29 Markle Ct Restaurant & Lounge

"There are a number of reasons why this American restaurant with inventive takes on soul food in Bridgeport might have won one of the biggest awards a new restaurant can get in Connecticut. It could be that it brought pro cooking techniques and a high-end dining experience to an area that historically hasn’t had much else along those lines, or the friendly service, or even the contemporary art-filled walls. But we’d argue that the real reason is the spiced and smoked half chicken, one of the only staple items on the restaurant’s menu and among the best things we’ve ever eaten—it’s sweet, smoky, and as juicy as a summer peach. The fried chicken sandwich is also insanely good, as are the seasonally rotating vegetable appetizers. Be prepared for a personal visit from the chef at the end of the meal, as he makes a habit of going around to shake every diner’s hand before closing up for the night." - chloe zale, ciera velarde