BB Shack: 'Great Beers, Great Burgers and Great Service'

There are few things more satisfying than a great burger coupled with a freshly poured draft ale.

And now, everyone from shoreline foodies to craft beer lovers have a new place to call their own — right here in Branford.

'Positive Response'

BB Shack, which sits in the business park at 5 Sycamore Way, opened its doors on Oct. 4.

Since then, the restaurant has been serving up great food and drink to a steadily growing array of satisfied diners. 

"Everything has just been so well received," Julie Purcell, who manages the BB Shack, told Branford Patch during a recent interview at the restaurant.

Homemade, Fresh and Local

And while all the basic beer and burger joint favorites are available — from their signature burgers to the house nachos and, of course, chicken wings — BB Shack also offers selections such as a grilled vintage natural beef hanger steak and a truffle-scented wild mushroom macaroni and cheese, as well as a kids menu and daily specials.

Executive Chef Dave Brooks, the former owner of Judie's European Bakery, noted that almost everything his kitchen serves daily is freshly made from scratch, even right down to most of the condiments. 

"I want to keep it pretty simple," Brooks said. "But really good quality."

Antibiotic-Free, Humanely Raised

In addition, the Shack only uses meats that are antibiotic-free and humanely raised. And that same high quality and care goes into all other aspects of the restaurant's menu, too.

"We source the best quality seafood and produce from sustainable and local sources," the Shack tells its patrons right at the top of its menu.

Brooks told East Haven Patch that that goes right down to even the most simplest of things: such as using eggs from Branford's Souffer Farms.

And everything is freshly made to order and never frozen.

"We didn't even have a freezer," the BB Shack's owner, John MacLochlainn, said. "But we just had to get one: for the free ice cream for the kids."

Not Your Average Veggie Burger

Not a meat eater? Or looking to steer clear of gluten? The Shack can cater to your dietary needs, too.

In fact, Brooks's homemade veggie burger The Forager has quickly become one of the most popular items on the menu.

Purcell noted that customers who are not vegetarian are choosing to order the dish — simply because it is that good.

"People love it," she said.

Beer, Beer and More Beer

Beer. Did we mention all of the beer?

There is something for everyone when it comes to ales and lagers on draft at the BB Shack: from an imperial IPA for the discriminating craft beer lover to locally brewed brews to familiar favorites.

"And we have more than 60 bottles and cans to choose from as well," Purcell said.

MacLochlainn added that the draft menu will also feature five to six beers that will regularly rotate, ensuring there's always something new and/or seasonal to choose from as well.

Not a beer fan? No worries, the Shack has a full bar and a wine list is available, too.

"We also offer own signature cocktails and speciality martinis," Purcell said.

Daily Specials, Events

BB Shack also has special events — like a "Meet the Brewer Night" or Ugly Holiday Sweater' contest — on its calendar, as well as regularly scheduled events and daily specials each week. 

That would include karaoke on Wednesdays, a live DJ on Friday nights and, in addition to a traditional happy hour, something the Shack staff calls an "Upside Down Happy Hour."

"That runs from 10 p.m. to midnight," Purcell said, adding that the Shack also offers a late night menu Thursday through Saturday night.

And, the restaurant is also looking to do a Sunday brunch.

Something for Everyone

Simply put, the BB Shack offers shoreline residents a place to relax and enjoy great food and drink, in a casual atmosphere.

"It's all about great food, great beer and great service," MacLochlainn said.

For more information about the BB Shack, to review their menus, visit their online home at bbshackct.com.