About Good Friends Restaurant
Good Friends is a warm, casual spot known for generous portions and an extensive menu that leans on diner classics and pizza.
Locals point to reliably fast breakfast service and familiar comfort dishes served in a quiet, family-friendly dining room.
Recent reviews highlight attentive servers and house favorites from garlic bread and mozzarella sticks to stuffed shells and prime rib.
The combination of approachable cooking and steady service makes it a comfortable place for both solo meals and family visits.
Location & Contact
- Address107 Main St, New Hartford, CT 06057
- Websitehttps://facebook.com
- Phone(860) 238-7153
- Links Get directions
What to Expect
Breakfast gets a lot of praise: pancakes with fresh strawberries, French toast, home fries, eggs, sausage and bacon are mentioned often for being hot and cooked well.
Pizza is repeatedly celebrated as true New York style — thin, floppy slices with thick-cut pepperoni that char and cup, a light flavorful sauce and deeply savory cheese.
Other favorites include garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, grinders (veal parm and sausage noted), baked ziti, stuffed shells, chicken and rice soup, wings and a prime rib dinner.
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Breakfast and Family Traditions
Breakfast has long been a cherished time for family bonding in Connecticut. Many families uphold unique breakfast traditions, such as making special recipes passed down through generations. Whether it’s a classic family pancake recipe or a special type of bread, these customs are woven into the fabric of family life. Breakfast rituals provide an opportunity for families to come together, share stories, and create lasting memories. This sense of connection reinforces the idea that breakfast is not just a meal, but a moment to celebrate relationships and heritage.
Traditions
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Good Friends Restaurant sits on Main Street in New Hartford as an unfussy neighborhood spot where breakfast crowds, pizza lovers and families cross paths.
Reviewers repeatedly call out quick, friendly service and a broad menu that ranges from simple breakfast plates to NY-style pizza and classic grinders.
Pizza earns strong applause: one patron praised it as "truly NY Style," noting thin floppy slices, charred, cupping pepperoni and a light, flavorful sauce.
Another reviewer praised the pies for a "Perfect, thin crust" that holds up across meat and veggie options.
The breakfast menu also draws steady fans for pancakes with fresh strawberries and generous combos of eggs, home fries and bacon.
Diners appreciate portion size and value; a regular said the kitchen delivers "fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned" dishes that make Good Friends a dependable choice for family meals, takeout and casual dinners.
Staff and owner mentions reinforce the sense of a community-focused place where familiar plates and steady standards keep people coming back.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
Seth Mastrocola
"I haven’t been back to this area of the state in over a year. It was so nice to come across this restaurant and see them thriving. They opened the floor plan and made an island hostess station. The menu was extensive. And we sampled quite a bit!! After your River tubing experience, do yourself a “flavor” (see what I did there?)…and go across the street to this delightful Restaurant. The garlic bread 🥖, mozzarella sticks, pancakes with fresh strawberries 🍓, blueberry 🫐 muffin and shrimp 🍤 Caesar salad 🥗 WERE ALL DELICIOUS!!! The French onion soup was a little bland and the veal Parmesan grinder was too chewy. Overall we had a GREAT dining experience. Our waitress was wonderful and the music playlist was so perfect for a small town restaurant like this. We will definitely be going back to this great establishment and we hope to see you there too!"
Hilary Paden
"they had an awesome pizza special this weekend which worked out perfect for our family. The pizza was nostalgic for me as it reminded me of one I had as a younger kid. The crust was perfect, dough delicious and toppings on point!! We will be going there again!!!"
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
The Future of Breakfast in Connecticut
As we look to the future, breakfast in Connecticut is poised to evolve even further. Contemporary trends emphasize sustainability and health, shaping the way people think about their morning meals. With an increasing focus on plant-based diets and reducing food waste, breakfast choices will likely reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship. This evolution signifies a shift towards more mindful eating practices, where the first meal of the day not only nourishes individuals but also considers the broader impact on the planet. The journey of breakfast continues, promising exciting developments.
Culture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pizza like at Good Friends?
The pizza is described as New York style: thin and floppy slices with a light, flavorful sauce. Thick-cut pepperoni tends to char and cup, and the cheese has a deep, salty flavor.
Are there good breakfast pancake or French toast options?
Yes. Multiple reviewers mention pancakes with fresh strawberries and French toast among the popular breakfast items, often served hot and in generous portions.
How are the breakfast meats like bacon and sausage?
Breakfast meats such as bacon and sausage are called out as part of hearty combos—served with eggs and home fries—and reviewers say they come cooked to order and taste fresh.
Do they make grinders and subs that are worth trying?
Yes. Grinders like veal parm and sausage are on the menu and reviewers describe them as sizeable and satisfying when made correctly; the kitchen offers a variety of sandwich options.
What should I expect from the burgers and fries?
Burgers are served with toppings like cheddar and bacon and have been praised for smoky flavor. Fries opinions vary—some diners found them undercooked on one visit, but they are a common side.
Is the French onion soup a standout?
Several reviewers enjoyed the French onion soup, though one noted a version that was a little bland. Other reviewers call the French onion croc and soups satisfying when ordered.
How are the pastas and Italian dishes?
Pasta offerings like stuffed shells, baked ziti with meatballs and angel hair florentine receive positive mentions; customers say the dishes are flavorful and comforting.
Are the wings and prime rib good choices?
Wings are described as juicy with nice sauce, though one reviewer suggested they could be hotter when served. Prime rib is offered as a dinner special and is noted for being tender and juicy for a family-style serving.
Do they offer kid-friendly meals?
Yes. There is a kids' menu item listed (Kids Cheeseburger and Fries) and families report large portions and a comfortable atmosphere that works well for children.
Is Good Friends a good place for New Hartford comfort food?
Yes. Local reviewers consistently point to classic comfort plates—pancakes, grinders, pizzas, garlic bread and soups—served in a cozy, family-friendly dining room that feels familiar to the community.
From Simple Porridge to Lavish Feasts
Breakfast has come a long way from its humble beginnings. In earlier times, especially on frontier farms, the first meal of the day often consisted of simple porridge, sometimes paired with cider. However, as the 19th century rolled around, affluent Americans began to adopt more extravagant breakfast spreads. Influenced by traditional full English breakfasts, they indulged in hearty meals of bacon, eggs, and sausage. This shift from minimalistic to lavish reflects not only changing tastes but also the growing influence of British customs on American dining practices, particularly in places like Connecticut, where such traditions took root.
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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations
Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray
Good Friends Restaurant
107 Main St, New Hartford, CT 06057
★4.2
(191 reviews)
Breakfast Rituals Through the Ages
Breakfast rituals have evolved significantly over centuries, shaped by cultural norms and social status. In colonial America, breakfast was often a communal affair, where families gathered around a simple table to share whatever was available. Fast forward to the 20th century, and breakfast became a more individualized experience. The rise of diners and cafes in Connecticut highlighted this shift, where people could enjoy a quick meal alone or with friends, reflecting a growing emphasis on convenience in modern life. This social aspect of breakfast continues to thrive today as people seek both nourishment and connection in their morning routines.
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The Role of Technology in Breakfast
Technology has played a pivotal role in transforming breakfast over the years. In the early 20th century, the invention of electric appliances like toasters and coffee makers revolutionized how people prepared their morning meals. Connecticut, with its innovative spirit, embraced these changes, leading to the popularization of quick and easy breakfast options, such as toasted bagels topped with cream cheese. This shift towards efficiency allowed busy individuals to enjoy breakfast without compromising on flavor and comfort, paving the way for the modern diner-style breakfasts that we recognize today.
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