There are a number of great bars and restaurants in Milford these days and I’d like to bring four of them to your attention, all of which are “off the beaten path”…in the Woodmont section of Milford: Sloppy Jose’s, Bazso’s, Beach House and Scribners. If you aren’t familiar with Woodmont, it is the eastern-most section of Milford along the Sound, just before you get to West Haven.

Of the four restaurants, the one I have spent the most time at is Sloppy Jose’s.

I love Mexican food and Sloppy Jose’s is my absolute favorite. Over the years I have found Sloppy’s food always to be excellent, whether ordering from their extensive menu or opting for one of the weekend “blueplate specials” (yes they named them in my honor when I had a radio show by the same name….). Sloppy’s salsa and guacamole are always fresh and delicious. I believe the bar stocks four thousand and six different brands of tequila…well it seems that way, anyway. The staff is super friendly and the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed. Sloppy’s is decorated with all sorts of Mexican trinkets, the bar is cozy (with a few tables for dining) and the dining room has a combination of tables and booths. Sloppy Jose’s is small and comfortable with a fireplace that warms the restaurant in the winter months. Off the beaten path for sure but worth the trip. They even sell tee shirts!! Ask for Mike O’Brien (the owner) or Larry (head chef) and tell them Landry sent you. They might throw you out. Oh and their soups are EXCELLENT too.

Sloppy Jose’s

186 Hillside Ave

203-878-9847

www.sloppyjosesmilford.com

dinner only/closed Mondays

Just across the way from Sloppy Jose’s is Bazso’s Italian Restaurant.

When we moved to Milford seven years ago, we started spelunking for pizza that we liked. We are both native New Yorkers so we are pizza snobs. Bazso’s (pronounced BAY-ZOHS) was the closest pizza place to home but we didn’t try it until we sampled several others in Milford. Too bad we didn’t get Bazso’s pizza first; it would have saved us the disappointment of trying the others. Bazso’s has the best pizza that we have had in Milford (and heaven knows there are more than a few pizza places in Milford) with a crust that is more on the thin side (which I prefer) but not TOO thin…perhaps I should call it “goldilocks crust”…just right. Friends recommended their food and so we finally had dinner there a few years ago….and again wondered why we had waited so long. Bazso’s is BYOB which we love because it keeps the bill lower. On our first dinner trip there I had a pasta Bolognese that was incredible…fresh, home-cooking and portions that are extremely generous. Bazso’s is chef-owned and the atmosphere is super casual with the restaurant space itself very small and cozy. There are also a few tables outside for warm weather dining. Try it, you’ll love it.

Bazso’s

1 Seabreeze Avenue

203-877-9818

(no website…call for hours)

A little further down the road heading toward West Haven is The Beach House Restaurant. The Beach House is a bit more upscale in menu, price and atmosphere than are Sloppy Jose’s and Bazso’s. My favorite thing about The Beach House is their beautiful bar area and the best kept secret of The Beach House is their burgers. We love to go to Beach House on Friday or Saturday evening (early so we can get a table in the bar area…there are only 3) and order their gorgonzola burgers that come with great french fries (or a salad if you prefer but I say go for the fries). Gorgonzola burgers, crispy fries and a couple of glasses of Pinot Noir and I am in heaven. Live jazz music happens Friday and Saturday nights around 8. The Beach House’s “real” menu is pricey and we’ve only eaten in the dining room twice for that reason but both times the food (and service) was excellent. Great place for “special occasions” when money isn’t a concern. The Beach House also has a very nice Sunday brunch buffett from 11-3 for $19.95.

The Beach House

141 Merwin Avenue

203-877-9300

www.beachhousemilford.com

dinner only/Sunday brunch/closed Mondays

And last, but certainly not least, deep in the heart of Woodmont and smack dab in a residential neighborhood is Scribners. For 34 years this Milford landmark has been serving some of the best seafood (and other dishes) around at what I would call moderate to kinda expensive (17.95-24.95 entrees) prices. I love the atmosphere at Scribner’s; it’s like being in a quaint New England Inn. The bar area is especially cozy at Scribner’s with a few tables and a smaller bar menu available. We haven’t been to Scribner’s in awhile but have always had a great meal and terrific service there. They now have an early dining menu for $14.95 with a generous menu of entrees to choose from.

Scribner’s

31 Village Road

203-878-7019

www.scribnersrestaurant.com

dinner only/open 7 days

These four Woodmont restaurants are all gems and all offer something different. And one of the really nice things about the area is after your meal you can take a stroll on the beach since they are all a short walk away from the water. Just because Woodmont does not involve Route 1 or the Milford Green don’t deprive yourself of the experience. It’s a charming area and the restaurants are, well, pretty terrific.

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