Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Shady Glen

    3.8 (539 reviews)
    Closed • 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Shady Glen Photos

    SHADY GLEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    More like Shady Glen

    Recommended Reviews - Shady Glen

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Slaw from the platter
    Jason P.

    Every once in a while, I don't connect with a place that many people love. Shady Glen was one of those spots. But I'm always open to the idea that maybe I didn't get it right, and I eventually return. I recently visited the original Shady Glen, and I'm now a fan. This was my first visit to the original location, and perhaps that makes a difference. My other two or so visits were to the now closed other Manchester location. The atmosphere is a 50's style ice cream restaurant that also serves food. There are some tables. Some counter seats. Workers in old timey outfits. Definitely an old school vibe that they pull off. Service was friendly. I visited with two goals. Try a hot dog. And eat an Original Bernice Winged Cheeseburger. Probably the most famous burger in CT. SG uses CT's Grote & Weigel hot dogs. They split and grill them. They served mine sort of sandwich style on a long bun with a toothpick in the middle. Definitely an original presentation. They have no specialty dogs beyond the crispy cheese they also serve on the burgers. They do give you quality packets of relish, mustard and ketchup and a small container of chopped onions. I added all these ingredients. And it was a tasty dog. The Original Bernice Winged Cheeseburger arrived, looking like a monarch, sitting on a throne of crinkle cut French Fries. The crispy cheese design, with all those angles extending from the bun, is an engineering marvel. There is melty cheese too. The burger looked about like a quarter pound. Tasted good. I added lettuce and tomato. Both fresh. A one of a kind burger that has thrilled people for Decades. The fries were fine. The Cole Slaw, however, was top tier. There was more than just thin chopped cabbage. Kale maybe. Some other stuff. The dressing was tasty, and the slaw wasn't overly dressed. Shady Glen is a CT classic. Indeed, an American Classic according to James Beard. Who can argue with that? 4.25 Stars

    Cod filet sandwich with crispy cheese
    Elizabeth G.

    I usually get a ham and crispy cheese sandwich however was feeling ballsy and got the fish sando. It was like a giant fish stick and the tartar sauce was a nice addition. I wouldn't get it again just because I'm a die hard Shady Glen ham and cheese fan. But it wasn't a bad experience. It was a Sunday night and not very busy so we were able to walk in and get seated. The service was also great like always!

    Cheeseburger platter
    Julie L.

    Ahh their famous cheeseburgers do not disappoint. The melted cheese that hangs over the burger and is crispy is the BEST! Delicious coleslaw and just so so fries. But that strawberry shake will live long in my memory. Friendly staff and an atmosphere that takes you back to the 50s. The restrooms are even labeled "mother" and "dad." A must stop if you are in the area. Don't skip dessert!

    Inside of the restaurant
    Dee C.

    The service from the waitress was welcoming and kind. The cheeseburger was $8,40 and French fries were 5.50 and with a Vanilla Coke $18. That is way to high for basic lunch food. I won't be back. The menu is diversified but over priced. They had platters for $18. I can imagine a family being able to afford to eat out there. The ice cream is good but again $5.50 for a scoop of ice cream- that's ridiculous. And lastly they only accept cash. So if you have no cash, you can't eat there. There is nothing listed stating that. They should post a sign at the door. I think their old style diner atmosphere has worn out their welcome.

    Rich B.

    Visiting Shady Glen, circa 1948, is like visiting the past. Kind of a quasi-diner where waitstaff wear paper hats and the menu is posted in several locations on walls. Many pamphlets, etc. recommend going to SG for the vibe, experience, and food. I agree w the first two; not so much w the latter. Recently visited w a friend. We each had their famous cheeseburger (melted cheese sprouts "wings"), and split an order of fries. I had H2O, my friend a small iced tea. CBs ok, and a bit pricey. Nothing special except the melted cheese. Fries were, in my opinion, from a freezer bag. Overall, everyone should experience SG at least once, especially if you bring kids. Ice cream flavors are also on the wall. They do make an excellent shake, and sell "true" half gallons of their own brand (albeit a bit pricey). 5 stars for the schick, 3 for the food. Overall, 4 stars.

    Chocolate chip cookie dough hot fudge sundae with whipped cream
    Alyssa F.

    Stopped in for a quick hot fudge sundae and it was so so good! They had many flavors and toppings. First time coming here, cute little diner where the waiters and waitresses wore the old diner uniforms. Cash only but there is an ATM on site. Can't wait to come back to try their food.

    Cheeseburger platter comes with crinkle fries and coleslaw, cheesefurter, root beer
    Tom C.

    Shady Glen is a fun stop when you feel like slowing down and remembering the childhood joy of a meal out and ice cream with the family. Old fashioned counters and stools wrap around more than a dozen booths. When they're busy they request only parties of two or more use a booth, but there's plenty of counter seating if you're dining solo. Plastic lettered wall menus spread around the restaurant list the available fare, alternating between the lunch/dinner menu and the ice cream menu. Just remember they're cash only, but there is an ATM on site to the left of the dining area if you forget. When you walk in there is a large freezer display with buckets of ice cream in their many flavors. My personal favorites are black cherry chip, pistachio, and black raspberry. Perfect for a grab and go on the way out. On this trip I ordered the cheeseburger platter which came with the famous cheese-skirted burger, fries and coleslaw. I added a cheesefurter and rootbeer to drink. I thought I remembered previously ordering cream soda but the 50's attired college kid who served me seemed baffled so I went with root beer instead. The burger comes with four slices of cheese that drapes over the burger and becomes fried on the flattop, the edges browned and crisp. Personally I like to fold the 'skirt' back onto the burger to give it a little texture... because unless you pay a little extra for veggies like lettuce tomato and onion, comes plain with just the cheese. Covid did away with the cute condiment trays they used to set out, now ketchup, mustard and relish come in difficult to open disposable plastic packets. The burger itself is pretty plain, not a lot of seasoning, but it's filling and a solid choice. Crinkle fries are my favorite so I was happy to see them, though they also have great onion rings. The coleslaw is good but I wouldn't call it the best I've had. It's not as sweet as a KFC slaw and it's not as vinegary as a typical bbq joint slaw, it's a nice mix of the two. The frankfurter was split and griddled, with the same cheese draped over it. It was good, but as a dog goes it isn't something I would crave and drive miles to come get. The ice cream at Shady Glen is however something I'd drive a while for... creamy, sweet and has a wholesome homemade texture you can't find in a supermarket blast frozen box. In addition their flavors are great and they have a surprising variety. If you haven't been before and you're in the area it's truly something to experience. For locals and folks who enjoy the nostalgia of car hops, soda fountains and 50's diners, it's a place to keep those memories alive.

    Kris H.

    You can't beat the yummy burger with the unique, crunchy cheese! You can also upgrade to a platter, my husband did that and got onion rings and coleslaw as his sides. I stole some on my kid's French fries and they were crinkle cut, crisp on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside. We had to wait a few minutes for seating, but it was worth it and we knew to expect it. It wasn't too loud when we were there, and we were able to get in and out fairly quickly to make it to see the Christmas lights a couple of towns away. I miss the relish trays of the past (pre-COVID), but still love a trip to Shady Glen when I need a great burger.

    Yum
    Aaron S.

    8:30 "just so you know, the grill is closed, ice cream only" But you close at 9:00 You don't want my business.

    View from the picnic tables at Shady Glen.
    Jenni M.

    The time has come. I've known about the GREATEST OF ALL CHEESEBURGERS for decades and now I'm sharing it with you. The fact that the GOACH is served at a veritable time capsule of an establishment is a delightful by-product. The secret of the unparalleled cheeseburger are the crispy wings of cheese which envelop the burger and stick out the edge of the bulkie roll. The GOACH comes with no special sauce or salad ingredients. This is an unadulterated cheeseburger. This cheeseburger expert can't say enough about the wonders of said cheeseburger. Service is unparalleled, but I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil the surprise for those who haven't yet been there. Just know that if you haven't been treated to the Shady Glen way you are missing out. There's nothing fancy at this old fashioned "dairy bar" but it's clean and bright. No doubt many folks just go for the AMAZING ice cream (pumpkin chocolate chip a seasonal fav). You can eat outside at picnic tables too. There is oodles of parking in a lovely location. Whenever I get to Connecticut from the west coast I always go to Shady Glen.

    Jeff G.

    I love nostalgic places like this, the atmosphere was awesome. The seating setup is fun with cool angles so everyone can be a served by a server behind the counter. The cheeseburger was ok, sort of felt like a gimmick. The cheese was good but the burger itself wasn't great and the bun was too bready. Fries good and onion rings above average. We had a strawberry shake and it was great. Also had a fresh coke. I wish the coke was sweeter probably not worth the $2.95 except for the fact that I am a sucker and loved watching them make it.

    Actually cooked medium rare, which is an amazing feet for a thin burger.

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Jon S.
    0
    107
    1

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J B.
    20
    754
    220

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Aaron S.
    1936
    510
    2247

    2 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 3

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J W.
    26
    335
    406

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Reed D.
    75
    35
    13

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K M.
    0
    19
    1

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of C S.
    29
    23
    26

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    I certainly don't know what John G. was talking about but their coleslaw is anything but bland. It's amazing. The best I've ever had!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of R P.
    35
    203
    764

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 14

    Ask the Community - Shady Glen

    I thought there was a second Shady Glen location somewhere west of Hartford, but I can't seem to track it down. Did it close or move?

    There was a location at 360 Middle Turnpike W, Manchester, CT 06040 that's now closed. Not aware of any additional locations past or present...but it's possible!

    There is a construction project on Route 83 across from the BIG Y plaza. I know several friends and relatives in the Stafford, Somers, Ellington, and Vernon/Rockville areas. Many of us heard Shady Glenn is going in there. Is that true?

    Do we have any clarity on this?

    View All 3 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Burgers 2,740 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Chez Ben Diner - Egg white omelette with Cajun sausage and peppers

    Chez Ben Diner

    4.4(209 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    •$

    I came here for the first time on a Saturday morning with a friend. Our server came around with…read morecoffee right away. Felt like a diner- which I love! We both ordered the veggie omelet which came with country potatoes and toast- we both had rye. All of it was hot and delicious! I had really wanted to try the poutine but I am a vegetarian and sadly, they don't offer it with a mushroom gravy, which I found at two poutine places in Quebec City. I guess there are not enough vegetarians asking for it around here. I gotta say it was super loud in here as the place was packed with a large group. I enjoy a lively atmosphere but it was just too much. I found myself wanting to rush to get out of there as the noise was overwhelming while eating breakfast. I prefer to ease into my day. I can't fault the restaurant for that. It's obvious people love this place and I do too!

    Came here to try out the Quebecois items and to have breakfast. The restaurant is really open for…read moreearly morning to early afternoon dining, and we arrived closer towards closing. Upon entering, we found the wait staff chatting with each other at the seats or serving the handful of customers in the dining room. Decor was heavily coffee influenced-- from the wallpaper to the wall art, it's obvious a cup of joe plays a role here. We ordered a smattering of breakfast dishes and of course, two of the poutine dishes. Overall the food was just ok, not memorable. The pancakes had a nice texture but were largely flavorless; maple syrup helped somewhat but that ended up being the only flavor. Eggs were serviceable, potatoes were fine. The poutine was okay. I've had much better in Canada. Theirs felt like a beef based gravy out on top of French fries, with pockets of cheese curds, which were the better part of the meal. The Quebecois poutine was better, with added ham & veggies to add some complexity. The downside of our visit came as we approached their closing hour of 2pm. The crew started cleaning up and vacuuming around us as we were still eating before close. I had a single cup of coffee, and when I asked for a refill, the waitress apologized and said they poured it out because it was getting close to closing time. Ironic, considering the amount of pro-coffee memorabilia around the restaurant. We hadn't even hit closing but pouring out the coffee while a table was still eating didn't cross anyone's mind. (Nor cleaning around us, passively encouraging us to leave.) The coffee wasn't removed from the bill in recognition that maybe they made a mistake. Overall.. eh. I was hoping for more, but it is what it is. I'm sure it's fine for the regulars, but this wasn't worth the long trip for what I was hoping was a callback to Quebec faire, in Connecticut.

    Photos
    Chez Ben Diner
    Chez Ben Diner
    Chez Ben Diner - Breakfast Poutine

    See all

    Breakfast Poutine

    Cosmic Omelet

    Cosmic Omelet

    3.9(490 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    •$$

    The Cosmic Omelet is a breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant that opened in Manchester,…read moreConnecticut in October 2003. It was founded by Tracy Devine. When she purchased the small restaurant space in Manchester, it was already an existing restaurant called "The Smoking Cafe". Just before the purchase, the Connecticut General Assembly had passed a smoking for restaurants, which was going to go into effect soon. Many of the regular customers were smokers, but Devine soon won them over with her menu of "out of this world" food. The new business was dubbed "The Cosmic Omelet" and by 2005, a beautiful cosmic-themed mural had been painted on the walls of the restaurant. Although the menu also features lunch items, it is the breakfast dishes that keep people coming back. Many of the dishes are named after and designed by staff or long standing customers. If you spot the word "cosmic" anywhere in the menu, it is code for "made with cream cheese". My family and I had brunch at the Cosmic Omelet over St. Patrick's Day weekend. I was first introduced to the place by one of my best friends who grew up in Manchester, and I've been coming back ever since. This was the first visit for my two sons. There was a little bit of a wait for a table, but there's plenty to do to pass the time. If customers follow the "yellow brick road" painted on the floor, it will lead you to a small arcade as well as a funky art gallery space. We all had a fun time exploring until our table was ready. They had a lot of delicious St. Patrick's Day themed specials during our visit. I had the "Sheep Go To Heaven" (shepherd's pie omelet w/ ground beef, corn, mashed potatoes, cheddar & Guinness gravy), my wife had the "Fiesta Omelet" (sausage, onions, peppers, cheddar, side of salsa & sour cream), our sons shared the "Sweet Cream (Green) Pancakes", and we also ordered sides of "Hashbrowns" and "Corned Beef Hash" for the table. As usual, everything was fantastic! The omelets were chock full of delicious ingredients, the pancakes were perfectly fluffy, and the home fries were out of this world! We plan on returning to the Cosmic Omelet again and again!

    Cosmic Omelet has been a local breakfast staple in Manchester for years, and that still seems to be…read morethe case. The look of the place is still a mix of quirky diner and casual neighborhood spot, but over the years they have expanded quite a bit into neighboring spaces. It is noticeably larger than it used to be many years ago, but it still feels like the same locally-owned, friendly, affordable, quirky, casual, bustling place with fun decor that it has always been. The food is certainly also a big reason people keep coming back. If you have never been, you will quickly notice that some of the omelets are creative and a little unusual. A few include things like cream cheese, which might sound odd at first but often works surprisingly well. Of course they also have plenty of classic breakfast options if you want something more traditional. In general the food has been consistently good. The place can get busy, especially during peak breakfast hours, which says a lot about how popular it still is with regulars. Once you are seated though, the service tends to move along quickly and the staff are friendly in that slightly quirky way that fits the personality of the place. Overall Cosmic Omelet is still one of the better breakfast spots in the area. Good food, lots of personality, and clearly a place that has built a strong following over the years. Although I have moved much further away since my 2009 review, I will still stop in when I am back in the area.

    Photos
    Cosmic Omelet - Dining counter

    Dining counter

    Cosmic Omelet - "Hash Browns"

    "Hash Browns"

    Cosmic Omelet - Specials

    See all

    Specials

    The Gathering Diner - Inside perfectly prepared protein filled omelette

    The Gathering Diner

    3.8(208 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    •$$

    I think I've been to every breakfast place in Manchester or pretty close to it. The Gathering Diner…read moreis hands down the best in Town. The restaurant is spotless clean, the staff are prompt and friendly, and the food is always hot, fresh and delicious. The owner takes a great deal of pride in the food that he serves, striving to make sure you're happy and full. This morning I had the Biscuits & Gravy special, and it was amazing. I'm usually very hesitant to order Biscuits & Gravy out anywhere because I have pretty high standards for that dish. Many restaurants use subpar or canned ingredients and just fail miserably at their attempt to make it properly. Since I've always had good meals here, I figured I would try it. Not only was I not disappointed, but I was rather surprised at the deliciousness of it. There was not one single flavor that overwhelmed another, after I swallowed the first bite was when the flavor really hit home. This dish was so good that I had to ask the owner if he used fresh ingredients and was informed that Mike The Owner makes everything from scratch. I told him this dish needs to be on the menu as a regular breakfast choice. (I'll be looking for it) I know that Mike is a new owner of this restaurant, and I have to say that he's done an outstanding job of turning this place into the best breakfast spot in town. With a beautifully updated interior and excellent food, I can't imagine anyone being disappointed.

    Really enjoyed our visit! I had the Philadelphia omelet. The filling was delicious, though the egg…read moreitself was a little light on seasoning for my taste. Small thing, but worth mentioning! The homefries were great and perfectly crispy! And the toast was phenomenal, genuinely one of those simple things done really well. My boyfriend got The Big Breakfast and loved it overall. His one critique was that the butter was a bit heavy handed, pooling on the plate, but it didn't take away from how good he thought the meal was.

    Photos
    The Gathering Diner - View from bar

    View from bar

    The Gathering Diner - Special omelette

    Special omelette

    The Gathering Diner

    See all

    Shady Glen - burgers - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...