Middlesex County Diner Receives 'Best in New England' Title

Connecticut has certainly made its mark on the New England dining scene. Food and travel writer Mike Urban, author of The New England Diner Cookbook, picked his top favorite diners in New England.

Out of the 15 he chose, three were from Connecticut.

O’Rourke’s Diner, 728 Main St., Middletown, earned the designation as one of the best diners for a few reasons:

• The diner staff bakes its own baked goods
• The chef is innovative in the kitchen
• The menu has nods to Irish heritage

The Dubliner Omelette, corned beef hash and Irish soda bread are just some of the dishes that reflect the diner owners’ Irish heritage. Urban said the steamed cheeseburger is not-to-be-missed.

The other diners ranked highly from Connecticut were Dottie’s Diner in Woodbury and Laurel Diner in Southbury.

The Full List of Best New England Diners

• O’Rourke’s Diner in Middletown, CT
• Agawam Diner in Rowley, MA
• The A1 Diner in Gardiner, ME
• The Modern Diner in Pawtucket, R.I.
• The Maine Diner in Wells, ME
• Sonny’s Blue Benn Diner in Bennington, VT
• Betsy’s Diner in Falmouth, MA
• Dottie’s Diner in Woodbury, CT
• Jigger’s Hill and Harbour Diner in East Greenwich, R.I.
• Red Arrow Diner in Manchester, NH
• Moody’s Diner in Waldoboro, ME
• 4 Aces Diner in West Lebanon, NH
• Becky’s Diner in Portland, ME
• Chelsea Royal Diner in West Brattleboro, VT
• Laurel Diner in Southbury, CT

Did Urban miss your favorite diner? Tell us where in the comments below.

Click here to read the full descriptions of Mike Urban’s ‘best diner’ experience.

Photo: The Laurel Diner