Litchfield County was recently featured in The New York Times’ 36 Hours In travel series. The article demonstrated to a national audience what local readers already know: the wooded hills of Litchfield are a great place to visit for fall hikes, and there are many fantastic restaurants offering truly special food, as well as breweries, wineries and distilleries. I’ve been traveling to various towns in Litchfield my whole life and got married in Kent. Here are some of my favorite places to eat and drink when in Litchfield County.
Interior of Swyft in Kent, CT on December 22, 2022. (Lisa Nichols/For Hearst Connecticut Media)
Swyft
Kent
Swyft’s chef, Ryan Carbone, was nominated as Chef of the Year by the Connecticut Restaurant Association for his work at Swyft and its sister restaurant Ore Hill, which occupies the same building. This honor is well deserved, as Carbone has helped Swyft maintain a long tradition of excellence. I continue to love its mix of farm-driven ingredients, sourdough pizzas, and grass-fed smash burgers.
The BakeHouse
Litchfield
I recently wrote about my favorite bakeries in the state and included The BakeHouse for reasons that will become obvious to any who make a trip here. This small, unassuming space across from the Litchfield Town Green offers some of the best cupcakes, cakes, croissants and breads in the state.
Badger flame beets with burrata at Pink House in West Cornwall. (Erik Ofgang/For Hearst Connecticut Media)
The Pink House
West Cornwall
A chic and elite dining destination a stone’s throw from the historic West Cornwall Covered Bridge, The Pink House is a new favorite. During my visit last winter, the menu was bursting with freshness and creativity with memorable dishes like maitake mushrooms with einkorn and charred beets and burrata. This a dining destination worth traveling to-what for many of us is-the far reaches of the state.
At The Corner
Litchfield
At The Corner is a longtime mainstay of the Litchfield dining scene. Featuring the creative creations of Chef Carlos Perez, this restaurant features what I tend to think of as elevated American cuisine, though these types of definitions are always a little tricky. On the menu, you’ll find burgers, wings, roasted chicken and much more served alongside an excellent selection of craft beers and cocktails. This is a spot that never disappoints.
Wilson’s by High Watch is a bakery and cafe that’s beloved by locals and serves a good cause: supporting the local High Watch Recovery Center. (Laura Benys)
Wilson’s By High Watch
Kent
Owned by High Watch Recovery, Wilson’s provides an opportunity for those in recovery to learn valuable employment skills in the restaurant industry. As wonderful as that is, it’s not what makes this a must-visit destination on your Litchfield County journeys; that honor belongs to the quality of everything offered here, from sandwiches to pastries and sourdough breads. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and pastry and then stroll down Kent’s postcard-worthy Main Street.
Litchfield Distillery
Litchfield
Founded in 2014, Litchfield Distillery is arguably Connecticut’s best-known spirits producer; it’s also one of my favorites. The distillery offers a wide variety of products, from whiskeys and premixed cocktails to vodka, gin, and even agave spirits. A visit to the distillery is a great chance to learn more about the distilling process and sample different Litchfield-made spirits. These tours are free, fun and informative.
The interior of Cowboy Butter BBQ in New Milford. (Erik Ofgang/ For Hearst Connecticut Media)
Cowboy Butter BBQ
Smoked chicken wings from New Milford’s Cowboy Butter BBQ. (Erik Ofgang/ For Hearst Connecticut Media)
New Milford
This new arrival on the Connecticut dining scene, Cowboy Butter has quickly become one of my favorite spots for barbecue in the region powered by the same smoked barbecue that made its sister restaurant, Hindsight Barbecue Waterbury well known. The ribs are a personal favorite. But don’t expect a standard, casual barbecue joint. This place is more upscale with a nice two-level bar and restaurant.
Kent Falls Brewing Co.
Kent
One of Connecticut’s OG farm breweries, Kent Falls Brewing Co. continues to impress. The brewery recently opened a second location in Northford, but explorers of the Litchfield Hills will want to check out the original rustic farm brewery. This taproom is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Kent and offers an immersive farm experience with a chance to see various animals and the brewery’s hopyard while enjoying a great mix of IPAs, lagers and farmhouse brews in the taproom.
Desserts at Arethusa al tavolo in Litchfield, CT (Winter Caplanson)
Arethusa al tavolo
Bantam
A longtime force in Connecticut food, Arethusa’s flagship restaurant is an elite dining spot. Executive chef Dan Magill offers a menu featuring a wide assortment of farm-driven cuisine made with expert culinary techniques. For fans of high-end dining, this is a must-try. For a more casual experience, you can visit Arethusa’s ice cream shop or cafe, which are both within walking distance.
Hopkins vineyard in Warren, outside Washington, on Sept. 15, 2024. (Lidia Ryan / Hearst CT Media Group)
Hopkins Vineyard
Warren
Overlooking Lake Waramaug, Hopkins Vineyard offers elite wines in an idyllic setting. Tastings here are fun and informative, and the winery offers a variety of creative pours from their sparkling wine to an annual “ice wine” that is made with vine-frozen grapes. The spot provides one of the quintessential winery experiences in the state and should truly be part of any Litchfield County itinerary.
Erik Ofgang shares his opinions on food and drink in the state. He is the co-author of “The Good Vices” and has written for The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Smithsonian, Forbes and other publications. He pens a Connecticut Magazine column titled “Craft Cruising” about the state’s beverage scene.
This article originally published at Ofgang: My favorite places to eat and drink in Litchfield County.