Shady Glen Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor

We have been talking about eating at Shady Glen for many years. Even though we grew up in the area it was our first time here. Just a heads up, this is a cash only place but they do have an ATM on site. When you walk in, you are immediately teleported back to 1950. It’s a quaint, retro diner, a little dated but very clean. We got the cheeseburger with the fried cheese and the cheesefurter, which is a hot dog with fried cheese. The fried cheese was definitely something you need to experience to understand. We loved it and we have never had anything like it. Also, I am kind of a Cole slaw snob and I actually loved the Cole slaw here, very good!! The overall quality of the food was excellent, definitely what you would expect from a retro 1950’s diner, the waitress was very attentive and sweet and we finished the meal off with some ice cream, which was also very good. We will definitely be going back soon, it’s a great overall experience!!

**NOTE** Shady Glen is 'cash only', but they do have an ATM on site.Shady Glen is a CT icon. A throwback to the old diners and Woolworth lunch counters. The women wear green dresses with white aprons, the men wear white shirts, maroon bowties, and paper hats, and they mix their soda the old-fashioned way: the syrup first, then the soda water. You may want to stir yours thoroughly before drinking. Or get a delicious shake!Service is usually quick, but I should note that weekends can be busy, and you may have to stand in one of the lines (there are two... left side and right - more tables on the right side) for a little bit. But it's worth it!I always get the same thing: The hamburger platter, which comes with 2 4-ounce patties, fries, and coleslaw. I am not a slaw fan, so they substitute with extra fries.Top it all off with a sundae or cone or buy a carton when you leave. Shady Glen makes their own ice cream.FUN FACT, that delicious cheese on their burgers is made especially for Shady Glen by a Wisconsin dairy with just enough oil so it doesn't stick to the grill when they fry it.

Great service and food in a large space that has been in operation since 1948.Love the throwback style with the uniforms!And how do they get the cheese like that!? Yum!

We stopped by for ice cream and decided on getting fries as the smell was too good to pass up. We each had our own sundae that didn't disappoint. I tried the hot fudge and caramel and it was delicious. The fries were fresh and hot, and the service was great! The atmosphere was similar to a 50's diner and everyone was dressed in the theme as well. Highly recommend visiting this location.

Aye terpyfam I have been pull'n up on SGR for the longest...why? Two words... "the bernice"This iconic fried cheese skirt burger is a legend in its own right. They dress up a patty on a open flat top grill and spin sodas the old fashioned way like jerky boysIts changed up a bit since covid (you gotta asked for the the onions) n the melt on the cheese can be inconsistent (maybe go a lil more doness)But overall: this place is an experience.Pros: Bernie baby, the ice cream sundaes w/hit fudgeCons: Waits can be a min when busy, a lil inconsistent, addictiveSee ya again soon!

Great local diner/restaurant. Service and atmosphere were excellent. The food was very good. The cheeseburger with fried cheese was different but worth a try. Also ate here for breakfast and had the pancakes, a little rubbery, disappointing. Stick to the eggs

Egg salad Sammy was good, and the regular size ice cream sundae is big. Mostly the atmosphere here is great to bring a book and read at the counter and have a treat. I'd do it again!

Best cheese on a burger, EVER. Amazing diner and atmosphere. Classic shake of your choice and the big cheeseburger platter is the best combination to soothe the soul.