Travelers Restaurant
| Address: | 1257 Buckley Hwy #84, Union, CT 06076, USA |
| Phone: | +1 860-684-4920 |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–8PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–9PM 7AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 14
WI
William Cole
We have been frequenting this place for years and after some very serious struggles have made our decision not to ever return. Not only has the quality of the food gone DOWN hill, the help doesnt seem as upbeat as in the past. Todays experience was the worst at any restaurant in years. The establishment specifically uses A-1 Steak Sauce in their marketing and on their special menus and when our food arrived we were somewhat taken aback when our server stated they "dont have any". She proceeded to go into a non refrigerated drawer under a counter in the corner and came out with an open bottle of Wal-Mart Great Value brand steak sauce and said "will this work". While we understand that possibly they may have run out of A-1 and someone grabbed a bottle on their way to work it was even worse to see dried out steak sauce on the cap of the bottle when she placed it on our table. My chicken parm over linguini was seriously over fried in what tasted like the grease hadnt been changed in weeks and the pasta was swollen from being over cooked. My wife was totally disappointed in the quality of her petite tenderloin and the changes in the way it is being presented since our last visit. There was a server sweeping the dining area nearby our table creating dust in the air and my wife was about to say something to her if she got any closer with that broom. Not sure if the place has changed hands recently or if the owners are just tired and not caring but this truly was NOT a good experience.
A
A Private User
Stumbled across this place on my way to Hartford and simply loved it. It felt like eating over a friends house, the style of the place was very cozy, the staff was wonderful polite and cheery in a sincere way, the food was good, I had pasta and meatballs with salad and garlic bread, I would say my least favorite thing was the sauce for the pasta, but even that was not bad, also good portion size and well priced. It was a calm and relaxed place, family friendly, decent bathrooms not to big but clean, and a good size collection of free books. There is also a cellar full of books you can buy all very well priced and with quite the range, all genres, first editions, reprints, rare books, antique books, newer books. All told me and my friend spend a good two hours in the place and would love for an excuse to go back.
JO
Jonathan A.
The Traveler is a restaurant that is very easy to get to from Rte. 84 - quick off and then back on. It combines a book store, including many shelves of books you are encouraged to take for free (I got a Gardner James Bond book). Service was a little slow, despite there not being much business. The food was spectacularly average. My burger was closer to well done than medium-rare, but still tasted pretty good. My wifes tomato soup was more a minestrone, but a pretty good minestrone. All in all, not a bad dinner, but certainly nothing I would go out of my way for. Luckily, traveling between Sturbridge MA and Hartford CT, you dont have to.
JA
Jason Brocker
A unique roadside cottage. The outside appears a bit dilapidated but it only adds to the character. It serves a very east coast roadside cuisine. I had a charbroiled hamburger that was good as advertised. The distinct flavors of a grill that has been used for many years comes through well. The other distinction that makes this place truly unique is it is filled to the brim of used books for all ages. You order your food and then get to choose a free book!! Children can choose up to 3 books. Overall great choice for me an my family. We well taken care of as the staff was super friendly as you would expect in rural America.
YA
Yaminette Diaz Linhart
We randomly stopped here while traveling back toward Boston; this place is a gem. Its laid back, you can browse old books, newer books, drink some beer, eat some food. Honestly, its like a traveling familys paradise after long hours in the car. We were lucky enough to sit by the bird feeding window, which was beautiful across the snowy backdrop. We got to see several male and female cardinals, a blue jay, a small woodpecker and plenty of finches. You wont regret stopping here.
MI
Michael Kazin
A most-welcome oasis on an empty stretch of road. For years The Traveler has been a favorite place of ours to stop and recharge after hours on the road. Especially for book-lovers like myself, since while you wait for your food you can peruse am odd assortment of offerings and pick a few to take on vacation/home. Close to the highway, welcoming staff, good food at a reasonable price, and free books. Who can ask for anything more.
DO
Doug Rand
Over a two year period I stopped here more than 80 times while commuting between NYC & Northern New Hampshire to care for my sick mother. After a while, I let the staff decide my meal order while I took a quick nap at the table. Great folks & food. And, I ended up with quite a collection of very good hardbound books. Most customers are "regulars". Dont miss the antique shop accross the lot.
RO
Ron Ambrosio
Great place to stop on I-84 near the CT /MA border. Decent food, good desserts, and its basically a book store also. Many of the books on main floor are donations that are free for the taking, while the basement has books for purchase. The staff is always helpful and friendly, and we make a practice of stopping in on the way home from the Brimfield antiques fair.
NA
Natasha Nowick
Always friendly wait staff and never a wait for a table. This place has a great selection of meals from a variety of burgers to steaks pasta dishes and more. Of course 3 free ebooks with the purchase of a meal is a unique and fun twist to this restaurant! This is a unique and fun break from the typical chain restaurants you find on the side of busy travel routes.
RY
Ryan Blanck
I liked this place very much. Definitely much better than Huxleys Bookmark Cafe of Meriden. Been there since 2 years ago. The Traveler Restaurant has great books and an good food there. Getting three free books to take home for customers and Traveler Book Cellar is located downstairs where selling used books there. Cool place.
BA
Barbara Krasnoff
We stop there every year on our way to a Boston-area convention. The food is good, the atmosphere friendly and you can choose three used books to take with you. The biggest attraction for us, however, is the bird feeder at one side of the restaurant; we always try to sit by the windows so we can birdwatch while we eat.
CY
Cynthia St. Hilaire
This is an adorable little stop in the tiny town of Union Ct. Very friendly and inviting staff. Delicious foods prepared in a timely matter and served with a humorous smile. They allow you to browse their wide selection of books and each diner gets to choose free books to take home. Does it get any better than that?
CA
Cali Flower
Have only had breakfast here. Eggs are normally overcooked and omelets are quite bland. French toast and sausage is quite good. Taking a book along is great of course, but there is rarely anything desirable unless you are really into romantic fiction. Service is hit or miss, more miss here so far but tolerable.
JO
John Hughes
A very quaint and home-like feel is what a customer can expect. The staff had been very friendly and welcoming during my only visit. However I will admit that I only stopped to use the restroom on the road and have yet to dine here. But when I do, I will update my review to reflect the experience.
