My experience at the Spotted Horse Tavern in Shelton, Connecticut was one I’ll never forget. The Spotted Horse is an amazing restaurant that specializes in organic, clean, and unique flavor combinations that will rock your world! With a beautiful outdoor patio, an open bar, a comfy atmosphere, live music on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights, and even a fireplace, the Spotted Horse will make you feel at home! The staff was attentive, kind, and recommended only the best. If you’re anything like me, you know that indecision can make or break a dining experience, so having this guidance was insanely helpful.
Here’s what they recommended!
- Limoncello Spritz ~ limoncello, prosecco, fresh lemon, club soda, rosemary sprig + Shelton Wave ~ jalapeno, tequila, triple sec, blood orange, lime juice, Himalayan sea salt rim
- Jumbo Pretzel Sticks ~ Grafton Cheddar Beer Dip and Whole Mustard
- Sweet & Salty Pub Chips ~ House Made Chips , Toasted Cashews, bourbon Bacon, Maytag Blue Cheese, and a Balsamic Glaze
- Ahi Tuna Bowl ~ Soy Marinated Sushi Grade Tuna, Sticky Rice, Pickled Ginger, Sesame Diced Cucumber, Avocado, Julienne Vegetables Vegetables, Crispy Shallots, and a Sriracha-Dynamite Sauce
- Carne Asada Tacos ~ Marinated Beef, Monterey Jack, Guacamole, and Pico De Gallo
- Affogato ~ Vanilla Gelato, Hot Poured Espresso, Milk Caramel and Shortbread Cookie
- Dulce De Leche Cheesecake ~ Whipped Coconut, Hazelnuts, Toasted Coconut
Now that you know what awaits you at Spotted Horse Tavern in Shelton, it’s off to the races! Whether you’re looking for a new place to visit for a family dinner, a new date-night spot, or just looking for a night on the town, the Spotted Horse is the spot for you!
See my Q&A with General Manager, William Trutt, below!
What do you think is unique and different about this business compared to others in Shelton?
“I would say, number one, our support and staff are really good and very professional. I also think the layout of our outside bar and back playground is very nice. When the weather is nice, it’s like jamming out there, it’s a really cool spot to hang out! The third thing is the live music, which we will be starting soon. We do live music inside on Wednesday nights (around 7:30- 10:30) Saturday nights (9:30-12:30) and Sunday nights (5:30-8:30) outside weather permitting.”
What is your target demo and who are you trying to reach?
“Our target demographic honestly depends on the time of day. During lunch, our target demographic is the local people who work at the offices around here. During dinner time, it’s usually families, and at night it’s the younger bar crowd, 21+ of course! We are trying to reach the younger bar crowd, 21 to 28 years old, more because there is so much competition and we always try to differentiate ourselves from the other places they could visit instead.”
Do you know the story behind the name of Spotted Horse Tavern?
“I’ve known the owners for 30 years and previously worked with one owner, Tommy Febbraio. I think the story was honestly, hey let’s go out, have a drink, and think of a name for a restaurant haha. I think the first name they came up with was actually the Gray Goose of Southport, spelled differently than the vodka, otherwise, there would be a lot of licensing fees haha. I think it was just the three owners putting their heads together and coming up with Gray Goose, and Spotted Horse was a spinoff of that.”
Do you have anything special planned for the future?
“New Year’s Eve! We have probably one of the best bands in Connecticut coming for New Year’s Eve, called Sketchy at Best. It’s a huge thing because one of the lead singers is also one of our bartenders here. She’s really good, has a great voice, and a lot of energy!”
If you were to recommend one dish from your menu, what would it be?
“It changed last week! Before, it was the porkchop and now it’s the truffle burger. I was never really a huge fan of truffle, and then I tried it last week. I was like OH MY GOD, it was so good, so I really enjoyed it. Those are ridiculously good too!” *points to the Sweet & Salty Pub Chips which are pictured above and absolutely mouth-watering*
Is there anything you want readers to know about that I didn’t get to ask you?
“We host semi-private happy hour events outside on the beautiful patio where they’ll have their own bartender and own server.”
About Spotted Horse Tavern: A collaboration from seasoned restaurateurs Kevin McHugh, Pete Menonna, Tommy Febbraio, and Marc Murphy, the team behind Southport’s jammin’ little hideaway, The Gray Goose Café, the Spotted Horse Tavern is a neighborhood respite where folks gather over great food and drink. The menu is in keeping with our local food movement but we don’t beat you over the head with it. Organic, clean, distinctive flavors find their way into each dish by way of unique ingredient combinations and thoughtful preparations, and favorite comfort foods are left to speak for themselves.
By Alexa Lopez
End of Summer Tailgate with Vavo @ Whiskey Barrel!