Shady Glen Dairy Stores

I will drive any number of minutes for their chocolate peanut butter ice cream. I can eat a gallon of it by myself and I not ashamed of that. It is this world’s most perfect food. They also have this seasonal ice cream around the holidays that has cherries and all manner of yumminess. I don’t know that I have had bad ice cream here but there are some stand out flavors.
So, the rest of the fare here is pretty meh. I am a fan of their cole slaw… slap it on some eggs. It sounds bizarre but it’s awesome. Otherwise, there are better places to get burgers and their fried cheese is not as exciting as everyone thinks. It’s really a weird thing for locals to rave about fried, american cheese when there is chocolate peanut butter ice cream to be had only a few feet away in the freezer.
The service is another thing that hits or misses here. There are lots of young servers that aren’t so great at acknowledging you when you first come in (or sometimes for an annoying number of minutes after you sit). I have yet to meet a great server personality here (beyond who I think might be the manager). Always very straight forward and professional. I prefer my servers to bring the quirk and uniqueness.

I really don’t see what the fuss is about this place. I’m having a hard time understanding if people actually know what a 4 – 5 star food establishment is. I get it they wanna keep the «old fashioned» and «good old days» feel about the restaurant but having menus that are only on the wall 25 feet away from you and not accepting credit cards is way too extra. I’m a big advocate of getting what you pay for and for 6 dollars I guess their cheeseburger is just that. Here’s my thinking. any place that doesn’t ask you how you want your burger cooked chances are the burger is probably gonna be some ¼ inch thick trash patty like every other place which it was. By far the most bland burger I’ve ever had. After we were though with our meal the bus boy asked us if we were finished with our condiment tray then proceeded to simply pick it up and just place it 3 feet to the left of us for the neighboring table to use. Cringe worthy. One plus side is their fried cheese is very good.

An overlooked Connecticut classic. Their fried cheeseburgers and ice cream are not to be missed. Service is always prompt and super organized, even when there’s a wait for tables. Whether you have a short drive or a long one, it will be worth every bit.

Food is excellent…
However, last time I went and ordered a milkshake to go I witnessed the very young waitress stick her finger INTO my milkshake in order to pull apart another cup that was attached to it. Then continued to ring me out with her finger covered in milkshake. Really grossed me

This place is known for its cheeseburger with fried cheese, so of course I had to try it. I got the cheeseburger platter with onion rings and Cole slaw. It was the best cheese I’ve ever had. I think I could eat just the fried cheese alone. With four slices of fried cheese and juicy meat, I can see why this place is so famous! If you come here, I would definitely recommend trying the cheeseburger and ice cream! There’s no way you can leave this place without trying their ice cream, either. It’s so creamy and sweet.
Another piece of advice — instead of getting French fries as a side, get the onion rings. They’re a lot better than the fries.
After ordering a cheeseburger, onion rings, cole slaw, a milkshake AND a sundae, my total was about $ 18. I definitely got my money’s worth. This will not be the last time I come here!

I’m a Manchester native and have been going to Shady Glen since I was a kid. To someone from out of state, it might not be that impressive, but for those of us that grew up with Shady Glen, I think part of why we love it is nostalgia. My father even came here as a kid, so he has fond memories, too.
That said, the food is, I’d say, ⁶⁄₁₀. That’s still above average, but if you’re looking for an incredible burger, there are much better options. What makes Shady Glen burgers special is the fried cheese (which also got the restaurant nationwide attention on food shows). The cheese is incredible, and makes an otherwise average, burger pretty good. A lot of people complain about how thin and plain the burgers are (minus the cheese), but I think part of the appeal of Shady Glen is you get a burger the way it was back in the 1950s — thin patty and all — and it hasn’t changed much in 60+ years.
The ice cream is excellent. They make it on premises (if you’re at the East Middle Turnpike location, at least) and there are a pretty wide selection of flavors, including seasonal ones. One of my favorite seasonal sundaes is the Pumpkin Pie Sundae, which has pumpkin ice cream, pecans, and hot butterscotch topping.
The prices are a bit high for what you get (particularly for the food, not the ice cream). However, there’s a little-​known secret that most people don’t know — Shady Glen does breakfast. That’s right — until 11:00 am each morning, you can get breakfast. CHEAP breakfast. The #2 platter, for example, is less than $ 7, and comes with: 2 eggs, home fries, toast, and your choice of sausage, bacon or ham, PLUS juice AND coffee. All that for less than $ 7 (well, plus tip, but still). And it’s a very generous amount of food. They also have a steak and eggs platter, and a 5-​pancake platter with your choice of toppings, all very fairly priced.
If you’re from out of town and want to try it out, just keep these things in mind. Also, while both locations serve similar quality food, I prefer the East Middle Turnpike location, because it feels a little cozier, and is in a more secluded area rather than in the strip-​mall environment of the Parkade. Also the Parkade location has those creepy elves on the mural, and the elves on the E. Middle Turnpike mural aren’t frightening!

Oh, shady glen, why?! You tempt me with your delectable wavy fried cheese burgers made to order and your old school ways. House made ice creams & shakes? Check. Fries with condiments in the old metal containers? Check! Waitresses in traditional 50’s blue uniforms with frycooks in similar garb? Check, check! It’s kitschy zaniness! Speaking of old school, leave the credit cards in your wallet. Remember that this joint is strictly cash only!

Living in Manchester and not visiting this holy grail of a place is almost a crime in itself.
This 1950s vintage diner was on my must-​eat list after I saw it on a food network show. Visited by foodies from all over the country. Even more Wikipedia says «People have even dropped out of the sky to partake of Shady Glen’s superlative fare. One day, unannounced, a helicopter landed in Shady Glen’s back yard.» Seriously?
Bound by religion I wasn’t able to taste their most raved cheeseburger but was fortunate to try the crispy cheese (deserves an equivalent of a standing ovation), grilled cheese and the icecream sundaes.
So If it’s not yet, u have to put this on ur food map ASAP.

I’ve been back a few times since my last review, and I still enjoy the cheeseburger’s unique, crispy cheese! Fries are still limp, tasteless, and barely cooked through (I made the mistake of ordering the platter again… doh!). Tip: order the onion rings instead! They are far superior to the fries.
I still love Shady Glen’s ice cream (hence the 3 stars) for its creamy texture and extensive variety of flavors to pick from. After all these years, I’m still a big fan of the Christmas Special flavor (green and red maraschino cherries)!

This is my go-​to spot for milkshakes, but I also love to sit down in a traditional diner when it’s around lunch/​dinner-​time. The pricing isn’t too bad, but don’t expect fast-​food pricing. The menus are on the wall rather than given in front of you, and it is cash-​only. That’s the only gripe I hear from others but I don’t see it as a big deal. This is a great little spot and the ice cream is AMAZING, with a large variety!

My husband and I were back in town visiting my parents. We decided to take my husband to Shady Glen as everyone should experience it once (especially if you live less than 10 minutes away)! When we arrived there was a wait against the walls, however, we did go there the day after Thanksgiving. Once we were seated everything moved pretty quickly. There are no menus and all the items are listed on a board on the wall. Seems like you’ve gone back in time.
Our waiter was very knowledgeable and all five of us went with what she recommended — the Cheeseburger Platter. The platter comes with cheeseburger, fries (or onion rings), and coleslaw. What I did like about the burger was that it wasn’t ginormous and none of the fillings were falling out. The best part of the cheeseburger was the four slices of cheese that are melted together. The cheese touches the grill and it becomes this yummy crunchy consistency. The coleslaw was also on point. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! My brother also ordered a chocolate milk shake which was yummy as well.

If I could curse in my review I would because that’s just how darn good this place is. When I lived in Manchester, this was a family staple. I remember walking in and finding my place up against the walls to wait for an open booth or counter spot. Staring up at the little painted Elves all over the walls, jealous that they were eating ice cream and I wasn’t.
That was over 20 years ago and it still stands the test of time. I’m pretty sure I ordered the same thing every visit. Cheeseburger, onion rings, mocha chip ice cream for dessert. One of a kind burger with those amazing «burnt» cheese triangles protruding from the bun. Super simple but super good! The cole slaw is also fantastic, gosh, just everything is fantastic about this place. Glad to still see it standing after all these years and not change a thing about how they do what they do!

Found this place using the Road Food books from Jane and Michael Stern. They are famous for their cheeseburgers and ice cream. The «secret» ingredient to their burgers is that they fry the cheese. Think about it… Cheeseburgers (fried) with fried cheese on top. Brilliant. Yes, they are as yummy as that sounds. They offer decent fries and very good ice cream but the reason to go is the fried cheese cheeseburgers.
Lots of parking. A little difficult to find so use the GPS to avoid frustration. Plenty of friendly staff and in our experience over several visits, quick service.
Put this on your food bucket list. Worth a visit.

You need to come check this place out. It’s like traveling in time, so fun! My burger was very good, and what they do with the cheese is amazing. Milkshakes are the real thing. And the place itself, the décor, so 50’s. I agree with Emily W– this place should be a lot more famous.

Full disclosure, I only went here for ice cream.
I wanted to love this place, I really did. It has an old timey diner charm that takes you the 50’s. The waitresses are dressed in cute uniforms. It won the James Beard Award in 2012, putting it on a list as one of America’s Classics. I had high hopes.
The ice cream sundae was about what I expected. It tasted like an ice cream sundae. Nothing special and it didn’t blow me away. The do have a large selection of ice cream and toppings for the sundae. But being from the Midwest, I have high standards for dairy, and this wasn’t anything extraordinary. The place is a little bit more on the expensive side for what it’s worth.
I’m glad I went for the experience. However, it’s not a place that I would make a special trip to go back to. Perhaps if I’m in the vicinity I would stop by.

Fried cheese. That’s really all you need to know about this place.
I hadn’t been in years, so I decided to take my 5yr old daughter for her first visit today during her break from school and she loved it! Sitting at the counter she thought she was something special.
I ordered the garden salad with egg salad topper (I can’t have wheat) and I have to say the salad was not, I repeat, not, a good lunch portion at all. It’s more like a side salad really. The egg salad was delicious though. nice and fresh, not watery or over done with mayo.
I also did order a side of fried cheese… omg…heaven on earth! I mean, why else do you come here anyways?!
My daughter got the kids chicken platter, and for $ 5.95 it was huge! Two breasts and fries, plus a drink.
We of course had to have ice cream… oh my poor waistline…
Our bill came to $ 23 prior to tip, which I felt was more than fair.

The burgers here should be famous. That crispy cheese is to die for. I grew up in Manchester and moved away in 2008 but continue to return to Shady Glenn. The burgers are unreal, the coleslaw is the best I’ve ever had and the ice cream is creamy and delicious. My love for black raspberry ice cream was born here. Whenever I visit my childhood best friend, she doesn’t even have to ask where I want to go because she knows that it’s here.
They used to only accept cash and I want to say that they’ve begun accepting credit cards, but don’t quote me on that.
If you’re in the mood for some quality diner food, don’t miss out. Shady Glenn is one of the best and you will absolutely not regret it.

Going to college in MA, I made a lot of friends who came from the Manchester area and every single one of them raved about Shady Glen. I moved to the area myself about a year ago and finally made the trip there myself to see if it was as good as I was promised. I have to be honest; it was good, but it definitely didn’t live up to the hype.
When we arrived, the place was full so we had to wait about 10 – 15 minutes for a table. That gave me plenty of time to start drooling over the ice cream selection. I didn’t end up buying any, but if I do come back it will probably be for a tub of Pumpkin Ice Cream.
I was really hoping for breakfast but we got there a little too late this past Sunday so we had to settle for lunch food. I ordered the corn chowder and a grilled cheese tuna, and I split a side of onion rings with a friend. All of it was okay, but none of it was worth all of the hype. The old school atmosphere was fun, but the food was mediocre.
Overall, I likely won’t be back for the restaurant, but it does seem like it would be a good place to stop in for ice cream. I’ll probably be back in the summer for that.

Shady Glen has the best and most delicious milkshakes and ice cream as well as an efficient and extremely kind staff!
The milkshakes served here are consistently the best I’ve had, and I savor each one. Shady Glen’s ice cream is spectacular in flavor and texture. (Two classic and favorite flavors that are a must try: coffee and chocolate. This is the best coffee and chocolate I’ve tasted!!) This ice cream makes the perfect base for a supreme milkshake. Add skilled servers who know how to blend the perfect sippable treat and you’ve got perfection in a glass and mixing cup.
The servers at Shady Glen work so hard, dishing up tasty meals and ice cream to patrons at their own tables and their co-​workers’ tables. They make sure each person is taken care of and happy. They recognize and happily greet regulars, like myself!
Each time I visit Shady Glen, I undoubtedly get the most wonderful thick coffee milkshake and service around!

Shady Glen is a true Connecticut gem. The restaurant and dairy has in fact been designated an American Classic by no less than the James Beard Foundation. It is well deserved and a must-​visit when in the Connecticut river valley.
As a kid, I used to enjoy ice cream cones outside in the parking lot with my parents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. We would then roll down the steep grassy hill in fits of laughter. I can’t imagine doing that now: these days I prefer my milkshakes in a glass.
The milkshakes and ice cream at Shady Glen do not disappoint. They are indulgently creamy and have real depth of flavor. I love the maple walnut ice cream, and pure vanilla milkshakes.
For me, the best part about a visit these days is the cheeseburger. Shady Glen’s technique to crisping cheese is unparalleled anywhere else in the universe. The beef is juicy and always perfectly cooked. I crave it anytime I am within a 50 mile radius.
My sister (vegetarian) used to order up sides of the crispy cheese, with lettuce and tomato. There’s your vegetarian recommendation!
This is the kind of place that understands every guest should have a tiny paper cup of water, right away. Shady Glen is the best at what they do, and they make me proud to say I’m from Connecticut.