Snack Shacks and Pop-Ups
Here are a few of our favorite local summer snacks.
Cedar Lake Snack Shack, Chester
Where can you get your morning egg sandwich and coffee waterside these days? I get mine at the Snack Shack at Cedar Lake. During the summer months, Cedar Lake Town Beach is for Chester residents and guests only, but anyone can hit the Snack Shack for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy the view like a local. Munch on grilled chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries and all sorts of candy, chips and ice cream on the deck at an umbrella-topped picnic table. This place meets all snack shack criteria: fry-o-lator, swinging screen doors, breeze off the water. Need to charge your phone? Or a magazine to read while you’re here? They’ve got that too. Even better, there’s LIVE MUSIC every Sunday on the beach. BYOB and a handful of friends for a variety of local bands.
Check the FB page for details and times. Concerts are free and open to everyone.
218 West Main Street, Chester
Simon’s Marketplace at Ballek’s Garden Center
Simon’s shipping container pop-up is back! And this time, they are sharing their baked treats, coffee plus soups, salads, and sandwiches at Ballek’s. Saturdays 9-3 and Sundays 9-2
Liv’s Shack, Old Saybrook
Shanks, Clinton
You know the sort of summer place that just looks like a good time? That’s what you’ll find at Shanks. Order your fried seafood platters or fish tacos from the folks inside the lobster boat (with a fully functional commercial kitchen), then head to the upstairs deck for a stunning view of Clinton Harbor and sailboats bobbing on their moorings. We spent a perfect Wednesday night, grateful for long days and lazy sunsets, watching paddlers and kayakers ply the calm waters. Mammoth platters of fat belly clams and crispy steak fries arrived at our table from an earnest staff who genuinely aims to please. The fish tacos are a winner here, served either grilled or fried, but you won’t go wrong with any of the fried offerings. The New England style chowder is a tasty one, studded with clams and potatoes and not too gloppy. Paleo peeps will be happy with piles of greens topped with giant grilled shrimp. Kid friendly and BYOB.
131 Grove Street, Clinton