About The Wooden Spoon
The Wooden Spoon is a compact, comfort-food-focused breakfast and lunch diner with a retro vibe and big portions.
Flavor notes center on house-made hash, crisp home fries and burgers topped with bold condiments, all served with reliably good coffee.
Service can be warm and attentive—many reviews call staff friendly—though a few diners mention occasional slow periods or uneven front-of-house interactions.
Overall it reads as a community hub where food and portion size make it worth the trip.
Location & Contact
- Address217 Pompey Hollow Rd, Ashford, CT 06278
- Websitehttps://woodenspoonfamilyrestuarant.com
- Phone(860) 429-3825
- Links Get directions
What to Expect
Breakfast dominates the menu: reviewers repeatedly single out the homemade corned beef hash, biscuits and gravy, omelettes, and the breakfast sandwiches.
House-made hash is described as a standout, and home fries and hand-cut fries earn frequent praise for texture and seasoning.
On the lunch side, the Cowboy and Argentine burgers and sandwiches are noted for hearty builds and flavorful toppings.
Sweet options like raspberry cream cheese French toast and thick-cut French toast appear alongside savory items such as chicken fried steak and eggs.
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
The Comfort of Tradition
For many, breakfast traditions evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. In Connecticut, family recipes often pass down cherished morning favorites like blueberry pancakes or homemade muffins. These dishes do more than fill bellies; they create connections between generations. The act of gathering around the breakfast table fosters a sense of belonging and shared history. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekday routine, these time-honored traditions remind us of the warmth and love that breakfast can bring into our lives.
Menu Highlights
From the Community
Tucked off Pompey Hollow Road, The Wooden Spoon serves a steady stream of breakfasts and lunches to locals and hikers passing through Ashford.
Diners repeatedly praise the kitchen’s hearty preparations: house-made corned beef hash, generous omelettes and biscuits with rich gravy turn up in many reviews.
One regular summed it up bluntly: "BEST BURGER AROUND....seriously it's better than anything around" (Casey Mccue), a testament to the diner-style burgers and hand-cut fries that often steal the show.
Portions are consistently described as large and filling, and several visitors note coffee that's smooth and warming.
Another frequent compliment targets the hash: "house made hash is out of this world" (Emme Scrivener-Thompson).
Service earns mixed marks—many reviewers praise friendly, attentive servers while a few mention slow moments or a brusque greeter—but the kitchen’s consistency keeps guests coming back.
With a call-ahead drive-through window and a menu that runs from avocado toast and grits to chicken fried steak, The Wooden Spoon reads like a dependable local anchor for breakfast lovers in the area.
One guest called their final meal in Connecticut here "the perfect ending," highlighting how regional travelers and residents alike find comfort in the diner’s straightforward, flavorful cooking (Christina Marrero).
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
"BEST BURGER AROUND....seriously it's better than anything around. I get a medium rare burger, cheddar lettuce, tomato, bacon, jalapeños, Chipotle mayo and the HAND CUT FRIES, that are also the best around!!!!!! They are similar to the famous "wrights chicken farm" fries the owner who is the chef is supper friendly! It is not a lunch joint so you need to order it and pick it up before closing time at noon. Breakfast good too the breakfast sandwiches are workes or art.... really!!!! Definitely go there!."
"9.8.24 This is our 2nd visit here and although the food is really good (this time we had the carnivor omelet and the raspberry, cream cheese french toast), the service was slow again, we had to ask for coffee refills a couple of times, and the waitress never checked back after she brought us our breakfast. We used a credit card, so No, it's not a cash only venue."
"We stopped by for breakfast, and upon getting out of the car, you can smell food cooking. Very friendly staff and the food was delicious. You get a lot of food, so we ended up packing a little less than half. I ordered the Vegetable Omelet with wheat toast and tater tots. This is not that thin store bought wheat bread. It was thick and full of flavor. They used real butter and not margarine. My wife ordered the Avocado Toast and could only eat half. She got the grits and they were not runny and actually tasted really good. When we are back in the area we will be stopping by again."
"Friendly waitress, was super attentive and genuine. Clean environment. Quality food cooked perfectly. Only exception was too much salt. But we rarely use salt so we tend to really notice it. Next time we’ll ask for nas. Loved this spot!"
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Breakfast in the Age of Convenience
As lifestyles in Connecticut evolved, so did breakfast habits, especially with the rise of convenience culture. The busy lives of modern families led to quick, grab-and-go options like breakfast bars and smoothies. While these items offer speed and simplicity, they sometimes sacrifice the warmth of homemade meals. Yet, even amidst this rush, there are still pockets of tradition where families prioritize shared breakfasts, proving that the essence of this meal continues to adapt while holding on to its core values of nourishment and connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the corned beef hash here really homemade and worth trying?
Yes. Multiple reviews call the corned beef hash "house made" and say it's outstanding, so it's a highly recommended item if you like savory, well-seasoned breakfast hashes.
Do the home fries or hand-cut fries have a good texture?
Reviewers frequently praise the home fries and hand-cut fries for being well-cooked and satisfying. Expect crispy, well-seasoned fries that many diners call some of the best around.
Are the omelettes big and filling?
Yes. Guests note large, generous omelettes that often come with hearty sides, making them a filling breakfast choice for big appetites.
How is the French toast—especially the raspberry cream cheese version?
The raspberry cream cheese French toast is mentioned positively by reviewers, described as a sweet, flavorful option that stands out among the breakfast desserts.
Is the chicken fried steak a good pick if I want something hearty?
Yes. A reviewer specifically recommended the chicken fried steak and eggs as perfect and tender, so it's a solid choice for a heavy, comfort-food breakfast.
Does the diner serve good coffee with breakfast?
Yes. Several reviewers comment that the coffee is smooth and pleasant, making it a reliable companion for breakfast plates.
Are there any lighter options like avocado toast mentioned?
Yes. Avocado toast is on the menu and was noted in a review as part of a large, tasty breakfast, so lighter, fresh options are available.
Do they make good breakfast sandwiches and hangover-style plates?
Yes. Reviews mention impressive breakfast sandwiches and a "hangover breakfast" that reviewers enjoyed, suggesting substantial, savory sandwich-style morning options.
Is The Wooden Spoon a good place to fuel up after hiking in Ashford?
Yes. One reviewer came in after hiking the NipMuck Trail and praised the food and atmosphere, so it's a favored refueling spot for local outdoor activity.
How are the grits and side items—do they taste homemade?
Reviewers specifically say the grits 'actually tasted really good' and that sides like toast and home fries are hearty and made with real ingredients, indicating a homemade, diner-style approach.
Breakfast Beverages Through Time
Beverages have long played a crucial role in breakfast customs, particularly in Connecticut. In the colonial era, cider was a common morning drink, reflecting local agriculture. Fast forward to today, and coffee has taken center stage, with many people relying on its energizing properties to kickstart their day. The evolution from a simple farm beverage to a sophisticated coffee culture mirrors broader societal changes, emphasizing how our choices in breakfast drinks can reflect personal tastes and lifestyle choices, from quick sips to slow savored moments.
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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations
Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray
The Wooden Spoon
Regional Ingredients Shape Breakfast
Connecticut's landscape has significantly influenced its breakfast offerings. The state's rich agricultural heritage means that local ingredients often take center stage. From fresh fruits and vegetables to artisanal dairy products, these components add unique flavors to breakfast dishes. Seasonal produce not only enhances meals but also connects eaters to their environment and community. This commitment to local sourcing highlights how breakfast can serve as a celebration of place, showcasing the bounty of Connecticut’s farms and orchards with every bite.
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The Social Aspect of Breakfast
Breakfast is more than just a meal; it’s a social gathering that brings people together. In Connecticut, morning routines often involve shared breakfasts among family and friends, fostering bonds and creating memories. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch, the act of enjoying food together cultivates a sense of intimacy and community. This social aspect is reflected in various cultural practices, such as breakfast clubs or communal meals, emphasizing that the first meal of the day can also be a time for laughter, conversation, and connection.
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