Merritt Canteen

- 4355 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06606

For over eight decades, **Merritt Canteen** has been a cherished culinary landmark in Connecticut, serving up classic American fast food with a beloved, unique twist. Established in 1942 on Main Street in Bridgeport, this restaurant is more than just a quick stop—it’s a piece of local history, celebrated for its commitment to serving great food at fair prices. Originally a small hut, it evolved into the state-of-the-art drive-in concept in 1958, a style of service that helped define the region’s casual dining scene. Featured on national television, Merritt Canteen is widely recognized for its confidence in flavor and its expansive, hearty menu.

The Canteen’s menu is a delightful blend of the traditional and the unexpected, covering a wide array of culinary niches including **Fast Food**, **American**, **New American**, and even some **Indian** influences, alongside a significant **Seafood** offering. This makes it an incredibly versatile spot, popular for every meal of the day. Whether you’re stopping by for the famous **Chili Dog**—known for its ferociously hot chili—or seeking a satisfying **Breakfast Anytime** option like the classic **Steak and Egg** sandwich, Merritt Canteen has cemented its role as a Connecticut staple.

Locals choose Merritt Canteen not only for its extensive offerings but also for its sheer convenience and hours of operation. It is one of the premier spots in the area for satisfying those late-night cravings, often being the "only game in town" after midnight, a feature highly valued by the community. The atmosphere is authentically **casual**, welcoming a diverse crowd, from local groups gathering for a meal to solo diners looking for a reliable quick bite.

While customer experiences can vary, the consensus remains that the food is a unique and satisfying type of hearty, flavorful fast food. The famous hot dogs, freshly made onion rings, and inventive milkshakes—like the XL Fruity Pebbles Shake—continue to draw rave reviews, confirming the Canteen's status as a must-visit destination for true Connecticut comfort food.

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## Location and Accessibility

Merritt Canteen is conveniently located at **4355 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06606, USA**. This address places it strategically near local landmarks and major commuter routes, making it an easy-to-reach stop for residents of Bridgeport and surrounding towns like Fairfield and Trumbull. It is just a short distance from Exit 48 off the Merritt Parkway, providing a quick detour for travelers.

The establishment is designed with customer convenience in mind, offering multiple accessibility features:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance** ensures all guests can easily enter and exit the building.
• **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** is available, reducing the effort required for parking.
• **Free parking lot** provides dedicated space for customers.
• **Free street parking** is also available, offering additional options during busy times.

The long hours, spanning from morning to well past midnight on weekends, combined with its central Main Street location, make Merritt Canteen a beacon for satisfying appetites at almost any hour.

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## Services Offered

Merritt Canteen provides a variety of service options focused on speed, efficiency, and customer preference, catering to a busy Connecticut clientele:

• **Dine-In:** Guests can enjoy their meals in the **casual** setting, utilizing the available **seating** and **restroom** amenities.
• **Takeout:** The traditional fast-food service window allows for quick ordering and pickup of food to go.
• **Curbside Pickup:** A modern convenience allowing customers to order ahead and have their meal brought directly to their vehicle.
• **Delivery:** The full menu is available for home or office delivery through various platforms, ensuring a seamless experience.
• **No-Contact Delivery:** A secure option available through delivery services for those who prefer minimal interaction.
• **All-Day Breakfast:** Unlike many fast-food chains, Merritt Canteen offers **Breakfast** items like the **Egg Sandwich** ($3.25) and **2 eggs with hashbrowns and Toast** ($5.25) at any time of day, perfect for late risers or shift workers.
• **Late-Night Service:** Open until 12 AM or 1 AM on certain nights, establishing it as a prime source for **Late-night food** in the Bridgeport area.

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## Features / Highlights

Merritt Canteen's reputation is built on its unique and diverse menu highlights:

• **The Brutal Dog and Chili:** The most famous item, the **Brutal Dog** ($5.00), is a 1/4lb spicy red hot dog topped with the legendary house chili, which is described as "extremely hot" and renowned for its fiery kick and depth of flavor. Other options include the classic **Chili Dog** ($3.50).
• **Diverse Burger Selection:** The burger menu is extensive, ranging from the affordable **Hamburger** ($3.00) and **Cheeseburger** ($3.25) to specialty options like the exotic **1/3lb bison burger (merritt's recipe w/ buffalo)** ($6.95), **1/2lb. Angus Burger** ($11.50), and the filling **Bacon, Egg and Cheeseburger** ($5.25).
• **Fresh-Made Sides:** The focus on quality extends to the sides, highlighted by the delicious, **home style Onion Rings- made fresh daily** ($3.95). Other favorites include **Sweet Potato Fries** ($3.95), **Curly Fries** ($3.95), and the cheesy **Mac and Cheese bites** ($3.99).
• **Specialty Fried Snacks:** The menu offers numerous craveable fried finger foods, such as **mozzarella sticks** ($3.99), **deep-fried Pickles** ($3.99), and **Jalapeno Poppers** ($3.99).
• **Full Seafood Menu:** The restaurant includes a dedicated **Seafood** selection, featuring fresh hand-battered items like the **Fish Sandwich** ($6.95) and **Piece of fish** ($6.95), along with **clam strips** ($6.95), **Fried Shrimp** ($6.95), and **Scallops** ($8.95). They are also known for their homemade **hot chowder** ($2.25).
• **Dessert Variety:** For a sweet ending, Merritt Canteen is known for its deep-fried treats, including **deep Fried Oreos** ($4.50), **creme filled churros** ($4.50), and **fried dough w/powdered sugar** ($4.50).
• **Great Coffee:** The location is recognized for offering **Great coffee** alongside its fast service, an ideal combination for morning or late-night visits.

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## Contact Information

For inquiries, placing a takeout order, or to check on the availability of seasonal items like the Lobster Rolls or Soft Shell Crabs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 4355 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06606, USA

Phone: (203) 372-1416

Mobile Phone: +1 203-372-1416

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## What is Worth Choosing Merritt Canteen

Choosing Merritt Canteen means opting for a piece of Connecticut's local flavor and history, a commitment to quality comfort food, and unbeatable convenience. For those in the Bridgeport area and beyond, it offers an exceptionally broad menu that truly has something for everyone, whether you are seeking an affordable **Hamburger** for $3.00 or a specialty **1/2lb. Angus Burger** for $11.50.

The Canteen’s dedication to signature, distinct flavors sets it apart from typical fast-food experiences. The famously spicy chili is a must-try for any adventurous foodie in the state, and the fact that sides like the **Onion Rings** are made fresh daily elevates the quality of the meal. Furthermore, the combination of a full-fledged **Breakfast Anytime!** menu and exceptionally **Late-night food** options makes Merritt Canteen an essential resource in Fairfield County.

The availability of multiple service channels—including **Dine-in**, **Takeout**, **Curbside pickup**, and **Delivery**—all supported by a commitment to **Fast service**, ensures that your craving can be satisfied quickly and easily, regardless of the time of day or how you prefer to receive your food. For a casual, satisfying, and authentically local Connecticut fast-food experience, Merritt Canteen on Main Street remains the gold standard.

Merritt Canteen

4355 Main St, Bridgeport, CT 06606, USA