A Stratford staple. The food is great and the staff is so welcoming. $2 cans of Schaefer and 3 different kinds of chili? What more could you ask for. One of the best neighborhood bars around
Overview
The Windmill Tavern, located at 400 Hollister St, Stratford, CT 06615, is one of those hidden gems that locals rave about. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty meal or just a laid-back spot to unwind with friends, this cozy diner delivers in spades. The atmosphere is welcoming and warm, with an old-school charm that transports you to a simpler time. This makes it an ideal stop for anyone looking to enjoy great food in a relaxed, inviting environment.
Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by friendly staff who make sure you're comfortable from the moment you sit down. The menu is a delightful mix of classic diner favorites and some unique dishes that have earned it a solid reputation. The kitchen here is known for preparing meals from scratch, and it shows in every bite. The burgers, for example, are legendary - thick, juicy, and perfectly cooked. A popular choice among regulars is the Windmill Tavern burger, loaded with fresh toppings and served on a toasted bun that makes it stand out from the crowd.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the salads at Windmill Tavern are fresh and well-balanced, often featuring seasonal ingredients. For those craving comfort food, you can't go wrong with the classic meatloaf or the homemade mac and cheese. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, and the portions are more than generous, so you'll definitely leave satisfied.
One of the highlights of the Windmill Tavern is its commitment to offering something for everyone. Vegetarians can find options on the menu that don’t feel like an afterthought. The veggie wrap, for example, is packed with flavor and served with a side of crispy fries that are the perfect complement. The tavern also offers a selection of hearty sandwiches, soups, and daily specials that rotate, providing guests with fresh new options every time they visit.
A key part of the charm of the Windmill Tavern is its ability to keep the prices affordable without sacrificing quality. It’s a family-friendly spot where you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a great meal. With generous portions and reasonable prices, it’s easy to see why people keep coming back for more.
If you visit on the weekend, you might find yourself enjoying some live music or special events that add to the tavern's community feel. Locals often gather here to catch up, celebrate special occasions, or just enjoy a casual night out. It’s not uncommon to hear laughter and friendly chatter as the restaurant fills up, contributing to the welcoming, community atmosphere that makes the Windmill Tavern feel like a second home.
Another aspect that adds to the diner’s appeal is its consistency. Over the years, the Windmill Tavern has managed to maintain a high standard of food and service, which is a rarity in the restaurant industry. The staff are attentive but never intrusive, and the service is always quick and efficient, ensuring you can enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.
Reviews for the Windmill Tavern are overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons commenting on the friendly environment, the quality of the food, and the welcoming atmosphere. It’s one of those places where you can count on a great meal every time you walk through the door. Whether you're coming for a casual lunch, a night out with friends, or even a special family dinner, the Windmill Tavern delivers the goods.
For those who live in or around Stratford, the Windmill Tavern has become a beloved institution. Its blend of classic diner staples, inventive specials, and community atmosphere makes it an essential stop for anyone in the area. Plus, with its prime location at 400 Hollister St, it’s easy to swing by for a quick bite or a relaxing meal with loved ones.
It’s clear why this spot has become a local favorite. The Windmill Tavern may not have the fancy trappings of a high-end restaurant, but it more than makes up for it with its consistent, high-quality food and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple sandwich or a full-fledged dinner, you’ll always find something to satisfy your craving here.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ No-contact delivery âś“ Delivery âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-inHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Live music âś“ Serves local specialty âś“ SportPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Late-night food âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ Gender-neutral toilets âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ Historic âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ TouristsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservationsPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 790 reviews
Visiting on biz. Wanted pub steak and this one was a bit strange. A good 30% was pure fat and what meat had a pale gray tint to it like it was somewhat boiled first…. Not what I’m used to. It tasted ok. Mashed potatoes and veggies were decent. Beer was cold. Waitress was great! Would return to try their other offerings…
Great neighborhood bar with friendly staff. Visited on a Sunday afternoon so it wasn’t too busy but full of regulars. Food was really good. Will definitely return.
We love this place! My husband has been coming here since he was a kid - him and his friends riding their bikes to the Windmill for hotdogs. We come here now for the more extensive menu and of course the hotdogs too! The buffalo chicken strips were perfection! Great food and always good service.
This bar/restaurant is a real throwback. A very nice bar scene with great bar food as well. This is well know for their hotdogs. I had both, the Kuhn’s chili and the Conte’s chili dogs. Both of them were good, I preferred the Kuhn’s because it was actually spicier. I ordered a side of sweet potato fries, they were good. We also ordered some fried mozzarella and chicken parmigiana.
The Windmill is a Stratford staple—old school in all the best ways, with top-tier food and drinks. Their hot dogs? Legendary. Wings? On point. And that fried dough dessert? Absolute game-changer. We’ve rocked this spot a few times, but here’s a FUN FACT: The Windmill gave us our start. Kelly took a chance on a small acoustic project filling in last minute, and the rest is history. Now, we’re bringing the full band back: 3/14/25 9/12/25
The Windmill is a Stratford legend. My wife used to go there as a kid...some 52 years ago. The hot dogs are awesome-the Chicago, the Classic!! Hummel hotdogs of course! They also have an incredible sampler...pierogi, kielbasa, bratwurst, and potato pancake. It also has an old school Tavern feel...right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. Great service too!!
I was a bit skeptical when ordering from this establishment, but again, thanks to Groupon I decided to give it a shot and I was not disappointed, much. It was a bit disappointing to find out after the fact that I couldn't use the Groupon for takeout so I ended up having to pay full price. After getting hoke and digging in I didn'tind that after all as I will be ordering again. The pizza was fantastic!! I got the Margherita Pizza which was delicious . The dough was perfect and firm enough to hold without it flopping over, the toppings were full sliced tomatoes so you got a peice with every bite, and it was crispy without being burnt. I've had some trouble finding an establishment that can make a mean Steak and Cheese Bomb. Let me tell you that Windmill Tavern has got you covered. You'll have to request that pepper's and mushrooms be added to your order to make it a Bomb, however, it's the best Steak and Cheese I've had since moving to CT from Boston. They have great specials and Karaoke ever second and fourth Tuesday of the month, if I am remembering correctly. Karaoke will be my mission for my second visit. Based off of one visit I would recommend this restaurant to any. I will update this to HIGHLY Reccomended if my next experience is at all a close match if not better. toA++ team, you're doing a great job. -Qu1ng