4 Best Restaurants in The Litchfield Hills, Connecticut

Locals, leaf peepers, and folks just passing through stop at The White Horse, a country pub and restaurant that draws its varied menu from British pub, American comfort, and French bistro favorites. Dine on the deck, on the patio, or along the river in the warm months—or inside in front of the fire during the winter chill.

This cozy tavern, once an 1850s-era Colonial home overlooking the Shepaug River, is a nod to George Washington, who passed through the little village back in the day. The chef prepares traditional New England favorites like oven-roasted cod, chicken potpie, and meat loaf, as well as seasonal specialties like soft shell crabs in spring and game throughout the winter.

Stop here for some of the best "slow-smoked" barbecue in Connecticut or for one of the comfort-food staples on the extensive menu. You'll love the barbecued baby back ribs, half-chicken, brisket, and pulled pork—or try chicken-fried steak, cookhouse meat loaf, or fried catfish—all with your choice of sides.

Beloved among visitors and locals alike, this storefront eatery in a redbrick town house serves tasty, unfussy food—inexpensive pub grub in one room, updated contemporary American cuisine in the other. Whether you order a cheeseburger or horseradish-and-Parmesan-crusted salmon, you're bound to be pleased.