Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale

Located in Madison.

Not all Lenny & Joe's are created equal.
With 3 locations, two, including Madison, are counter service. Westbrook is family style, with a wait staff.

Lenny & Joe's, while a slight cut above, is still a roadside fish place.
And that's a good thing.

The fare is simple, affordable, and tasty.

Service is quite impressive at the Madison location.
We ordered and were given #63; they were serving #39 at the time. But within 10 minutes our order was up.

Your choices are the classics: shrimp, scrod, clams, lobster, rolls, and even a hotdog for the kids. Yes, Lenny & Joe's is kid friendly, with plenty of outdoor picnic tables and an ice cream stand, not to mention a carousel.

Inside, you're responsible for finding your own table. Don't be offended if other diners hover, waiting for you to leave. The place is popular and seats are at a premium.

You won't be overwhelmed with the decor, but who cares. That's not the point.

My wife and I got the fish and chips with a side of coleslaw; my son, the hotdog.

Your food is delivered on cardboard plates and styrofoam bowls. You carry it all on the big plastic tray.

The food, all of it, is good.
Roadside good.
And that's good stuff.
Perfect summertime stuff on the New England shore.

Fresh Taco

Located in New Haven.

Fresh Taco is definitely a take-out only place.
They have a couple of tables, but you feel like your intruding when seated.

I've eaten here a few times, and I'm disappointed to report that my most recent visit left me a bit dissatisfied.

I go there for one reason, and one reason only: the Tex-Mex Chili Taco.
Essentially, it's a bunch of greasy chili in a taco, with the ususal toppings.

And it's always been greasy goodness.

Unitl my last visit.

It was a bit bland.

And really, that was my only reason for going there.

Donovan's Reef

Located in Branford.

What those other guys only pretend to be: Your friendly neighborhood bar and grill.

Roomy, spacious, and dimly lit, Donovan's Reef isn't gourmet dining, but it is a good place to meet for a beer, maybe a burger, or even some of the steak, seafood, or pasta entrees they have on the menu.

There's plenty of bar space, what with a second one upstairs, and plenty of tables, a couple of those upstairs too.

They offer the usual fare: salads, wings, sandwiches, dips, fajitas...you get the idea.

Donovan's is a cut above any of those chains, and it's a bit nicer inside.

So support your local bar and grill!