I’ve been coming here my entire life. So has my father. And my grandfather came here with HIS father when it first opened in 1939. So it’s a yearly family tradition to come here. The burgers are best with the grilled onions, the onion rings are outstanding and the fried clams are great even though we’re far from the ocean. Another favorite is the fish sandwich– add cheese to make it even better!(I know seafood & cheese don’t go but this works!) Love the fact they still serve birch beer which isn’t easy to find. Outdoor seating only but that adds to the charm and summertime feel of the place. Listen closely as orders are called out usually once. As the motto goes, No sign, no phone, just good food! Look for the white shack on the side of the road on Rt 202 traveling from New Preston towards New Milford.
Bill S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New Preston, CT
It’s getting close to Clamps time again and I wanted to share one of their offerings that’s not specifically on the menu: a cup/bowl of chili. If you like seriously, seriously meaty chili, you need to give theirs a try. You could get a hot dog with chili to taste it first, but if you’re a fan, they’ll sell you a cup/bowl. All of their other fare is quality roadside food(Muckie’s dogs etc), but when I asked where they got their chili, I was told it was made on site. It’s not super hot, so if you like a lot of tears and cleared out sinuses, bring your own ghost peppers. But if you like a meaty chili, that leaves a low, slow simmering feeling in your mouth and is delicious, ask for a cup/bowl. You’ll be happy you did: D
Jonah B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Germantown, MD
My mother introduced me to Clamps for the first time in 1995, and I’ve craved their hamburgers and onion rings ever since. It was my favorite summer spot from the age of 11 until my early 20’s. I don’t get many opportunities to go up to New Milford any more, but when I do, you can bet that Clamps is my first stop.
Marshall R.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Torrington, CT
I would love to try this place but it is never open whenever I go including on Saturdays in the summer? I thought maybe it was a religious reason but then most Sundays this year they also have been closed? Very weird for a seasonal restaurant… I think I even went by on a Friday afternoon and well they are just never there? So I usually go a few more miles up to the Gooseboro Drive in and they keep more consistant hours and have never been closed and the food is great.
David W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Sherman, CT
Great road side hamburgers, fried clams everything but shakes. A real classic. Only open may-sept. Clamps is not to be missed if you are anywhere in the area. Its a classic since 1939.
Heather C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Naugatuck, CT
If you live in this quadrant of the state and don’t stop at Clamp’s in the summer, you need your head examined. Simple roadside burger stand food, there’s not much else to say. It certainly hits the spot! They’re only open between about May and Labor Day, cash only. Quintessential summer stop in Litchfield County.
M. P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Cheshire, CT
I am really surprised that this is Clamp’s first review, but a classic roadside hamburger stand that has been here for over 70 years. Little has changed about Clamps, nor should it. Clamps has been a favorite amongst many in Connecticut and has received recent notoriety with rave reviews from many in the media. The burgers and dogs are exactly what you would expect from a seasonal roadside stand at the entrance to Connecticut’s Litchfield hills. Nothing too special here, but this is the reason why you eat here. Simple, classic food and outdoor dining atmosphere that is becoming harder and harder to find. The grill menu includes many other sandwiches besides burgers and dogs and the french fries are superb. If you find yourself visiting the Litchfield hills and want to experience a classic roadside dining experience, don’t miss Clamps.
