Matches Tavern

Matches Tavern sits below the golf clubhouse and is known for its calm, dark-wood pub feel and a roomy patio with lake views.

The kitchen leans on familiar, well-executed comfort dishes and larger portions that pair well with a beer or cocktail.

Service is consistently called out as friendly and professional, creating a relaxed pace for breakfast, brunch and lunch.

Reviewers praise the food’s straightforward quality — from overflowing tuna melts to memorable French fries — and the setting makes it an easy spot for casual gatherings, post-round lunches, and holiday brunches without a formal club membership.

The menu favors hearty pub-style plates and brunch classics: Lobster Grilled Cheese, a Blackened Steak Cobb Salad, tacos and several steak-centric items, plus sandwiches like the Tuna Melt and Chicken and Bacon sandwich.

Reviewers repeatedly highlight the fries as "firm, crispy, tasty," and call the nachos and burgers large and satisfying.

There are also lighter offerings (salads and small plates), bar-leaning items like garlic butter wings, and dessert options such as Tiramisu Cake.

Portions and friendly bar service make it a dependable stop for a filling meal.

Breakfast has come a long way from its origins. In ancient times, people often broke their overnight fast with simple porridge or bread, designed to give them energy for the day ahead. As centuries passed, particularly by the 19th century, the morning meal in Connecticut began to reflect a growing variety of foods influenced by European traditions. Wealthy families embraced hearty breakfasts, often featuring rich foods like eggs, bacon, and even pastries. This shift not only satisfied appetites but also showcased social status, setting the stage for breakfast’s evolution into something more diverse and elaborate in modern times.

Matches Tavern occupies the lower level of a Foxwoods-area golf clubhouse and reads like a quietly popular local refuge for breakfast, brunch and casual dinners.

The dining room’s dark wood and the outdoor patio with lake views create a relaxed backdrop for straightforward, comfort-driven cooking.

Staff are often singled out for cheerful professionalism and quick service, a theme that keeps guests coming back.

Menu highlights range from a Lobster Grilled Cheese to a Blackened Steak Cobb Salad and garlic butter wings.

Diners report generous portions and value; one reviewer described the breakfast here as "the most relaxing breakfast experience," (Chris Harty) while another praised the setting as "beautiful lake views while outdoor dining" (Krissy Wolak).

Fries earn notable acclaim, with James Mckeon calling them the "best regular French fries I've ever had in my life," which underscores a consistent strength in the kitchen's execution of simple classics.

The tavern also functions well for events and holidays: guests recall large family-style brunches and takeout holiday meals that were creative and plentiful.

Whether you arrive after a round of golf or for a quiet coffee and mid-morning meal, the food tends to favor comfort, clear flavors and generous portions served by an engaged staff.

In the mid-20th century, diners began to define the breakfast scene in Connecticut. These cozy, often retro-styled establishments served comforting meals like pancakes, omelets, and the classic bagel with cream cheese. With their bright neon signs and inviting booths, diners became gathering spots for locals to enjoy hearty breakfasts at an affordable price. The diner culture not only made breakfast more accessible but also fostered a sense of community, where friends and families could share morning stories over a steaming cup of coffee.