So, welcome to Norwalk!
After over a decade of living and exploring the area, here is my official local guide to Norwalk. What to eat and drink, where to go, and recommendations for the day-to-day necessities (like where to get your car inspected without a wait). Each recommendation is linked and includes my comments and suggestions. Hopefully, this will help ease you into life in Western Connecticut, and even better find your new favorite dive bar or date night restaurant.
Recreation
Calf Pasture Beach – Your local “beach”, in air quotes because I’m used to the Jersey Shore
Waveny Park / Waveny House – Large local park with paved trails and sports fields for walking, biking, running
Cranbury Park – Similar to Waveny Park
Devil’s Den Preserve – Nearest spot for low-key hike w/ cute lake
Maritime Aquarium – One of the best aquariums on the eastern seaboard, keep an eye out for the chocolate festival around Valentine’s day
Drinks
Spacecat – Vermont style brewery, they even allow dogs
Washington Prime – NYC style cocktails, just avoid the bottomless brunch
The Spread – Very chill outdoor atmosphere, go here for your bottomless brunch
El Segundo – The industry spot, bustling every day of the week
The Pompano – One of the only rooftop bars in Sono, ask for the bartender Carlos and say Dan sent you
Black Duck Cafe – An iconic dive bar of Westport
Viva Zapata – Mexican & margs
Food
Match Restaurant. – When you want a nice dinner date. GET THE SOFT COOKIE FOR DESSERT
Mecha Noodles & Pho – If you like noodles, this is the spot
Great Wall Chinese – My hole in the wall chinese spot. It looks like a prison cell but this is a comfort food staple
Slice of Italy – The closest you’re going to find to NYC pizza
Colony Grill – The best non-NYC pizza, get the hot oil which CT is known for
Elm Street Diner – Just check out their instagram
Barcelona Wine Bar – NYC vibes for wine & tapas, I think they still do half price bottles on Sunday
Mochica Peruvian – My go to spot for lomo saltado
Saffron Indian – Solid Indian that won’t break the bank
The Naan – More pricey Indian, but worth it
Valencia – Venezuelan by a renowned chef that spurned the hi-end scene in NYC. The arepas, mmh
Day to Day Life
Hank May’s Tire & Auto – One of my trusted mechanics with quick turnaround times and decent waiting area
Mobil – This is where I go for all state emission / VIN inspections since there is NEVER a wait
Dentist: Dr. Song – Because you probably need a dentist too. I love this guy, been going to for years
Planning a wedding or event in the Norwalk area?
As a local DJ, I provide my services for weddings and events all across the area. Send me a message and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours to talk about the specifics of your event, my availability, and provide a clearer picture on pricing.
Still shopping around? Check out my FAQ and Weddings page.
