in the shop for a treat or order a custom gift for any occasion.
The Remedy Co.
The Remedy Co. is an apothecary and holistic remedy store carrying handcrafted products to help with pain/inflammation, anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders. I love using CBD for my anxiety and recently tried the Calm blend from The Remedy Co. It’s benefits are amazing!
Services in Wallingford
Ives Road
Ives Road is the place to go if you’re looking for a local package store with a huge selection of beer, wine and liquor. The family owned business has the best prices in town for wine and great customer service. You could also find tastings of beer, wine, and liquor on weekends before the pandemic.
Dragonfly Wine & Spirits
If you’re in the center of town, stop by Dragonfly Wine & Spirits! They focus on carefully selected inventory, such as unique wines, craft/local beer, and speciality spirits. This small shop hosted complimentary wine tastings before the pandemic.
West Center Market
If you need groceries in a pinch while on the west side of Wallingford, stop into West Center Market. They offer weekly specials, homemade custom sandwiches at the deli, and local products. It’s a convenient market carrying a little bit of everything. Check out their website for coupons and specials.
East Center Market
If you’re on the east side of Wallingford or visiting one of the wineries, East Center Market is a one stop shop for your needs. The family owned and operated market has been around for years! They offer homemade sandwiches at the deli, a variety of pre-made salads and dishes, and weekly specials. East Center Market now offers curbside pick-up and local delivery too!
Fusion Dance Center
Fusion Dance Center is owned by one of my high school friends (a world award winning tap dancer). My daughters have danced at the studio since we moved to Wallingford in 2017, but I took Zumba classes there before then whenever I’d visit my hometown. Fusion Fitness & Dance specializes in Tap, Jazz/Hip Hop, Ballet, Acro/Tumbling, Lyrical, Musical Theater & Breakdance. They also offer Zumba, Toning, & Yoga!
Gen X Motors
We have been taking our vehicles to Gen X Motors in Wallingford since we moved to town. My brother’s friend owns the small business and their known for their great service!
Serenity Salon & Day Spa
Serenity Salon & Day Spa has a little bit of everything for everyone. If you’re looking for an amazing haircut (and scalp massage) plus a facial and eyebrow wax, Serenity is the place to go. My stylist Jennifer Strumski has been cutting and coloring my hair for over five years and Karen is my go-to for spray tans. Serenity is also a hidden gem for your gifting needs – their boutique is adorable!
Muddy Paws of Wallingford
Looking for someone to groom your dog or cat? My family uses Muddy Paws for their dog grooming needs! Muddy Paws is a full service dog and cat grooming salon, for ALL breeds and breed standards. Puppy cuts are also available. Service includes nails, ears, bath and conditioning. The staff is nice and considerate of the most nervous pets, like my parents’ old blind beagle.
The Nail & Wax Room
The Nail & Wax Room is a beautiful mini spa located in downtown Wallingford offering skin and nail care by licensed, certified Estheticians and Nail Technicians. The owner of the spa, Melissa, has been a licensed esthetician and spa owner for years. They offer manicures and pedicures, waxing, and a variety of skin care treatments. The Nail & Wax Room also offers a small boutique to shop after your services. Tip: make an appointment before you visit! First time customer? Use CHB20 for 20% off your service!
The Green Petal Florist
The Green Petal Florist is a fun flower shop in the center of Wallingford carrying unique gorgeous floral arrangements for all occasions. The Green Petal, specializing in event florals, is owned and operated by lifelong flower lover and designer, Alison Corbett. Stop by during the spring and summer for a pop-up shop (started during the pandemic).
