
Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Bridgeport, United States
1. Bridgeport Steamer Clam
A traditional New England-style steamed clam dish, featuring fresh local clams cooked with butter, herbs, and spices. A must-try at Frankie & Johnnie's Steamers.
- Authenticity: An authentic take on a classic New England dish.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses only the freshest local clams and ingredients.
- Tradition: A dish with a rich history in Bridgeport's culinary tradition.
2. Bridgeport-style Pizza
Thin crust pizza, covered in an array of toppings like sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, and onions. A favorite at Pepe's of Bridgeport.
- Unique Crust: A thin crust that is both crispy and chewy.
- Taste Variety: Offers a wide selection of toppings for pizza customization.
- Historical Significance: A piece of the city's culinary history dating back to the 1920s.
3. Louis' Lunch Burger
America's first-ever hamburger, served on white bread with cheese and tomato. A classic at Louis' Lunch.
- Historic Significance: The birthplace of the modern hamburger.
- Simple Ingredients: Keeps it simple with just a few quality ingredients.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared in the same traditional way since its inception.
4. Bridgeport Jumbo Lobster Roll
A hearty roll filled with chunks of fresh lobster meat. A favorite at Black Dock Delly.
- Quality Ingredients: Uses only the freshest, jumbo-sized lobsters.
- Size: A generously sized roll filled with an ample amount of lobster meat.
- Authentic New England Style: Serves a classic New England-style lobster roll.
5. Bridgeport Black and White Cookie
A large, sweet cookie with half vanilla and half chocolate glaze. A favorite at Bridgeport Baking Company.
- Size: A large, filling dessert option.
- Unique Glazes: Half vanilla and half chocolate glaze for a delightful flavor combination.
- Tradition: A longstanding Bridgeport tradition dating back to the early 20th century.
6. Bridgeport BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich
Tender pulled pork served on a bun with coleslaw and barbecue sauce. A favorite at Black-eyed Sally's.
- Tender Meat: Pulled pork is cooked to perfection, falling apart easily.
- Homemade Sauce: Uses a homemade barbecue sauce for added flavor.
- Generous Portions: Serves a generous amount of pulled pork on each sandwich.
7. Bridgeport Fried Calamari
Crispy fried calamari served with marinara sauce or spicy cocktail sauce. A favorite at Marina Grand Restaurant.
- Crispiness: Calamari is perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Flavorful Dipping Sauces: Offers both marinara and spicy cocktail sauces for dipping.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses only the freshest squid for calamari preparation.
8. Bridgeport Seafood Paella
A flavorful Spanish-inspired dish made with rice, seafood, and saffron. A favorite at Tapa Wine Bar & Bistro.
- Flavor Profile: Infused with rich saffron flavor and a variety of seafood.
- Authenticity: Authentically prepared by a Spanish chef.
- Generous Seafood Portions: Serves an ample amount of seafood in each dish.
9. Bridgeport Clams Casino
Baked clams with breadcrumbs, bacon, and cheese. A favorite at Engine Room Restaurant.
- Unique Flavor Combination: Combines the salty flavors of bacon and cheese with fresh clams.
- Crispy Texture: Breadcrumb topping is crispy and adds a nice texture contrast.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses only the freshest clams for this dish.
10. Bridgeport Clam Fritters
Fried dough balls filled with minced clams. A favorite at Captain's Cove Seaport Restaurant.
- Unique Texture: The combination of dough and minced clams creates a unique texture.
- Crispy exterior: Fritters have a crispy exterior for a satisfying crunch.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using a traditional New England recipe.
11. Bridgeport Seafood Chowder
A hearty seafood stew made with potatoes, clams, and other seafood. A favorite at Black Dock Delly.
- Hearty Meal: A filling meal perfect for a cold day.
- Rich Flavor Profile: Infused with rich, creamy flavors from the seafood and potatoes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses only the freshest seafood and ingredients.
12. Bridgeport Lobster Bisque
A rich and creamy soup made from lobster broth and lobster meat. A favorite at Marina Grand Restaurant.
- Rich Flavor Profile: Features the rich, savory flavor of lobster in every bite.
- Luxurious Dining Experience: A luxurious, elegant dining experience.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses only the freshest lobster meat for the bisque.
13. Bridgeport Fried Oysters
Crispy fried oysters served with tartar sauce. A favorite at Engine Room Restaurant.
- Crispy Texture: Oysters are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Tartar Sauce: Served with a classic tartar sauce for dipping.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses only the freshest oysters for frying.
14. Bridgeport Seafood Gumbo
A spicy, flavorful stew made with seafood and vegetables. A favorite at Tapa Wine Bar & Bistro.
- Spiciness: Features a generous amount of heat from various spices.
- Flavorful Broth: Infused with rich flavors from the seafood and vegetables.
- Traditional Preparation: Prepared using a traditional Louisiana recipe.
15. Bridgeport Fish Tacos
Crispy fried fish served on a tortilla with cabbage slaw and salsa. A favorite at Captain's Cove Seaport Restaurant.
- Unique Twist: A unique twist on a classic dish, combining seafood with Mexican flavors.
- Crispy Texture: Fish is perfectly crispy and pairs well with the soft tortilla.
- Flavorful Toppings: Offers a variety of flavorful toppings, such as cabbage slaw and salsa.