22 Best Restaurants in Bristol, CT

This article was written by local contributor Josiah Tyler & edited by the Travel Lens team.

Josiah Tyler

Jul 2, 2023 • 16 min read

As a lifelong Bristol resident, I can confidently say that our town is home to some of the best eateries in the region.

From cozy cafes to family-owned pizzerias and authentic international cuisine, there's a little something for everyone's taste buds.

I've had the pleasure of dining at countless establishments in town, and I'm excited to share my personal favorites with you.

So, whether you're looking for a romantic date-night spot, a lively brunch experience, or a quick bite to eat, I've got you covered.

Read on to discover the top restaurants in Bristol, Connecticut, that you absolutely must try.

Parkside Cafe

The other day, I decided to try out a legendary diner in Bristol known as Parkside Cafe.

I had heard great things about it, but it was my first time visiting.

Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

The breakfast menu was unique, and their lunch options were just as delicious.

I particularly enjoyed their corned beef hash.

When I went there for lunch, I ordered the Philly sandwich, which was absolutely scrumptious!

The prices were reasonable, and the portions were quite generous.

The new location of the cafe is modern and spacious, making it a comfortable place to dine for everyone.

I've been there alone, with my family, and with a group of friends, and it has always been a great experience.

Bite&tea

I'm always on the lookout for new and different cuisines to try out, so when I stumbled upon Bite&tea, I was eager to give it a shot.

Although the food might not be exactly authentic, it still has its own unique charm.

I found the minced braised pork fantastic, while the beef noodles were comforting.

But what truly won me over was their bubble tea.

The bubbles have that perfect chewy texture, or, as they say, the perfect “Q.”

On another visit, I tried three different drinks, and my favorite was the brown sugar bubble tea.

My family also enjoyed their drinks, and we all appreciated the edamame's taste.

Cravings, An American Eatery

I recently visited Cravings, An American Eatery, and I must say, I was pretty impressed!

The Bear wrap had the perfect hint of spiciness from the Sriracha, and the freshness of the ingredients made it even better.

The veggies were crunchy, and the fried chicken cutlet was crispy.

The sauce they used was refreshing and didn't overpower the other flavors in the wrap.

Though I didn't have any dessert, they looked absolutely delicious, and I'll definitely be returning for more of their fresh food options.

Uncle Sam's Restaurant

Uncle Sam's Restaurant has always been one of my favorite spots to grab a bite.

I remember when they moved from Rte 6, but their quality has never dropped.

In fact, their onion rings are still off the charts!

You can check them out on their Facebook page.

The last time I visited, I decided to try their cowboy burger platter with onion rings and coleslaw, and let me tell you, it was phenomenal.

The char-broiled goodness was just perfect, and the service was quick, friendly, and efficient.

I would rate it four and a half stars!

My friend had the grilled chicken salad, and she also enjoyed it immensely.

Just recently, I went back and ordered the Provolone & Mushroom Burger and Sam's Deluxe Quesadillas, which were both very tasty.

It's really nice to see that their quality and taste remain consistent.

Latin Cravings

If you're looking for authentic Latin cuisine in our town, Latin Cravings is the place to be.

I've been visiting this cozy corner spot for quite some time now, and the food never disappoints.

On a sunny day, I love sitting in their lovely patio area with picnic tables and watching the world go by.

It's so relaxing and enjoyable!

The food here is divine, and the prices are quite fair.

I must say, the gentleman at the window always greets me with the warmest welcome, making me feel like we've been friends forever.

Their pernil is perfectly seasoned, and the arroz and gandules are always fresh.

I find the service to be courteous and well-informed, with wait times usually met or exceeded.

Plus, they often have special offers and up-sells that make the experience even better.

Pavilion Restaurant

Ever since I moved to Bristol last spring, I've been on the lookout for the best local spots to grab a bite.

One day, I stumbled upon Pavilion Restaurant's website and decided to give it a try.

Now, I can confidently say that it's one of the best places to eat in town, and I've been back for more multiple times since my first visit.

What stands out about Pavilion Restaurant is their ability to serve consistently hot and flavorful food, regardless of what you order.

I've tried their pizza, wings, grinders, and pasta dishes, and each time I've been left wanting more.

The Greek-style pizza, in particular, has become a personal favorite of mine, thanks to the perfect balance of a crispy crust and doughy interior, topped with a delicious sauce and abundant toppings.

Gyro Love

One of my absolute favorites in the area has to be Gyro Love.

I first gave this place a try after hearing rave reviews from some friends.

I decided to order takeout on a busy Saturday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised with the reasonable wait time.

The food did not disappoint.

I ordered a veggie gyro, and it was filled with a delicious mix of vegetables that I couldn't get enough of.

The Greek fries were also a hit, and I couldn't believe the generous portions they gave.

The next time I ordered from Gyro Love, I got the chicken gyro, and it was just as amazing – fresh, juicy, and not at all fatty.

Chunky Tomato

The other day, I had the pleasure of dining at Chunky Tomato with some friends, and I must say, it was an incredibly tasty experience.

We ordered a variety of foods, from sandwiches to wings and several different types of pizzas loaded with meat.

I was pleasantly surprised by this hidden gem in our neighborhood.

I particularly recommend trying their Brie and Steak, which is simply mouthwatering.

The pizzas are not only delicious but also budget-friendly, making it a must-try spot if you're in the area.

An interesting tidbit about Chunky Tomato is that they have consistently won awards for their pizza.

I learned that it has been in the family for generations, and they have been perfecting their craft for multiple decades.

Palma's Diner

Just the other day, I decided to give Palma's Diner a try for breakfast with a few friends.

I ordered the steak cheese mushroom onion omelet, and they were divine!

My son had scrambled eggs, and he also mentioned that they were tasty.

The pancake, bacon, and my friend's BLT were also good.

The portion sizes were decent and enough to satisfy our cravings.

Pure Foods

One of my favorite spots in Bristol, CT, is definitely Pure Foods.

It's my go-to place for a healthy and delicious meal.

Every time I visit, I am amazed by the quality of their food and the friendly service.

What really stands out at Pure Foods are their amazing smoothies!

The strawberry banana one is my absolute favorite.

It's refreshing, and I can say without a doubt that it's one of the best I've ever tried.

The chips they serve here are also some of the best and complement any dish perfectly.

The vegan nutter butter cookie is another must-try item whenever I am here.

Jimmy's On the River

As a frequent visitor to Jimmy's On the River in Bristol, I can say that this place truly feels like a hidden gem in our town.

I usually go there for breakfast, and I must say, their eggs sunny side up are always cooked to perfection - no slimy clear stuff whatsoever.

Jimmy's also offers a complete lunch menu which I'm excited to try soon!

Not only is the food fantastic, but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming as well.

TimeOut Sports & Pizza Bar

One of my favorite places to go for a relaxing evening is TimeOut Sports & Pizza Bar.

It's conveniently located inside the DoubleTree hotel, so if you're staying there, you're in for a treat.

Their website can be found here.

What I love about this place is that there's something for everyone.

Whether you're in the mood for some farm-to-table American cuisine, a delicious steak, or fresh seafood, they've got you covered.

Another great thing about TimeOut is the variety of drinks they offer, which always hit the spot.

Every time I go there, I make sure to catch some sports on the TVs, making it an excellent spot to watch your favorite games.

The atmosphere is always lively and welcoming, and the service is top-notch.

One Fifty Central

I recently stumbled upon One Fifty Central, and boy, am I glad that I did!

My friends and I decided to try it out for dinner, and we were certainly not disappointed.

We ordered lasagna, chicken cordon bleu, penne vodka, and chicken parmesan, and all of the dishes were absolutely outstanding.

Even the desserts were beyond delicious!

The service was friendly and knowledgeable, too.

One thing to note is that since everything is cooked to order, you might have to wait a few extra minutes for your food but trust me, it's worth it.

Good Friends Diner

As a frequent visitor of Good Friends Diner, I always find myself drawn to their breakfast menu.

With a wide variety of options and consistently great taste, it's hard to resist starting my day with a hearty meal from their kitchen.

The atmosphere is always welcoming, and the restaurant is usually clean, so it's a nice place to sit down and enjoy a meal.

I've also tried their lunch menu, specifically the cheeseburger.

The patty was thick, tender, and full of flavor.

Sabaidee Thai Restaurant

Last week, my friends and I decided to visit Sabaidee Thai Restaurant for dinner, and it did not disappoint!

The atmosphere was quiet and clean, which made for a pleasant dining experience.

We started off with some bubble teas, which were incredibly refreshing and came in a variety of flavors.

For our main course, I ordered the vegetable pho and decided to add meatballs for an extra $3, as recommended by one of my friends.

The dish was absolutely delightful, and I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of it - it looked so beautiful!

My partner opted for the pineapple fried rice, which was quite tasty.

Main Street Pint & Plate

I recently visited Main Street Pint & Plate for dinner with a few friends, and we had a great time!

We arrived at 5:30 pm on a Wednesday, and the place was lively without being overcrowded.

The majority of patrons were hanging out in the bar area, creating a fun atmosphere.

For appetizers, we tried the crispy Brussels sprouts, which had a delightful hint of sweetness.

I personally ordered the scallops salad for my main dish, and it was simply delicious!

One of my friends tried the chicken marsala risotto, which is part of their daily rotating risotto specials, and she was thrilled with her choice.

The service was remarkably fast too!

We received our appetizers in less than five minutes, and the entrees followed shortly after.

I ordered the juke burger cooked medium-rare, and it came out perfect – a rare accomplishment for many restaurants.

The burger was juicy and tender, just like I wanted.

West End Pizza

Whenever I have a craving for pizza, West End Pizza is my go-to spot.

I've tried many pizza places in the area, but this small, no-frills corner joint never disappoints.

They serve basic pizza, grinders, and the like, and their visitors always leave with a smile on their faces.

They truly know how to make you feel at home.

You can find West End Pizza on Google Maps here, and I recommend parking around back and walking in to get the mouthwatering smell of fresh pizza as you enter.

I've had their pizzas countless times, and I can confidently say that from the crust to the sauce, they never disappoint.

Bristol Sports Bar & Grille

One of my favorite spots to unwind after a long day is the Bristol Sports Bar & Grille.

The food here is amazing - I particularly love the Buffalo Mac and Cheese.

My partner once tried their Mac and Cheeseburger and couldn't stop raving about it.

The atmosphere is always relaxed and not overly crowded, which is perfect for enjoying a meal and watching the game.

The bar menu has a variety of choices, from wings to salads and other delicious snacks.

Whenever we have visitors in town, I always make sure to bring them to Bristol Sports Bar & Grille for some great food and good company.

I also love that they have outdoor seating during the warmer months.

It's perfect for enjoying a drink and a meal while soaking up the sun.

Parking is pretty easy too, with street parking and more in the back.

Max Pizza & Restaurant

Max Pizza & Restaurant is definitely one of my go-to places for a delicious slice.

Their pizza is always amazing, and I'm continually impressed by how fast my orders are ready!

The service is good, and they've been great at accommodating my needs.

The atmosphere is pretty much what you'd expect from a normal pizza place – nothing too fancy, but it's a comfortable spot to grab a quick and satisfying meal.

Trust me when I say you need to try their food!

Check them out at their website.

Their salads are huge and super fresh, and the overall quality of the food is excellent.

I've never had any problems with Max Pizza & Restaurant, and the pricing is reasonable too.

Bell City Diner

One of my favorite go-to spots for a delicious meal is Bell City Diner.

Last weekend, I visited them with my family, and we had another amazing experience!

We started with their nachos, which were loaded with cheese and meat.

It's always a hit with everyone at the table.

I tried their pulled pork baked potato for the first time, and it was heavenly!

I can't believe I hadn't ordered it before.

It was so filling and tasty that it could be a meal on its own.

One of my favorite things to order is their flatbread, but I can't remember the name of the specific one we had this time.

It was, as always, delicious.

Of course, I can't talk about Bell City Diner without mentioning their milkshakes.

I think they're the best in town, and their Cinnabon Milkshake was to die for.

The atmosphere at the diner is lively and welcoming, and it's always a great place to take the family for an impromptu dinner.

We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including homemade beef hash, grilled chicken salad, BBQ chicken bacon flatbread, chicken marsala, and sweet potato fries.

Rodd's Restaurant

I went to Rodd's Restaurant for a meal with my family last week.

When we arrived, we had to wait a bit before we were attended to, which was a little frustrating since other tables arrived after we got their orders taken first.

We ordered a few dishes, including a chicken wrap, a kid's burger, a regular cheeseburger with Swiss cheese, French fries, and coleslaw.

The chicken wrap was surprisingly great – it had abundant chicken, and the lettuce was fresh.

The regular cheeseburger was cooked perfectly and tasted great.

The French fries were well-prepared, and the coleslaw was fresh and sweet.

Thai Avenue

I have had the pleasure of trying out numerous Thai restaurants, but I must say, Thai Avenue truly stands out.

Their menu is not only diverse but also boasts the freshest and most creative Thai dishes I have come across.

Whenever I visit, I make sure to start my meal with their Fresh Summer Roll.

The crunch and clean flavor always leave me wanting more.

The Tom Yum Soup is another favorite of mine, as it has just the right amount of heat to tantalize my taste buds.

Their Duck Ta-Lay is an intriguing combination of crispy duck, scallops, shrimp, mussels, and mushrooms which I absolutely love.

I must also mention their Pad Thai and the soft shell crab salad, both of which are incredibly delectable.

The atmosphere of Thai Avenue is cozy and trendy, making it an ideal spot for a date night.

Final Thoughts

Bristol has an impressive variety of restaurants to satisfy any food lover's cravings.

From the cozy atmosphere of Parkside Cafe to the mouthwatering flavors of Gyro Love, there truly is something for everyone.

Personally, I've enjoyed countless delicious meals at these establishments and am always eager to return for more.

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