Food

Believe it or not, the beautiful shining wooden interior of Dreschers Restaurant (25 Leavenworth St., Waterbury, 203/573-1743, www.dreschers.com [1], 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.–Fri.; 5–9 p.m. Mon.–Wed.; 5–10 p.m. Thu.–Sat., $16–20) isn’t its main draw. In truth, it’s the food: rich German comfort food like Wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten (German pot roast), and veal in mushroom-shallot sauce.

Juicy Angus steaks and Maine lobsters may be standard steakhouse fare, but they’re well above standard at Carmen Anthony Steakhouse (496 Chase Ave., Waterbury, 203/757-3040, www.carmenanthony.com [2], $20–40). Order your beef with classic bordelaise sauce or under a mushroom demi-glacé, and enjoy it with a bottle from the thoughtfully constructed wine list. You don’t have to be rich to enjoy the rich menu, however; a three-course prix fixe menu featuring prime rib or filet mignon is just $30/person.