The most memorable local eateries along the highways and back roads of America
Sign In | Register for Free!
Restaurants Recipes Digest Forums Merchandise FAQ Maps Insider

Merritt Canteen - Bridgeport, CT

A beloved Bridgeport dive since 1942, the Merritt Canteen serves a chili dog that will make your lips and tongue glow for hours after you eat it. Breakfast sandwiches are beloved by regulars.
82% Approval Rating (28 votes)
4 - Overall: Worth planning a day around
Overall: Worth planning a day around

Must Eats

French Fries ($3.00)
Hot Dog ($2.00)
Bacon & Egg on Portuguese roll (N/A)
Steak Grinder ($4.00)

Written Reviews

rating
Michael Stern
Roadfood.com Editor
"A beloved Bridgeport dive since 1942, the Merritt Canteen serves a chili dog that will make your lips and tongue glow for hours after you eat it. The dog is a snappy natural-casing tube steak deep fried until crunch-crusted, nestled in a lightly-toasted bun. The chili ..."   [Read More].
rating
vonkais
May 22, 2005
"If you like spicy and you like hot dogs, the Merritt Canteen is a spot for you. The Merritt Canteen's hot dog is something to behold. Always cooked to perfection while you wait. The best way to eat these hot dogs, if you enjoy reallly spicy food, is to get it with ..."   [Read More].

Submit Photo
Submit Review

Logbooks

Map & Directions

Yahoo Link
4355 Main St., Bridgeport, CT
203-372-1416

Hours & Policies

Seasons:Open Year Round
Meals Served:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Operational Hours:Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:No
Alcohol Served:No
Outdoor Seating:No
Reservations Accepted:No
Delivery Available:No
Takeout Counters:Yes
To me, the twist at the end of a natural-casing hot dog is one of the beautiful sights in the food world.
"To me, the twist at the end of a natural-casing hot dog is one of the beautiful sights in the food world."
Michael Stern





Left: a chili dog. Right: a bacon dog with sauerkraut
"Left: a chili dog. Right: a bacon dog with sauerkraut"
Michael Stern


The Hummel-brand
"The Hummel-brand "red hot" is a quarter-pound hot dog that dwarfs its bun ... and is plenty hot, even without chili. This one is dressed with mustard and relish."
Michael Stern


These cradles are arrayed at the condiment bar so the servers can dress your chosen dog the way you specify.
"These cradles are arrayed at the condiment bar so the servers can dress your chosen dog the way you specify."
Michael Stern


I suspect these primal signs on the wall of the Canteen date back to its early days.
"I suspect these primal signs on the wall of the Canteen date back to its early days."
Michael Stern


Booths are lined up along windows opposite the order counter. Tables are easy to wipe. When finished eating, customers generally tote their own trash to garbage cans set out around the room.
"Booths are lined up along windows opposite the order counter. Tables are easy to wipe. When finished eating, customers generally tote their own trash to garbage cans set out around the room."
Michael Stern


Customers are requested not to leave the order window as their dogs are being made. Although each one is outfitted and dressed to order, the line moves very fast.
"Customers are requested not to leave the order window as their dogs are being made. Although each one is outfitted and dressed to order, the line moves very fast."
Michael Stern


The Merritt Canteen has attracted a loyal clientele for more than sixty years.
"The Merritt Canteen has attracted a loyal clientele for more than sixty years."
Michael Stern


These crinkle-cuts start frozen, but they are fried long enough in clean oil to develop a very agreeable crunch.
"These crinkle-cuts start frozen, but they are fried long enough in clean oil to develop a very agreeable crunch."
Michael Stern


The walls of the Merritt Canteen are decorated with old menus and their very old prices as well as clippings dating back to opening day in the 1940s.
"The walls of the Merritt Canteen are decorated with old menus and their very old prices as well as clippings dating back to opening day in the 1940s."
Michael Stern


What is Roadfood?  |   Submit Content  |   Privacy Policy  |   Contact Roadfood.com   Copyright 2009 - Roadfood.com