Located in Guilford, Connecticut along the states sleepy coast, The Place is the quintessential summer escape. Founded over three decades ago by Gary and Vaughn Knowles, The Place is a Connecticut institution- cooking up coastal delicacies on a massive 24 foot grill. Tree stumps fill in for seats and a B.Y.O.B policy extends from beer and sides to tableware.

The menu at The Place is simple and reasonably priced. The cooking at at this backyard party is equally as uncomplicated. Freshly caught clams, lobster and sweet corn are the house specialties and served grilled over crackling wood flames (though one can opt for a boiled lobster instead) and prepared by the young hardworking staff. The crowd is a mixed bag, with one similarity throughout: everyone is in for a night of good food and good times.

Though summer is technically over, there is no reason to stop the weekend exodus just yet. Just under two hours outside of New York City, Guilford is the perfect Sunday getaway. The Place is open through the end of October and is sure to make you feel like its the long lost days of summer all over again.

The Place

the seating

the menu

the grill

the grillmasters

the cooking

the sides

the main

the drink

the aftermath

the company

The Place, 901 Boston Post Road, Guilford CT, 203 453 9276

Open from the last weekend in April through the end of October, Mon- Thurs 5- 9 PM, Fri 5- 10 PM, Sat 1- 10 PM & Sun 12- 9 PM, weather permitting, cash only