It has taken me way too long to write this review, but I only recently started reviewing some of…read morethe places I've loved over the years, and The Eatery absolutely deserves one.
When I lived in Wallingford for about three years, The Eatery became one of my places. I would stop in for breakfast before work, or someone from my team would make the breakfast run. At least once a month, we had to have an Eatery morning. We ordered lunch from here too, so over time this little place became part of our routine.
When I eventually left Wallingford, my team actually bought me my last breakfast sandwich from The Eatery before I left. It sounds like such a small thing, but it was honestly bittersweet because they knew how much I loved this place.
And years later? It's still just as good.
One of the biggest reasons The Eatery has always stood out to me is the customer service. Everyone I've encountered has been sweet, polite and welcoming, but I especially have to mention Sam. Over the years, she became one of those people who made you feel like more than just another customer. She genuinely got to know her regulars. There were times I'd place my order online and it felt like she already knew I was coming. I'd walk through the door and she'd have everything ready. She has always been incredibly kind, caring and attentive, not only with me, but with the customers around her as well. That kind of customer service is something you remember.
My son has been eating their food since he was around one year old, and he STILL loves it. Now whenever we're back in Connecticut for his appointments, my mom will ask, "Can we please stop at The Eatery?". Sometimes we're able to make it and sometimes we're not, but this past Friday we finally did.
I ordered my favorite kind of breakfast: a bacon, egg & cheese on a pretzel roll. SO GOOD. The pretzel roll with the warm egg, bacon and melted cheese is such a perfect combination. My mom ordered her bacon, egg & cheese on ciabatta, and my son had one as well. Although apparently his wasn't enough, because he ended up stealing mine. Apparently Mom's food always tastes better.
I also tried what I believe was their watermelon mint refresher/tea, which was refreshing and perfect with breakfast, while my mom had a caramel coffee that she absolutely loved.
And please don't think they're only a breakfast spot. Their lunch is just as good. I used to order their salads all the time during work, and they were always incredibly fresh. In fact, my coworkers were notorious for wanting some of my salad because they knew where it came from. Everything always tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared rather than like something that had been sitting around.
Another thing I love is seeing how much this place has grown. I remember what it was like when I first discovered it, and coming back years later and seeing what they've created is wonderful. They've added so much personality while somehow keeping the same warm feeling and the same wonderful people.
The atmosphere is adorable. It's bright, clean, modern and welcoming, with tons of beautiful greenery, hanging plants, warm wood tones, woven light fixtures and fun pops of color. The big "Hello Wallingford!" mural is such a cute touch. There are little details everywhere, but it doesn't feel overdone, it has that relaxed neighborhood café feeling where you can grab your food and go or just enjoy being there.
I also love how they change things up for the seasons and different occasions. They always seem to have something fun going on, especially around fall and the holidays, and I believe they offer catering as well.
Funny enough, before I discovered The Eatery, I had driven past it so many times without realizing what I was missing. Once I finally stopped in, it became somewhere I went for years.
If you live in Wallingford, you need to try this place. And honestly, even if you're coming from North Haven, New Haven or elsewhere in the area, make the drive. It's worth it.
I may not live in Connecticut anymore, but whenever we're back in the area, The Eatery is still one of those places my family wants to stop. The food is delicious, the ingredients taste fresh, the atmosphere is beautiful, and most importantly the people have remained just as kind and welcoming as I remember them.
Some restaurants are simply places you eat. The Eatery became part of my memories of living in Wallingford, and that's probably the best compliment I can give them. Keep telling them they need a second location in another state! Everyone deserves to try how amazing they are