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
Here are some of our favorite places to frequent for food around town (in no particular order)!
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. Update: Michael’s is expanding! Stay tuned for details!
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, outdoor seating 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. Archies is family friendly and has a great menu for everyone. We find ourselves at Archies to watch sports, enjoy lunch outdoors, or once in a blue moon – it becomes the late night stop for one last drink.
The Library Wine Bar & Bistro
Located in Wallingford’s first public library, The Library Wine Bar is a must visit for date night, happy hour on the patio, dinner by the cozy fireplace, or cocktails at the gorgeous bar. They have an amazing NEW menu (try the Tuna Nachos!). This is our family’s go-to venue for baby/wedding showers. Update: In May of 2022 the Massella family, owners of Bagelicious, purchased The Library from Joe Gouveia of Gouveia Vineyards. The Massella Family hopes you will enjoy fresh local ingredients and exquisite cuisine while dining in one of Wallingford’s most historic landmarks.
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 tasty, my oldest daughter loves the chicken rice bowl and my middle child goes crazy for the Mashed Potato Pie. We’ve also sampled their homemade desserts by Krafty Cakes (yum!).
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 – its the real deal! I also love the Chicken Caesar Salad pizza, their homemade creamy Italian dressing, and 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 and blacked chicken Caesar Salad in town! Another bonus: they offer pizza slices AND 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. They brew New England Coffee (my fav!). Neil’s Donuts 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 for their fresh ingredients, hot or cold sandwiches and Italian 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. The deli is stocked with chips and drinks, refrigerated sides and homemade Italian desserts!
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!
BMuse Cafe
BMuse Cafe is known for their fresh and healthy made with love (and gloves) salads and sandwiches. This cafe is the only place in town where you can Build-Your-Own-Salad and watch them make it! The cafe is fully stocked with freshly made sides, chips, desserts, and drinks! Check BMuse on social media for daily soup, salad, and sandwich specials! Note: BMuse is only open Monday-Friday from 10am – 3pm (no weekends!).
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. Update: They are opening a Trattoria in downtown Wallingford – stay tuned for details!
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, wonton soup, and the black bean chicken and vegetables (with extra baby corn for the kids)!
Yellow King Brews
Yellow King Brews is one of our most favorite family friendly hangouts in town! This craft coffee company not only offers an assortment of coffee/tea drinks, but they also carry beer, wine, and liquor! With televisions playing anything you could want to watch, a shelf filled with fun games to play, and frequent live music/events – there is always something to do or see at Yellow King Brews. Bonus: they have food too!
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.
Cafe Luca Belle
Cafe Luca Belle is a new cafe located on Center Street in downtown Wallingford. From organic, fair trade tea to delicious espresso speciality drinks, from tasty locally sourced pastries from Kouign Bakery and fresh bagels, the cafe is a great spot to stop by for a treat or stay to enjoy it! Check Cafe Luca Belle’s social media for special events and menus! P.S. I love how they offer vegan cream cheese for their bagels!
Green Kettle Coffee
Green Kettle Coffee is a new coffee shop located on Center Street in downtown Wallingford. The interior is in fact GREEN (my favorite color) and the Seasonal Special menu is a must-try. GKC offers tea, espresso drinks, hot chocolate, pour-overs, and fresh baked goods. Seating is cozy, especially by the window if you’re stopping in with a friend! Check Green Kettle’s social media for events – like Jazz Night and Book Club!
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!
The Dressing Room
The Dressing Room ‘Haus‘ is located in a 130 year old Queen Anne Victorian home in downtown Wallingford. The flagship location contains 2 floors of shopping! The first floor is devoted to casual clothing and gifts while the second floor houses a bridal suite, mother of the bride collection, guest of wedding collection and so much more. Formalwear collections are by appointment. To make an appointment, click here.
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.
East Center Market
If you’re on the east side of Wallingford or visiting one of our wineries, East Center Market is a one stop shop for all of 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!
Services in Wallingford
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.
Glow Medical Aesthetics
Glow Medical Aesthetics is founded by Allison Jones, a former nurse and Wallingford native. She established her med spa in 2022 with the hopes of helping her clients enhance, restore, and achieve their natural GLOW! From hydro-facials to medical weight loss, vitamin IV immune therapy to anti-aging injectables, there are a variety of services for everyone’s needs! I highly recommend the Hydro-facial for a true glow! Mention CAITLIN for 20% off your Glow Service!!
SPLAT Art Studio
Splat Art Studio is Wallingford’s original art & party studio, known for creating fabulous & fun art since 2007. They are passionate about nurturing your imagination in a relaxed, judgment-free CHEERFUL art studio. Splat hosts kids’ art classes, camps, workshops & private paint parties. Summer camps and classes sell out quickly as it’s a hot spot in town!
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!
Bel Lavi Medical Aesthetics
Bel Lavi Medical Aesthetics is a new med spa in Wallingford owned by best friends Katelyn Claudomir, APRN and Rene Chagnon, APRN. Bel Lavi offers a variety of treatments for all types of clients. From Liquid-Lipo Body Contouring to PRF Hair Restoration, or PDO Threads, Botox, and Dermal Fillers, Bel Lavi Medical Aesthetics will work with you to achieve the results you desire!
