Great Escape: Rathskeller Restaurant in Southbury

The Rathskeller Restaurant is a fantastic place to escape to for lunch, dinner or just a drink with friends.  Located in Southbury, I visited for the first time way back in 2006 where I was greeted with "Welcome to the Rathskeller, where everybody knows your name!"

This popular local establishment offers a little something for everyone.  My friends and owners of the Rathskeller, Chris and Janet Antilla, make all guests feel welcome and comfortable. There is a daily happy hour from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., free Wi-Fi access, catering, private party hosting, and reasonable prices, as well as a menu that changes seasonally to offer customers more variety.

The menu focuses on classic American comfort food, from soups and salads to seafood, steaks and burgers. If you feel like making it a late night, the bar stays open until 2 a.m. after dinner ceases to be served at 10 p.m.

The menu offerings are incredible, with all dishes available throughout the day and made fresh with each order. Patrons enjoy scrod done in a beer and fresh herb batter, buttermilk fried chicken, Jack Daniels New York Strip, pork chops with gorgonzola and cherry peppers, pasta dishes, stir-fry shrimp and scallops, and much more, all served with delicious vegetables.  The wine list is impressive, and a wide range of domestic and imported beers is available.

You might just want something to nibble on while enjoying your time here, and offerings such as house made crab cakes, southwest chicken eggs rolls, loaded nachos, crispy calamari, Texas cheese fries, house made guacamole or Buffalo wings in hot sauce may be just the ticket.

Homemade soups come from the kitchen of the Rathskeller, along with tasty appetizers, sandwiches, desserts, and a children's menu. This is a family-friendly restaurant with an attentive staff in a relaxing, casual atmosphere.

I have attended their annual  autumn pig-roast (on the premises), having a wonderful time with friends, while the Rathskeller owners raise money for needy people in the area. The Antilla family knows exactly how to please their customers, and they do it very well.

The Rathskeller offers a lovely area in front of the restaurant, with plenty of room for patrons to enjoy their food and drinks outdoors, with tables, chairs and umbrellas.

You will find them at 88 Main Street South. in Southbury, on the lower level of the building, around the back. More specifically, on the corner of Main Street South. and Poverty Road

Call them at 203-264-0186 to place an order ahead of time, or to order your items for take-out.  They are closed on Sundays, but open at 11:30 a.m. from Mondays through Saturdays.

So, visit the Rathskeller in Southbury. It's a wonderful Great Escape!