The Windmill is getting the full 5 because this is where it all started for me. The hot dogs, chiliburgers, the Brats, and that menu of old timey German specialties had me going back there again and again when I was a kid. And of course, growing up a block away, when I finally hit 21....this was both the first and last stop of the night. This place isn't for everyone. It's in the tradition of old neighborhood bar that most people would call old man bars. It just sits there on the corner of Hollister and Thompson on the edge of the Hollister Heights neighborhood. The Windmill hasn't changed at all in terms of decor since long before anyone I know was born. And that's what I like about it. Used to be a time, when the lines for the grill would form out the door and around the corner ala the Soup Nazi. But that was when John L. was behind the grill and the late World's Ugliest Bartender, Ted, was still pouring the Gennee behind the bar for 60 cents a pull. But, since then a bunch of bullshit has made the once world famous dog merely average. Miller's Provisions, who provided the meats and t he best dogs anywhere, shuddered their doors about 6 or so years ago. And more recently, but no less tragic....French's bakery closed. I mean haven't you guys noticed Duchess's sandwiches aren't as good since they've changed the bread. The Windmill is a good place to go if you're looking to enter the WayBack machine. Pickled eggs behind the bar, jerky in a jar, smallish pool table, and booths along the wall. Go there for the quality cheap restaurant eats. Go there for a quick cheap beer. Go there for the occasional Country/Western or hard rock band playing in the back room. And go there for the fine, albeit no nonsense, people you'll find there. read more

My friend just moved down the street from this place, so we decided to try it out one night. Upon first impression, it looks and feels like your typical "neighborhood" dive bar/grill, but its so much more than that! My favorite parts about it: 1.Free pizza is offered during happy hour... (Seriously who doesn't love FREE pizza?!?) 2.The salads are HUGE. They're all served in a ridiculously large bowl, easily enough to feed 2 hungry guests, for only $10. 3. The $4 Patty Melt 4. Gigantic menu with a variety of extremely reasonably priced options 5. Fast, friendly service 6. The atmosphere = super chill. There were a lot of "regulars" who also lived nearby, and everybody just seemed so happy. I almost feel like this place should have a special motto, i.e. "The Windmill: where all friends meet" or something... ......is that weird?? Anyway, I would highly recommend this place! Especially if you're looking for some great, yet inexpensive American food! read more

The Windmill has always been a hidden gem: an "old man's" bar in a residential neighborhood, serving inexpensive lunch and dinners but mostly known for the outstanding hot dogs. Under new ownership, the menu has changed a little. They're still serving CT's famous Hummel hot dogs and they feature Fairfield's famous Kuhn's chili. The regulars balked, however, and they now offer Rudy's famous chili as well. The grill guys need a few more lessons in how to present a Rudy's dog, though. Although a Windmill "works" dog comes loaded with mustard, kraut, chili and onions, it was served neatly. The ones we got on a recent Friday were a sloppy mess (but delicious!). The nightly specials include such homestyle favorites as stuffed cabbage and meatloaf. Didn't try the pizza yet, but we saw some, personal sized and thin-crusted, and they looked great. The bar room booths are gone, with hightops in their place. The pool tables are gone as well, but the big room is mostly the same and there is entertainment on weekends. For years we have heard that the Windmill will be closing. What a relief that it seems to be thriving under new ownership, and will be around for years to come!! read more

Party of 12 last nite. Joe our server was awesome! The food was great, beer was cold.. you can't lose! The menu is full of stuff you want ..so go with a group and try all you can! Thanks Joe for making our family outing awesome and for running all those winning Keno tickets! read more

I wanted to love this place.... $8 pitchers on game day, awesome BUT If you order food... Not sure if it is good or not, took an hour to get dry crusty wings. The manager blamed me for the crappy service, said I didn't order enough!! Unbelievable! Poor waitress was apologetic and nice... Real bummer we would have come back a lot if the food and service had delivered. So sad and disappointed. read more

I just walked out of there. It was honestly the worst experience I've ever had dining out. It was 7 when we got there. We FINALLY got service at 7:15 to come around and give us water and menus. We put our order in at 7:20. At 7:50 we asked how much longer the food would be and the waitress told us it wouldnt be more than another few minutes and that they had also had a large takeout order. The food didn't get to us until 8:10! And when it did arrive, half the order was COLD! We finished our meal around 8:30 and we were ready to pay. It took them ANOTHER 25 minutes to process our check and get us out the door! It was a little busy, but not so busy that it should have taken nearly an hour to get a couple of burgers, two dogs, fries, and an appetizer out. read more

Totally cool place. And still serving amazing Hot Dogs! Along with a much more complete menu since the new owners bought the place a few years ago. BUT the great news is, it's still old school, albeit cleaner that it was, and an amazing neighborhood bar to hang at. Very cool atmosphere and vibe. read more

This place is the best for Hummel's hot dogs and cold beer while you sit at the bar playing Keno. They have other food too, but I go for the dogs- they are great. Cool, old school neighborhood joint. Don't change a damn thing Windmill!! You're great! read more

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A friend and I were visiting from New York and were starving. We found out that this place had poutine so defiantly wanted to try it out. Walked in on a Friday night and it wasn't too busy. We sat at a table and were promptly given menus. We got poutine and two windmill dogs. The food came out very fast but we were disappointed. The portion of fries we got was way to small for $9. Plus there was barely any goat cheese. Extremely disappointing! The hot dogs were okay. The Chili was overwhelming and the bun fell apart too easily. I had the hot dog without all the topping and it was one of the greatest hot dogs I've had! I would recommend just a hotdog without all the other junk on it! Our waitress was really nice and kept coming by to make sure we were okay, which as the only thing I liked about this place. Otherwise, don't think I'm going to come back. read more

Windmill Tavern - Disappointing. Not enough goat cheese and didn't taste all that great. - American Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

I love this place, have been going there for hot dogs since forever. It still tastes the same, except for the missing "French's roll" - sad sad sad... come back French's!!! Since Vazzy's has taken over - the place is busier than ever. I like that i can still get the hot dogs, cooked and prepped right in front of you. Along with a cold one while you wait. The menu has a nostalgic flair to it. By offering 3 local favorites in the chili category, Johnny's ribs on Thursday's (cooked by the same rib guy!), and other reconizable favorites. They are truly keeping it alive. Another favorite is that the music starts at 8 instead of 10. Who would have thunk it? oh try the Pizza puff! High five Windmill! read more

I heard a rumor this place was recently sold. If that is the case then this review is more for historic purposes I guess! Basically this is a decent spot to go for a few hot dogs and draft beers while playing pool on one of the shabbiest pool tables in the county! You can have a decent time here if you come with a group of fun people. the Oktoberfest here is also decent. It's not going to blow you away but it's pretty consistent and the prices are in line with what they provide. It's a dive and all of its charm is derived from the fact that it is old, not very well maintained and oddly out of sync with its surroundings. If you have never been here, go and have a good time. If you have been here you may want to go back before it is gone forever. read more

Iconic and delicious. I have lived in MD and live in PA and ensure to stop by the Windmill when traveling through the area. My parents and their parents before them feasted on the great Windmill Works chili dogs. I love that this place still have the classic menu--doggies, German food, porketta, and embraces new things and even recently added apizza. Oh man, Windmill, I was just there on 06/15 and miss you already. read more

Joint # 57: WINDMILL RESTAURANT, Stratford, CT. Windmill Restaurant has been in business since 1934! It is located in the middle of a Stratford "old world" neighborhood and certainly has the same feel upon entering the joint. According to the Boston Globe, the restaurant is also home to the # 1 hot dog. RATINGS:..., John: 9/10, Me: 9/10. We order a few dogs while we were here. First of all, they are unique in that they offer 3 different chili styles, made from 2 very unique recipes. The first is the Windmill chili which is described on the menu as a mild and flavorful meatsauce. Next is the Conty's chili which is noted as a sweet and spicy chili. Last is the Kuhn's chili which certainly is on the hot and spicy side. This was great - I love a joint that offers variety! John said, "Came down to try some dogs, wasn't sure what to expect. We got some good Hummel Bros. Flat top. They were cooked perfectly. They're not brown, they're not dark. The bun complimented very well. The bun is from Chaves Bakery which is local, in the Bridgeport area. We had 3 different chills. We had Kuhn's which is a really hot one. I had that. I think it overpowered, but it was still good if you want a lot of kick. Also had the Conty's which, I don't know, didn't have that much flavor to it. I could pick up a little bit of sweetness, but that was pretty much about it. And then we had the Windmill chili which I think was better than the other two combined. So, overall with the dog, the bun and the 3 chili's, I'm going to go with an all-around 9." I said, "John already told you everything that basically you need to know. These dogs were cooked perfectly and they were piping hot. John did not tell you that detail. They were piping hot! We tried all the chili's. What's cool is the Kuhn's and the Conty's chili, were recipes from former hot dog joints in this area that then, I guess they donated the recipes to these guys, which is really just fantastic. I love that they have the choices. I am also a high 9 and I will be back. This place is worthy of praise. You should definitely come down here - they even have a free hot dog coupon (send a text, get a dog). You can't beat it. I recommend the Windmill and we'll see you soon." facebook.com / The Dawg Tour read more

Hands down, this is one of the best German restaurants I've ever been to. I was here quite some time ago. It was a dark and snowy night but my companions braved the trip there. Lucky for us, the kitchen was still open - if the kitchen closes down, you're limited to hot dogs. Anyway, the food really knocked my socks off. I had a warm and savory bowl of chicken soup (with real pieces of chicken in it) which tasted so good on a snowy AND freezing December night. I also got a nice bratwurst, which was served cut in half lengthwise and served sandwich style on rye bread with sauerkraut which was superb. The french fries are outstanding as well. All this was washed down with a refreshing Spaten to drink! One word of warning: hot dogs will come automatically with chili and sauerkraut unless you tell your waitress different. So if you like your dogs plain, please speak up! read more

The Windmill is an iconic neighborhood tavern that never disappoints. Whether I'm jus stopping for a beer or enjoying lunch. The staff and clientele are what make the place unique. Bartenders and Wait Staff are exceptional. Try the Hot Dogs ... they are awesome read more

Grew up going to the Windmill and it is a mandatory stop whenever I'm back in CT. I've never really ventured too far from the hot dog line up bit the pierogi are an epic add on too. When going up or down 95 it's well worth the diversion if you are a hot dog aficionado. read more

Windmill Tavern - Hot dog heaven - American Near Me - Stratford, Connecticut

Good burgers, dogs and fries! Fried dough is absolutely to die for and i love ending a meal with it! :) Love coming here for live music on the weekends too! Sadly, i can't comment on the rest of the menu- almost every item is very heavy handed on the garlic and im horribly allergic. Would love to see a few of the standard bar items (like say, the chicken tenders) be garlic free in the future so i can enjoy them too! :) read more

Stopped at Windmill for lunch and it's what you would expect from a neighborhood dive. Food was pretty good, especially the sweet potato fries. I would recommend if you're looking for a sandwich or some pizza. Server was very friendly and our food came out fast read more

Anytime I come back to Fairfield County to visit for the holidays, I have to come visit the Windmill if Nikki is bartending. She's definitely the reason to come here to enjoy cheap drinks and good fun. One of the many TVs will have whatever game you want to watch, and Nikki and the rest of the staff will make you whatever you want to drink. Happy hour Monday through Saturday, 3-6pm! read more

Best childogs with works in Connecticut. Everyone is so nice, professional but you also receive that personal touch. Very relaxing comfortable atmosphere. Great location also. read more

This is an old neighborhood pub off the beaten path. I would have never heard of it were it not for a colleague taking me there for lunch. I enjoyed the place the friendly staff so much I went back for dinner. This place has the best Fish & Chips I've ever had, washed down with pints of Smithwick's. It's a neat old place with some neat folks there. To boot, it has free WiFi that works well. I'll be back. read more

The Windmill prides itself on having a reputation for the best hotdogs on earth. After having just downed a couple of them, I find them incredibly average. One needs only to drive a couple of miles to Tomlinson's to get a dog worth bragging about. The hamburger that my wife ordered was awful. It was obviously a frozen patty of the size of what you'd get at McD's. She asked for medium rare and got well-done and tasteless. The hand cut French fries arrived at the table a good fifteen minutes before anything else. They were greasy, limp and clearly undercooked. The order was supposed to include 2 orders of fries but we didn't push it in light of the results. We expected a much better experience since this place is now owned and run by Vazzy's, a local restaurant conglomerate with a decent reputation. Hmmm.... There's that "R" word again. Obviously, it's a "what-have-you-done-lately" world that we live in. read more

If you want great, not just good, quality fare for the price this is the place to come to. I came in to watch the Yankee game and grab a bite to eat and had the classic dog (a Hummel Bros natural casing) and the porchetta special sandwich. Between the food and interactive and great staff, this has to be the place to come chill, watch a game with or without friends and just relax. read more

This place goes from bad to worse. Went with co-workers for lunch, we arrived at 12:05 ordered and were served our food at 12:55. Too bad most people only have an hour for lunch! My turkey burger with the works was served with lettuce only. The texture of the meat was so over processed that I was nervous about eating it (think the pink sludge made from gelatinous by-products kind). My companion's sandwich was not served as ordered either. An awful experience from star to fnish! read more

I love the hotdogs, great options. Bartenders and server have been friendly and attentive (even when it was super busy and I was with a rather rowdy table full of people). The peirogies and potato pancakes are my favorites but you can't knock fries with brown gravy & goat cheese. The stuffed breads are good as well. Decent beer selection and they can make a mean cocktail. I totally dig this place. read more

Under new ownership, the Windmill is still a throwback (a good thing), but the changes: better lighting, better cleaning, tons of TVs, younger staff, and an incredible new menu (and cooks who know their way around the grill) have made a huge difference. Sure, you'll feel slightly guilty AFTER you've gorged yourself on some dogs and stromboli bread with a side of a pitcher or two, but you'll definitely enjoy them while you're there. The Windmill is where you go after you've busted your hump all day and feel like you deserve it. read more

Food and service are so so, drinks are cold (a good thing). I've been here for live bands, great music and atmosphere. On Wed nights, their dj is very good and sings well but the audience karaoke is beyond horrible. If you can't hear and only want to drink, then go on Wed but if you can hear, go any other night. read more

All around good time. And Friday nights live band

Id like to start by saying they're lucky you cant give no stars, our trip there started with us waiting 10-15 minutes for a menu, then after we placed our order it took a nice 50 minutes to get half our food(we ordered burgers hot dogs and fries, one of our friends got chili, and i got a platter for the table)not only did it take so long to get the food but they lied and said our order got stuck behind a take out order even though 2 people got their food before us and then the food got there cold, to which they said theyd remake it then brought the same platter out 3 minutes later saying they reheated it, even the process to pay took 25 minutes to which they only gave us half of our receipts. Honestly never going back and i hope people see this and avoid it as well. read more

Don't let the outside deter you. Very friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Servers and bartenders are great! Food was good bar food. Sausage and pepper sandwich was great, arugula salad is on point, seriously it all has been good. Overall a really good experience. read more

We had a great time at the Windmill visiting with friends who wanted to hear live music. The wait staff was fantastic-- very attentive and pleasant. The band "What Up Funk" was really energizing and played a great mix of old and new. The food was really good quality. We shared fried mozzarella and had nachos grande then had a Margherita pizza and penne ala vodka. Highly recommend for a "come as you are" Saturday night time out in a very fun atmosphere! read more

Hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs, fries... The windmill never disappoints. A great neighborhood bar and grill that is always consistent.

Great atmosphere! Amazing food, especially the dogs and burgers. Plenty to watch on TV. Highly recommended!

Bring back the good hotdogs and better buns, good job in making the place look good.

Excellent hot dogs. I like it with rudy's chili. Perogis are good too. Daily dinner specials such as prime rib and baby back ribs. Live music. Overall cheap and tasty eats. A neighborhood gem. read more

Went for lunch today Had sauerbraten and guest had wurst platter and onion soup The soup was from a can the sauerbrated was tasteless and the potato pan cakes were greasy Food was horrible read more

Good, local place for pizza, burgers and beer. The pizza was good, but the burger could have been a bit bigger. That being said, the prices were really reasonable and the service was attentive and friendly. read more

Delicious food and a great staff!!! The chef made me a huge fresh salad with fantastic shrimp!!! And if you are going the non-healthy route, you HAVE to have a hot dog off the grill!! It's a fun atmosphere - great place to meet new people or run into old friends! read more

Love this place! Whether it's just stopping in for a few drinks or a bite to eat there is always great music, service, and food. Within the last year they opened a small lot across the street for more parking which is great, unless I had missed it up until more recently. read more

Windmill Tavern is back! Awesome remodel, cheap too! Great place to go and graph hot dogs, burgers..... and now even pizza!