Hands down, one of the most fabulous features of Fairfield is the wide selection of chic eateries downtown. So, I thought I would share seven of my favorite picks for dining and ambiance.
The Chelsea is a funky and somewhat rustic place to have a drink and enjoy a meal. Rough wood accent walls and ornate wrought iron design elements are contrasted with neon green metal chairs. The cozy bar hosting stylish guests (the women always seem to wear great shoes, just saying) pulls it all together! Mark says that no one else in town can beat the Chelsea Burger. I personally cannot live without their octopus appetizer, a dish they tend to vary from time to time. It doesn’t look huge when it arrives, but there is so much protein in it, you are sure to be full when you finish. The flavors in my favorite version are spectacular! Large tentacles come with potatoes, greens, onions, and a pickled vegetable that adds a perfect punch! It’s a must-have in my book, with all the goodness and none of the guilt. Their Cobb Salad is fantastic too
One local favorite where regulars are made to feel like family is Gabagool. The owner, Antonio and his team always greet you with a warm welcome and seem genuinely thrilled you have arrived. The ambience is stylish, glamorous, cozy with plush chairs to relax in, and funny. Poking fun on the Soprano’s TV series, the restaurant is complete with The Family portrait and a mugshot backdrop where you can get an instant photo of your own! The covered patio is fully heated and decorated for service most of the year. The eatery offers gregarious people and fun food with a flare, featuring “bawls” of all flavors on their appetizer menu, a fabulous antipasto, and their signature Gabagool Pizza with spicy oil! The Crispy Calamari Salad is the best I’ve had anywhere, and for the must-have drink with cucumber tequila, ask about “Howyoudoin”!
For your classic tavern feel, visit the Old Post Tavern right on the corner of the Post Road and Unquowa. They have been known to have a fun band during happy hour, and the patio is lovely during the warm season. If you are a fan of French Onion Soup, look no further. Something about their blend of cheeses as well as some magic ingredients in the broth makes theirs unbeatable!
If it’s gourmet Mexican food in a festive atmosphere you’re after, Bodega is the place to go. There’s a location in Fairfield and Darien. Since it’s another tiny place, you may have to sample their top notch margaritas or other specialty drinks while you wait for your table or seat at the bar. One of Bodega’s delectables is the Ceviche, a deceivingly filling dish posing as an appetizer. The fish, in a specialty cocktail sauce, has a fantastic flavor and comes with some toasted plantains, that in my opinion, make a complete meal. If you prefer something hot, their Chicken Soup is hearty and delicious. You can have it mild or spicy depending on whether you opt to dump in the hot peppers served on the giant turquoise spoon. Burrito Tinga is Mark’s tasty favorite, and my daughter loves the Gombos Tacos. 
Martel is on the Post Road in Southport and is a cozy place with a bit of a steakhouse feel. The ceilings are high, yet ornate, and there is always an art gallery 
adorning the walls. Always bustling, the place serves a warm, upbeat atmosphere. Although there are many excellent dishes here, my husband and I have gravitated toward sharing the Fondue for Two followed by Martel’s House Salad. The salad features marinated tomatoes and an aged Danish Blue Cheese that are fabulous together. If the fondue is off-menu for the summer, an equally rich and yummy alternative is the side order of creamed spinach! I have it as a meal, with wine, of course.
adorning the walls. Always bustling, the place serves a warm, upbeat atmosphere. Although there are many excellent dishes here, my husband and I have gravitated toward sharing the Fondue for Two followed by Martel’s House Salad. The salad features marinated tomatoes and an aged Danish Blue Cheese that are fabulous together. If the fondue is off-menu for the summer, an equally rich and yummy alternative is the side order of creamed spinach! I have it as a meal, with wine, of course.Last, but not least, we love the Grey Goose, also in Southport, where we once stood elbow to elbow with John Mayer before being seated. The atmosphere can be described as rustic and cozy with an eclectic crowd. Some folks go to hang out, others go for dinner. There’s always a flat screen at the bar featuring a sporting event as well as a crackling fireplace on the opposite wall. Penne ala Vodka, Grey Goose Style is Mark’s staple, while I go back and forth between the 
Lobster Macaroni and the Steak Tips small plate. The Lobster Macaroni is the absolute best here, with the secret ingredient of truffle oil to enhance the generous chunks of lobster and the crispy cheese topping. The Steak Tips are equally fantastic. Cooked to perfection, they come with a corn salsa and chipotle mayo dip that together, absolutely melt in your mouth!
Lobster Macaroni and the Steak Tips small plate. The Lobster Macaroni is the absolute best here, with the secret ingredient of truffle oil to enhance the generous chunks of lobster and the crispy cheese topping. The Steak Tips are equally fantastic. Cooked to perfection, they come with a corn salsa and chipotle mayo dip that together, absolutely melt in your mouth!The Sinclair commands space and attention downtown in the Brick Walk. The patio is great during the summer, surrounded by thick trees and protected by a multi-settings awning. The Mussels in a Pot Thai Style (5 additional styles to try!) are delicious, and Mark gave two thumbs up to the Steak Sandwich. Sometimes on a Thursday night, you can dance and sing along to the live music of the fabulous Tangled Vine!
All this talk is making me hungry! Be sure to try out Fairfield’s fabulous eateries. Thinking of moving to the Fairfield and Westport area?
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