The Hare & The Hound — Restaurant in Putnam

What an incredibly great experience! From the fresh homemade GIANT pretzel (and perfect cheese dip) to our outstanding waitress (Sharrie) and finally kudos to an Irish pub that actually plays Irish folks songs over its in-house music-- our dinner experience was one of the highlights of our over 6k mile RV trip east so far! The Hound and Hare is a Quiet Corner treasure on Main Street in Putnam CT. We enjoyed sitting outside in their sidewalk patio on a nice summer night in the 70°s. It is very rare indeed that I can find 5 items...much less 10 (!!) that had my taste buds salivating. Their menu is extensive for the size of the restaurant with many delicious choices of appetizers to buegers to fish, fowl and beef. It was a hard choice- made somewhat easier with the insight and experience of our server. The choices from Guinness Stew to Baked Cod with a Cheddar Cracker crumb topping simply was fabulous! Prices were what we expected for dining out in a finer establiswnt these days. My husband's Guinness topped with a shamrock was unique and set the 'special' tone right off the bat. The Hound and Hare did not disappoint! Everything was just wonderful. We were also very pleased to finally find an Irish pub in the USA that actually has the overwhelming balance of their menu featuring Irish fare, playing appropriate music and setting standard for others to aspire to. Even the buildings exterior harkens to a storefront in Galway! You won't find a quesadilla or spaghetti on this menu! We enjoyed the halibut in dill sauce Auguat special, and that baked cod with cheddar crumbs along with perfectly done roasted potatoes and seasonal veg of cauliflower and broccoli. That giant pretzel btw is made and baked fresh daily and is enough for a meal in itself- we saved half for take away. Let's not forget the huge slice of homemade chocolate layer cake we took home that also is fresh, homemade on the premises! Their in house baker is their secret weapon for sure! We wish them every continued success- and since we are staying in the area 6 more days...we will be back to have another great meal...maybe that Guinness...

Cannot recommend this place enough. The lack of Irish Inspired restaurants in our area was and is still shocking. So when they moved in, I was thrilled. It's become the go-to place for dinner or lunch for me and my friends.

Like I said, complete lack of Irish restaurants. Too be honest, I can't think of one within a 30-45 minute radius. Being in Putnam which is one of the only places with decent food in quite a large area, they had to bring their A game. You can tell from the moment you step inside the atmosphere they where going for, and my goodness did they kill it. They've managed to combine the feel of a rustic Irish pub with a modern vibe. Wall décor and memorabilia with gorgeous green accent lights pull the whole look together. And to make it all feel ever better, they have the best playlist I've ever heard at an Irish pub.

The staff is wonderful. Attentive, hard working and, fun. Every single person there, from the owner to the wait and kitchen staff, work effortlessly to make sure you and your party are having a fantastic time.

Lastly, the most important part, The Food, and Drinks. It's always delicious. I go there so often, I've made my way through the whole menu. Not a single dish will disappoint, but The Half Roasted Chicken stands out above the rest. It gives you that comfort food feel, but it doesn't leave you feeling like you have to take a nap and undo your belt. The most recent time I went I got the Shepard's Pie, and it much like the chicken, was phenomenal. Drinks are made right. If they have the mixers, they can make it. Plus the doggy bowl is such a wonderful take on the classic scorpion bowl. Any drink you'd like, (Minus a few) made into a 30oz dog bowl, with a gigantic neon straw to go with it. You can even share it, but where's the fun in that. Great selection of beer, 10 or so on draft, and plenty more otherwise.

All in all if you're looking to get out of the house and have fun, you won't find a better place. Prices are fair, and the food is fantastic. I will continue to come here with family and friends for...

2 orders of chicken & waffles, a beer, and a glass of house wine came to $70 including a 22% tip. While we're waiting for the food, we poured some water from the container at the table, see black chunks of something swirling around, and thought better of it, and waited for our drinks, which took about 15 minutes. The chicken & waffles came out way too hot. Cut it up to let it cool. Server asked how things were, I said I didn't know yet because I had to let the food cool down. She doesn't say anything and walks away. Finally took a few bites, had zero flavor, no seasoning at all, like chewing nothing. The person I was with thought the same. The sauces aren't marked and look identical, but one was very thin, watery maple syrup and the other was supposed to be hot honey, but wasn't spicy or sweet. Both pretty bland, no sweetness to either. Server comes back 20 minutes later asking how things are, I say "pretty bad", she says "OK!" and walks away. Comes back 20 minutes after that asking if we want dessert. Doesn't ask about the entire order of food still on the plates.

Place gets an F for the food, a D for service, and an F in the "worth your...