As a senior at the University of Connecticut this fall, I find myself struggling to find new things to do, places to go, and restaurants to try that are not the typical Downtown Storrs spots. It does not help at all how isolated the campus is isolated from locations that are bustling with activity. As much as I love Dog Lane Cafe, Blaze Pizza, and Chuck’s, I have been searching for some new go-to restaurants. Here is a list of some new, underrated, and hidden gem restaurants that I have tried (or want to try) within 20 minutes of campus to add to your plans with friends!
- That Breakfast Place
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I am not exactly sure how I stumbled across this restaurant, but I think a lot about breakfast. At the same time, I think a lot about how limited the brunch spots are around for a Saturday or Sunday morning meet-up. Lo and behold, we have That Breakfast Place in Willimantic. I have never heard of it, and I am wildly confused as to why not. This spot has near-perfect reviews on Google, and the menu looks just as good! From all things eggs to sweets like waffles, pancakes, and French toast, the expansive list of choices has something for everyone. For salty, I would go with a buffalo egg sandwich. For sweets, the Nutella cookies and cream waffle sounds amazing. I imagine your only problem at That Breakfast Place would be figuring out what to eat!
- Stix ‘N’ Stones
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Looking for something fancier near UConn? Stix ‘n’ Stones Marketplace does not disappoint. Located about five minutes from campus near Spring Hill Inn, when you drive towards Willimantic and Big Y, they have breakfast and wonderful Italian food. It is a little more on the expensive side, but it would be perfect if you are looking to treat yourself to a nice meal or if family is visiting. For me, the highlights are always the vodka pasta or lobster ravioli. You can’t go wrong with either, in my opinion. They also have really decadent desserts made in-house.
- Camille’s wood-fired pizza
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Another place I have not been, but really want to go to, is Camille’s in Tolland. The restaurant is located in the same plaza as the Big Y when you are coming off I-84E toward UConn. They have all sorts of specialty pizzas as well as a limited menu of salads, sandwiches, and pasta plates. The pizza is definitely meant to be the highlight of this restaurant. Pizza is one of those things where you cannot go wrong- you hit all of your food groups in a handheld food if you do it right. I love loading my pizza up with meats and vegetables, and you get your bread in from the crispy (or doughy, however you like it) crust.
- Willimantic Brewing Company
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I tried this restaurant freshman year, and I am really not sure why I have not gone back. The vibes of Willimantic Brewing Company (also called Willibrew) are so unique because the building used to be an old post office building. This place has charm and great food. You can find this gem closer to Eastern Connecticut State University in Downtown Willimantic with its own parking lot next to the building. For the menu, think bar food classics like wings, potato skins, and nachos, as well as comfort food like amazing macaroni and cheese or more hearty pasta and meat dishes. They truly have something for everyone. Being a pub, of course, there is also a big selection of beers.
- A Cupcake for Later
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When I was walking around Downtown Willimantic one day, I stumbled across this sweet treat gem. A Cupcake for Later is a cupcake and dessert shop that has great classic as well as seasonal flavors for a fair price. I really love supporting this small business with homemade baked goods, and it is definitely a hidden gem. They also accept custom cake and cupcake orders, but if you are just stopping in, you can expect classic flavors as well as seasonal and daily offerings. If you have ever been to Cake Gypsy in central Connecticut, this is a very similar bakery on the Eastern side of the state!
Important To Consider
Well, now I am super hungry! If you are looking to go to any of these restaurants, it is important to check the hours. Many restaurants in Mansfield/Willimantic/Tolland are typically closed on Monday and/or Tuesday, and you do not want to be disappointed thinking about your dinner plans only to realize they are closed. I hope I have offered a great variety of new places to try, from breakfast and lunch spots to a hearty dinner and sweet treat options! Support these local restaurants and have some fun plans with your girlies, too!