Hidden Gems Of Hartford And Tolland Counties

SOUTHINGTON, CT — It's fall, so how about a made-from-scratch pumpkin creme brulee? Another seasonal favorite is an order of ricotta apple fritters. The are both specials currently on the menu at our latest Hidden Gem, Anthony Jacks Wood-Fired Grill in Southington.

Anthony Jacks is tucked in a quiet little commercial area of Southington, 30 Center St. It's near the town green but also a bit off the main path. The restaurant has received many awards regionally for its American fare.

Heaters have been installed so brunch, lunch and dinner can still be enjoyed on the patio tables this time of year. Indoor seating is also an option.

The Anthony Jacks pumpkin creme brulee. (Anthony Jacks)

Appetizers fill out every category and the crispy fried eggplant with shrimp, scallops and andouille sausage cream certainly is an eye-catcher.

The Anthony Jacks ricotta apple fritters. (Anthony Jacks)

Burgers come in several varieties. Another menu standout is the bacon cheddar meatloaf served with red-skinned mashed potatoes and brown gravy.

The sandwich and house specialty menu is extensive and creative.

Want a steak or seafood? Anthony Jacks will satisfy.

Anthony Jacks even has family style options like blackened chicken over penne pasta with tomatoes, mushrooms & asparagus in a creamy pesto sauce.

For full menus and hours click here.

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The Hidden Gems series features out-of-the-way mom and pop restaurants, small specialty stores you may have never heard of, little-known historical markers or beautiful nature spots that may be a bit off the beaten path, all located within Hartford and Tolland counties. Do you have a favorite "hidden gem" in the area that you wish to see featured in this column? Email your ideas to tim.jensen@patch.com.
Other columns in this series:

• Pabs African Restaurant
• Henry's Pizzeria
• South Windsor Wildlife Sanctuary
• The Country Butcher
• Aby's Bakery
• Liberty Street Market & Deli
• Wilderness Lake Campground and Resort
• Time Machine toy and hobby store
• Paul Gregory's Bistro Cafe
• The Scoop
• Cheney Brothers National Historic Landmark District
• Faddy's Donuts and Ice Cream
• Riverfront Miniature Golf & Ice Cream
• The Historic Babcock Tavern
• High Grade Finishing
• Craig's Kitchen
• Sikorsky S-16 Bi-Plane Fighter
• Navy ZNP-K Airship Control Car
• Rosedale Farms & Vineyards
• Nathan Hale Homestead
• Burke Ridge Farms
• Necker's Toyland
• Civil War Monument at Mt. Hope Cemetery
• Gene Pitney Memorial Benches
• Joe McCluskey/Manchester Road Race Statue
• Samuel Field Knight Historic Marker
• Carol's Lunchbox
• Country Casuals
• Dakota Restaurant
• Country Cobbler
• Beau's Burger Shack
• Daniel Glazier Tavern
• Mount Southington Ski School
• Awards & More
• Marquis de Lafayette Monument
• The Little Red Store
• River Bend Bookshop
• Gerry's Donuts
• Traveler Restaurant
• First Decorated Christmas Tree
• The Stanley-Whitman House
• Vernon's Santa House
• Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut
• Old Country Banquet Hall
• Brazilian Gula Grill
• Thomas' Smokey Pit Stop
• Congregational Church of Burlington labyrinth
• Noah Webster House
• The Bushnell's Green Room Wall
• Belding Wildlife Management Area
• The Aborn Castle
• Heublein Tower
• Birthplace of Jonathan Edwards
• Grave of Revolutionary War Soldier Heman Baker
• Jessica's Garden, Lobster and Ice Cream Shack
• Shade Swamp Sanctuary
• Ken's Corner Breakfast & Lunch
• Tolland Red and White
• The Packing House
• Cold Harbor Seafood
• Nye Holman State Forest/Heron Cove Park
• Hosmer Mountain Soda Shack
• Connecticut Trolley Museum
• Matterhorn Mini Golf
• Wood Memorial Library & Museum
• Hastings Farm
• Liquid Nirvana
• Iwo Jima Survivors Memorial Park
• Academy Hall
• Southington Drive-In
• Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall
• Somersvillage Gifts & Gourmet Baskets
• New England Civil War Museum
• The Pinchot Sycamore
• Stafford Palace Theater
• Mansfield Hollow State Park
• Old Tolland County Jail and Museum
• Hill-Stead Museum
• Mark's Restaurant

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