Shady Glen Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor

We have been talking about eating at Shady Glen for many years. Even though we grew up in the area it was our first time here. Just a heads up, this is a cash only place but they do have an ATM on site. When you walk in, you are immediately teleported back to 1950. It’s a quaint, retro diner, a little dated but very clean. We got the cheeseburger with the fried cheese and the cheesefurter, which is a hot dog with fried cheese. The fried cheese was definitely something you need to experience to understand. We loved it and we have never had anything like it. Also, I am kind of a Cole slaw snob and I actually loved the Cole slaw here, very good!! The overall quality of the food was excellent, definitely what you would expect from a retro 1950’s diner, the waitress was very attentive and sweet and we finished the meal off with some ice cream, which was also very good. We will definitely be going back soon, it’s a great overall experience!!

**NOTE** Shady Glen is 'cash only', but they do have an ATM on site.

Shady Glen is a CT icon. A throwback to the old diners and Woolworth lunch counters. The women wear green dresses with white aprons, the men wear white shirts, maroon bowties, and paper hats, and they mix their soda the old-fashioned way: the syrup first, then the soda water. You may want to stir yours thoroughly before drinking. Or get a delicious shake!

Service is usually quick, but I should note that weekends can be busy, and you may have to stand in one of the lines (there are two... left side and right - more tables on the right side) for a little bit. But it's worth it!

I always get the same thing: The hamburger platter, which comes with 2 4-ounce patties, fries, and coleslaw. I am not a slaw fan, so they substitute with extra fries.

Top it all off with a sundae or cone or buy a carton when you leave. Shady Glen makes their own ice cream.

FUN FACT, that delicious cheese on their burgers is made especially for Shady Glen by a Wisconsin dairy with just enough oil so it doesn't stick to the grill when they fry it.

We found this place on our vacation. Love the old time feel and awesome food. The cheeseburgers and fries were delicious. The hot fudge sundae was terrific. Friendly service and a good value. We will be back the next time we are in the area.

I can't describe how much I love this place! Went there last week for breakfast and I really liked the food. Have tried their ice cream before and loved it. And it's so full of life all the time. The 50s ambience, quality and quantity of the food they serve, the staff... this place can't get any better. Hands down one of the best restaurants in Manchester.

P.S.: They only accept cash, but I think they have an ATM inside.

Notoriously known for their fried cheese and fried cheese burger. I’ve been coming to this place since I was a kid. Now, my best friend and I have made it a traditional lunch date place when reuniting. Never have I been disappointed with the food and/or service. CASH ONLY but fear not as they do have an ATM inside. Quick, great service, mouthwateringly good food/ice cream and the old school aesthetic that has not changed in the 23 years of me coming here, which is part of the entire experience. You can’t go wrong with a cheeseburger and milkshake, but it would be a mistake to go somewhere other than Shady Glen for such a craving. The onion rings are on point every time and the portions will have you leaving full. Very affordable dining experience!

I am a fan of diner theme atmospheres. This place was so cute with the menus on the wall, the booths and counters border the employee work space. My boyfriend and I both got cheeseburgers and milkshakes, him chocolate mine vanilla, he got fries and I got onion rings. The food was super filling and more than worth the price. Victoria was super sweet and had a great energy to her that made this long haul of a commute worth it and more encouraging to do again. Be warned, Victoria even commented, the burgers look weird! But it's the cheese. Another upside, the additions are on the side; pickles, relish, ketchup, mustard. Just pile on, fold in the petals; boom, burger.
Bring cash

Such a wonderful place to visit. Great food, service and it's like stepping back in time.

It's a 50's style restaurant that gets everything right to keep it in that style. From the setup to the the interior design to the employee uniforms. The atmosphere is extremely nice, everyone just seems so happy / friendly there. The ice cream is delicious and I highly recommend leaving room in your stomach after dinner to get some. The fried cheese is a very interesting unique item that made my cheese dog delicious in a whole other way. This isn't your 5 star gourmet meal, this is 50's American diner meal, and it's worth checking out easily, especially for ice cream.

I looooove this place! So full of life all the time. The moment you enter, you feel like you have traveled back to the 50s and that is really cool. Great food, good pricing, fast service and courteous staff... this place can't get any better. The ice creams are to die for. So creamy and so delicious. Recently had their Hot Butterscotch Sundae with Mocha Chip ice cream and Hot Fudge Sundae with Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter ice cream. Both were extremely tasty. Will go again to try their breakfast (have read many good reviews) very soon!

P.s: Although they have an ATM inside, keep some cash handy.

The food is good, the wait time wasn't to bad. It was lunch time and very busy. The staff was very professional and kind. I have been coming here since the 60's, so it's a favorite spot. The ice cream is outstanding.

My grandson and I like coming here and lot. Friendly fast service always busy though. Had to wait just a minute for a table. Kids burger with fries and a cookie dough shake 😋 👌. Grill cheese and the corn chowder ohh sooo yummy.

Stopped here to try their famous Bernice Cheeseburger. It did not disappoint! Legendary for its crispy and melty cheese and beefy flavor, this was a wonderful culinary memory to make. Also, try the homemade milkshakes and ice cream!

This was a pleasant surprise! I walked in and it was 1950’s all over again with the bow ties on the men and the bib dresses on the waitresses! To start I had the clam chowder and it was creamy and delicious then I ordered a cheeseburger platter with fries and coleslaw. The fried cheese is something to talk about! Would definitely recommend dining here.
Don’t forget to pick up some homemade ice cream on the way out!!

This is an absolute must visit when in the area. Super cute old fashion diner with lots of locals. Walk in and seat yourself (if you can find a seat, it was really crowded on a Saturday at 10:30am). There is almost no chance they take reservations but I didn't ask.

It was breakfast but they allowed us to order off the lunch menu and boy are we glad they did. We basically asked the waitress what we should get and she took care of us!

Ordered Cheese Crisps and Onions rings to start. The crisps were so unique and delicious. Definitely some of the better onion rings I've had as well. Got the Burger with the Crisps on top, it was out of this world. Super cheesy.

Wrapped up with some ice cream. Cookies and Cream was better than the Cookie Dough but they were both good.

A great word to describe Shady Glen is "classic." Stepping through their doors takes you back in time to the 1950's, in a very, very good way. Think of an old-fashioned family burger joint/ice cream parlor from another era and you've got the idea. From the pastel mural on the wall, to the vintage paper-capped uniformed servers, the hand-mixed syrupy fountain sodas, traditional shakes blended and served in big metal mixing glasses, and the burgers. Oh, the burgers. Their signature cheeseburger, featuring 4 slices of cheese draped over the burger so that the cheese fries into crispy wings, has become iconic and featured on several "best burgers in the country" TV shows. Their fries and onion rings aren't too shabby either. They have other items on their menu, like sandwiches and hot dogs, but really, don't waste your time. Get the cheeseburger.

Once you're done with your burger, leave some room for dessert. Did I mention they make their own ice cream here, using fresh milk and cream supplied by fat and happy Jersey cows living on a farm two miles away? A hot fudge sundae or banana split will positively finish you off.

Servers are mostly local high school and college kids, adding to the hometown-y feel. Seating is either in booths or at the counter. The place is cash-only so leave your plastic in your pocket. I've been coming here for almost 40 years and almost nothing has changed. In a world of rapidly changing fads and trends that come and go, Shady Glen is a comforting oasis of anachronism. Oh, and in case you didn't get the message yet... Get the cheeseburger.

At Shady Glen, simplicity meets indulgence, creating a dining experience that lingers in memory. The restaurant's vintage charm and limited menu add to its allure, focusing on quality over quantity. However, it's the pancakes that steal the show, transforming a classic into a culinary masterpiece.

Imagine a plate arriving with pancakes so fluffy they practically float, generously smothered in a colorful array of blueberries, strawberries, and bananas. The crowning glory – a decadent scoop of ice cream that melts into a delightful symphony of flavors with every bite. It's a visual feast, and the taste surpasses all expectations.

The balance of textures and the burst of fruity sweetness against the rich, creamy ice cream showcase a thoughtful curation of ingredients. Shady Glen doesn't just serve pancakes; they craft an experience that transcends the ordinary breakfast fare.

The ambiance, with its vintage charm, adds a nostalgic touch to the meal. The limited menu, rather than a limitation, becomes a defining feature, emphasizing a commitment to perfection in the dishes offered. The staff's attentiveness and the overall warmth of the place create an inviting atmosphere, making Shady Glen a destination for those seeking not just a meal but a memorable dining experience.

In conclusion, Shady Glen is a hidden gem where every visit promises a journey into culinary delight. Whether you're a pancake enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of tradition, this establishment's commitment to quality and flavor makes it a must-visit. Prepare to be enchanted by the best pancakes you've ever had and an atmosphere that feels like a welcome embrace from the past.

What a neat little place! Great cheeseburger and pumpkin pie sundae to top it off!! I'm not old enough to speak to the accuracy, but it sure looks like what I'd expect a large 50s diner to look like.

Great traditional family diner. I wanted to try so much more as it all looked so good. I bet the ice cream is good too, obviously they sell alot of it given how much they have on hand. 100% would recommend!

blast from the past. bring the young’ns, show them real service. great food and friendly american service. love the old fashion decor. classic burger or hot dog with a cheese melt twist. shakes are the perfect sweetness and ice cream is a must take home.

I almost don't want to rate this place for fear that it would become crowded. The food and service was outstanding. Just moved into area and trying local restaurants. I had the five pancake special my granddaughter had eggs, toast and potatoes. The potatoes were very very tasty seasoned properly not overcooked just right! Our server Shannon was outstanding with her friendliness. It was so refreshing to have a pleasant and happy server.
Fyi cash only. ATM on site