Going to Shady Glen is a bit like stepping back in time. It's that 'old timey' ice cream parlor, from the decor to the servers (outfits), to the food. Nostalgia. Memories. A stop on the way back to UCONN when I was a student there. The "go to" place after our kids' school events. Shortly after we moved to Manchester, over 38 years ago, the restaurant was closed for renovations. We were looking forward to seeing the revamped restaurant. Well, we were even more surprised when we stepped in the door - nothing had changed! Cleaner, perhaps new Naugahyde on the seats, but that mural on the wall was the same - those elves were timeless. When you sit down, you get a small paper cup of water. The menus are on the the wall - soups, sandwiches & ice cream. I'd always heard they had a patent on the way their cheeseburgers were made - a burger topped with crispy cheese. A must have. Prior to Covid, the condiments tray had ketchup, mustard & chopped onions. Now, there are packets of the condiments. No onions though. We shared an order of fries - crispy & good. I was too full to have ice cream after our meal, so we brought a half gallon (yes - a real half gallon) of our favorite flavor home - chocolate almond joy. Yum! Note - you need cash. No cards. There is an ATM in the restaurant. read more

Shady Glen - The Shady Glen Cheeseburger (sitting at the counter). - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

Wavering between 4-4.5 stars. The interior looked different from how I remember it, but somehow our group of 3 adults and 2 kids fit comfortably in an otherwise-seemingly narrow booth with one chair added on the end. Since it's a popular choice, expect crowds til late afternoon for lunch. I didn't notice their breakfast menu among those posted on the walls, but apparently it is served til 11am. As for lunch, the cole slaw is surprisingly superior to most if not all other diners/cafes. Though prices have increased with inflation, still a great value and more competitive than many other comparable places in the state. Furthermore, the consistent taste and nostalgic ambiance are all still intact. Main offerings are between-bread - i.e., sandwiches, so limited options if you have dietary restrictions like having to eat gluten-free (soups contain gluten; I didn't ask if any of the platters could be made GF though), but their iconic fried cheese is still available as an a la carte side. Ice cream flavors include seasonal highlights like pumpkin chocolate chip, and their shakes are generous and delicious. I recommend asking what additional flavors they have available that are not listed on the wall menu. If there are kids in your party, be sure to look out for the table placard with the Children's Menu; the kids in our group enjoyed the chicken platter which included fries, a drink, and 2 substantial breaded chicken fillets. read more

Every once in a while, I don't connect with a place that many people love. Shady Glen was one of those spots. But I'm always open to the idea that maybe I didn't get it right, and I eventually return. I recently visited the original Shady Glen, and I'm now a fan. This was my first visit to the original location, and perhaps that makes a difference. My other two or so visits were to the now closed other Manchester location. The atmosphere is a 50's style ice cream restaurant that also serves food. There are some tables. Some counter seats. Workers in old timey outfits. Definitely an old school vibe that they pull off. Service was friendly. I visited with two goals. Try a hot dog. And eat an Original Bernice Winged Cheeseburger. Probably the most famous burger in CT. SG uses CT's Grote & Weigel hot dogs. They split and grill them. They served mine sort of sandwich style on a long bun with a toothpick in the middle. Definitely an original presentation. They have no specialty dogs beyond the crispy cheese they also serve on the burgers. They do give you quality packets of relish, mustard and ketchup and a small container of chopped onions. I added all these ingredients. And it was a tasty dog. The Original Bernice Winged Cheeseburger arrived, looking like a monarch, sitting on a throne of crinkle cut French Fries. The crispy cheese design, with all those angles extending from the bun, is an engineering marvel. There is melty cheese too. The burger looked about like a quarter pound. Tasted good. I added lettuce and tomato. Both fresh. A one of a kind burger that has thrilled people for Decades. The fries were fine. The Cole Slaw, however, was top tier. There was more than just thin chopped cabbage. Kale maybe. Some other stuff. The dressing was tasty, and the slaw wasn't overly dressed. Shady Glen is a CT classic. Indeed, an American Classic according to James Beard. Who can argue with that? 4.25 Stars read more

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I usually get a ham and crispy cheese sandwich however was feeling ballsy and got the fish sando. It was like a giant fish stick and the tartar sauce was a nice addition. I wouldn't get it again just because I'm a die hard Shady Glen ham and cheese fan. But it wasn't a bad experience. It was a Sunday night and not very busy so we were able to walk in and get seated. The service was also great like always! read more

Shady Glen - Cod filet sandwich with crispy cheese - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

Staff is cute enough to get your order *slightly* wrong. (No Mayo next time, ok) The vintage uniforms have a nice throwback congruent with the overall theme of the restaurant. read more

Ahh their famous cheeseburgers do not disappoint. The melted cheese that hangs over the burger and is crispy is the BEST! Delicious coleslaw and just so so fries. But that strawberry shake will live long in my memory. Friendly staff and an atmosphere that takes you back to the 50s. The restrooms are even labeled "mother" and "dad." A must stop if you are in the area. Don't skip dessert! read more

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Took 45 minutes for cheeseburgers and order of fries. Ice cream was ordered and never received. Server was inattentive. While the cheeseburger and fries were up to the old Shady Glen standards, the service and customer service were not. Extremely disappointed and will not be returning. read more

Visiting Shady Glen, circa 1948, is like visiting the past. Kind of a quasi-diner where waitstaff wear paper hats and the menu is posted in several locations on walls. Many pamphlets, etc. recommend going to SG for the vibe, experience, and food. I agree w the first two; not so much w the latter. Recently visited w a friend. We each had their famous cheeseburger (melted cheese sprouts "wings"), and split an order of fries. I had H2O, my friend a small iced tea. CBs ok, and a bit pricey. Nothing special except the melted cheese. Fries were, in my opinion, from a freezer bag. Overall, everyone should experience SG at least once, especially if you bring kids. Ice cream flavors are also on the wall. They do make an excellent shake, and sell "true" half gallons of their own brand (albeit a bit pricey). 5 stars for the schick, 3 for the food. Overall, 4 stars. read more

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Stopped in for a quick hot fudge sundae and it was so so good! They had many flavors and toppings. First time coming here, cute little diner where the waiters and waitresses wore the old diner uniforms. Cash only but there is an ATM on site. Can't wait to come back to try their food. read more

Shady Glen - Chocolate chip cookie dough hot fudge sundae with whipped cream - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

Shady Glen is a fun stop when you feel like slowing down and remembering the childhood joy of a meal out and ice cream with the family. Old fashioned counters and stools wrap around more than a dozen booths. When they're busy they request only parties of two or more use a booth, but there's plenty of counter seating if you're dining solo. Plastic lettered wall menus spread around the restaurant list the available fare, alternating between the lunch/dinner menu and the ice cream menu. Just remember they're cash only, but there is an ATM on site to the left of the dining area if you forget. When you walk in there is a large freezer display with buckets of ice cream in their many flavors. My personal favorites are black cherry chip, pistachio, and black raspberry. Perfect for a grab and go on the way out. On this trip I ordered the cheeseburger platter which came with the famous cheese-skirted burger, fries and coleslaw. I added a cheesefurter and rootbeer to drink. I thought I remembered previously ordering cream soda but the 50's attired college kid who served me seemed baffled so I went with root beer instead. The burger comes with four slices of cheese that drapes over the burger and becomes fried on the flattop, the edges browned and crisp. Personally I like to fold the 'skirt' back onto the burger to give it a little texture... because unless you pay a little extra for veggies like lettuce tomato and onion, comes plain with just the cheese. Covid did away with the cute condiment trays they used to set out, now ketchup, mustard and relish come in difficult to open disposable plastic packets. The burger itself is pretty plain, not a lot of seasoning, but it's filling and a solid choice. Crinkle fries are my favorite so I was happy to see them, though they also have great onion rings. The coleslaw is good but I wouldn't call it the best I've had. It's not as sweet as a KFC slaw and it's not as vinegary as a typical bbq joint slaw, it's a nice mix of the two. The frankfurter was split and griddled, with the same cheese draped over it. It was good, but as a dog goes it isn't something I would crave and drive miles to come get. The ice cream at Shady Glen is however something I'd drive a while for... creamy, sweet and has a wholesome homemade texture you can't find in a supermarket blast frozen box. In addition their flavors are great and they have a surprising variety. If you haven't been before and you're in the area it's truly something to experience. For locals and folks who enjoy the nostalgia of car hops, soda fountains and 50's diners, it's a place to keep those memories alive. read more

Shady Glen - Cheeseburger platter comes with crinkle fries and coleslaw, cheesefurter, root beer - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

I have been wanting to try shady glen for a while now and had heard good things. I took my daughter there for lunch today. It was mostly a silver hair crowd. She had a BLT with fries and I had a cheeseburger that they are supposed to be famous for. Hard to screw up a BLTbut the fries could have been cooked more. By burger was well done and flavorless. Our sodas were made at the fountain and tasted flat. Oh well cross this off my bucket list read more

You can't beat the yummy burger with the unique, crunchy cheese! You can also upgrade to a platter, my husband did that and got onion rings and coleslaw as his sides. I stole some on my kid's French fries and they were crinkle cut, crisp on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside. We had to wait a few minutes for seating, but it was worth it and we knew to expect it. It wasn't too loud when we were there, and we were able to get in and out fairly quickly to make it to see the Christmas lights a couple of towns away. I miss the relish trays of the past (pre-COVID), but still love a trip to Shady Glen when I need a great burger. read more

Shady Glen - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

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The service from the waitress was welcoming and kind. The cheeseburger was $8,40 and French fries were 5.50 and with a Vanilla Coke $18. That is way to high for basic lunch food. I won't be back. The menu is diversified but over priced. They had platters for $18. I can imagine a family being able to afford to eat out there. The ice cream is good but again $5.50 for a scoop of ice cream- that's ridiculous. And lastly they only accept cash. So if you have no cash, you can't eat there. There is nothing listed stating that. They should post a sign at the door. I think their old style diner atmosphere has worn out their welcome. read more

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Stopped in lunch and found the restaurant had plenty of booths available which isn't usually the case at lunch time. Service was extremely slow given they weren't packed with customers. Waited about 10 minutes before a server even showed up with water and silverware. Ordered the Bernice special (cheeseburger w/fries and coleslaw and a cheeseburger with fries. Added bacon to the Bernice special for the burger. Orders came pretty quickly and the cheese was not as plentiful with the crispy edges around the burger. Wasn't what I expected given what we've seen in the past. Could they have changed the cheese again???? Burgers were cooked okay as were the fries. The portions on the fries are huge and could be cut in half and still be plentiful. The fries don't stay crispy for long so you need to eat them fast. The coleslaw was excellent as always, best in the area for either a fast food restaurant or deli. Had black cherry chip ice cream for dessert. It tasted as if it had a grainy texture to it which might have been the 'chips' which were more Like crumbs of chocolate but it was hard to tell what was causing the gritty texture. This was an okay visit for something different. Would we rush back there for lunch again, probably not but would be okay in a pinch if we happened to be in the area. I grew up on this establishment so maybe I'm trying to compare it to the way it used to be but I think things have changed with the new ownership. Standards seem to have gone downhill from the past. read more

Its been many years since I visited the original location, so stopped in but the meal is not what I remember. Per other subpar reviews the buns are horrible. I have never had a drier bun, and it overwhelms the burger. Fries were under cooked. I also got a hot dog same bun issue. Its like the buns have been sitting around for weeks or maybe since the 1940s when the location started. ..so dry.... Ice cream (sundae and shake were good) I would rate them a 4. read more

Ordered hot dogs and fries.... Place was busy BUT... waitress gave us fries waaay before the hotdogs and we waited a very long time for the dogs. Once they came, they were overcooked and disgusting. I won't be returning . read more

A true classic. My favorite place for a bite, ice cream, and step back in time. It's traditional diner food but the interior and service is what makes it a standout. You can't go wrong with the cheeseburger palpated with coleslaw and a vanilla shake. Cash only though (they have an ATM inside). read more

The time has come. I've known about the GREATEST OF ALL CHEESEBURGERS for decades and now I'm sharing it with you. The fact that the GOACH is served at a veritable time capsule of an establishment is a delightful by-product. The secret of the unparalleled cheeseburger are the crispy wings of cheese which envelop the burger and stick out the edge of the bulkie roll. The GOACH comes with no special sauce or salad ingredients. This is an unadulterated cheeseburger. This cheeseburger expert can't say enough about the wonders of said cheeseburger. Service is unparalleled, but I don't want to go into too much detail and spoil the surprise for those who haven't yet been there. Just know that if you haven't been treated to the Shady Glen way you are missing out. There's nothing fancy at this old fashioned "dairy bar" but it's clean and bright. No doubt many folks just go for the AMAZING ice cream (pumpkin chocolate chip a seasonal fav). You can eat outside at picnic tables too. There is oodles of parking in a lovely location. Whenever I get to Connecticut from the west coast I always go to Shady Glen. read more

Shady Glen - View from the picnic tables at Shady Glen. - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

8:30 "just so you know, the grill is closed, ice cream only" But you close at 9:00 You don't want my business. read more

Shady Glen - Yum - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

I love nostalgic places like this, the atmosphere was awesome. The seating setup is fun with cool angles so everyone can be a served by a server behind the counter. The cheeseburger was ok, sort of felt like a gimmick. The cheese was good but the burger itself wasn't great and the bun was too bready. Fries good and onion rings above average. We had a strawberry shake and it was great. Also had a fresh coke. I wish the coke was sweeter probably not worth the $2.95 except for the fact that I am a sucker and loved watching them make it. read more

Shady Glen - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

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Absolutely one of the top five dining experiences of my life. The most amazing cafe you will ever visit. Words fail me. I really wish I had better command of the English language to do this place justice. Let's begin at the beginning. It has been open since sometime in the '40s and definitely has that vibe. Cooks on a griddle wearing paper hats and waitresses in classic diner outfits. The staff can magically navigate a maze of aisles behind the counter and access every booth and stool without ever leaving. The menus are posted on the wall and somewhat hard to navigate. They have a guy scooping ice cream at the front and you can get a delicious shake with your meal (although know that a shake will fill two glasses with some left over so two can definitely share). The fries are exactly what you would expect from an old-timey burger joint. Frozen crinkle cut fries that are cooked to perfection. I got a medium rare burger which was cooked to perfection - an amazing feat for a thin burger patty. And now for the true miracle. They overlap four pieces of cheese on the cheeseburger that spills out over the grill and creates an unbelievable, caramelized "cheese skirt". You can also just order the cheese grilled on the griddle without the burger, which is also amazing. Oh, how I wish I still lived close-by. Actually I don't. I would weigh 300 pounds. read more

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Loved it as a child and had fond memories of going there. Went recently for breakfast and my boyfriend got steak and eggs. Delicious! Steak was cooked rare like he asked and was great! My food was good too. No issues. We went back a few weeks later and he got a sirloin sandwich. Just a nice steak on bread cooked rare, again great! Today, April 23 around 2:30pm we went again. He ordered a clam strip platter and a steak on the side. The server, after taking our order came back and asked if we wanted silverware. Weird question since she knew what we ordered but whatever. His clam platter came out first. No other food yet. There was a clump of uncooked clams on top that didn't get separated before frying. He said nothing. My food takes another 5 minutes then they bring his steak out. I'm not exaggerating when I say that the steak had 4 giant slices into it and was very much over cooked. He asked the server why they cut into his steak like that and mentioned it was not rare. She had no idea and obviously didn't listen to a single thing he said. She apologized and brought the steak over to the cook/manager. You could see them having a conversation about it. No clue what she told him but after a few minutes she came back with another steak that had even more slices through it and still not rare at all. I know it's not a steak place. We've been there and got this item twice and it was NOT like that. So my boyfriend said this is crazy why did you guys cut up my steak again? Nevermind I'll pay for the clams but not the steak I just don't want this. He wasn't rude he was just irritated. It's like they didn't even try to fix the issue. So then the cook/manager comes over with the steak and says, What seems to be the problem? I thought he genuinely wanted to know. But he proceeded to talk over my boyfriend and tell him that the steak was cooked perfectly and not under cooked. We said what do mean undercooked? The complaint was that it was OVERCOOKED. So then we knew he just didn't want to actually listen to anything being said. He came over to us already offended and planning to be right no matter what. We tried to correct him and say hey man he wanted it rare and not cut into with weird slices all over it. He then called my boyfriend condescending and told us to leave. We did. On my way out the door I asked why they would cut up a steak like that and the MANAGER/COOK says, We cut into it to make sure it's cooked correctly. They may not be a steak house but I dare you to find me a restaurant anywhere that serves a steak after slicing it 4-5 times across the top like a hotdog and doesn't know how to tell a steak temp!! We've had it there multiple times and it was normal. This guy tried gaslighting us like that's just how they cook steak there and we were the problem. He was talking to a couple who have been in the restaurant business for decades and steakhouses were part of it. Shady Glenn has a manager with ZERO hospitality skills and who is frankly a bully who thinks he's chef Ramsey and wanted to play Mister Manager today and make a spectacle of two customers just trying to get lunch and wondering why they were doing weird shit to the food today. He came over with an axe to grind and gave us no chance to explain the issue. I don't know who hired him but he sucks at customer interaction and cooking and he gets his feelings hurt too easily for this line of work. It sucks because I like that place. Now I'll never set foot in there again. read more

Great place to go for Food & Ice Cream. It has a great 50's Vibe to it. From the seating to the uniforms. The was excellent and the ice Cream was great. Worth the stop. read more

The hours post that they are open until 9 PM. I got there at 8:30 craving a sundae. The doors were locked and the employees were rude and said they closed as they had no customers. read more

Wow, my review was severely overdue for an update. Although they closed the location Middle Turnpike West in Manchester a while back, the original location on Middle Turnpike East over near the Bolton line remains a cult classic staple in the region for simple burgers/cheeseburgers, diner type sandwiches, hotdogs, and of course delicious ice cream, shakes and sundaes. - Venue - The venue is classic 50/60's diner, from the tables and service areas, right down to the uniforms, limited menu, and cash only payment. Authentically. It's like a step back in time. Unlike how many similar restaurants would slather the walls with decor from that era, Shady Glen just lives it. - Service - Seating and service are usually quick, attentive and polite. The food is up quick too, but it's so basic that anything else would be hard to imagine. - Tips - Save room for ice cream. Seriously. Don't mess this up. They make it in house, and the flavors are delicious. If you screw it up, however, note that they have packed ice cream to go as well. If you're curious about the fried cheese, it comes on the cheeseburger, and there will be extra, so don't order the side of fried cheese if you're getting the cheeseburger and aren't sure if you'll like it or not. It's Cash only. read more

Ridiculous experience, we got there around 10:55 looking for breakfast. Took them 10 minutes to finally get to us only to tell us breakfast ended at 11. I don't know about anyone else but I'm not looking for a burger and fries, or some fried sandwich at 11 am. Had to walk out and waste my time due to the average slow service at Shady Glens. read more

This place is just incredible. It's like going back in time when you walk in. The feel of the place, the decorations, the homemade ice cream, the staff uniforms, everything about it is classic and authentic. I came for the legendary "cheeseburger with a cheese skirt" and was not disappointed. Simple burger, very tasty, soft bun, crinkle-cut fries. Loved everything about it. Would consider a move from Texas to be able to visit more often. I'm sure their breakfast is out of this world. read more

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"Well, I did not think the girl Could be so cruel And I'm never going back To my old school" (Steely Dan) Talk about Old School. Shady Glen is about as Old School as it gets. About as Old School as humanly possible. Shady Glen goes way back to 1948 and you sure get the vibes of a 1950's kind of diner when you walk in. They have a full menu of diner style foods, and are best know for their ice cream and "winged" cheeseburger that feature a big oozing crispy puddle of melted cheese surrounding their burger patties. Their burgers are so unique and fantastic they were spotlighted on Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" in 2009. We didn't go there for food, but popped in after spending a few hours in the hot sun at nearby Charter Oak Park. I guess you could say that ice cream was on our mind. We sat at the counter and noticed there were no paper menus or QR codes. After all this is an Old School place. Instead there were a dozen or so ancient menu boards all over the walls advertising sandwiches, burgers, platters, breakfasts, and ice cream. We ordered two small dishes - orange pineapple and chocolate chip. Have to be honest, the smalls were pretty small for $4.50 a pop. Some ice cream shops give you 2 scoops in their "smalls", so you can mix and match flavors. Not here, a small is one smallish scoop. But the ice cream was FANTASTIC. Service was average, and our cash tip wasn't even acknowledged with a smile, a nod, or even a plain old thank you. That always bothers me. read more

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Great service. Wonderful cleanliness. The burger is in a category of its own. You must taste it. The ice cream --very wonderful texture and variety of flavors is GOOD read more

**NOTE** Shady Glen is 'cash only', but they do have an ATM on site. As noted before, Shady Glen is a CT icon. A throwback to the old diners and Woolworth lunch counters. The women wear green dresses with white aprons, the men wear white shirts, maroon bowties, and paper hats, and they mix their soda the old-fashioned way: the syrup first, then the soda water. You may want to stir yours thoroughly before drinking. Or get a delicious shake! Service is usually quick, but I should note that weekends can be busy, and you may have to stand in one of the lines (there are two... left side and right - more tables on the right side) for a little bit. But it's worth it! I, too, always get the same thing. The hamburger platter, which comes with 2 4-ounce patties, fries, and coleslaw. I am not a slaw fan, so they substitute with extra fries. Top it all off with a sundae or cone or buy a carton when you leave. Shady Glen makes their own ice cream. FUN FACT, that delicious cheese on their burgers is made especially for Shady Glen by a Wisconsin dairy with just enough oil so it doesn't stick to the grill when they fry it. read more

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Dries hamburger ever and the hot dog was too salty.The condiment packages were too difficult to open. We got our French fries way before our food showed up.Therefore they were Luke warm at best. Best part of our meal was ice cream sad but true! read more

If you haven't yet been to Shady Glen, I highly recommend it! Growing up in the area, this is a local treasure and I have so many fond memories here. The environment is so unique with the staff wearing the little white hats, the murals on the wall, and the charming feel of being in an old ice cream shoppe. I HIGHLY recommend their ice cream-- truly best ever! And if you haven't tried fried cheese at Shady Glen-- it's worth trying! When they make their cheeseburgers they put a special, crisped kind of cheese on top that is AMAZING and part of what makes Shady Glen legendary. I used to go and order just the cheese by itself -- to go with my ice cream of course. Shady Glen is the best!!! read more

Great burgers and shakes all at a reasonable price. This place always has great service and killer ambiance. Good for lunch or a date and always worth the trip. read more

This was an establishment that I went back in the day. It was always the place to get the special cheese the way they make it. I brought my kids to experience it and they were not thrilled. They have not remodeled and looks the same as it did back 30 years ago. They still use handwritten paper checks and old registers. Cash only as if you don't have it there is a ATM in the restaurant. The poor waitresses wear the same ugly informs and the men have to wear the uncomfortable white paper hats. I wasn't happy w the portion sizes either and for 4 people it was $35 and laft to go to DQ for more as we were still hungry. read more

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I certainly don't know what John G. was talking about but their coleslaw is anything but bland. It's amazing. The best I've ever had!

Shady Glen, is still some of the best food i love to eat, ever time in come to CT. The staff is great and the food and ice cream is delicious. The ambiance is old dining experience. read more

Shady Glen - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

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Would HIGHLY recommend this place. The grilled cheese and fries they had were OUT OF THIS WORLD! I never knew that milkshakes could be this good either! The service was awesome, and the vibe was an old-fashioned local diner. read more

Shady Glen - The grilled cheese and fries - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

My wife and I stopped at Shady Glen for dessert. The ice cream sundaes were outstanding. My wife had the cherry chocolate chip ice cream, and I had the chocolate almond chip ice cream. Adding pecans adds a nice treat. The service was great and the restaurant was packed. The delicious smell of burgers covered the entire parking lot. Next time we plan to get a full meal. Definitely recommended. read more

Oh baby we're back! Shady Glen used to be our old spot in high school and we had a spur the moment idea to go this weekend. Just as good as we remembered and still an absolute CT gem. FYI you have to know what you're doing when you come here - so come with a friend or read some reviews. It's seat yourself and if there's a line, you wait until you're at the front and wait for an open table. On a Saturday night in Oct. there was no line and we sat down right away. They're also CASH ONLY but have an ATM on site. The menus are on the wall but honestly they're not needed because you're obviously here because you heard about the fried cheese... so of course you're getting a burger. Get a side of fries and a side of onion rings and sit back and enjoy. OH and definitely order a soda as they're mixed to order just like a 50s diner with free refills. It's magic. I never drink soda but I had 3 glasses during this trip... AS ONE SHOULD. Of course, be sure to finish with a bowl of their homemade ice cream or even better, order a milkshake. The chocolate milkshake is absolutely the best - reminiscent of a classic McDonald's shake but 150% better. I can't say enough good things about this joint, it's an absolute CT classic and I'm so happy it lived up to how I remembered it! Never change Shady Glen, never change. read more

Shady Glen - the classic spread! - Burgers Near Me - Manchester, Connecticut

Early Saturday night and we stopped in. The place was busy and lots people standing around waiting. 15 minutes later, we get a booth. We sit, waitress says there's no forks but plenty of spoons and knives. We ordered 2 cheeseburger and 1 hamburger platters. 8 minutes later the food arrives. The cheese was lopsided on both burgers to the point they looked like regular hamburger but the taste made up for the appearance. The fries were cooked perfectly. The waitress was busy but attentive. The place looked a little dated but things were clean. read more