Driving through the small town of Putnam we were looking for something to eat and the stomping ground came up on Yelp. With good reviews and a cool menu we dropped in and couldn't have been happier! We were pretty lucky as it was not that busy and we were able to get a table right away. The decor is eclectic and interesting. The staff came with a great smile and even better attitude; absolutely top notch! We started w the pretzels and beer cheese. Holy 6 pound baby Jesus they were good. They came out piping hot and the cheese was in a bubbling side dish. This isn't your typical dab of cheese in a plastic condiment container that is commonplace nowadays. I had the Arturo Sandoval (spin on a Cuban) as my entree and it was also fabulous and came out hot. If I was being critical, the pork was a wee bit dry, but that happens sometimes and it really didn't take away from the sando. Even the small side of pasta salad was outstanding. I'm lucky if I eat sides like that 1/100 times and this one I couldn't wait to finish. Great vibe, great staff, great food, and live music almost every day. Definitely gonna go back and if it's just as good will update to 5 stars. read more

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First was opened late on a Tuesday night which was great since I was traveling thru and was hungry for some food. They had amazing wings. I had both the buffalo and teriyaki. They were done in a dirty style which is really good. Had a good crunch but still be tender on the inside and not soggy at all. The drinks selection and prices were awesome and to top it off some live music which plays each night. I love the decor inside and the names of the items on the menu was unique to musical artists which was cool. I will personally make the trip back to this place again. Their service was fast and friendly. read more

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A bit divey, but the tables were very clean and not sticky like you usually find in a bar setting like this. Manager on duty very friendly and helpful. We loved the pretzel spears and beer cheese. The amount of cheese and flavor was amazing! A little disappointed on the soup. Probably because I prefer traditional beef based. My husband had the ham bone sandwich. It was okay, but he found it very chewy. We're going to try it again. Might have more luck with other menu items. read more

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For being in a little town I never thought I'd ever be in this place is great. Love me some grilled cheese build your own!

This place is so perfectly named. Despite being from Groton when I walked in there was a sense of familiarity. The decorum was not the same but the energy reminded me of my old stomping ground (O'Neils in New London RIP). I enjoyed the collection of decor, especially the dragon hanging from the ceiling and the little guy in the upper corner. The bar tender was friendly and I enjoyed over hearing them talk with regulars. I ordered the happy hour nachos and a Diet Coke. There wasn't anything fancy about them but they felt nostalgic (and very cheesy!). I want to come back and try one of their grill cheese but I don't know if my tummy could handle that much cheese in one go. read more

My favorite place. This is where I feel like home and haven't had a chance to go in about 10 years until this weekend. It was still the best. We got there late and the kitchen was closed but they graciously brought us chips and salsa. The drinks are always top-notch and the atmosphere is so cool. There was a great folk duo playing when we went this time but they have some awesome music every time I go. read more

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This is a very cool place with a very eclectic vibe. I have been there a few times now, and always spot something new in the decor! The food is absolutely superb! If you are a lover of French Onion Soup, this is THE place to have it. They make it very well and actually use the proper Gruyere cheese rather than cheaping out as most places do and using a mixture of lesser cheeses. They do not have full dinners, but offer a great selection of handhelds. The staff is AWESOME from the Chef to the Bartenders! Everyone is super polite and very attentive regardless of how busy it is. The Stomping Ground is most certainly a gem on Putnam's main thoroughfare. If you are ever in the area, try it out....I would be very disappointed if you were to be disappointed. read more

Well appointed. Fresh ingredients. Option filled menu. Prompt service and a very nice playlist!

Loved my bartender Maple. She made me feel right at home. It's hard when you go to a bar solo, but she made this welcoming experience. 10/10 would recommend. read more

My friend and I recently went to The Stomping Ground for lunch. We absolutely loved the decor!!! It was so cute in here, definitely could feel the vibe of the old days in here (without pretending to be vintage). We had a great server and she was very helpful with suggestions. My friend ordered the pot pie and I ordered my usual Caesar salad with chicken (of course), plus a side order of toasted pita bread. Unfortunately, we were disappointed. My friends pot pie was a tad burnt and my Caesar salad was not great, the chicken wasn't grilled as it normally is everywhere else I order it. The server had told me when I ordered that they cook the chicken overnight in a crock pot and it's delicious. It reminded me of pulled pork (except chicken). The chicken was shredded and came in a pile on the side of the salad. I didn't care for the dressing either. This was expensive too...$14. for the salad and $2. for the toasted pita. The restaurant has some interesting menu items, but I think they just need a little tweaking to make them outstanding. read more

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Got the pretzels with beer cheese... BEST beer cheese we have ever had. Local IPA's and fresh fruit cocktail is where it's at. Stumbled upon this place from Long Island and so thankful to have come here. Terry is not only a great bartender but turns out to be the NICEST owner in the business. Service was great, friendly and punctual. The ambiance leaves you smiling and like you are part of this great community. Cannot recommend enough!! read more

The Stomping Ground - Tai me to the stool cocktail - Bars Near Me - Putnam, Connecticut

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The wings are perfection. We are not local so we plan trips around visits to the Stomping Ground, even if it's just to pick up an order to take home. Our preference is to eat in because it's got such a great vibe. Delicious food. Excellent bartender and wait staff. read more

This was my first time going here. It was great the server was nice. The food was amazing I had pulled pork and I loved it. The Ambience/vibe was chill not too crowded. There is music playing in the background chill music not loud. They have live music 6 days a week. The bacon brownie was amazing. read more

The Stomping Ground - Bacon brownie - Bars Near Me - Putnam, Connecticut

Overcharged me for dining in and having a decent time with my friends and mates..........................

Wasn't happy when I was charged $17 for Casamigoes Tequila & soda. Too pricey for the location.

An hour plus to get a crappy grilled cheese! and tater tots, which I could make in about five minutes. Both were tasteless and when we asked for some ranch or blue cheese dressing to make it palatable, we were ignored. They used to be very good here, but tonight was very disappointing! I will not give them another penny! read more

I kinda feel like I've been living under a rock, because I have been wanting to come here for a long time. Anyway, on January 28th, 2024, I finally got the chance. The real challenge is taking my eyes off the artwork on the walls and the ceiling long enough to focus on what I had for lunch while my sister ordered the appetizers, which were nothing short of delicious. The spinach artichoke dip had this garlic thing going on, which was surprisingly good. i even tried a corn dip with queso fresco, and, given I used to be a majorly picky eater for a good part of my life, well...Let's just say I told Miss Picky Eater to take a hike. Anyway, I settled on the William Shatner grilled cheese (second generation Star Trek fan, I get that from my mom), which has - get this - four different cheeses. Get it with bacon, trust me on this, it is nothing short of delicious. We even got to enjoy some really good live music while we were there, which was a real treat. Even Prince Ozzy, this puppet dude sitting on a swing hanging from the ceiling over the bar, looked like he was enjoying himself. He never suggested otherwise. I am not quite sure how to describe the decor of this place, so my best advice is to experience this place in person. Curious to know more? Why don't you "stomp" on over and check it out for yourself? read more

Midweek at the Stomping Ground Putnam. Start the weekend early. Frenchie and the Punk, more great live acoustic music...reminds me of Siousie and the Banshees-lite. Tambourine is OK, but needs more...cowbell! read more

The Stomping Ground - The Stomping Ground Putnam - Bars Near Me - Putnam, Connecticut

Best place ever. Great nachos made by Raffi, best service. Cool ambiance. Good music. Our bartender was Jessica she was very nice. read more

The Stomping Ground - Bar - Bars Near Me - Putnam, Connecticut

The food was very, very greasy. My dish, which was flavorful, it was a Mac and cheese with bbq pork and I liked it. But very greasy. The pot pies weren't really pot pies because there was no crust. It was all cheese, potatoes, and grease. In the photo you can see it's completely drenched in oil. The grilled cheese was good though, but it's odd that you can't choose your own side to go with it. And the other sandwich was not very good. read more

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The Stomping Ground is a lot like cilantro: you love it or you don't. The vibe is local- think CHEERS in baseball caps and flannel shirts. Loud music. Jazz. Bluegrass. If you are in a hurry, this place is not for you. You are going to hang and eat. You should plan to be there for a while. The waitress will get to you. Eventually. Lots of beer choices. Good food. People love the place. It's a little too dark and loud for my taste, but hey. I'm not a fan of cilantro. read more

Food was good, and the bar was plentiful. Emily was a great server, and even better at luring us into the venue. When the bands are there, you better like it loud. Don't go if you expect pleasant conversation.....even when you're in the back area read more

Live music, snacking and just chilling was what we were looking for on a weekend night after a long day of apple picking nearby. This super quirky, cozy spot in an adorable New England town with killer sunsets totally satisfied that tall order. The menu was somewhat unique and created with a lot of personality. Names of meal such as "The Neil Young" had me intrigued. Burritos, wraps, quesadillas, lots of Sammie's too. Even a bacon brownie for dessert I bet a lot of people would really enjoy. If I was hungrier, there were definitely several options this veg-head would've thrown down with. The kiddos wanted to stick with classics. Chips and guac and Caesar salad. Both generous portions and arrived to the table quickly by our awesome waitress. They had leftovers. I was highly impressed by the beer offerings! There was an entire page of drafts including a few seasonals and a bunch of interesting bottles. The music was really great! It was jazz and was about to switch over to another band as we were leaving. Don't forget some cash for tipping! I felt like I was back honky tonk hopping in Nashville again. Nice! Overall we had a great time here. It was just what we wanted and although it may seem more of an adult atmosphere, the kiddos were not out of place. Cool spot for some casual dining or just grabbing a drink and taking in the tunes. We would come back! read more

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As much as I would like to give this place more stars I just can't give a bar that packs people in to the point of standing room only and only has one bathroom any more stars than that. We went on a very very busy night as there was an event happening in the street out front. And they had very limited service and it was easier to just go up to the bar and get our own drinks. We were fortunate to find a little room in the back that had very worn out shabby furniture but it was a place to sit. We had a nice time because we were with a group of friends and we enjoyed each other's company. The line for the bathroom was right in front of us and it was quite extensive at times. And of course the bathroom door opened right out to where we were seated. So if they had another bathroom the stars would definitely go up. The beer was good the whisky was good and the company was good. read more

The Stomping Ground - Bars Near Me - Putnam, Connecticut

Very disappointed!!! Waited over an hour for tater tots and a grilled cheese! 10 beer selection service very poor! Clearly understaffed ( not their fault) servers very nice! Just kind of crazy ! read more

Tiny Portions The first thing that I have say is that everything at this place is overpriced. 11 dollar gourmet grilled cheese was just average, 14 dollar Billy Bang pot pie that was about 4 ounces of food, 7-9 dollar craft draft beers?? Let's add that the restaurant was full with only one bartender trying to serve everyone and the food itself took an hour to come out. She did a nice job. Overall: Not great, food was ok. Portions are tiny and overpriced. Drinks are overpriced. My wife and I split a grilled cheese and the smallest pot pie I have ever seen, 2 beers and 2 mixed drinks and the bill with tax and tip was over 80 dollars and we left hungry and sober. Don't really understand why the reviews are so great, it might have to do with there being basically not much in the area to go to. Sorry Yelpers, you got this one wrong. Thanks read more

I have been twice just to give it a chance and waited 30 minutes+ both times for overcooked grilled cheese. Mediocre food at best

not good sorry. drinks: horrible and inconsistent food: bad only crappy grill cheese n stop n shop macaroni band:.... smh and a almost 3.00 serge chard if you dont use cash.. fruit flys everywhere!!! probably has dirty taps. not recommend. read more

The Stomping Ground - Bars Near Me - Putnam, Connecticut

Best Caesar salad ever!! I have often gone to The Stomp for wings, a creative grilled cheese, or a martini with fresh fruit smashed right into it. The other night I just wanted something a little different. The Caesar salad was amazing. Fresh ingredients, hand made croutons, shredded rotisserie chicken, and freshly shaved parmigiana cheese. The dressing was also spectacular! I don't usually get this excited about salad but this was an exceptional! read more

Good food, bar atmosphere but very comfortable not stuffy. Place is small bartender is your waiter but food is good.

The grilled cheese is good, but it seems like the only thing on the menu. We have been here twice now and both times the service hasn't started exactly been welcoming.... read more

Visited today with my friend and we absolutely loved being there! Enjoyed BBQ wings, the Irish music - and friendly service! We were walking down the street, heard the music and went in! Already looking forward to our next visit! Thank you so much!!! read more

Wow, really good stuff. Cool spot, great drinks, simple but delicious food. Service though? not so good. Maybe it was a bad day. I'll be back. read more

We came here on a Saturday around 5 and there were plenty of open seats which is good considering this is in Putnams downtown area. They have a decent selection of beers and the food menu is pretty unique. There is a whole page of grilled cheese and the one I ordered was INCREDIBLE, best grilled cheese I have ever had They also have live music most nights read more

Favorite lunch place in Putnam, CT Very unique and delicious food. The bacon wrapped jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese are the best ones I've ever had and I've also had both a gourmet grilled cheese and a "burrito" both not your typical of either but outstanding. Pictures and descriptions below. read more

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I want to like this place. I really do. It has a cool vibe... sort of. Coffeehouse cool with a very well stocked bar, and live jazz. Sandwiches with cool names like the David Byrne. and Neil Young's Burrito. Alas, the magic fades. The food is fair to middlin', prepared in a kitchen the size of a closet. No kidding. But the biggest disappointment is the bar. What wonderful things could be made here! Instead, they are content with pouring beer and being totally ignorant of how to make the simplest of cocktails. I mean.... I had to coach the bartender on how to make a generic manhattan..... and she still managed to screw it up. Same scenario, 3 different occasions.... Do you guys realize what a gold mine you would have if you paid attention to your barcraft (that's where the money is, folks) to accompany the live music that actually attracts a crowd? You could even hire a waitress so the poor bartender could do her job instead of running around trying to do everything. And perhaps upgrade the menu.... and the food on it ....just a thought. Good luck...... read more

The restaurant is very interesting. It's also a little tight but the bar is real nice.

After reading the reviews I had to laugh at the negative ones. I love two states away and have been here several times, during the day, at night, ate at the bar, in the back at a table and outside and have done takeout. The drinks are great. The music is always good. They have live music and the name of the place is the stomping ground. Its clearly a bar when you walk in. Food is second to the fact that it's a bar. But for a bar, you can get some decent grub here. I've had several appetizers and was happy with all of them. Their Billy Bragg beef stew with scalloped potatoes was quite filling and tasty on a cold night. It will fill you up. Don't expect five star dining. Its a bar and it has good bar food. Its a place that I go out of my way for. read more

On the other side of Connecticut from where I live, I wish it was closer. This is an awesome hang out spot. The wall decorations are eye-catching. I spent a lot of time just staring at the paintings and decor. We ordered spinach artichoke dip, French onion soup, pork berry grilled cheese sandwiches, and a few others that I can't remember the name of. It was all good. Expertly crafted by someone you could tell was passionate about the food. We devoured everything. Definitely would go again if I'm in the neighborhood. read more

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Went in for an early dinner tonight and have to say our waitress was phenomenal. I ordered a special Margarita, she was patient and made it perfectly. Wish I had gotten her name. These are tough times for restaurants and it was so nice to have such attention and high end service. The wings and nachos were great as usual but the star of the night was our server!!!!! read more