I had an absolutely delicious meal of fork-tender short rib over mashed potatoes, with the best carrots I've ever had. We shared a perfect crème brûlée, baked in a shallow ramekin, ensuring each creamy spoonful included a bite of crispy topping. They were very accommodating to a member of our party who required gluten-free options. The service was attentive and the atmosphere relaxing. I'll be back!
Great ice cream shop. Icy Rolls were amazing, delicious handmade dessert. Clean well organized store with friendly happy staff. A hidden gem. Gluten free and dairy free options as well. Definitely will be returning.
Cooked to perfection, super friendly staff, and I have no pictures so you know it tasted as good as it smelled. Gluten free pizza and gluten pizza both got rave reviews.
Solid 4.5!
Saturday, 04/02/22 5:32pm
We were on the Connecticut Beer Trail up in Granby with 3 breweries on our minds. The CHB was our second stop planned on this trip because we had hoped to grab a quick/light dinner before hitting up an ice cream parlor. Steve gets the beer, I wait for the ice cream! (Why doesn't CT have an ice cream trail?).
BEER
(...is reviewed by Steve)
"CBH Sunny Side IPA
A super juicy, lighter version of a New England style IPA.
6.7% ABV, 26 IBU"
Short $5.25 on tap.
Solid NEIPA...a very good example of this style. Not too juicy with a very nice lasting bitter finish. 7.5 Would drink it again.
"CBH Cream Ale
A crisp, light pale ale with notes of maize.
4.9% ABV, 9.3 IBU"
Pint $6 on tap.
Crisp and simple. Could drink this all day long on a hot summer day. Refreshing. Not every brewer makes a cream ale, so I was happy to find this. I always try the cream ales when I can find them. Solid 8. Would drink it again (and again).
FOOD
We sat at the bar and were promptly greeted by the bartender, Vicky. We wanted to read the menu first before making the decision to stay...I am GF and had only a few options here. I had really only three choices: salads, burger/no bun...which they will happily prepare with lettuce, or chicken wings. The chicken wings were gluten free however they are cooked in the same oil as non GF items. (This information was supplied on the menu...always a good sign!) I did decide to go with the chicken wings with a lemon pepper rub. Steve ordered the buffalo wings. ($10 each for 6 wings, celery and blue cheese).
The wings were HOT, well cooked. The lemon pepper rubbed wings were evenly coated and crispy and very tasty. IMHO even better than the rubbed wings I have had many times at Hot Rods in New London. The celery was fresh and crisp and we both remarked that the blue cheese dip/sauce was perfect. No clumpy big bits of cheese...very well blended and worked to coat the wings without a sloppy slid-y mess. I also had an unsweetened iced tea ($2.50).
The Buffalo wings were mild with a 'Buffalo-like' sauce (says someone who grew up in the region) and very well cooked, covered and tasty. Steve remarked that the blue cheese LOOKED like ranch but he was happily surprised to find a really complimentary style of blue cheese dipping sauce.
We would recommend the wings all day long, but if you are Celiac, perhaps reconsider your choice. I am Celiac, but took the chance and had no issues. Next time, I will probably try a salad...after seeing one served (generous and fresh in appearance). The burgers also looked good.
SERVICE
Excellent service at the bar. Observing staff smiling, and helping each other out was pleasant. Staff was aware of patrons entering and greeted them. Just as we were leaving, we talked a minute with Vicky who was our bartender. She is working her 16th year at CHB! They are lucky to have her. We talked about the CT Beer trail app vs the paper passports...we and Vicky thought they were much more fun when we had to get a physical stamp/sticker. Just a very pleasant conversation with a smart lady.
ATMOSPHERE
Just to mention the seating: the bar is nice and wide, clean and uncluttered. We had plenty of room. They do have a larger dining area, as well. It was not super busy (around 5:32pm) and we had plenty of social distancing space. The bar chairs are wooden with backs, no cushions. Good lighting, music was not annoying and conversing was easy. Clean (non gender neutral) bathrooms.
All in all, a really super experience. We walked in with doubts (for food choices) and left telling each other we will be sure to return!
"
I just had the best hot chocolate of my life at Julien's. I've driven by a number of times when going on hikes at McLean Game Refuge and heard good things and finally had to find out for myself. I was pleased to see that they have a number of gluten free selections. I will definitely be back soon for breakfast, lunch or another hot chocolate!
