Unquestionably, amazing things have come out of Naugatuck that have changed Connecticut, if not the world. In Connecticut, Nardelli's Grinder shops are everywhere, and for decades Peter Paul/Cadbury chocolates delighted everyone. In 2024, unfortunately, one of downtown Naugatuck's culinary centerpieces over the past decade is shutting their doors for good as of tomorrow.

I've eaten at the aptly named 66 Church in Naugatuck dozens of times over the past decade, but as of Tuesday, October 29, 2024, those doors will be closed. 66 Church announced via their social media three weeks ago that 'After nearly a decade of making memories and redefining the social scene in downtown Naugatuck, 66 Church will be closing it's doors for good'. The owners also let it be known that while 66 is going away, a new restaurant with new owners will be coming our way in 2025.

I really enjoyed eating at 66 Church, my wife and I tried to go as often as we could, I loved their wings, and Lydia loved their burgers and giant pretzels. Coming from Waterbury, where there are good to great restaurants on every corner, a trip into Naugatuck for a quick dinner usually meant going to Friendly's, G's burgers, or something from the Big Y Naugatuck pizza shop. The Milestone Inn you say? I miss it too.

What type of restaurant would you like to see in the downtown area of Naugatuck? La casita has Mexican food covered, Mike's has pizza covered, and Brady's has the pub food. The BBQ place on Rubber Ave didn't last long, maybe it's time for a new American BBQ joint? We'll see if this mystery 2025 replacement surfaces, but thanks for the meals 66 Church, and good luck with your future plans too.

The Ten Most Distinguishing Features of the State of Connecticut

Gallery Credit: Google

Nip Sales in Connecticut: The Top 10 Cities You Need to Know

Let’s dive into the top 10 cities in Connecticut for nip sales, where the bottles are small, and the consequences are large. Get ready for a gallery that showcases each town’s nip count and the environmental fees—money each community gets back to deal with the litter from these little liquor bombs. It appears Connecticut is a thriving nip economy built on the remnants of a late-night debauchery!

These numbers come from the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of CT and are for the 6-month period from April-September 2024.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

10 of the Best NEW Connecticut Restaurants In 2024