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The Cookhouse
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
39 reviews for The Cookhouse
Review Highlights
"Without a doubt the best BBQ in a 50 mile radius."
(in 7 reviews)
"Best ribs and pulled pork that you will find in CT."
(in 14 reviews)
"It's worth the trip, even if New Milford is not on the..."
(in 2 reviews)
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39 reviews in English
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Review from Jessica C.
Oakville, CT
12/4/2011
Generous portions, awesome cornbread brought to your table before your entree, and they always have local beers on tap. It is a great place for a large group or just 2 people, and is very casual. Best bet is to choose one of the entrees that lets you sample a few different meats. They keep the regular BBQ sauce on the table, so ask for the hot BBQ if you like spicy - it is really good!
They have great creamed spinach and collard greens, as well as very tasty mashed potatoes. -
Review from Janet C.
Cornwall, CT
Updated - 1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is minting money. That doesn't make it good. We walked in, it was a half hour wait. That would be no problem, but they give you no where to go. People stand around trying to stay out of the way. It looks like an ER, where people are waiting for news of loved ones in surgery.
We got seated and did have a lovely, though nameless, young man waiting on us. He smartly brought us drinks quickly and took our order.
I got the "Burnt Ends", collard greens and carrots. Husband got a mixed platter, kids ordered off the kids's menu. My meat was smoky and I loved the sauce, but a bit tough and chewy. I expected tender meat and got none. Collard greens were the best part - had some flavor. Carrots were clearly from a bag and coated with some sauce. Totally rejected by my son, who said they tasted like onions. I couldn't get over the idea that they'd come from Stop & Shop.
Husband's roasted chicken was good, but why is it not smoked? Missed the flavor. Children ate their food with few complaints, but no compliments.
Are all these people incapable of tasting? There is a lot, but it fell short on every parameter. It is disappointing to spend a family dinner discussing "what is wrong here", but hey, people are still packing this joint. Maybe for the heavy pour. It does make you care less about the food, I suppose.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/24/2010
Didn't have to wait, which was nice. Got seated promptly, had drinks in our hands quickly - a… Read more »
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Review from Paul S.
New Milford, CT
1/22/2012
The placed used to be good, but has gone way downhill these past couple of years. The staff used to be friendly and at least pretended to be glad you were there. Now their attitude ranges from aloof to surly.
They don't seem to understand how food is supposed to be served. I was really hungry so I ordered a soup, salad, and main course. The server asked me if I wanted my soup and salad before the main meal. Lol wut? He then proceeded to serve me my soup and salad at the same time! The main course came out as soon as I had started my salad and our table soon was piled up with plates of food waiting to be eaten. This isn't a McDonald's drive through, people.
Back when they were good, they would give me refills before I even asked, now i have get the attention from staff because they're too busy watching football and gossiping. When I walked out, I counted no less than six waitstaff standing around downstairs gossiping and looking TV. Meanwhile the upstair carpet is FILTHY, the soft drinks taste like alcohol because the bartender can't be bothered to clear the drinks nozzle between pours, and the food is served in random order.
It's too bad. This place used to be very good, but the service I just described has been the norm the last four times I've been there. I will no longer be eating at this restaurant -
Review from Patrick T.
Brookfield, CT
2/8/2012
10 years back I'd have great things to say but this place has taken a nose dive along with the economy. I actually went back several times after seeing the deterioration thinking it may have been an isolated incident but they proved me wrong. The smoked food was RAW time & time again. It was improperly smoked- probably not left in the smoker long enough. They used to take their time & do it right. Its clear they are OK serving the food undercooked now because its happened over & over. Sides came out STONE COLD. Waitstaff was lackluster at best. Would not recommend to anyone.
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Review from Walt S.
Moodus, CT
1/21/2012
Absolutely overrated used to be good all done now there are a lot better options in the state now take the time and try them out
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Review from Joe C.
New Haven, CT
7/14/2011
Who really cares about whether a place has authentic BBQ or not? I've traveled a lot and have had real BBQ in North Carolina, Texas, and Arkansas. But that doesn't matter. I say let your taste buds be the judge. If you like it, you like it. If you don't, you don't.
Having said that, I like this place. I got the Cubano sandwich (cheese, pulled pork and andouille sausage) and it was terrific. The other people at my table liked their entrees as well. The prices are pretty good too. The inside has a hectic, almost chaotic family atmosphere to it. It's not a place to take a date. But then the rustic barn exterior should be a dead giveaway that this isn't a date type of restaurant. -
Review from Anastasia E.
Danbury, CT
7/8/2011
Came here with some friends for a friday night dinner. We shared an appetizer of some kind of fried molten corn things. I forget what they were called but they were yummy. I also had a bowl of chili which was good and filling but I wished it was a little bit spicier. One friend had a pulled pork sandwich. She said it was way too dry and the pork was more like chunks rather than pulled strips. I tasted her french fries and couldn't complain. Our server was very friendly and helpful without hovering over us.
I may return to give their ribs a try because they are supposed to be really good. -
Review from Brian A.
Cornwall Bridge, CT
6/15/2011
Place has gone down to the point that I'm done going. The bathroom was filthy at 1 in the afternoon. The prime rib sandwhich was less than a quarter inch thick of over done beef with the only moisture coming from the fat.
Dining companion had the triple slider sandwhiches and both the pork and chicken tasted 'meally' like the meat was left over from days ago.
Used to rave about the place. -
Review from Thiago D.
Henderson, NV
9/6/2011
Everyone keeps telling me this place is phenomenal... I've yet to see that. I've been there quite a few times and something always seems to disappoint me. If it's not the food it's the service. Don't get me wrong, they have great items on the menu, and really nice waitstaff, I just have never had both at once and it's always left me jaded. Maybe one day...
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Review from Christine C.
New Milford, CT
Updated - 4/2/2011
OK - I've changed my mind about the Cookhouse. Went for a casual dinner last night. Food was good, servers were attentive, and the band was great.
This changed my mind - when you need a casual place to dine - I think it is one of the best in the area. Hey even a confirmed critic can change their mind about a restaurant.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/29/2010
I am not sure what to say about Cookhouse. Am I the only person in this area who doesn't think they… Read more »
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Review from Charlie C.
Woodbury, CT
3/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Some of the best BBQ in Ct besides my very own ribs that I make!!!
Portions are big, some good beer on tap, life is good!!! -
Review from Laura Bora F.
New Milford, CT
7/11/2011
The pulled pork is the shizz, and the desserts are enormous, you can totally split them between at least 2 people.
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Review from MJ G.
Cheshire, CT
7/4/2011
This place has great atmosphere and great food. Normally when I go out for BBQ I am with a group of people. I was glad to see that they have a family style option like they do at Redbones in Somerville, MA. Since I was by myself I got the BBQ sundae so I could sample a bunch of things without spending $20+ on a meal that I probably couldn't put a dent in.
If you are someone who likes smokey BBQ, you'd love this place. While I'm not a fan of smokey BBQ, I found that what I had wasn't overpoweringly smokey since it was pulled pork layered with coleslaw, and baked beans.
Service was great and not overly attentive. The bartender, Tim, was very friendly and happy to advise what to order for a first-timer! -
Review from Buzz L.
Sherman, CT
Updated - 4/20/2011
NOT the best barbecue. This is smoke, not sauce, BBQ. And thus, it kind of makes me ill after eating the ribs. The atmosphere is great, kid friendly but with a decent bar area. The fries are awesome, but NEVER get the Big Beef Rib, it is disgusting and made both my kids sick. Good beers and great service. Waits on weekends.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/22/2009
Why is one star missing?
Because the meat here usually gives us stomach aches!!!
We love the food, it… Read more »
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Review from Heather F.
Foster City, CA
11/9/2008
Friends + Drinks + Pulled Pork + Beef Brisket + Cubano Flatboy + Loose Pants + No belt = GOOD NIGHT AT THE COOKHOUSE :)
I planned my visits to the Cookhouse based around when I realized that:
1) I could afford to gain a few pounds without making my neighbor vomit as he watched me change (you sicko, I see you, it's not my fault the blinds are broken, this isn't a free peep show, slip money under my door at the very least...) or
2) when I was in a mood that could only be fixed with meat, grease, and beer.
#2 caused some problems with #1 ever being able to happen...
I love you The Cookhouse. You made it okay that Nashville and Memphis were so far away :(Listed in: Straight to my a$$
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Review from Christopher W.
Baltimore, MD
6/14/2007
I've got to echo Dan B.'s comments. I am from the Northeast, but have been to 46 states, and lived in many of them. I have lived in Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia. As far as BBQ goes, the South is king.
That being said, the BBQ is good. Really good, actually, if you aren't trying to recreate Southern BBQ.
I found the BBQ to be quite tender, and very tasty. It's worth the trip, even if New Milford is not on the beaten path. The cornbread is good, too.
As Dan says, there is a crowd - if you get there early, you'll probably avoid the crowd. Better yet, if you live nearby, buy some for takeout.
I happen to be a fan of good beer, too. So that was why I was surprised to find that The Cookhouse has (or had, the last time I was there) Dodfish Head (the best craft brewery in the country) Aprihop, on tap no less!
Yeah, I know New Milford if a pain to get to. However, if you're already in Danbury, or passing by on Route 84, take the detour. Head up there - you won't be disappointed. -
Review from Marcus V.
Brooklyn, NY
11/27/2007
Good golly, Ms. Molly...this is BBQ heaven at its finest, at least in southern New England. As a very casual, often packed (especially in the summer) restaurant established in a converted old barn on the outskirts of Connecticutt's largest lake, Candlewood Lake, the Cookhouse is comfort-food spectaculicious times ten, which is quite evident upon walking in as you smell the culmination of mesquite, cajun, and hickory smoked aroma permeating throughout, instantly percolating the olfactory with tantalizing delight.
There's so much good and plenty on the menu, and the portions are impressive, if not overwhelming. I've tried a number of dishes, including the babyback ribs, buffalo chicken wings (with mild sauce, though they have one labeled as "scary"), chicken-fried steak, and other tasties like the burritos, fajitas, and macaroni and cheese. Oh, and the mashed potatoes are superduper creamy and yummy.
If eating here often and filling the tummy to the brink of explosion is ever considered a crime, then count me in as a repeat offender. I'm looking forward to going back again...and hopefully soon. -
Review from Colin C.
New Milford, CT
5/20/2010 4 Check-ins Here
I haven't been here recently. I hope to change that.
This place has some of the best barbecue around. Portions are huge, even the sandwiches. Try and grab a seat on the balcony around the stage during a live show. -
Review from Nina W.
New York, NY
1/21/2009 4 photos
Meat=good.
BBQ Sauce=bad.
I was super excited for BBQ after a day of skiing a Mohawk.
I've always wanted to try The Cookhouse near my home in Darien but never made it--so finally I was getting my BBQ fix.
At the table: fried okra, sweet onion soup, strip steak, ribs and briskey [sides: potato salad, cole slaw, mashed potatoes, and baked beans].
Soup and okra were both excellent.
Then the entrees came...I first tried my brisket without bbq sauce--and it was soooo good.
Then I decided to try the mild bbq sauce and it was...blech.
After I poured the bbq sauce on the meat, I kept wondering "why does this now taste like licorice?"
So I went up to the hot sauce.
Still tasted like licorice.
Then I went to the scary sauce and then it tasted like HOT licorice.
I found the ingredients on the back of the sauce bottle and bingo: anise and hoisin--two items I despise.
After I found out there was anise aka licorice in the sauce, my meal was ruined.
I had a few bites of the ribs--which weren't TOO licorice-y but I still couldn't manage to eat anymore meat [though my boyfriends steak was excellent].
I ate my sides--potato salad was great and baked beans were also very good.
I had a pint of the Cookhouse ale and it reminded me of Sam Adam's Winter--just a little more bitter...I liked it though.
I don't think I'd return because their bbq sauce is yuck-yuck but I think it's worth a try to see for yourself. -
Review from Dave B.
Middlebury, CT
8/22/2009 1 photo
Very good barbecue. Why four stars? They've been uneven at times, with ribs that disappoint or sausage that's dry, and they've made some changes over the last couple of years that haven't been good ones. Fortunately, I still wouldn't hesitate to go back here, as it's about the best place I've found in CT for barbecue.
The prices are a little high, but not exorbitant. They used to have collard greens on the menu, but no more. How can a self-respecting BBQ joint NOT have collard greens on the menu?? They also used to have different sauces on the tables. Last time we went, they only had one.
They had opened a few Cookhouses in other parts of CT, which have since closed down. I'm kind of glad they closed the other ones, not because I want them to fail, but because in my experience whenever a restaurant owner starts opening multiple locations, they take their eye off the ball and before you know it the food sucks and the service is surly. The food did start to slip, and although the service hasn't been that bad, there was one waitress we had who was Little Miss Nasty. Haven't seen her there lately, thankfully.
They have good ribs, pulled pork, chicken (usually), although the one time we tried the platter with the sausage, the sausage was too dry. -
Review from Kris V.
2/1/2010
Awesome food!
Great atmosphere!
I was brought here by a group of friends who insisted that this was the best pulled pork in the state! and they were totally right!!! I love the BBQ sauce!!! Everyone is saying that the portions are very generous, I think they were normal. Out of the 10 of us that went none of us took home any left overs. -
Review from Dave L.
New Milford, CT
2/25/2011
Love this place. Me and my family eat here at least once a month and am never disappointed. My wife and I also occasionally come in for the live music on Friday nights. Good food, great atmosphere!
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Review from Robin C.
New Haven, CT
2/1/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Best BBQ in Connecticut. Large, generous portions of a variety of different meats. An array of delicious sides. Sandwiches are a steal if you still want something drenched in BBQ sauce but a bit smaller.
Occasionally they will have live music, which always adds to the experience. =D -
Review from Damianne F.
Danbury, CT
Went to The Cookhouse Friday night for dinner with my husband. We ordered the fried okra as an appitizer and it was Deeeeeelicious! It's worth going just for the okra alone. I ordered the slider sampler which was brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken on 3 little sliders. My husband got the pulled pork. everything was really really good. The service was excellent. Its worth the trip. I'm very glad that we found the Cookhouse
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Review from Ken K.
Bridgewater, CT
11/20/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Good atmosphere, food and service!
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Review from Keith G.
New Haven, CT
6/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Dry & burnt ribs, greasy pulled pork. Overall a huge disappointment since my last visit. Look elsewhere if you are looking for good BBQ. Cookhouse has lost their touch.
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Review from joe s.
New Milford, CT
11/10/2010
Looooove the cookhouse. We would go late at night for appetizers and ice cream. However, their ribs are the best!
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Review from Jonathan P.
New Milford, CT
11/26/2010
I'm sure this is the best BBQ within 10 miles, or even in the state of CT. Anyone who's been outside the state of CT would likely agree that The Cookhouse is pedestrian BBQ at best. Smoke is an element of BBQ, we get it, but there's a fine line between a smokey and cabonized soot flavor, which seems to be violated with every dish...even the mac & cheese.
Great atmosphere and location. Enough yocals find it 'so good', however, that it's often tough to get in without a wait. The crowds should send a different signal, but don't be confused, it's simply "okay." -
Review from Dan B.
New York, NY
2/6/2007
Now I'm sure a Texan might disagree, but as an proud Northerner, this is some of the best BBQ I've ever had. The chicken is unbelievably tender and moist and the barbecue sauce is the perfect mixture of tangy and spicy, not overly sweet like most of what you get around here. One word of warning, the place is always crowded, so make sure to get reservations.
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Review from john m.
New Milford, CT
2/12/2008
Great place, very kid friendly. The ribs and pulled pork are awesome and the choice of sides is extensive. Also a great place to stop in for a quick drink. Weekend days get a little crowded with the bikers on their way to Marcus Dairy for the motorcycle things.
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Review from Kym P.
New Milford, CT
8/9/2010
Without a doubt the best BBQ in a 50 mile radius. Ribs are terrific, (I like mine sauced with the Extra Hot BBQ sauce). Mac & cheese is a staple and they have the best burgers around. The service is always pleasant and fairly rapid. Sometimes there may be a wait, so go early and put your name on the wait list. If you're starving and they don't have room at the bar then go somewhere else...
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Review from Arianna D.
Seymour, CT
Updated - 3/29/2010
Still wonderfully consistent. Thank you for being wonderful everytime I come back....I am afraid to give you 5 stars because sometimes you run out of my precious sweet potato fries.....ARGH!!
Listed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/14/2008
I cook. And when, and only when I dont make it at home do I eat out. And here is where me and the… Read more »
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Review from Eliza C.
New Milford, CT
5/6/2010
My family and I have been coming to The Cookhouse for almost four years. The owner must treat his employees well, because I've seen a lot of the same staff for a few years now. The food is great, the atmosphere fun and the service is awesome. Even my two year old son loves to come here. It definitely is the best BBQ I've ever had.
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Review from Jason M.
West Chester, PA
2/1/2010
Gotta love the Cookhouse!!! Best ribs and pulled pork that you will find in CT. Every time i go home to visit i try to get out to this place.
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Review from Paul A.
Brookfield, CT
4/21/2011
nice looking place but thats about where it ends for me. I've been to some amazing places for BBQ in the different regions of this country and experienced some absolutely amazing food to compare The Cookhouse to. This is why I trully believe the people that left this place such glowing reviews just simply dont know good BBQ. I run into people all the time that look at me like I have 6 heads when I tell them how I despise this place. Drive 10 minutes further down the road and go to Gary's if you want really good ribs. Drive out to Newtown to the One Eyed Pig for some amazing pulled pork and different types of BBQ sauce. Break this spell that the cockhouse has on Ct.
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Review from Max G.
Needham Heights, MA
4/7/2010
I'm always traveling, and I am always in Danbury/New Milford CT. This is a must visit restaurant. There is nothing here,that doesn't wreak of awesomeness at this place. Best BBQ on the east coast, hands down. Portions are huge. This is the type of food you dream about, and wake up with a wet pillow, because you were chewing it. If you are anywhere past Hartford, you need to check this place out.
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Review from Rommie D.
Sherman, CT
8/11/2008
I've had BBQ across the Northeast and yes, in about 8 Southern and Western states. Other than Kansas City, MO, this is the best BBQ that I've had. There's a great choice from mild to hot, from dry to wet BBQ and the salads, sides and appetizers are also very good. Take out is excellent, but consider that some BBQ gets beat up pretty bad after getting cold or getting re-heated.
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Review from K M.
Barkhamsted, CT
12/1/2010
Nice atmosphere. We were seated right away and had an attentive waiter. Our ribs were so so. Mine were cold, which made it hard to eat. My husband and I both felt sick an hour after eating and we both ate the ribs. My mother- in- law had the chicken and loved it. I probably won't go back, but people seem to like this place.
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Review from Ben M.
New York, NY
9/14/2008
Great BBQ in Connecticut? Who would have thought? I've been in every state in the continental United States and have tried BBQ in many (Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, etc.). Different regions are known for different styles, and predilections for those styles vary. Not only does the Cookhouse offer a few of those styles, but it does all of them well. I am personally a fan of tomato based sauces and slow smoked meats (especially pork) and both are fantastic at the Cookhouse. The pulled pork platter with fries or onion rings and greens on the side is not to be missed, nor is the sandwich version which comes with cole slaw inside the roll - who could ask for more? If you're looking for a different twist, the "burnt ends" are a must - these are the trimmed ends from a brisket (who doesn't like a good end cut?), smoked twice and served in a dish of semi-spicy sauce. In addition to the good food, the beer selection is pretty large and the service is always friendly. What a treat to have such great BBQ right nearby.
