First & Last Tavern in Plainville, CT, blends classic Italian comfort food with a welcoming tavern atmosphere, aiming to become a local favorite. But can this charming spot truly claim the title of “Best Italian Restaurant in Connecticut?”
Boasting a 3.5/5 star rating on Tripadvisor and over 2,600 Facebook likes, First & Last Tavern has clearly garnered local attention, but is it truly the best Italian in Connecticut? Let’s dive into the delicious details and see if it lives up to the hype.
Beyond Brick Oven Pizza: Exploring First & Last Tavern’s Menu
While their “award-winning” brick oven pizzas are a definite draw, First & Last Tavern’s menu ventures into seafood, burgers, and even boasts a tempting selection of paninis. This variety suggests they’re not just a one-trick pony. Here’s a closer look at what awaits hungry diners:
Pizza Perfection: Brick oven pizzas are the star of the show here, with classic combinations and potentially some unique creations. Reviews suggest the crust is perfectly crispy, and fresh, high-quality toppings abound.
Pasta Paradise: No Italian restaurant is complete without a solid pasta selection, and First & Last Tavern delivers. Expect classic dishes made with fresh ingredients and house-made sauces.
Beyond the Italian Classics: From juicy burgers to tempting seafood and lighter panini options, the menu branches out to satisfy a variety of cravings. This variety is essential for appealing to a wider audience and standing out from the competition.
The Atmosphere: Cozy Tavern Charm
Stepping into First & Last Tavern, you’re likely greeted by the aroma of baking pizza dough and a warm, inviting ambiance. High ceilings, rich wood floors, and an open layout contribute to the classic tavern feel, according to online descriptions.
This combination of familiar comfort and the promise of delicious Italian-American fare seems to be a winning formula for attracting local diners.
What Are People Saying? Decoding the Reviews
While online reviews are largely positive, some discrepancies in star ratings (3.2 on Yelp vs. 3.5 on Tripadvisor) suggest a need for further investigation to crown them “the best.” Let’s break down the feedback:
TripAdvisor Enthusiasts: Diners praise the convenient location, “plenty of parking,” and generally positive dining experiences. One review even calls it a satisfying “first lunch at a restaurant in 4 months.”
The Yelp Mystery: Two separate Yelp listings exist for First & Last Tavern, potentially impacting the overall score. While some reviewers give it a respectable 3.2 stars, the lack of an aggregate rating on one listing raises questions. Further investigation is needed to determine the cause of this discrepancy and its impact on customer perception.
So, Is It the Best? The Quest Continues…
First & Last Tavern undoubtedly possesses many of the elements necessary for a successful Italian restaurant: flavorful food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a diverse menu. However, those Yelp inconsistencies and the need for comparison against other top-rated Connecticut Italian restaurants prevent us from definitively awarding them the crown.
To truly determine if they’re the “Best in CT,” we’ll need to stack them up against the competition, considering factors like awards, chef reputation, unique menu offerings, and local critic reviews. Stay tuned as we continue our quest for the ultimate Italian dining experience!
In the meantime, have you dined at First & Last Tavern? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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