Garden Catering - Old Greenwich

- 185 1/2 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich, CT 06870

For decades, Garden Catering in Old Greenwich has been a cherished local landmark and a foundational part of the Connecticut dining scene, defining the concept of quality, fast, and satisfying comfort food. The original flagship location, established in 1978 on Sound Beach Avenue, is more than just a chicken restaurant or sandwich shop; it is a beloved institution where locals, commuters, students, and families consistently flock for their unique and famous menu items. Though often described as a “super tiny hole in the wall,” the business operates on a massive scale, supported by a thriving catering kitchen that serves the entire region.

The undisputed cornerstone of Garden Catering's fame is their **World Famous Nuggets**. These are not your average chicken pieces; they are made from 100% white meat chicken, hand-cut daily, and cooked to a golden, crispy perfection. These nuggets, often ordered as part of a "Special" meal—such as The Special, Junior Special, Big Boy Special, or The Boss Special—are almost always paired with their addictive **Potato Cones** (fried mashed potato balls) or seasoned fries. The loyalty of Connecticut customers to these signature items is legendary, with many high-end cocktail parties and corporate events still insisting on having a tray of the famous nuggets alongside other gourmet offerings.

While the nuggets drive the lunch and dinner crowd, the restaurant’s strong identity as a quality **Breakfast Restaurant** is what draws a steady stream of early risers. Garden Catering offers breakfast all day, catering to landscapers, Post Office workers, teachers, and commuters heading to the train. The star of the morning menu, and perhaps the entire menu, is **The Hotsy**, a unique breakfast sandwich voted America's best by *Restaurant Hospitality Magazine*. Named after a beloved, long-time employee, Frank "Hotsy" Bertino, this signature item features the classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese but is elevated with smashed potato cones and a generous portion of Hotsy’s famous secret-recipe chili, unchanged since 1944.

The atmosphere at the Old Greenwich location is quintessentially casual and cozy, reflecting its history (it once operated out of a converted Metro-North luncheonette car). While the primary service style is **Takeout**, the friendly staff and the sense of community camaraderie create a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Garden Catering is particularly popular with **College students** and **Families**, offering straightforward comfort food, quick bites, and a dedicated **Kids' Menu**, making it an essential local favorite for any time of the day.

Garden Catering’s flagship location is centrally positioned in the heart of the Old Greenwich commercial area, a highly convenient spot for local residents and commuters.

The address is:

185 1/2 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich, CT 06870

This establishment is located right on Sound Beach Avenue, making it easily accessible for anyone in the Greenwich area, including those traveling to or from the nearby shoreline. As a true local favorite, the restaurant is geared for quick service, which is reflected in its layout and parking options:

• Primary Service Model: It is important for new visitors to note that the immediate customer area is primarily **Takeout Only**, with limited to **no seating inside**. The experience is designed for quick counter service, pickup, and delivery.
• Parking: Customers benefit from excellent parking flexibility, with both a dedicated **Free Parking Lot** available for quick stops and **Free Street Parking** along the avenue. This makes short visits convenient, even during busy periods.
• Accessibility: While the venue is physically small, the focus on quick-service, takeout, curbside, and delivery ensures all local users can access their favorite meals.

The location’s history and small size add to its local charm, reinforcing its status as an authentic Connecticut institution.

Garden Catering is structured to be a highly efficient and versatile provider of quick-service meals, focusing heavily on convenience and volume to serve its dedicated local customer base. Services include options for individual meals, family sizes, and extensive catering for large events.

Key services available to the Connecticut community:

• Takeout and Curbside Pickup: As a primary takeout restaurant, quick order fulfillment is central to their operation. They also offer the convenience of **Curbside Pickup** for maximum efficiency.
• Delivery: Customers can utilize the delivery service to enjoy the famous nuggets and sandwiches at home or at work.
• Dining Options: The menu covers all major meal periods—**Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner**—and features an array of items perfect for a **Quick Bite** or a full **Comfort Food** meal.
• Catering: Garden Catering maintains a very strong **Catering** operation, offering full and half trays of their famous items (like Nuggets, Cones, and Mac & Cheese Bites), as well as breakfast and lunch platters for events.
• Onsite Services: While mainly takeout, the central kitchen handles **Onsite Services** for large group orders and local businesses.
• Payment Flexibility: They accept diverse payment methods, including **Checks**, **Credit Cards**, **Debit Cards**, and modern **NFC Mobile Payments**.

The appeal of Garden Catering goes far beyond standard fast food, thanks to its unique, highly sought-after menu specialties and commitment to quality.

The most notable features and highlights include:

• The World Famous Nuggets & Specials: The core of the menu consists of 100% white meat chicken nuggets, celebrated by the entire region and sold in various "Specials" (Junior, The Special, Big Boy, The Boss) and by the pound (1/4 LB to Full Tray).
• The Hotsy Breakfast Sandwich: Voted “America’s Best,” The Hotsy is a signature breakfast roll or wedge featuring Bacon, Egg, Cheese, their famous **Potato Cones** (or hash browns), and a secret-recipe spicy chili that has been unchanged since 1944.
• Potato Cones and Sides: A highly distinctive feature, the **CONES** are deep-fried mashed potato balls that are a required accompaniment to the nuggets. Other popular sides include **Hotsy Fries** (fries topped with chili and cheese) and various fried snacks like **Mac & Cheese Bites** and **Corn Fritters**.
• Gluten-Friendly and Vegetarian Options: Demonstrating an awareness of diverse dietary needs, the restaurant offers **Gluten Friendly Nugs & Specials** (prepared with a different batter) and **Cauliflower Nuggets & Specials**, the latter providing a fantastic **Vegetarian option** with the same great crunch and flavor.
• All-Day Breakfast: Unlike many restaurants, Garden Catering serves its full breakfast menu, including wraps and wedges, throughout the day, satisfying those late-morning or afternoon cravings for a Bacon Egg & Cheese or a Morning Clucker (Bacon, Egg, Cheese, Nuggets, and Maple Butter).
• Classic Comfort Atmosphere: The ambiance is authentically **Casual and Cozy**, attracting a **Family-friendly** and diverse crowd, from **Tourists** visiting the area to local professionals.

To place an order for immediate pickup, arrange for a catering delivery, or inquire about the famous menu items, local Connecticut users can contact the Old Greenwich location using the following information. The high volume of business means calling ahead for large orders is always a wise choice.

Address: 185 1/2 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich, CT 06870

Phone: (203) 698-2900 (Also listed as Mobile Phone: +1 203-698-2900)

For any Connecticut resident, new or long-time, there are three items that truly define the Garden Catering experience at their Old Greenwich flagship location and are absolutely worth choosing.

First and foremost is **The Special ($11.49)**. This is the quintessential Garden Catering order, featuring a generous half-pound of the World Famous Nuggets, a serving of fries, three sauces, and a beverage. It is the perfect introduction to their legendary chicken and a substantial, satisfying meal for one.

Second, you must try a breakfast item, specifically **The Hotsy (Roll) ($6.89)**. Recognized nationally, this is their unique twist on a classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese. What sets it apart is the inclusion of the signature **Potato Cones** for texture and, most importantly, a scoop of **Hotsy’s Chili**. It is a savory, slightly spicy, and deeply comforting start to any day, a true taste of local history.

Finally, for a side that exemplifies the restaurant’s distinct offerings, the **CONES** (fried mashed potato balls) are non-negotiable. Whether ordered as part of The Special or as a standalone side, these golden, fluffy, and perfectly seasoned bites are beloved by all. For those seeking variety or a vegetarian alternative, the **Cauliflower Nuggets** are an innovative and equally delicious choice, proving that quality, hand-cut comfort food isn't just limited to chicken.

Garden Catering - Old Greenwich

185 1/2 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich, CT 06870, USA