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    Lockworks Tavern

    3.9 (68 reviews)
    Open 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Rich chocolate cake
    Brian A.

    I might have written my first review hastily. I returned less than a week later and ordered the pork chop again. Not great, very fatty and parts of it was rare (pork is not very tasty when it's rare). And on the cool side. The mashed potatoes came out cold. I was bummed. I really enjoyed the entire experience during my first visit. Second visit, not so much.

    Wedge salad
    Allison K.

    Very lovely decor. So warm and cozy! We had excellent service and the food was really top notch. The award winning chili was so unique and good!

    Ashlyn P.

    My fiancé and I decided to make a last minute decision to drive an hour down to this area to visit some breweries and wineries and stopped here for dinner and it was delicious! I didn't have high expectations (kinda just stumbled in) but I cannot stop thinking about their wedge salad and burger. Both were so so flavorful and perfectly seasoned. And their fries.. omg a MUST! I have no idea how they get them so crispy and salty but they were unreal. Loved it here and will definitely be back! My only complaint is the dessert needed some more sweetness - the dark chocolate was too dark for my liking and the toppings lacked sweetness but still a great meal!

    18 oz 55-day dry aged ribeye
    Daniel C.

    I had a great experience dining at Lockworks Tavern in Branford on a Monday night. I've actually been wanting to try their fancier steakhouse neighbor Saltbrick Prime for awhile now, but Lockworks was a no-brainer once I heard I could order their steaks there, enjoy a more casual atmosphere, and most importantly, bring my 2 year old along. With a variety of dishes to suit different budgets, Lockworks is a perfect spot for any occasion or crowd. The ample staff created a relaxed and efficient service, contributing to the overall positive dining experience, and should allow the restaurant to be better prepared to handle any sudden rushes. They have TVs everywhere, an extensive bar, a grand open kitchen, and it looks like some of the decor and items on display were inspired by the history behind the Branford Lock Works. We enjoyed everything about our meal, from the drinks, the complementary popcorn, the oysters, the burger, but for me the standout was definitely the 18oz 55-day dry-aged ribeye. The flavors were rich and the seasoning was perfect, making any additional condiment purely for indulgence. One of the coolest things about Lockworks Tavern is their late-night hours, closing at midnight on weekdays. Where else can you go in Connecticut that late on a weekday? I hope this becomes a trend for newer places opening up. They also offer a loyalty program where you earn one point for every dollar spent and unlock $5 off for every 50 points. That's potentially a 10% discount per visit which is an awesome deal, making it even more of a reason to keep coming back! I hope Lockworks Tavern continues to thrive, doesn't get complacent, and most importantly, continue to offer and maintain all these cool perks and unique traits that set them apart. Keep up the great work, and continue to build on your quality, standards and service. I hope to see them around for years to come!

    Creme brûlée cheesecake with freeze dried strawberries
    Emily E.

    Great date night out as the two of us, but easily could've brought kids too. We shared several smaller plates and they were all great. Korean BBQ wings, pimento Mac n cheese, lobster BLT bao, wagyu corn dog, and a crème brûlée cheesecake to top it off! We'll be back.

    Onion blossom
    Vivian H.

    Came back to try lockworks again and was disappointed yet again. My friends were in town so suggested we meet here for lunch. Two of us had wine and another had a margarita. The wine pours were good this time but my friend said her margarita tasted fishy. We decided on the onion blossom and a wedge for starters. Both were great! We all ordered burgers. My friend looked at me and said her burger tasted like fish. Mine did too, like rancid fish. I'm not sure if the oil went bad or something with the beef. It was awful. I had the burger the first time I came here and it was delicious. Service again here needs improvement. We had to hunt down our waitress for a water refill. I think at this point we will just stick to the steakhouse.

    Are you kidding me with this kids meal.
    Michael C.

    Had the privilege of dining at this fine establishment for my wife's birthday, and let me tell you, it was a very nice experience. The interior is all brick--very old-school, very charming. And the walls are lined with TVs, so no matter where you sit, you can enjoy the rustic charm of masonry while debating the finer points of whether that touchdown was actually inbounds. If you're looking for a place where you can savor a steak and shout at a referee in Branford, look no further. Our server was accommodating, which was impressive because, let's face it, we're not an easy group. My wife's parents were with us, and they brought all the energy of people who treat the restaurant menu as a philosophical debate. Bless the server's patience--truly a saint among humans. Now let's get to the good stuff. The highlight? Not the steak. Not the burger. Not even the scallops. Nope--it was the kids' meal. I kid you not, they served it in a cafeteria tray, but not just any cafeteria tray. This thing was the Rolls Royce of cafeteria trays. My daughter was over the moon. Meanwhile, the adults got white plates. No flair, no pizzazz. Just plates. She was the queen; we were the peasants. I got the steak, my wife Kim got the burger, and my father-in-law followed my lead with another steak. My mother-in-law ordered a salad but then proceeded to commandeer half of the steak and scallops like she was starring in a culinary heist film. Respect. The burger was juicy and well-cooked but came with minimal frills--think of it as the Steve Jobs of burgers: simple, efficient, and confident in its lack of excess. The steak was cooked to perfection--chef's kiss--but fair warning: this is an à la carte operation. Sides are extra, and my beloved creamed spinach was missing from the lineup. My father-in-law, however, ordered a baked potato that was approximately the size of a small planet. Salad? It was chopped. That's all I can say. For dessert, we went for the s'mores thing (very good), the cappuccino gelato (melty and disappointing), the chocolate cake (excellent), and cheesecake (which looked amazing but was inhaled by others before I could try it). A true mixed bag of dessert emotions. All in all, a great spot. If you're in Branford and want steak, patience-tested service, and a kids' meal that will make adults question their life choices, this is the place. Highly recommend, even if you have to bring your own creamed spinach.

    Capuccino gelato
    Kate R.

    Great service and fun atmosphere! Some really interesting menu items, something for everyone.

    Peanut butter and jelly whoopie pie
    Kristie L.

    Went last night and dreaming about it today. They exceeded my expectations! There is the tavern and then salt brick prime is on the other side. The open kitchen separates the two. Saltbrick is upscale and more for date night or any night without kids. Gorgeous dining area and large menu of the best steaks and a few other options for those that aren't steak eaters. The tavern side has its own menu but in addition to that menu you can also order off of the saltbrick steak menu. This is a wonderful option if you want a nice dry aged steak but don't want to necessarily eat in the more upscale side. You can sit at the bar or a table. You can order anything from a burger, steak and cheese, halibut or a dry aged ribeye. Endless possibilities on the tavern side. Here is what we had: Porterhouse for 2 - absolutely delicious and tender. We ordered medium and it was perfectly cooked. Many sauce options for an up charge and we chose the bone marrow butter. I was hesitant but so glad we tried it as it was a delicious accompaniment to the steak. They will cut it for you if you want or you cut yourself. I let them carve it. 35 day dry aged ribeye - amazing flavor and again so tender and juicy. Halibut - beautiful presentation and a nice flavorful fish with leeks. Mashed potatoes- best damn mashed potatoes I've ever eaten in my life! So creamy and buttery and perfectly salted. Asparagus with bernaise - it was good Desserts - ordered every dessert on the menu to share (four of them) they were all delicious but everyone agreed the s'mores one was by far the best one. Could have eaten 6 of the them, lol. If you are only ordering one then the s'mores is the way to go. Service was phenomenal, checked on us multiple times, water glasses refilled quickly. Oh and they start you off with a bowl popcorn which is very addicting! Im not a popcorn fan but I asked for a second bowl! This place is a great addition to the area and a must try! It is gorgeous inside and the parking is easy since there is parking lot. No need to drive to either casino for a premium dry aged steak anymore, it's right here for you in beautiful Branford.

    Birthday dessert!

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    11 days ago

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    2 months ago

    That's a good dry aged steak. Good ambiance. Took my wife there twice. Took picture twice. I Ate that steak twice. I'll be back.

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    9 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Great food ! The restaurant is beautiful this was our first time here. Our server was attentive.

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    7 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Went a few times. Bar tenders are good, good food, good drinks. The DJ on the weekends is very good but no one dances.

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

    The food was overpriced and mid. Services was slow. Drinks were small and overpriced too. Skip it.

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    The Grey Goat Farmtique

    The Grey Goat Farmtique

    4.8(31 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    The Grey Goat is a great addition to Branford. While it may look small from the outside, it is…read morepacked full of home decor, jewelry, candles, deserts, wine, coffee and more! As soon as you walk through the door, you are greeted by the owner Jonathan. He is friendly and kind and genuinely cares about his customers. Additionally, each week there is a new menu that always includes one type of soup, salad, sandwich and desert. I have enjoyed everything I've tried from the menu with the most recently being the eggplant wrap and Cuban quesadilla. I definitely recommend stopping in and supporting this small business and owner! You won't be disappointed.

    I thought I found a real gem...first time my husband and I found it. We had cocktails and made many…read morepurchases ( rings, candles, food). I also ordered a ring from the owner. Have been a customer at least 4 times. Recently brought my best friend from NY. Owner didn't know who I was ( understandable) many people frequent the store. But I was mortified in front of my friend when the owner admitted to not knowing who I was, then when I explained, I was quickly dismissed. Guess it's true what they say, middle aged woman are invisible. Word to the wise ( or in this case, the shop owner...) FAKE IT. when I customer frequently visits your place of business make them feel good, remembered or at least like a human being.

    Photos
    The Grey Goat Farmtique
    The Grey Goat Farmtique - I just adore him, he's now in my home.

    I just adore him, he's now in my home.

    The Grey Goat Farmtique

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    I Know You Know - The inside

    I Know You Know

    4.4(49 reviews)
    26.3 mi
    $$

    What a fun night! Came here with a couple of girlfriends. Started at the little lounge area, but…read moresoon took the party to the bar when we ran into another yelpie! Don't let the outside of this place fool you because looks are definitely deceiving. We were cautious coming to this place due to the appearance of the outside, but once we were in it was so much fun. Agus, aka rawbartender, was Ah-mazing and truly made the night fun. He was truly such a vibe!! I ordered the SpongeBob, which was Goslings rum, pineapple spice, ginger, lime, angostura bitters. Especially with the show that was put on, my drink tasted even better. It was a Smokey, yet smooth and refreshing drink! We also got the Snow White, on the sweeter side made with Pear vodka, orgeat, pear juice, lemon juice, cinnamon. And of course, we can't forget our schooling in tequila and Mezcal from Agus. He was very informative of what he was serving and we tried a few different shots. He gave us the rundown of how you're actually supposed to taste tequila. And I have to say I've never had an experience like that before. I wish the party didn't stop and I will definitely be coming back specifically for Agus and of course the drinks!

    Finally got to check out this hidden speakeasy in new Britain ! If you're looking for a fun night…read morewith the girls , a cozy date or just wanna grab a drink this is the place ! The code to enter is updated daily on the website , once inside the you enter through the bookcase door. The ambiance is nice cozy , low -moderate lighting ( not to dim ..you can still read the menus without a flashlight... which is nice) We sat at the bar and the seats were very nice and comfortable ( which I enjoyed a lot) and spacious I didn't feel squeezed between chairs/people ! The bartender was fabulous . And made great drinks ! We just got drinks I got the peaches peaches which was pleasantly really good not to sweat or bitter , not to overpowering with peach flavour very well balanced . They also offer small bites / food. I will def be back to try some more options !

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    I Know You Know
    I Know You Know
    I Know You Know - Nice lounge area

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    Nice lounge area

    Nellie’s - Kale salad w/ grilled salmon

    Nellie’s

    4.1(58 reviews)
    0.8 mi

    I'm so happy we found this restaurant. It's located within a boat storage etc. idk but we were…read morehappy we found it. The restaurant is on the small side. But they have outdoor tables which would be awesome on a good day. We arrived at 3:30 so we had a little bit of a long wait since there was only one waiter. The food was good. We will be returning again.

    Nellie's Waterfront Bar & Grill is the kind of place people go for the location and atmosphere as…read moremuch as the food. Sitting by the water gives the restaurant a laid back, summer seafood spot feel that makes it easy to enjoy your time there. That said, if you're looking for a restaurant with a wide variety of seafood options or more creative seafood preparations, this probably isn't the place to go. We started with the chips and guacamole appetizer, which tasted good, but the portion size was pretty small for the price. The raw little neck clams were one of the highlights of the meal, very fresh, clean tasting, and exactly what you'd want from a seafood spot. For entrées, the cod sandwich was surprisingly solid. It was a nice size, fairly priced, and felt like one of the better values on the menu. The ahi tuna wrap was also good overall, but it felt like it was missing a stronger or more flavorful dressing to really bring everything together. The lobster roll was decent, but for the price, there simply wasn't enough lobster in it to justify the cost. Overall, there were definitely some enjoyable parts of the meal, especially the fresh shellfish and the waterfront atmosphere. The biggest downside was the pacing of service, as there were long waits between dishes throughout the meal. Still, for a casual waterfront stop with straightforward seafood options, Nellie's delivers a decent experience.

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    Nellie’s
    Nellie’s
    Nellie’s - Branford has some wonderful places on the water. Nellies is a hidden gem.

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    Branford has some wonderful places on the water. Nellies is a hidden gem.

    Little Pub Seven

    Little Pub Seven

    3.6(41 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    Women-owned & operated
    Locally owned & operated

    We recently stopped into Little Pub in Branford and enjoyed an overall solid meal with a few…read morestandout items, though not without a couple of drawbacks. The restaurant has a cozy, rustic pub atmosphere that makes it a comfortable place to settle in, whether you are grabbing drinks or sitting down for a full meal. The menu leans into creative comfort food, offering elevated versions of classic pub staples. We started with the nachos, which came piled high with melted cheddar jack, chili, pico de gallo, jalapeños, and other classic toppings. They were flavorful and satisfying, with a good balance of cheese and heat, and they made for a strong opening to the meal. That said, the price felt a bit steep for an appetizer, especially compared to similar local pub spots. For what you pay, you expect either a larger portion or something that really stands out. The New England clam chowder had a rich, creamy base with tender potatoes and good seasoning, delivering that comforting, traditional flavor you hope for. However, it could have used more clams. While the broth itself was enjoyable, the clam presence was lighter than expected, and for a seafood forward soup at that price point, a more generous portion of clams would have made a noticeable difference. The meatloaf grilled cheese sandwich was one of the more memorable dishes. Thick cut toast held together hearty slices of meatloaf, melted cheddar, bacon, BBQ sauce, frizzled onions, and buttermilk ranch. It was rich, indulgent, and packed with flavor, a fun twist on classic comfort food. It is definitely not a light option, but if you are in the mood for something bold and filling, it delivers. We also ordered the Ventura Highway burger, topped with smoked bacon, gorgonzola, and guacamole over a juicy Angus patty. The combination of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors worked well together, and the burger itself was cooked properly. Still, like the other items, the price felt high for a burger, especially when appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers all sit at the upper end of the local pub pricing spectrum. Overall, Little Pub offers creative, well executed comfort food in a welcoming setting. The flavors are there, and the menu has personality. The main critiques are value based, the chowder could use more clams, and the pricing across much of the menu feels elevated for what you receive. It is a good spot for a casual night out, just be prepared to pay a bit of a premium for the experience.

    My husband and I finally had a chance to try this newly opened restaurant. When we arrived it took…read morea good ten minutes before anyone came to the hostess station, where a sign specifically says to wait to be seated. Luckily the food more than made up for the wait. I started with the french onion soup, which I thought was a bit small for $9, but it was tasty and hit the spot on a cold winters night. My husband ordered the BLT sandwich with fries. For my meal, I ordered the thanksgiving turkey wrap with sweet potato fries, which came piping hot. We both enjoyed our sandwiches and fries. You would never know this location was once a chinese food restaurant. The decor was rustic and pub like, giving a very cozy feel. This location is close to home for us, so I definitely see us returning again very soon!

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    Little Pub Seven - Atmosphere looks absolutely fantastic. Very pleasant and inviting

    Atmosphere looks absolutely fantastic. Very pleasant and inviting

    Little Pub Seven
    Little Pub Seven

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    Lockworks Tavern - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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