I happened upon The Shack Restaurant while looking for a good local breakfast spot, and it definitely has that classic small-town diner feel that a lot of people love. The inside is really interesting, everything from old farm and country décor to hubcaps on the walls and you can immediately tell it's a local favorite with a lot of regulars coming in and out. The setup is pretty cozy with counter seating facing the kitchen, several booths, and a few tables. I actually enjoyed sitting at the counter because it gave me a full view of the open kitchen and the pace of the restaurant. While I was there, they had several cooks working along with a few servers/runners, so it was busy but still manageable. The menu is mostly breakfast classics; eggs, home fries, Belgian waffles, French toast, pancakes, etc. along with some larger specialty plates like the "Kitchen Sink" that looked huge. I ordered the traditional breakfast with eggs, fries, toast, and coffee for around $15, which honestly felt pretty reasonable these days. The food came out quickly and the prices overall seemed fair. Where things fell a little short for me was the service. My plate sat on the line for close to 10 minutes before my waitress remembered it was there after answering phones, checking people out, refilling coffee, and helping other tables. When she finally dropped it off, she didn't really acknowledge me or ask if I needed anything. It then took another several minutes to get butter and Tabasco for my toast and breakfast. I also couldn't help but notice a couple of food handling things since the kitchen is fully visible from the counter. The cooks appeared to wear gloves consistently, but I never saw gloves being changed, and some of the servers were preparing toast and fruit bowls while actively touching food without washing their hands in between tasks. That was probably the biggest downside for me personally. Overall, it wasn't a terrible experience by any means. The atmosphere is unique, the prices are fair, and you can see why locals enjoy it. For me, though, I'd probably try a few other breakfast places in the area before making this one a regular stop. read more

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I came here for brunch on a Saturday and there was a small 5 min wait to be seated. I got a clam chowder ($4) and the Thanksgiving turkey ($17). Chowder was very meh (wasn't expecting much given the vibe). The thanksgiving turkey came absolutely loaded with food, easily 2-3 portion of food which was great. Unfortunately there was not much flavor, turkey was dry and flavorless. There was a bunch of gravy which helped give flavor to everything. Overall fantastic portion for the price, but nothing special taste wise. Food(50%): 5.7 Staff/service(25%): 7.0 Value(25%): 8.5 Overall: 6.7/10 read more

The Shack - New England Clam Chowder (Cup) - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

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Canned here first but we were ten seconds too late and had a large group of eighteen in front of us. Restaurant was crowded and figured it would take awhile before we got in so we headed out to the Shack in East Lyme which was closer to our home. We have eaten here before and always enjoyed our breaks, it's just timing today wasn't good. read more

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Great food, amazing cornbread. Never disappointments, anytime of day no matter what your in the mood for read more

The Shack - Turkey club with onion rings Smothered burger, (roasted peppers and onions with cheddar cheese) - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

We visited another place on Friday night. We asked where was a good place to have breakfast. Without hesitation, our server said that you have to go to the Shack! Cannot express our need to thank that woman enough. This place was fantastic! It was just the best breakfast spot to visit. I am not an egg guy for breakfast. This place gave loads of options. I had the banana and walnut waffle and the homefries with cheese and sausage gravy. This was a game changer on the fries. The food was awesome and hit the spot! Service was fantastic! We head this direction at least once a year and this will be the new spot for breakfast every time! read more

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Exc food prices service and cute diner. Had to eat there tow e in o e day! Loved One of our favorites. Loved the pie, chili, and everything we had. read more

Came by with a couple of friends for a long breakfast. We come here at least 4-5 times a year. We love their coffee and great service. This time I tried something new. I tried the eggs Benedict. First time disappointed here. This was not very good. It lacked flavor for sure. However everything else we had was excellent as usual. They have one of the best cornbread. Always a pleasure to come to the Shack. read more

The Shack - Breakfast - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

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Came here recently and was initially a bit put off by the prices. But once the food came out, I was impressed. I ordered the mess and it was delicious. The portion was huge. I ended up getting three meals out of my breakfast. It even came with a side of cornbread which was just as good. Our waitress was attentive and kept her coffees refilled which we appreciated. It was very busy (we went on a Sunday). I would definitely come back read more

We stopped in at the end of a trip to Mystic. We were not disappointed. Everything we ordered was delicious! read more

The Shack - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

My cousin was visiting the area and we decided to do breakfast. I suggested The Shack because I had not been there in a while. Last time we went the food and service were great. This time? Not so much. The gentleman who was seated us was a gem throughout our time there. Very pleasant. I'm sorry to say the young lady who gave us our menus (or I should say dropped them on the table) was rather sullen. No greeting , no response to our "Thank you". I am not surprised. She is the same young person who we had to file a complaint on due to rudeness at her former place of employment. It was also notable that the man seated at a nearby booth did not get a menu at all. He had to go to the counter and request one. Not a good thing. Our waitress was mediocre. Not particularly pleasant or attentive. Never returned to pick up our slip with a rather generous tip or say "Have a nice day" or "Thank you so much", etc. Overall disappointing. The food was just okay this time. The only thing that was good was the company and the lovely gentleman who was a host. The Shack in Waterford? Sorry Groton. They are always the best. Maybe next time will be better. read more

Excellent Breakfasts, reasonable prices and outstanding service---AND most Breakfast selections include coffee or tea Gratis‼. Styled like the diner it IS, very casual and comfort driven. Child friendly and very clean restrooms, too. Desserts home made, and very large portions of everything! Yeah, I'll be back, bringing both my friends AND my appetite read more

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Mediocre food. Miserable staff. Not one person working there smiled. Felt very unwelcome.

Great spot to stop in for a quick bite! Me and my friends were heading back home from a long trip and came in to get some breakfast and it did NOT disappoint. The Kitchen Sink was to die for and my friend said the Triple Play exceeded his expectations. If you get the chance, you need to give this place a shot. read more

THIS PLACE IS SO GOOD! I love the homey fries so much I wish they could be husband fries I've never had a bad breakfast there EVER. The worst part is waiting cuz the lines can be out the door sometimes (but it's totally worth the wait!) GO HERE. For breakfast. Find Tracy cuz she's AMAZING also & whatever you do, dont mess with the mess. read more

The Shack - Breakfast with Mama - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

Stopped here for breakfast on our way to Mystic. There was a wait, on a late, rainy Saturday morning. But the wait was no were near what we were told and in minutes we were seated at the counter. We ordered: Waffle with eggs and The Shanty. Being at the counter we could see all the "behind the scenes" action. I was very impressed with the ease and organization of the staff! The servers passed thanks off to each other with ease and understanding. The kitchen staff, working together, were on task despite the crowd of the restaurant. Food came out quickly, and it was hot and delicious. I didn't care much for the potatoes, mostly because they were a bit oniony. My husband like them and ate the all....and they Gove you a huge portion. Eggs were great, waffle was crisp and tasty! My husband loved his pancakes. We left very satisfied! read more

Good corn bread....you have to try THE MESS break fast plate....you get a mountain of breakfast food items.....I could finish mine

i stopped here while traveling and this place is very comfy with older decor. we loved the mash potato's, what a creamy buttery taste they had. the strip steak had a charred taste to it so I honestly did not enjoy it, I leave criticism so restaurants can improve its not done to bring a business down. service was very good as well and I would definitely come back here and I recommend it. read more

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One of three restaurants in the area, this place serves breakfast and lunch. The breakfast is what I really like but the lunch menu is also pretty good. Nice people here. read more

The Shack - Thanksgiving Turkey (mash potatoes, stuffing and broccoli) $16 - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

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Server seemed completely inconvenienced by being asked to do her job. Walked away from us mid sentence and generally was miserable and rude. read more

Really enjoyed breakfast there while visiting the area. Nice sized portions and not a long wait time to sit.

Good food prices and very Frendley not having watet long rather food good service was grate

Food was great. My experience with the cooks was horrible. I sat with my son in one of the booths by the counter and listened to the female and male cooks comment about how I was a heavy woman but was not interested in the potatoes. They commented on how my son was interested in the iPad and how only terrible parents allow electronics while children eat. The waitress did not allow me to pay but the damage had been done. I left in tears. read more

I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich sans bread. Opted for veggies as my side. Not because I'm "on a diet" but specifically because I wanted to have room for pie. My meal was good. The huge slice of blueberry crumb pie was delicious. Fair price. Quick service. read more

The Shack - Blueberry crumb pie - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

Our family was in New London visiting, and Mum suggested The Shack for brunch. After a long overnight drive from PA, we weren't too worried about where we were getting our eggs from. It's a kitschy spot, with odds and ends decorating the place, and was crowded with a line for seating when we got here. The pie case at the front is enticing, but I was looking for breakfast first. We were seated after about 20 minutes in a roomy booth for the 5 of us, and after a few minutes of waiting a server brought out drinks. My son, a chocolate milk connoisseur chuckled with both glasses being coated with thick chocolate syrup, so chocolate milk lovers, order up! I ordered The Mess, and was a bit under impressed with what seemed to be a lack of tomatoes, and mushrooms, but an abundance of potatoes, slightly oily, and not crispy. The eggs, and cheese were great, my bacon could've used a little crispness too, but I don't sweat the small things, and these were small things. Our table ordered sausage gravy and biscuits, and French Toast, among a few other typical brunch items. Everyone seemed happy with the food, and the portions were a decent size. It's hard to mess up breakfast. Service was nice, overall not a bad experience. Plus is it's right next to Walgreens. read more

The Shack - Good after driving all night. - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

Staff is very rude and poor attitude. We had an elderly family member who wanted to sit and have a tea while waiting for the one other person in our party to arrive and staff refused to seat and refused service. Will not be back read more

My sandwich, Ruben Melt was great, but our waitress seemed distracted by having an argument with the kitchen, we waited approximately 20 minutes after eating our food to get the bill, in between we asked for the check from one of the passing waitresses, they gave us an attitude saying that they were not our waitress and they would get ours to get our check... From working in a restaurant for many years, this was a horrible excuse to provide a customer a check so that they can get on their way. Will not be returning. read more

On our last day in Connecticut, my girlfriend and I wanted to have a delicious breakfast before we headed home. We were staying very close to The Shack, and after looking up the menu options, we were sold this is where we were going. There was about a 15 minute wait for a table, which was not bad at all. Once we were seated, we ordered some coffees and starting looking at their breakfast options. Everything looked great. We figured we had to order their most popular items. So we ordered The Mess and The Kitchen Sink. Both of these meals were loaded with food. And they were both delicious. The Mess was amazing since it came with some delicious corn bread on the side. Gotta love a good scramble mix. The Kitchen Sink is what I ordered (although we tried each other's), and I got this one because it came with buttermilk biscuits and gravy on top of the scramble. Served over home fries, this was the ultimate breakfast meal. Cant go wrong with either of these options. Everythingwas also priced very reasonable. This is an amazing spot to stop at for breakfast. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Great breakfast spot. Food came out fairly quickly. Was always checked on and was offered to take home some pie. Overall great experience and will be going back! read more

The Shack - The Mess - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

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I've been to the other Shack years ago. Stopped by for a quick lunch. It was good , soup needed salt & pepper. My husband and I came by to grab breakfast before going to my grandmother's. Service was good . Very nice staff.. I had the Popeye scramble eggs and added tomato It was loaded and delicious. My husband had egg sandwich and said it was good. We also got a side of hash and the special waffle. Waffles description said Blueberry stuffed waffle topped with bananas and strawberries. It was NOT stuffed with blueberries. They were tossed on top. The food is good. Nothing out of the ordinary. Prices are on the higher side. I can get the same scrambled & home fries for almost $5.00 cheaper at our local breakfast place. I gave 4 stars because the food was good and the staff was lovely. read more

The Shack - Popeye scrambled eggs, home fries & cinnamon raisin toast. Waffle special NOT stuffed like it said. Corn beef hash. Egg sandwich. - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

Excellent food. GREAT breakfast menu! Service was good and prices were excellent. You get really good value for your money.

Great, prompt, and friendly service. I got the Mountain waffle combo (I think). The waffle was perfect. Super filling. I also got bacon and scrambled eggs with cheddar which were decent, but nothing to write home about. I prefer bacon crispy and this was not crispy at all anywhere great portion sizes though! The home fries almost made me tear up they were so good. I NEED the recipe for the home fries because I live out of state, but I want those things weekly. I came with three other friends and they were all happy with their meals and service as well. I will definitely be coming back when I am in the area! read more

The Shack - Nice Atmosphere. This is the dining area. Here for a birthday brunch. - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

Absolutely delicious food and excellent portion sizes! The kids ordered chicken tenders with mashed potatoes or fries and I ordered breakfast for dinner named "The Kitchen Sink". Huge portions I couldn't eat it all and had a " to go box" to bring back to the hotel during our mini vacation stay in the Mystic/ Groton area. read more

The Shack - The Kitchen Sink breakfast with eggs, home fried potatoes, bacon and biscuits and gravy smothered on top! DELICIOUS!!!! - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

This place is okay. The service is good but the food is nothing great. I love The Mess but I find it frustrating that I can't omit items from it. Highly recommend the cornbread grilled. read more

One of the best diners in Connecticut. They have a very large menu and any specials they offer you can order anytime. Their breakfast is definitely the best in the state and even their lunch and dinner menus are good but limited. They allow you to customize anything on the menu with 0 fuss ever. The staff there is top notch an always provide great service. The place is on the smaller side but there are booths and even first come first serve counter service. They do also offer online take out orders If you haven't been here before, you are missing out. read more

Nice size servings omelette or pancakes. Prices 10-15 dollars for breakfast items. Don't miss blueberry pie very good and pies are homemade. Service was quick and friendly with clean restaurant. read more

Go to the Waterford location. There's only 2 nice employees who work here all the rest are rude and not hospitable. The hostess gave me such an attitude when my husband asked for a mask bc his broke in the car, and they won't give them to customers even though we only need it for the 5ft walk to the table. So my husband had to run across the street to a Walgreens and paid for a mask for the 2 seconds he had to wear it in the restaurant. The pancakes, french toast and waffles are comparable to a middle school cafeteria so not worth it but their egg dishes are great. And their cornbread is bangin, but not worth the treatment you get from their staff. Again, save the trio and go to Waterford you won't be sorry! read more

Always great and simple food with generous serving's all at a reasonable price A friendly staff

The Shack is a place where you want to bring your appetite . It a nice Place where you want to come for breakfast and bring the family read more

The Shack - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

One of the first things that struck me about the Shack is that it is very busy. That's always a good sign. The other thing that struck me was that the waiting line for a table is basically done on the honor system. You don't need to check in with the hostess. You just need to ask the people sitting in the foyer who is at the end of the line. Strange. Socially awkward. It somehow works. The wait is worth it. I built my own Griddler. It came with two pancakes, 4 pieces of bacon, and a pile of home fries. $9.99. That's a good price considering the amount of food that you get. I washed it down with a pair of chocolate milks. No free refills on the milk. The pancakes were perfectly cooked, fluffy, and easily broken with the end of the fork. The bacon was good. One piece was a little undercooked, but the others were crispy. The home fries are flavorful. They were somewhat inconsistently cooked, some softer than others. But, the taste more than made up for the texture. The dining area is a little bit tight. They have a lot of smaller tables crammed together. You won't get a whole lot of privacy here, and it is somewhat noisy. I don't think this takes away from the dining experience, but some people may be a bit uncomfortable with the proximity of neighboring parties. On the positive side, the tight quarters and the honors system is a great way to encourage customers to socialize with each other. Overall, I would definitely come back and probably try the lunch or dinner menu. read more

The Shack - Build your own Griddler: pancakes, bacon, and home fries. $9.99 - American Near Me - Groton, Connecticut

Piece of shit place....waiter hate their job...my waiter had a big ole frown on her face the whole time and their pancakes are so thin like cracker thin and then you get kiddie cups that they charge you 2:49 a cup for....go to Norma read more