48 Best American Restaurants near Waterford

“Not only is the food delicious, but the staff are fantastic and truly make you feel like family. The East Lyme Shack is our go-to restaurant! Thanks, guys!!“

“We had the most wonderful experience with Langley’s for our small, intimate wedding reception. The customer service was great from start to finish. The event manager Brian was incredibly attentive and made sure every detail was taken care of, ensuring our day went smoothly. The food was fantastic and we received rave reviews from our guests. The team went above and beyond by setting up our decorations exactly as we envisioned, making the space look beautiful. They were also very accommodating and willing to work with us in case we needed to move our outdoor ceremony indoors, as well. We highly recommend this venue for anyone looking for a place to hold your event.“

“Not only is the food fantastic but they’re so hospitable friendly but they don’t invade when you’re eating just kind hearted people their love shows in their food please visit I try something different every time“

“A Perfect Dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse

We had a fantastic experience at Longhorn Steakhouse! From the moment we sat down to the final bite, everything was spot on.

Why We’ll Be Back:
* Perfectly Cooked Steaks: The kitchen knows exactly what they’re doing. Our steaks were seasoned beautifully and cooked to the precise temperature we ordered. They were juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
* Top-Notch Service: Our waitress was wonderful. She was attentive and friendly without being overbearing, ensuring our drinks stayed full and we had everything we needed.
* Excellent Old Fashioned: If you enjoy a good cocktail, their Old Fashioned is a winner. It was well-balanced and the perfect companion to a hearty steak dinner.
* Impressive Speed: We were surprised by how quickly the food came out, especially considering how high the quality was. It’s the perfect spot for a great meal that doesn't drag on all night.
> Summary: If you're looking for a reliable, delicious steakhouse experience with great drinks and even better service, Longhorn is the place to go.“

“I never write reviews but our server Kyle was probably one of the best servers I have ever had and I am in the industry. He was attentive, kind, and genuinely made our day shine brighter. So I have decided to take a couple minutes out of my day just to say thank you for the exceptional service and great attitude. We will be back. Also our 2 girls wanted me to tell you thank you again!“

“My favorite place to go at Mohegan Sun Casino! I had the chicken and waffles, my Daughter had the lemon chicken … delicious!“

“Was really happy we decided to come here. The food great and we each enjoyed our meal thoroughly. We will absolutely be back in the future.“

“This is a hidden gem, don't let the exterior strip mall front distract or deter you. This is a local place with great food and an inclusive atmosphere. We drove 13 hours from Detroit and felt immediately at home. Thanks to Marcela our waitress.“

“Not only is the food delicious, but the staff are fantastic and truly make you feel like family. The East Lyme Shack is our go-to restaurant! Thanks, guys!!“

“04.29.25- 'Big Al's Reel Reviews' Ep.90 💎Buford's Family Restaurant💎 126 Poquonnoc Rd. City of Groton, CT I am so glad that I was tipped off about this small spot by a fan because I have just discovered another 'Big Al's 💎 Gem Spot'. I walked into a warm welcome from the owner Margaret, who was also my server and she was such a sweet lady with a great personality. She was so friendly and great with all her customers and I sat there smiling the whole time. Buford's does not have a huge FB following with just over 1k followers but it is truly an Amazing Hidden 💎 Gem breakfast spot of Groton!❤️ I walked in the door ready to eat so I ordered and reviewed a couple popular menu items: 1. Western Omelet w/Home fries & wheat toast $13.00 💣 2. Buford's Big Breakfast w/pancakes $13.20 💣 The service and atmosphere of Buford's is very laid back, comfortable and when it comes to the food they don't disappoint! I started with the Western Omelet and I ate quite a bit of it because it was the bomb 💣 I knew that I couldn't finish all the food so I moved on to those fluffy delicious pancakes with two easy over eggs, Home fries, crispy bacon and sausage patty. It was all amazingly Dope and easily earned a bomb 💣 as well! I had an amazing experience at Buford's and I understand why the fans have shared great experiences dining there. You really need to get your a** down there right away and check out the latest 'Big Al's 💎 Gem Spot' for yourself. ❤️ Thank you Miss Margaret ❤️ 'See you on the Rebound, peace out!' ☝🏾❤️ -Big Al Mayo“

“Sept 16 Par Four hosted the 45th Class Reunion of Fitch High School! The sunset & cool, breezy evening was matched only by the excellent wait staff and delicious buffet! We all had such a great time!“

“Amazing food and a really great atmosphere. The chef puts so much care into what she does and she makes everything tasty“

“The food was great. The staff were amazing and the atmosphere was remarkable. Will definitely be coming back again and again“

“We loved this place large portions great food nice quiet place . We were visiting overnight and found this place for dinner we couldn't believe the amount of food for the price and to top it off a large piece of cake for dessert . Highly recommend“

“great food, reasonably priced...amazing staff 🤗“

“We ate 4:30PM June 26th 2025 enjoyed the food service was great and friendly we will be back soon Anne and Jack“

“Hands down one of my favorite places! The staff is wonderful and so friendly! We can’t wait to come back again in the spring!!“

“Good food.. great service“

“The food is great and my family and I go at least once a week. All so the people that work there are great to. Love that place.“

“Service and drinks were awesome!! Temperature in the restaurant was 20 degrees too COLD!! I like cold but even I could not take the temperature there!! Our Server was very kind and attentive to our needs!! We were served quickly after we needed a few extra minutes to decide on your great menu offerings!! Caesar side salad and tater tots and sweet potato fries were Excellent!! Brisket and Burgers were overcooked!! 6/10 on that!! Not coming back till you guys close some vents or I wear my down jacket in the Casino!! That will not happen as left it in the car for a reason!! Comedy show at 6pm was Hilarious too!! Glad we came up there !!“

“Went for lunch on a week day. Hostess was on the phone had to wait to be seated. A wait: to receive menu, get beer, order food and receive food. After server cleared some dishes waited for bill. Server was BSing 5 minutes with a customer leaving. Total time spent waiting a bit over 35 minutes out of a total spent there, one hour and 15 minutes.“

“Amazing food and friendly staff!!
First time here, but definitely returning. I tried the French onion soup (now one of the best I've ever tasted), seafood stuffed mushrooms (definitely the best), coleslaw (also exceptional) and the BBQ brisket sandwich (perfect). I definitely recommend coming here!!“

“I’d give this place ten stars if I could. Here at the Mohegan Sun Casino for a work conference. Decided to stop in for dinner, unbelievable!!! Was alone so I sat at the bar. No request was too big for the staff. Worth every penny. MJ is the 🐐“

“The Neon Chicken — Comfort Food, Community, and the Warmest Welcome in Town

The Neon Chicken is one of those rare, special places where the food is wonderful, but the people and the feeling are what make it unforgettable. From the moment you walk through the door, Jamie greets you like she’s known you your entire life — and honestly, it’s hard not to feel that way. She has that effortless warmth, that genuine kindness, that ability to make everyone feel like family the moment they arrive. It’s the kind of welcome that stays with you.

This is comfort food at its absolute best. Hearty, homemade, generous portions, full of flavor, and clearly made with love. My personal favorite is the turkey dinner — the kind of meal that instantly takes you back to holidays and home-cooked memories. Tender turkey, classic sides, savory gravy… it’s exactly what comfort food should be: soothing, satisfying, familiar in the best possible way.

What makes The Neon Chicken truly shine, though, is the heart behind it. Jamie is the soul of this place. I once watched her help a man at his table who was being a little gruff and frustrated — the kind of situation many people would tiptoe around. But not Jamie. She handled it with absolute grace. She walked over with a smile, kindly answered every question, helped him with his food, and somehow managed to turn the entire moment around. You could see the tension leave the table. It was one of those quiet, human moments where you realize: this is what community looks like.

And that’s The Neon Chicken — a place where people are taken care of. Jamie seems to know everyone who walks through the door. Regulars greet her by name, she remembers families, favorites, stories. New visitors get the same warmth as returning ones. It’s a restaurant, yes, but it’s also a little anchor of comfort in the neighborhood.

The atmosphere itself matches the spirit of the place: cozy, simple, unpretentious, and filled with the comforting smell of good food cooking. It’s a place you can go when you’re hungry, when you need a moment of kindness, or when you just want to feel welcomed by people who genuinely care.

In a world where so many restaurants feel rushed or impersonal, The Neon Chicken is a breath of fresh air — a reminder of what hospitality really means. Excellent food, generous hearts, and a sense of community that’s impossible to fake.

Jamie makes this place shine, the food keeps you coming back, and the feeling of being treated like family stays with you long after you leave.

If you’re looking for comfort — on your plate and in your day — The Neon Chicken is exactly where you want to be.“

“First time visit. Totally awesome food. Quiche was phenomenal! Cranberry-Walnut bread (toasted and buttered) terrific. Staff was very friendly, accommodating. They sell mini baked pies, breads and other baked goods on the premises. The restaurant setting with views on the river was perfect. In warm weather, there is a covered deck to enjoy the river view even better. It's open today with Mother's Day specials. I'll be back again soon even though for me it's a 40-minute drive.“

“01.26.25- 'Big Al's Reel Reviews' - Little Galapagos Restaurant ❤️ City of New London ❤️ I dropped into The Little Galapagos Restaurant this evening to review a couple of their popular menu items which were Chicken Wings, Thai Chilli Sauce followed by Carne Asada Ecuadorians Style meal that was actually really Dope ❤️ however the Chicken wings were not great at all so they earned a Thumbs 👎🏾 The atmosphere and service was really dope there and I am sure that had I ordered anything else on the menu besides the Wings would have been just as good as the Carne Asada. This is a great place to have a great meal and a dope light experience at the same time 😎 Thank you, Little Galapagos Restaurant 119 Broad St. ❤️ City of New London ❤️ ☝🏾❤️ -Big Al Mayo 'Always Keeping it REAL to REEL'“

“Black point pizza is always my go to when I want an absolutely amazing pizza. for me I have the cooks keep it in the oven a bit longer so it stands up when you pick it up to eat. the sauce is to die for also. if you like your pizza a little more firm just ask and the cooks are happy to make your food exactly as you like. minor the owner is a stand up guy and really did good with this recipe. the salads and his homemade balsamic dressing is the best I've had from anywhere. if you have not come out to black point you are really missing out. I promise you won't be disappointed 🍕 #gettotheoint #Blackpoint #thebestpizza #soooyummy #greatcustometservice“

“Food and service is great. Music on the other hand a bit loud.“

“The brisket quesadilla were good and the customer service was great. 👍🏼“

“is a 100% recommended... new Menu, New Chef... breakfast lunch and dinner“

“I must say, the latest owners have really turned things around. I skeptically ordered a burger this evening and I was not disappointed! So much better now. And, their beer cheese for the pretzels, is everything 🤌🏻“

“Love the steak bomb for lunch.“

“The rice is unsurpassed. The side salads are REAL salads, not just a wedge of lettuce with a green wedge of tomato and a slice of cucumber. These people know food. Chicken is great, their Fish 'n Rice Platter is really really good.“

“Went for the first time tonight and had delicious food! Our waitress Keyshla was absolutely outstanding! 😍😍“

“Food was delicious, service was spectacular - the way the manager in the brown jacket spoke to the all-female front line staff was disgusting. Do yourself a favor ladies, record his cowardly intimidation talking and get him for hostile work environment. He should be ashamed of himself.“

“My go to spot before going to an event at the Sun or just spending the day gambling. .99 cent wings and $4 domestic drafts in this economy? Yes please! Not to mention they have 2 top notch servers in Amie and Elise.I notice the difference in service when I don't get them.“

“Great food, great service, and fun time with the pool tables and Juke box“

“Girls run this world, the bartenders here are genuine no joke queens! Be patient, there is 1 of them to 50 of us and they make it look easy and that’s an understatement. Wings are great, drink selection is diverse and plentiful atmosphere is comfortable and local. Great meet up spot for friends! Come on down and see this staff sleigh their magic, shoutout to Jenna, Lisa, & Abigail!“

“Order take out regularly from Applebee’s Groton, the quesadilla burgers are always excellent, the serving staff is friendly attentive and always on point, the closing night manager deserves over 5 stars, she is very skilled and went above and beyond to correct a slight to go error for me. Thank you Groton staff!“

“I ❤️❤️❤️ the honey chipotle chicken crispers !!! I also ❤️❤️❤️ the margaritas ! 🍹😁 and the Mexican street corn and creamy Mac and cheese.😋👍“

“Love Sellfish Restaurant!!! The service it’s Excellent !!!! The Food It’s Extraordinary Great…Recommend 100%“

“Excelente lugar para disfrutar en familia“

“Came here from out of town. The food was delicious and the service was great. Noticed all the employees cleaning and thought it was strange and i looked online and realized they had closed over ten minutes ago. The employees didn’t even say anything and let us finish and take our time. I feel bad because if I had known we of course would have left but kudos to them for their patience truly. Would definitely come here again! Not to mention the restrooms were clean and even smelt good.“

“Just got back from the 1st Sunday of the month night with Mystic Dead. Met the owner who seemed like a super humble and unassuming guy. The staff and the food and the band (of course) were all amazing! Looking forward to chilling down by the river after the shows when the weather warms up a bit. Drove down 2 hours for this show at this venue. Totally worth it on all accounts!!“

“I used to go here when they first opened, and the burgers were genuinely great. I recently went back to give it another try, and the quality has clearly declined. The food no longer stands out the way it once did, and it feels like the place has lost what made it special. It may be time for Bobby to take a closer look and bring things back to the original standard.“

“good food but over priced for what you get. probably won't go back.“

“The wait staff especially jade was very nice. The food was good also. It’s funny to me that people want a five star rating for a happy days restaurant . Pick foods you know wil be fast to cook and you won’t be dissatisfied!! Loved the cook he is great at what he does.“