Lenny's Indian Head Inn in Branford, CT

Last weekend my friend Gayle and I took the scenic ride along the shoreline after our girl's afternoon out, and ended up at one of my favorite local dining destinations and watering holes, Lenny's Indian Head Inn in Branford, CT.

Located in the Indian Neck section of Branford, what I have always liked best about Lenny's Indian Head Inn  (Lenny's or The Indian Head for short) is that they never try to be something they're not.

In spite of being reviewed by several prominent publications and restaurant reviewers, and in spite of several remodeling projects and additions, they remain true to what they originally set out to be -- a great local "joint" that offers equally great food at affordable prices.

Whenever people ask me about Lenny's, I tell them what a great place it is...but not to expect tablecloths and candlelight dining.

It's simply a great place to eat, reminiscent of the wonderful eating places found in Misquamicut and Watch Hill, RI, and other famous New England shoreline destinations. The ones that know they don't have to be pretentious to serve great food.  The types of places where the locals themselves like to frequent!

Lenny's has been owned and operated by the Conlin family since the late sixties. At first known as a fun night spot, it was only a matter of time before it became equally well-known for the great food they served.  Eventually the pool table was retired to make way for extra tables and booths for hungry diners to eat in.  However, the bar is still a prominent and popular spot inside...

and outside...the addition of a huge deck with loads of picnic table seating overlooking the marsh  now offers a great al fresco dining area.  This is a fun place to grab some good grub when temperatures allow!

And I love the converted schooner that is now a raw bar and seating area!

I'm proud to say I'm one of the lucky people who knew owner Lenny Conlin, a colorful and fun character.

Pictured, L-R, Tommy Sullivan, Billy Ryan, and Lenny Conlin, circa 1980s

He would be so proud of the hard work his children have put into Lenny's , carrying on his vision of a shoreline destination with a nautical theme that gives a nod to their Irish heritage.

There's a lot of "Gaelic Green" inside!

We arrived at about 2pm on a beautiful and sunny early fall Saturday afternoon, just missing the busy lunch crowd.  Menus are found on the placemats with daily specials found on a sheet handed out when you're seated.

Menu from 9-22-12

Gayle ordered the Lobster -n- Steamers

The lobster was probably about a pound or so and the steamers were oh so sweet.  (Or so Gayle told me) (And yes she offered me some) We usually share an order of steamers but she tells me I open them and eat them faster than she does and I usually get more - so refusing her offer was my way of politely settling our score.) She walks faster than I do, so I guess it all evens out in the end!

I ordered the Fried Shrimp Dinner. The heck with the diet!

Jumbo butterflied shrimp perfectly golden brown with a side of french fries and zingy cole slaw.

Both were delicious and we each emptied our plates after photographing these two edible works of art from every conceivable angle.  (Thank you Gayle for your patience!)

My only complaint?  I don't like the tartar sauce squeeze bottles that most restaurants are using. But hey, I'm conscious of all the plastic that is being saved by not prepackaging them in the little 2 oz souffle cups.  Lenny's is doing their part save the earth! Guess I should jump on board too!

Service is always fast and friendly and the staff is knowledgeable about ingredients and offerings.  Unfortunately, we were a week late for their delicious seasonal strawberry shortcake that is made with fresh strawberries, homemade shortcake, and REAL WHIP CREAM!

Argh.  All the more reason to return as soon as the strawberries are out next year!  It's a great place to meet up with friends and you always see some familiar friendly faces.  On this day's visit we ran into good friend Robyn with Rich and his absolutely gorgeous daughter!

The cowboy wasn't able to join us - but if he had - he would have had one of his favorites - a Cheeseburger served on an English Muffin.  Don't laugh!  It's REALLY GOOD!

If you have a chance, visit Lenny's Indian Head Inn soon!  It's not just a summer destination!

Lenny's Indian Head Inn

205 South Montowese Street

Branford, CT 06405

203.488.1500

Sláinte 

And something new at Lenny's - they now accept credit cards!

For additional photos visit:  Home Place at Lenny's Indian Head Inn

Do you have a favorite shoreline restaurant?
We'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.