Skip to Content

Connecticut Eats: Lake Zoar Drive-In

I am a total sucker for roadside food joints. Particularly ones that have stood the test of time with a loyal following and a reliable menu. The Lake Zoar Drive-In definitely does this. I stopped recently with the kids to see if their burgers were as good as I remember.

This roadside burger place has been there for decades, although they changed hands (and names, I believe) in 1993. But one thing that hasn’t change is their burgers, which are something remarkable – tender, juicy patties on this amazing roll. I ate their as a child with my grandmother, as a teenager with my cousins and parents and now as an adult with my kids.

Situated on Route 34 near the Stevenson Dam, the Lake Zoar Drive-In is a burger shack with a slim counter for eating or waiting inside and a few picnic tables outside. On our recent trip, we ate inside because it was convenient. Next time I would definitely choose outdoors (or to-go) though. The counter top is fine, but it’s just more comfortable elsewhere.

I had the Weekly Burger, which is topped with gorgonzola cheese, bacon, onion and tomato. It totally exceeded my expectations – juicy with just the right amount of toppings on it. Meanwhile Paige had a cheeseburger and Will a hamburger, and judging by the way they scarfed them down, I think they enjoyed them too.

The waffle fries were crispy and flavorful. We were able to comfortably split a regular order between the three of us, though I think a large would generally be better.

My one complaint about The Lake Zoar Drive-In is their menu, which is extensive to the point of confusing and posted on the windows that separate the food prep area from the waiting area. I’m not sure they are really in any sort of order either. But that wouldn’t stop me from returning. I’ll definitely be back.

Want to read more about the food at Lake Zoar Drive-In? Check out reviews at CT Bites and Roadfood.

Lake Zoar Drive-In
14 Roosevelt Dr. (Route 34)
Stevenson, CT

Catharine

Thursday 29th of May 2014

I am truly grateful tߋ tɦe holder οf this web site wҺо has shared this fantastic article at heге.

Connecticut Lobster Roll: Lake Zoar Drive-In - Sarah by the Sea : Sarah by the Sea

Tuesday 22nd of April 2014

[…] Connecticut-style lobster roll — a bargain at $6.99 or upgrade to the large for $8.99. Given my positive past experience with the food here, I figured it was worth trying. Who knows? This could be Connecticut’s best-kept secret, […]

Lizz

Monday 22nd of August 2011

I've been coming here for the last 15 years and it still stands as my favorite place to go when I'm craving some good junk food. I personally always choose the Zoar burger and crinkle cut fries but have yet to find anything that doesn't taste good. And they make a meeaan chocolate milkshake :) great review and the photos were phenomenal!

Pam

Sunday 7th of August 2011

What a great article. Thanks. I am from the east coast, though haven't been there in years. My husband is from Connecticut. I'll have to ask if he knows the Lake Zoar. Boy, this makes me miss east coast food!

Kate

Thursday 4th of August 2011

Your burger sounds amazing