Great ambiance on Candlewood Lake. The food was good. Simple standard bar/restaurant food.! Waiter was friendly and attentive.

Awesome place! The burgers were great and the drinks were top tier as well. It's also on the water which is nice

Great location. Below mediocre food. Seemed like frozen grocery store calamari and shrimp that was reheated. We also ended up bussing our own table bc the waitress wasnt doing it, which also resulted us in not ordering more drinks from her. read more

We stopped in Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. Not too crowded, I'd say about half to three quarters of the tables were occupied, so we were able to get a seat over-looking the lake. Great backdrop for lunch, but to be honest, the food was average, at best. I had the mushroom burger & fries, my fiancee order the beer battered shrimp (which were tasty, the only food item that we felt was good today). The honey wings we had for our appetizer were disappointing -- no flavor at all, and they lacked a crisp outer coating. Also, we had only made it halfway through our appetizer when our main meals came out. I guess it's a great place to stop for a beer in the Summer, but the menu needs a serious upgrade. Mediocre doesn't get second visits from us. read more

Had not been there in over 15 years. Still a great setting and service but the food was very disappointing. I remember the super nachos being good but not any more. Really miss the steamed lobsters. I hope they can upgrade but they may lack the incentive since they are usually full due to the view. read more

My summer spot. White wine and a burger overlooking the lake is paradise. It's a fun drive up north through the back country roads. Nice place to stop after Hopkins vineyards. Or before. I have never been at night so I can't make any claims regarding the night time bar crowd. And please. No table hopping! read more

Down The Hatch - The hatch - American Near Me - Brookfield, Connecticut

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A great venue right on the lake with lots of slips for boats to tie up. We met some friends here and the plan all along was to go back to their place for dinner, so we limited our food intake to potato skins. They were your typical potato, cheese and bacon variety that are available in lots of bars and restaurants. Mostly we were here for the libations, with beers and such flowing all around. Service looked like it was limited to bussers cleaning up empties as the "regulars" kept going to the bar to get refills and order food. G & T's were served in big, red cup sized containers so it's a good thing I wasn't driving, but on this warm Summer afternoon, there are probably a few folks who shouldn't be driving or boating by the time the left. read more

Very torn writing this review! Friday night dinner was great! The food was good and our server was amazing! Then...we ventured into the bar area after... It wasn't bad at first, not very crowded yet - we were able to grab seats at the bar for four of us! The bartender (I wish I got his name) was right there for me to order as soon as I looked up- what a great sign right? He seemed to be very attentive to what I was ordering for my tab that I started, now five seltzers and two green tea shots- couldn't be anything crazy!?? So how come when I closed my tab and it was $60.... What?? They don't give you itemized receipts anymore to sign because that's too hard? Idk... I thought I'd be a nice person and just tip and sign accordingly because I thought maybe I was just behind the times on prices of drinks... Nope. My friend ordered two white claws on her card afterwards which totaled to $11 and some change....hmmmm got me thinking.... I asked the female bartender for an itemized receipt...to which she replied she was absolutely too busy to do- but did it anyways.... When the original bartender handed it to me with an attitude demanding what the issue was the first thing I saw was that I was charged for an extra $7 shot so that is all I called out.. he threw $7 at me in cash and called it a night while also taking my receipt with him. To speculate- I assume they are over charging people at the bar for drinks and shots in hopes that the patrons don't notice because they may be too drunk already ? I'm not sure but they got the wrong one this night. I literally was sitting at the bar the whole time...not bouncing in and out ordering drinks... did they think I didn't remember what I ordered? I'm not sure, but this was not the service I was expecting after having a great dinner experience read more

First time here. Lunch was ok. My server Kaia was very good. Hope her boss appreciates her. Sat outside by the water. Nice view. read more

They are doing a great job handling the Holiday Flow during Covid times. Nice day for Lunch outdoors. The Baby Salad was Amazing, 2 lobster tails, Shrimp and scallops . read more

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After a long day on the boat this is exactly where you want to be to end the day! Good food, amazing drinks! Friendly staff! And of course we had the best waitress chole! Thank you for making our dinner experience wonderful! read more

I went there yesterday with a friend, enticed by the outdoor lake view seating. The patio did have a nice view although the overall dining expirence was not the best. The high top tables are set on a deck that feels like it has an incline to the point where I was sliding out of my chair, and my friend almost tumbled backwards when leaning back normally in the chairs. The staff was friendly but the food was mediocre at best. We ordered Fried calamari for an appetizer, they were luke warm and rubbery sitting on a large bed of lettuce. We also ordered two wraps, A chicken Caesar wrap and a crispy chicken wrap. The food came out so quickly it was almost like everything was premade and rushed out. The wraps were both basic menu items but the cheese inside was a piece of half melted cheddar, they both came with a side of fries which were also luke warm. We ordered two drinks, a strawberry daiquiri and a piña colada, no garnish, nothing fancy & not strong at all. I wanted to like this place because of the view but the food & the drinks were not worth the money at all. After sitting for a total of 20-30 minutes - not even half of our wraps finished the waitress asked us if we were ready for boxes and the check. Very rushed aswell when it wasn't busy. I would not recommend this place unfortunately. read more

This place can be cool when people aren't being too rowdy. Food and drinks are decent. read more

Very nice summer place for a burger and a beer. You can drive to, or boat in. A fun place on the lake!

The best parts of the experience was the thai chicken spring rolls, they were really good and watching a house boat full of people try to dock their boat... each time they would tie it up, it would float back out. It took about 4 tries and 3 people to sufficiently tie it to the dock. So... it's a great people-watching restaurant! We also ordered the crispy chicken wrap, cajun chicken sandwich, and fish 'n chips. There are pics for the latter 2 and the spring rolls. The crispy chicken wrap was okay, I tasted it and have had better; the cajun chicken sandwich was a very thin piece of chicken on a big hoagie-like bun. I had to take the majority of the bun off in order to taste anything other than bread... The person who ordered the fish 'n chips enjoyed it, but, again, it wasn't anything special. Oh, we also ordered onion rings, which were surprisingly decent, considering they told us they were frozen and then baked (not fried)! The chicken dishes we ordered also came with "chips," which we thought they would be nice homemade chips, but they were your basic Lays potato chips! The atmosphere was nice, outdoors looking out at the lake and people watching we'll come back for, oh, and a mediocre meal. The service was good, nothing to speak highly or poorly of. read more

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Down The Hatch is an okay hang out spot for American Traditional food. stacked burgers, fries, cooked fish, sandwiches and loaded pub food for your boating or lake experience. With a great view, Down The Hatch offers outdoor, picnic-style, seating with a view of Lake Candlewood. This restaurant also offers boat parking to first come customers with a walk up to the deck. I was sat on a Thursday with no wait time, the table overlooking the lake in a somewhat spacious dining area outside. I ordered the Chicken Jerk Sandwich which was an over compromised chicken sandwich with lettuce, cheese, tomato, and chicken with a hint of jerk curry. It was filling due to the compliments to the side salad and fries however did not feel satisfying. The food was a bit pricey ranging around $13 for the whole meal. The area itself was clean and the service helpful however the waitress at the time forgot an order and drink. Wouldn't suggest it unless you're in the area. read more

Love Candlewood lake been visiting for 30 years. With that said we go to down the hatch once a season. The view and location are perfect. waitstaff always nice Love driving up with boat with special people. Do not like the food never did. It is all frozen. If food was fresh and good, it would be one of my favorite places read more

Down The Hatch - What a view - American Near Me - Brookfield, Connecticut

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I called this restaurant eight days in advance to let them know we would like to bring a small group of assisted living residents For lunch and would be calling in the order ahead of time to make it easier for both of them and our residents. His response was offensive in the extreme. He informed me that "this is their busy time" and "why would we be taking people out in 90° weather anyway". Clearly he was not interested in our business... We will happily take our business elsewhere for our residents and for our staff! read more

The view is just incredible, good drinks, tasty seafood, good burgers. Get the whole belly clams if you have the opportunity. On the downside, it's hard to get a table without being aggressive and hunting down a waiter. Limited parking. The smoking section is way too close to the rest of us. The prices leave something to be desired, but you're paying for the view and atmosphere more than anything. So yes, everybody needs to come here at least once a summer. Beyond that, eh... it's your wallet. read more

I've been here a few times with my friends after work and have always thought this place was just ok. The atmosphere is nice and the food is average but the service sucks. It's extremely frustrating when you see servers getting other tables in and out and walk by your own table like you're not even there... Last time I was there our server said she was going to take something off the menu because of the poor service but she didn't, she charged us anyways... Wasn't even worth pointing out. read more

Only black family and did not appreciate server not advising customers of specials and when I asked why weren't we told of specials he laughed and said well there's signs all over! I had to ask for pitcher of water and food lacked of any flavor. Beautiful view on water and that's all this place offers! I'm read more

Mediocre drinks and ratchet clientele. Just had some teenager, likely 8 years younger than I hop out of her car and try to start a fight because we (only 3 people) were walking down the parking lot and apparently there wasn't enough space for her car to get through. There are bigger problems in the world, honestly. Views of the lake are nice but not worth dealing with the scummiest people this area has to offer. If you have any class I'd suggest spending your money elsewhere. read more

I ate a late lunch/early dinner. I ordered the hummus platter and a bacon cheese burger. The hummus plate was amazing. All tasted fresh and the pita was lightly toasted and served warm which was great. The burger was everything I was expecting from a normal burger, didn't exceed expectations however. All and all though I would recommend. Pretty cool environment too. read more

Let's be honest here, the only reason anyone goes here is because of the monopoly they have on Candlewood. As much as I don't like it, I'll go back because it's the only option there is. That seems to be the general consensus on down the hatch. The food sucks. It really is the quality of Applebee's and way over priced. There are a few tolerable items, but be prepared to pay out the nose for them. The bar gets slammed, bikers by day and circa 2009 jersey shore types at night. They don't serve shots, but there are always meatheads brawling anyway. The drinks again are marginally overpriced, and they take forever to get. You have to muscle your way up to get to a spot where maybe you'll be served. Bathrooms are disgusting. They smell like backed up sewage and seawater on a good day and vomited up piña coladas on a bad one. Either way, they're never closing or changing, and everyone will keep going. Including me, reluctantly. Your best bet are the loaded coronas and looking at the massive carp off their docks. read more

I've been coming here for over 25 years... I once saw a woman get sucked into a bar fight like debris into the vortex of an F-5 tornado. Her teeth were knocked out and about 10 men deep were covered in blood.... ahhh the 1980's.... Believe it or not, not too much has changed at the SNATCH! There is not as much insane violence as there once was but that doesn't mean it can't happen from summer to summer or night to night. The Hatch is an iconic destination, open May to October, with amazing potential to be on a Travel Channel news reel for Tri-State Area. It truly is a Western Connecticut must see destination. The view of Candlewood Lake is exceptional to say the least but sadly the Hatch delivers a lackluster experience. The only reason I come here is with a group, or with a group to dock a boat, use the bathroom and grab a cold drink, then get back to chillin on the lake. Food isn't really that memorable but if you're drunk and sunburned you will feel like the Sultan of Brunei eating a royal feast. It's basically a cash business, but they take credit cards and a MAJOR spot to get summer-stupid. (ie.. wasted!) The owners and staff are raking it in and they all get along great and seem happy... going during the week day during the summer with the family is ok but the turn off is.... this former tough-guy biker bar is now just douchtastic place for people to throw their weight around, YELL, park big trucks on the grass, rev their motorbike, or take a powerboat not meant for the lake and speed out of the No-Wake Zone at top throttle just to show off. You can hear it for about 5 minutes straight... (Thanks Candlewood Lake Authority for NOT doing your job) This of course will send all the car alarms in the parking lot into a delightful symphony on a hot summer day. The screaming, the shouting, the total disregard for the community makes this place a shining star! Summertime at Down the Hatch insures that most everyone drives home drunk on our dimly lit 30 MPH lake road and somehow there just isn't a police presence that seems to curb this deadly game of roulette. I guess someone well liked has to die first to get this problem noticed. Easy to do when most locals are drinking there on days off too. My final take on the Hatch- It could be the best, it could be the hottest thing on the map but instead it's like the set of a bad vintage porno and has the carpet and ugly bathroom to match. It's a shame that instead of a nice family place this place caters to more of the "git-r-done" happy hour crowd. There is still quite a noticeable biker presence who faithfully make the Hatch their home on Sundays but the rest of the nights it's a casual place for locals to unwind and douche-out. My tips for a great time here. Enjoy, Be respectful, mind your own business, do NOT park on the street or in private lots & please use a designated driver! read more

Down the Hatch gives a new meaning to the term "dive bar", in that it makes you want to dive head first into the jagged rocks below. The Hatch is the only waterfront bar/restaurant on Candkewood Lake, which is really it's only redeeming quality and literally the only reason to go. It's fun if you're making a stop on your boat or with a good group, but beyond drinking with a view and immediate access for boats, there is no reason to go here over somewhere else. Why such a bad intro? Because the food is awful, the service slow, and the Jersey Shore wannabe clientele unwelcoming. Why not just one star? Because the bartenders are decent, there's tons of seating, and of course, a decent boat party atmosphere. How's the food? Underwhelming. It's all likely frozen before it goes into the fryer. The flavors just aren't there, I could spend a quarter of the money and make it five time better at home. So basically, if you want to drink outside on a nice day and party hard with the bikers or frat boys, then the hatch is for you. If you want good seafood, you're best going elsewhere. read more

Every iota of the three stars awarded to Down the Hatch are being awarded for the venue. It will indeed impress you with its three levels of seating pleasure. Order a drink at the bar, then walk down for a seat by Candlewood lake. It's hard to argue against a bar that has such a wonderful backdrop. aaaaand the compliments end there. First and foremost, the available booze is absolutely bare bones. No special beers, no good liquors, nothing. I have never [and perhaps wouldn't be able to] order anything more fancy than a Budweiser at this place. And the bartenders are just absolute idiots. Completely inattentive and boneheaded... odd considering there's a total of about five available drinks here. I've had to wave money at them and bang on the bar before... Doesn't matter how much they didn't like it, I didn't plan on tipping them anyway. Speaking of brain dead, the crowd. I'm not sure what's higher, their blood alcohol concentration, or their average IQ. This place attracts the true dregs of society. Yet somehow, three stars. Check that, 2.51 stars... read more

Terrible service!! The owner was not wearing her mask properly!!! The bartender wasn't wearing it at all and was extremely disrespectful. They did not ID anyone and served alcohol to a minor!!! I will be reporting them ASAP!! read more

The view is good. The food is bad. The place is dirty. It remains in existence only because it's the only place on Candlewood Lake where you can eat/drink lakeside. read more

Food bad but staff hustles. Oddly, the signage displays more rules than promos. Seems to be some sort of OCD. read more

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I wanted to love this place but it is honestly nothing but overpriced diner food with a beautiful view.

Visit Down The Hatch strictly for the view, "vibe" and beer. The food is sub-avaerage. The Restaurant has a monoply as its' the only food/bar for the entire Lake. Do not be fooled or taken in by the the really good reviews; simply not true. The view is great; the "vibe" depends on the time of day, but the food, simply horrible and way, way overpriced. If management ever read the reviews on Yelp, they would try to upgrade the food from a bad fast-food hut, to at least something credible. But they have a captive audience and not the least bit concerned with trying to make this an overall enjoyable experience for the diner. If skeptical of this review, read all the others. Go there at your own risk and expense. Such a true pity that a place like this, is truly wasted. read more

Been coming here for years and the view and ambience are wonderful. The food is what you would expect from a bar lots of fried fish and pub fare with not many surprise standouts. Outdoor seating is first-come first serve and the bar gets kind of crazy on the weekends. It's nice you can pull up a boat to their docks and definitely save some of your hamburger buns or bread to feed the fish that lurk underneath those said docks. Good family ambience but again be wary of the bikers that cruise through. read more

Rumour has it that this is Charlie Sheen's fav spot to hang when he is at his Candlewood Lakehouse... yes thats right, its right next to Mariah Carey's lakefront contemporary raised ranch and Billy Joel's island... Oh how I love Candlewood Lake Lore...I can see it now- Charlie, making a pit stop en route to The Hamptons flying low in a 1975 Seaplane with his wife while his gf's parasail on a Cigar (penis) boat that can be seen coming about around Pine Island... The Sheen team are first greeted by the divorcees- These folks, mainly from Candlewood Shores, are pleased that a new celebrity can take the place of previous Candlewood reknowns John Freida and The guy who invented the automatic soda dispenser... But I digress, everything goes smooth. Down the Hatch is like Caste System gone awry- alas, it is here that all social groups intermingle.... Married, familes, 21 somthings from DANBURY, the "why didnt we go to the hamptons" city crowed, Mafia people, Harley folks, and HVAC specialists....everything goes smooth, that is, until Charlie makes a startling discovery..... NO NAPKINS!!! (perforated paper towels just dont cut it), and all hell breaks loose :( read more

It's like Stonebridge-lite, but with worse food. A strange meat market in the middle of nowhere with an odd mix of bro's and assorted townies. The crowd gets real weird some nights. The service is terrible, the food is average at best. The one thing it has going for it is the location. It's a nice spot on the lake. It's also the only really nightlife spot in Brookfield during its limited open. read more

The managerial staff needs a lesson in common decency. At no point is it appropriate to aggressively berate a woman to the point of tears. We won't be returning due to how management interacts and the attitude of "you don't like being screamed at? Well get out." read more

Great waterfront view. Pull up your boat and grab a drink and a quick bite. There is also parking available but it does get tight so try to carpool! read more

Down The Hatch - American Near Me - Brookfield, Connecticut

So my family and I decided to check this place out for the second time. Place was packed though easy to find tables. Would have liked music in the back ground. Some of the outside area had been renovated which makes its more appealing than the first time I was here.View of the water is always a plus. Food and drinks were "meh" nothing impressive. Waitress Paige greeted us as soon as we walked in. Very efficient and the only reason why I'm giving 3 stars. read more

Down The Hatch - Pork nachos and calamari - American Near Me - Brookfield, Connecticut

Terrible experience yesterday on the Fourth of July. The woman at the front who greeted my party of 5 had no manners, uneducated, and has no service skills. I heard that she's the owners girlfriend. Let me tell you she's bad for business. Drop her as a girlfriend and an employee... she's an embarrassment to the establishment. read more

Went here for dinner a couple of weeks ago, it was fine. Not super, not bad. It's what I would consider a "typical lakeside bar/restaurant". Paper and plastic outside on the patio area, picnic tables where you seat yourself, inflatable palm trees and Corona bottles hanging overhead. People can drive their boats right up to the entrance and dock, so you can imagine the informal family-esque atmosphere that exists here. Tons of little ones running around wearing their life jackets, large groups of people in bathing suits coming in straight off the water. The food was fine, I had popcorn shrimp and he had a burger. The portions are good sized and reasonably priced. The menu was what I was expecting (heavy on fried and burgers/sandwiches, light on grilled fish and non-bar food), but not what I was in the mood for. Our waitress was average as well, very nice, and super busy. But she did her job effectively, and we were in and out in under an hour. I may go back again, but I'd rather go back after having been out on the lake for the day, and not after thinking we were going to a "real restaurant". read more