Brendan's 101 Introduce
For Connecticut residents, particularly those in the Fairfield County area, finding a reliable, welcoming local spot that covers all your dining needs—from an early morning coffee and breakfast to a satisfying dinner and a late-night dessert—is a true asset. Brendan's 101, nestled in the picturesque Rowayton section of Norwalk, CT, has firmly established itself as just such a place. Operating as a multifaceted eatery, it functions seamlessly as a restaurant, a classic deli, an ice cream shop, a takeout spot, and a sandwich shop, all rolled into one community hub.
This establishment has been serving the local community for decades, creating a strong reputation for offering quality, home-cooked food in a cozy, casual atmosphere. It's more than just a place to eat; it's a social centerpiece where friends, families, and solo diners feel equally at home. With a menu that spans traditional New England fare, comfort classics, and healthy options, Brendan's 101 ensures that there is something delicious for every palate and every time of day. The commitment to being a year-round fixture, open seven days a week, further solidifies its role as a true neighborhood favorite in the heart of coastal Connecticut.
The extensive menu is designed to cater to all dining preferences, whether you're looking for a quick bite or a full, seated meal. Breakfast is a particularly strong draw, featuring classic offerings like the hearty 3 Cheese Omelette and more adventurous choices such as the rich Wild Mushroom Omelette or the luxurious Lobster Omelette, served until noon. They also feature lighter options like Avocado Toast, Garden Bagels, and a refreshing Yogurt Parfait With Pecan Granola & Seasonal Fruit.
For lunch and dinner, the offerings expand significantly. Diners can enjoy crisp, fresh salads such as the Classic Caesar, the fully loaded Cobb Salad, or the local favorite, the Greens Ledge Special. Signature sandwiches and entrées feature prominently, including the classic Lobster Roll, the indulgent Lobster BLT Club, and other seafood selections like the Grilled Mahi Mahi and Jumbo Fried Shrimp. If you're craving comfort food, the menu offers various burgers, including the California Burger, alongside sides like French Fries and Onion Rings. Daily soups, such as the famous NE Clam Chowder and Spicy Corn Chowder, are also often available.
Brendan's 101 is conveniently located at 101 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk, CT 06853, right in the heart of the charming Rowayton village center. This coastal neighborhood in Norwalk is known for its picturesque setting near the Five Mile River and Long Island Sound, contributing to a truly local, community-focused feel. The location is easily accessible for both local residents and visitors traveling through Fairfield County.
Accessibility is a key commitment of the establishment, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The facility is fully equipped with:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
For those driving, complimentary parking is available. Customers can utilize both a free parking lot and free street parking in the immediate vicinity. Although parking can sometimes be a bit tight during peak hours in the popular village, the convenience of designated options is a major benefit. For a relaxed experience, many locals enjoy walking or biking to the location, taking advantage of the area's pleasant atmosphere and the proximity to the water.
Brendan's 101 offers a versatile range of dining and service options to suit modern lifestyles, including:
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy the casual, cozy atmosphere inside or find a spot at the outdoor seating area.
- Takeout Service: A perfect option for quickly grabbing meals, whether it's an entire dinner or a simple deli sandwich.
- Outdoor Seating: Relax and enjoy your meal or dessert on the outdoor porch seating, particularly popular during pleasant Connecticut weather. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area.
- All-Day Dining: Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert seven days a week, year-round.
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: The restaurant is known to be good for kids, offering high chairs and a dedicated kids' menu.
Beyond the extensive food menu, several key highlights make Brendan's 101 a standout destination in the area:
- Famous Ice Cream and Desserts: The location functions as a full-service ice cream shop, known for its quality offerings like the 101 Sundae, Milkshakes, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Handpacked Pints. It is a highly popular after-school and evening spot, with customer reviews often praising the excellence of the ice cream.
- Exceptional Coffee: The establishment is widely recognized for offering great coffee, making it an ideal choice for a morning stop or a mid-day pick-me-up.
- Community Hub Atmosphere: Described as a "fantastic locals hangout" and the "centerpiece of village activity," the atmosphere is casual, cozy, and family-friendly, welcoming both regulars and tourists.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu successfully blends comfort food with healthy and vegetarian options, ensuring broad appeal.
- Dining Flexibility: Popular for solo dining, but also ideal for families and groups, with dining options available throughout the day from breakfast through dessert.
For local residents looking to place a takeout order, inquire about the day's specials, or find out more about the establishment, the following contact details are provided:
Address: 101 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk, CT 06853
Phone: (203) 853-1050
Mobile Phone: +1 203-853-1050
Brendan's 101 is worth choosing for its authentic Connecticut local experience. What sets this spot apart is its unique combination of a high-quality deli, a full-service family restaurant, and a highly-rated ice cream parlor—all within a single, community-oriented location. Local reviews often highlight the legendary status of the owner, emphasizing a service experience that is friendly and deeply rooted in the Rowayton community. The dining options offer both dependability and variety, making it the perfect choice for almost any situation.
Whether you are a Connecticut commuter needing a fast and satisfying breakfast like the Winn-E-Bago, a local family looking for a reliable dinner option, or someone simply craving a gourmet sandwich or a scoop of their excellent ice cream on a warm evening, Brendan's 101 delivers. The commitment to a casual, accessible, and consistently good experience, highlighted by favorites like the great coffee and delicious desserts, cements its status as a must-visit local institution in Norwalk, CT.
Brendan's 101 Food & drink
101 Breakfast
- 3 Cheese Omelette
- Wild Mushroom Omelette
- Garden Omelette
- Lobster Omelette
- Avocado Toast
Others
- Classic Caesar
- Cobb Salad
- Icebero Wedge
- Spinach Greens
- Greens Ledge Special
- Spicy Corn Chowder
- Chicken Soup
- Garden Bagel
- Bagel & Cream Cheese
- Yogurt Parfait With Pecan Granola & Seasonal Fruit
- Winn-E-Bago
- Grilled Mahi Mahi
- Jumbo Fried Shrimp
- Lobster Roll
- Lobster Blt Club
- Mahi Mahi Sandwich
- Greensledge Salad
- California Burger
- Sweet William
- Pepe Le Pew
- Chicken Fingers
- French Fries
- Onion Rings
- Grilled Salmon
- Ne Clam Chowder
- Turkey Chili
- Milkshake
- 101 Sundae
- Ice Cream Sandwich
- Handpacked Pint
Brendan's 101 Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Brendan's 101 Photos










Brendan's 101 Location
Brendan's 101
101 Rowayton Ave, Norwalk, CT 06853, USA
Brendan's 101 Reviews
ice creamtownlobster rollhomecupcakessummer
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Small place on the side of the road with outdoor porch seating and only a few tables inside. Right by the water. Really good ice cream! This seems to be a popular after school spot for kids to stop and get an ice cream. I got the coconut chocolate almond and it was excellent. Also got a lobster roll which was fine, not exceptional. Fries were mediocre.
June 29 · Amani Abdel-DayemFantastic locals hangout. Brendan is a living legend in Rowayton, and his 101 serves great breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hang out at a sidewalk table and don't forget dessert!
September 09 · David Radulski101 serves up made to order food from their open kitchen. The Library and the Portobello sandwiches are just two favorites. Fries are unreal. And save room for ICE CREAM!! Worth the trip alone, the best! Chocolate lovers MUST have a milkshake. Parking is tight, so be patient.
August 10 · Michele HanceWent here with some friends for a quick snack on a hot summers day. Right in the beautiful town of rowayton with a plethora of comfort foods, 101 is a staple for us.The freshly breaded strips of a young mother hen (Helga) were warm and crisp. We had concerns about the origins of the chicken, but the cashier was readily prepared with some helpful information regarding the hen (chicken’s birth date, name, hobbies, location of birth, etc). We took a trip to the farm prior to consuming our food to ensure it was raised correctly, and were pleasantly surprised. The farm was equipped with individual bedrooms and bathrooms for each chicken, a spa with a sauna, a cafeteria with freshly made food for each hen (3 meals a day + dessert!!), and even an airport to take the hens on their seasonal vacations. When we got back, the chicken was still hot and delicious.We additionally dabbled in the browned onion with tomato purée. We had never tried such a dish and were hesitant at first, but it was very good indeed. While it was ever so slightly undercooked and resulted in some stomach issues, it was overall a hit among the three of us.The service was impeccable, and we are very impressed with the wealth of information the servers provided us with. Will be eating here again.
June 29 · Emily HopperBeen coming here for over 15 years and the icecream is still delicious. The girl behind the counter seemed a little annoyed last time I went but it won't stop me from going back. There used to be seating behind the establishment by the water but it seems to be blocked off now (possibly due to it being private property not owned by 101). I've only ever gotten ice cream here so I can't speak to the quality of anything else they offer.
August 23 · Paroxysm
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