West End Bistro

Back again this time for a late breakfast with the hubby this past Sunday a hour before they closed on fathers day
MMMMM crab cake Benedict for me A+++
steak and eggs medium rare perfect for Husband A++++
i am going to keep coming

Hands down best menu variety I’ve seen at any bistro. The cook really knows how to put some tasty plates together. Always great service. All around great spot for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner.

I absolutely love having a great dining experience at a totally unassuming place like West End Bistro. This is the power of Unilocal in it’s finest, where the community rallies behind honest, hard working small business owners trying to make a living by doing what they love. I bet the sole reason most first-​time diners come here are the numerous glowing 5-​star Unilocal experiences. And while not everyone agrees it deserves such praise, I’m going to hop on the band wagon because my initial experience was 5 star worthy. Hey, you only get one chance to make a first impression right?!
Located in an odd location across from a gas station in a small commercial plaza where the only two other businesses are a salon and a pizzeria, there is no way you would know such a delicious restaurant existed if it wasn’t for Unilocal.Most of the Unilocal reviews are for brunch, but we came in for an early Saturday lunch in mind. The menu is quite wordy with a plethora of options, but it was the specialty sandwiches that caught our eye. I forgot the exact name of mine, but it was meatloaf, sriracha mac and cheese and thinly sliced crisp bacon served on a Lupi sub. If you don’t known Lupi Marchigiano Bakery, it’s a historic family run New Haven baker, with origins that date back to 1900 per their website. West End Bistro is proud to advertise they use Lupi as their bread purveyor and for good reason, this is a damn fresh, near perfect sub roll! And I think this artisan bread is representative of what the owners are trying to do here. Serve quality, honest and delicious comfort food sourcing fresh, local ingredients. Sorry, I digress, back to this opulent and decant sammich. DAAAYYYMMMNNN. Our super friendly and delightful male server confirmed that I was choosing wisely when I asked him about this one. What a creative and well executed sandwich. The soft, luscious textures melded together perfectly to create such an enjoyable fat kid eating experience. Mind blowing comfort food quality right here, boys and girls. Come and get it!!!
My two friends also got sammies, one Mary’s Meatball Grinder (meatballs simmered in Sunday gravy, with mozzarella on a Lupi sub roll) and the other a philly cheesesteak and buffalo chicken tender combo that proved to be another absolute winner. These subs are so big that they ended up eating only half and basically brought home an entire sub. I on the other hand housed my entire sub like the champion overeater that I am. It’s quite often my gluttonous goal in life to eat until I can’t feel feelings anymore. Champions are made, not born!
Even the fries here were exceptional, cut in that mini two by four diagonal shape, crisp and deep fried on the outside, yet warm and creamy in the middle. We both had our toddlers with us, and each little one thoroughly enjoyed the kids mac and cheese and grilled cheese. Even the kiddie portion sizes are huge! My little girl loved her leftover mac and cheese for the dinner too.
One of the owners Lynette stopped by our table to see how we were doing, and she was an absolute pleasure to converse with. I mentioned to her it was the positive Unilocal reviews that got me in here, and she humbly appreciated the praise. She even ever so kindly talked about the negatives ones, how on Memorial Day weekend they were unexpectedly swamped (it was dead in there last Memorial Day weekend) with only two staff members working, herself included. I related it to a John Taffer Bar Rescue stress test, and while they couldn’t please everyone, she did genuinely recognize that if there is an issue with something, don’t be shy to bring it up so they can fix it on the spot. I’m often guilty of hiding behind a keyboard when I criticize, but as I’ve learned time and time again upfront honestly is always the best policy. Our young male server (sorry, didn’t catch your name buddy) was also extremely affable and personable, and totally made our dining experience that much more memorable.
This place is the epitome of the cliché phrase «Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.» Open your mouths and hearts to this mom and pop joint, and they will repay your consideration with a wonderful meal. I’m saddened that we’ll be moving out of the area at the end of the month and this being my first visit after 6 years living in New Haven. Hope to stop by again soon though!

Decided to check this place out for two reasons:
1. They have 5 star reviews
2. They were open on Memorial Day for brunch
Convenient location, close to I-​95. They have their own parking lot. There is a waiting area with a couch and a small TV. This place definitely had the mom and pop shop feel. We waited for about 20 – 25 minutes to be seated for a party of 5. They definitely have a very extensive menu which makes it hard to decide what to order. Honestly, I have no idea why everyone is giving this place five stars, the food nor the service deserves it for the following reasons.
1. The table was not set up, we were not given utensils and had to ask for them after receiving our food.
2. The bacon burger comes with an onion ring on top, two of my friends ordered it and neither of their burger came with onion rings.
3. I ordered the crab cake eggs benedict, the eggs were completely cooked so I didn’t get the runny yolk I was looking forward to.
4. The brunch items comes with home fries and was only informed of it after the food was brought out with the french fries substitute.
My visit here definitely wasn’t 5 star worthy like everyone else’s reviews.

Short version: best breakfast/​brunch ever.
So. We take breakfast/​brunch seriously. We have literally traveled all around the state in search of an excellent brunch. (With limited success). Last night this restaurant came to my attention through Unilocal,and I was surprised as it is close to us and I’d not yet heard of it. It also appeared to have almost exclusively 5 star ratings. We made plans for Sunday.
It surpassed my wildest expectations. First of all, the staff was absolutely lovely. Lynette, Kim, and Jeff treated us like friends and were happy to answer any questions we had.
After explaining our love of breakfast/​brunch, and in particular, my love of pancakes, with their guidance I selected the sticky bun pancakes, my husband the blueberry pancakes, and my daughter the chocolate chip pancakes.
They then informed us that since this weekend is the one year anniversary of their opening they had a trio of specialty bacons available. SPECIALTY. BACONS. (chocolate covered, ancho chili candied bacon and Elvis bacon (covered in banana and peanut butter)). And then they brought us a complimentary sampler when they saw how excited we were about bacon.
Everything was delicious and the portions were enormous.
My daughter was especially enamored of the chocolate covered bacon, which the staff sweetly gave her an extra slice of. My personal favorite was the chili candied bacon.
I cannot say enough good things about this restaurant and I was so impressed I intend to come back for dinner (and every brunch I can).
I would give this 6 stars if possible!

When I see a place that offers a menu this ambitious and varied, I am automatically skeptical that they’ll be able to deliver. Well, you can leave that scepticism at the door, for deliver they do, time and time again. Can’t recommend them highly enough.

Are you sitting down? This is going to take me a while.
Let me lead with my punchline. The food at this modest eatery is uncanny. Every, damn, thing we put in our mouths was fantastic. We both started with a generous portion of their savory, swoon-​worthy grits. enriched with pork, cheese, garlic, onions, and lots of love. Southern in form and content. Also, the grits set a pattern for the rest of the meal. In the kitchen, salt-​and-​pepper are used sparingly. i’m impressed when salt is used assertively. But let’s face it: it is often a cloak for inferior ingredients, and careless preparation.
Here, the lack of salt exposed luxurious ingredients, and very careful preparation. I added salt and pepper. I was a happy man. at five dollars, the grits are a major bargain. if I never hungry again — — I hope I am — — I will enjoy the leftovers the second time around. Onward.
Taking advantage of a half-​price special, I had their Caesar salad with a crabcake. My own Caesar salad dressing, which is widely admired, mind you, is an amped-​up version of the classic. Nervy with anchovy. Raw and roasted garlic. Greek yogurt and Siracha, because face it, I am not immune to trends.
Theirs is a different take, made with great finesse and integrity. Creamy, citrusy, satisfying and fresh at the same time. Who ever dreamed that you could make croutons out of croissant? Absolutely.
The crabcake. On first bite — — it came out piping hot — — my eyes rolled back in my head. How on earth could be so crabby? it wasn’t a concentrated flavor, like a reduced stock. Rather, it was full, and pure. Joe agreed.
Joe opted for a classic: their Ruben. Speaking of trends, sauerkraut was slow cooked in PBR. It was great. But the pastrami — — and we’ve had our share of pastrami, including multiple trips to New York City’s storied Carnegie deli — — was like the crabcake: uncanny. We’ve never had it so flavorful and tender, and not weighted down with fat. Take notice, Carnegie Deli.
Onion rings. Again, something so simple. Simple, isn’t easy. As per the picture, these were thickly cut, generously breaded, and fried to perfection. this is a matter of seconds, that zone between underdone, which seem OK for the first one, but then they get revolting. Or burnt.
I cannot yet comment on the Crack cake, as we ate about half of our lunch, and certainly had no room for dessert. but we create only took the last two slices from this fast-​moving slice of heaven. i’m not going to eat until I’m hungry again. That may be a while.
i’m almost done. Don’t look at me like that.
The look of the place is happy and optimistic. Sweet, honest, hopeful. The walls and woodwork or the colors of orange and lime sherbet. How great is that? just don’t get thrown off by the homey and unassuming décor, as it’s a modest stage for monumental work from the kitchen. Also, look closely: the chairs and tables or sturdy, the flatware is substantial. These people know exactly what they are doing. it also has the largest wheelchair accessible bathroom I’ve ever visited, with every possible adaptive grab bar.
Finally, our server, Jenn. Granted, it was 3 PM on a Tuesday. They weren’t real busy. OK, the only other party left soon after we got there. as I know from my own experience, slow times, can be a trap in the kitchen. Cooks tend to be adrenaline junkies, and when things aren’t coming at them a mile a minute, they can lose focus and screw things up. We showed very hungry, and I feared that could happen. Far from it. everything arrived piping hot. But you can wait, let things cool down. if it comes a cold, and it’s not supposed to be, you’re screwed.
Meanwhile, while Jenn was navigating our meal, she took two large bags of takeout out the front door. I asked her, you have to run a restaurant and a drive-​through? She laughed, and said that they only do that for certain customers. this woman was an elder, who couldn’t surmount the single step into the restaurant easily. She ordered enough food for the better part of the week. It’s sort of like the most glorious meals on wheels you can imagine.
According to Jenn, in a few days, this true labor of love will be a year old. Scroll back to the reviews, and you will see that they maintain a very high level of quality, and satisfaction. Locals, do the right thing. Support this place! I’m 100% confident that they would be dreamy with catering gigs. Also, call in your dinner order, pick it up on the way home. Be honest. You don’t want to cook dinner.
They don’t make a big to do out of being «farm to table.» But they are sourcing locally, and more importantly, they are sourcing quality. That’s what makes it rise above the vast majority of of comparable breakfast and lunch spots.
What a meal.

Killer Taco almost made my boyfriend cry, it was so good! Mary’s meatballs are delicious! Can’t wait to come here again!

Pork and grits, bacon banh mi, lemon cannoli pancakes!!! Do I need to explain any further? This place is spot on. Creative and delicious menu, unpretentious and personal restaurant, and an all star staff. I would have never guessed a gem like this was at this location in West Haven. I can’t wait to go back for dinner!
*UPDATE*
Another Unilocaler was funny enough to suggest the portions at this restaurant were less than generous… unless you’re accustomed to eating at a Roman vomitorium (and even then, they still hold a hefty candle), I would categorize the food here as definely plenty. You will not go home hungry nor unhappy.

One of the best breakfasts I’ve had in a long time. I had the cutlets and flapjacks… OMG. Life changing! My friend had an omelette with sides of bacon and home fries. The food was just outstanding, and the service was top-​notch, too… attentive without being annoying, and just so friendly. Can’t wait to go back!

I discovered this place through Unilocal.Otherwise, I would not have ever thought to check it out. The exterior isn’t remarkable or overly inviting. However, there is adequate parking and the inside is cute, with pictures of the local beaches and scenes of West Haven.
You seat yourself. Our waitress was friendly and prompt. I had the truffled egg toast, and it was very good. The chicken cutlets and flapjacks are phenomenal. Our waitress informed us that they make them to order, so it can take a bit longer than some of the other dishes. They are worth the wait. The portions are huge, so we left with a to go box. I would definitely recommend checking this place out. It’s not your average diner or breakfast place. The creativity of the menu reminds me a bit of The Corner in Milford.

We have tried twice. Once for dinner and once for breakfast. Both times it just seems like they are trying too hard to make classic food fancy.
The burgers were OK — nothing special or worth of note — really mediocre and the fries were basic frozen fries — again nothing special. We had the hummus and that was good. There was a spicy one which we were told was not spicy?
We ordered the mac and cheese — again just trying too hard instead of making a good dish. The chicken tenders seemed to be frozen too,
For breakfast my daughter ordered the apple pie pancakes — as suggested by the waitress and we ordered extra crispy bacon. Bacon was fatty and undercooked and the pancakes were horrible. The waitress asked if we wanted something else and my daughter asked for toast — we were charged for everything.
My go to is an over medium egg — fully cooked white and runny yoke — my eggs were over well and hard and cold — really something that should be done well.
Too bad — we were looking for a quality place and instead we were overcharged for mediocre food

I have a little breakfast obsession. I could eat it for every meal and not get sick of it. Theoretically, I could do it at West End Bistro if I wanted to! They serve breakfast all day, as well as lunch/​dinner entrees and uniquely yummy desserts (like dunkaroo cheesecake. umm yes please!). It has become my go-​to brunch spot and everyone that I have brought here can’t get enough!
West End Bistro has such a wide-​ranging menu, and everything is made fresh in house. I suggest anything with truffle in it. The truffle home fries are delicious and not overpowering. they even trufflie-​lized mashed potatoes for me last time. Staff is super friendly and accommodating as well. The only thing I wish they would change is their hours. If they were open later I would probably live here!
Also– this place is BYOB so make sure you bring some dranks!

This is more of a Diner than a Bistro. Nearly all of the tables were seated, the staff did not notice that we arrived. We sat at the counter in front of the kitchen. We could hear everything the wait staff said. «Step it up I feel like we are losing it» said the Mgr/​Owner to the two waitstaff. Also a Customer told her the toilet was overflowing. While throwing Silverware into the dish area she was cursing. Oh Shit.
The food looks like that typically found at a greasy spoon. We waited a long time for a breakfast plate and Soup. I reluctantly ordered the Pasta e Fagioli which in an upscale bistro would usually have a broth which makes it a Soup. I received a bowl of elbow noodles with white beans and small thin squares of what appeared to be a type of processed deli meat I did not taste that «ingredient».This soup had no flavor, no broth, it looked as if it was prepared for a two year old.
When I mentioned that I was being charged for something I could not eat I was told that is the way the dish is supposed to be, as though I had no concept of good food.
Way to go with the Customer service!
This place received one star as negative stars are not an option.

I found this place on Unilocal,and figured with a perfect rating and right down the street from my house, i had to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. If you’re familiar with the location, you know its been host to quite a few breakfast joints in the past few years, so i was not expecting much in the way of décor. It has the perfect mom & pop feel.
The food however is anything but regular mom & pop. The menu is huge, with each item sounding better than the last. We decided on an omelet and the «Truffle Egg Toast» they took a little longer than your regular diner food breakfast, but our coffee was never empty, so we didn’t mind one bit.
The food was excellent. I would definitely say that they give «the Corner» in Milford a run for their money.
I wanted to go back the same day for lunch, but ill wait a few days so i don’t look like a stalker. lol.
I will definitely be back– soon.

Amazing cuisine in unpretentious, welcoming surroundings. The outside of the restaurant gives nothing away, but friendly, attentice staff will soon put your mind at ease.
The Bananas Foster French Toast is a must have; The eggs benedict are fantastic, too! I have only been here for breakfast, but I am looking forward to trying lunch…

Great place! Went here due to all the great Unilocal reviews… wasn’t disappointed! My mom got the Shepards Pie and I had the Chicken Melinase.
Both were amazing and the staff was super friendly and helpful. Reasonable prices with a big selection of choices. Homemade while you wait.

Ok so this place looks nothing like a bistro and it is next to a laundromat. However it is clean and the menu is huge.
Service: My server was very nice and quick to get me coffee and water. Their coffee however was just ok. This was no illy brand.
I had Melba French Toast with peaches and a side of sausage.
Man that french toast was good and was a huge portion.
The food is fantastic. Don’t let the diner feel fool you. I almost passed it up not being local it looked kinda sketchy

IT’S BYOB. I REPEAT BYOB. Bring champagne and have a ball
Where do I begin how about that the staff is beyond friendly and the wife took the time to explain to us the background of the place.
The FOOD is out of this world if you have an open minded appetite. Everything is made in house which is hit or miss some places but at this place its right on. i had the Italian french toast with cornbread hash and it was great. My girlfriend had the pork chop and grits meal and the grits we’re a hit and the pork chop were a good touch. We also or ordered the buffalo chicken perogies and they were cooked to perfection the portions were great portions nothing small very filling
Our waitress was very friendly knew the menu very well and did her job with the beautiful smile on your face. The icing on the cake was meeting the chef behind all these great meals he was very nice polite and introduced himself which in a lot of places you don’t even know who’s cooking your food. I can’t wait to go back to try something new and I’m pretty sure it will be good.
If you’re ever in the area or looking for a great brunch spot that bring your own beverages aka BYOB this is the place to go it’s a hit you will not be disappointed and you will be full.

Always in search of new breakfast spots brought me here. Being late Thursday morning we walked in and had our choice of seating.
The waitress came over quickly and took our drink orders as we browsed the menu. The usual breakfast choices were available. I went with the Forresteria omelet which comes with toasts and home fries.
The food arrives rather quickly and my plate is full! The home fries which are always my personal favorite were delicious. Cooked to perfection, not greasy, well seasoned and delicious. My omelet was huge — the fillings literally broke through the egg. It had mushrooms, caramelized onions, bacon, cheese. Full slices of bacon were in the omelet which was loaded with the mushrooms and onions. The flavors melded together quite nicely.
My so ordered a short stack of buttermilk pancakes. Two large pancakes the size of the plate. Well worth it in my opinion. They were light and fluffy as one would expect and he said they were some of the best pancakes he had.
All in all the service was excellent as was the good. I’m plan to return to give their lunch a try as well as see how the service and quality of the food is during busier times.