Hello dear
At The Traveler Restaurant, we believe in more than just great food; we embrace the journey. Nestled conveniently off I-84 in Union, CT, our American diner caters to travelers and locals alike with a vibrant menu that celebrates comfort food. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying burgers, each dish is crafted with quality ingredients and served with warmth. Families can enjoy casual dining, with free books available for everyone to take home—making each visit a delightful adventure. We pride ourselves on our attentive service, clean environment, and the unique ambiance of a cherished roadside stop. Experience food that fuels your journey at The Traveler!
About
Welcome to The Traveler Restaurant, a delightful stop for weary travelers and local diners alike. Situated at 1257 Buckley Hwy I-84 in Union, CT, this American eatery offers a cozy ambiance with rustic charm, making it the perfect pit stop for breakfast and lunch. With casual seating options and a full bar, you can unwind in a casual yet welcoming environment. Whether you're traveling down the busy I-84 or just in the area, The Traveler aims to be a beacon of comfort and convenience.
One of the restaurant's standout features is its diverse menu, which includes offerings that cater to various tastes. The appetizer selection is particularly inviting. The State Line Poutine, with its crispy fries topped with fresh ingredients like chopped bacon and craft beer cheese, is a must-try at just $12.00. For those craving the classics, the Chicken Tenders come with a variety of sauce options, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The sandwich offerings are also noteworthy. The Animal Farm sandwich, featuring crispy fried chicken, lettuce, and bacon on a bulky roll, is a hearty meal complete with a side of fries. Patrons rave about the Catcher In The Rye, a flavorful corned beef sandwich that is both substantial and satisfying, priced at $14.00. Diners can enjoy these meals amidst a moderate noise level, perfect for groups and families.
For those who appreciate a side of entertainment with their meal, The Traveler Restaurant is equipped with TVs and provides closed captioning, enhancing the dining experience for all. The establishment is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for everyone, and also allows dogs on the patio, so you can enjoy your meal with your furry friend by your side.
The Traveler isn't just about satisfying hunger; it evokes a sense of nostalgia and connection. Customer reviews highlight consistent quality, attentive service, and a homey feel that keeps guests coming back—time and time again. Numerous travelers recommend it for its reliable standard diner fare and thoughtful extras like free books and puzzles. So, next time you find yourself near I-84, make sure to carve out some time for a meal at The Traveler Restaurant—a true gem that’s worth your while!
“ Easy access from highway We had chicken and pesto sandwich as well as a burger Both were delicious Service was great also. ”
“ We love coming here during road trips. It's standard diner food but everyone gets free books! ”
“ Tonight was Chicken Parmesan with pasta and garlic bread. This was tasty! I LOVE that they pounded out the chicken to make it thin, the breading was delightfully crispy and cheese.. I loveeeee cheese and this was TOPPED. Pasta was perfectly cooked and the sauce tasty, if I was being particular I would wish for the sauce to be not as watery/loose. The garlic bread was nicely seasoned and I chomped that all down Our waitress, who I didn't catch her name, was very attentive and super nice personality. Really, any time we've gone in everyone is always nice. It's also nice to have non sticky tables and clean bathrooms. They allow you to choose 3 free books per person from shelves that line the dining room. Each of tonight found books that were interesting and donated a handful of books to them. I really like that they do this, it's probably going on 30 yrs since I first stopped in and am happy they've kept this going. I would like to mention also, I'm super grateful with prices changing regarding food costs, they have completely made it worthwhile in the servings they give. I almost always go home with a take away box, tonight including. ”
“ We needed to stop on the way home and decided to give this out of the way spot a try. It has the feel of a local neighborhood venue, but it is located on the busy Interstate 84 (I-84) highway near the Connecticut/Massachusetts border. They serve food, and sell books, puzzles and more. We've driven past here many dozens of times, and today was the day we checked it out. We ordered: * Reuben with fries * Cheeseburger with fries Everything was served quickly and piping hot, the burger cooked correctly and the bun appropriately sized. The fries were standard fare, but hot and crispy. The Reuben was hot and tasty, and very substantial. The venue is rustic and the menu certainly not gourmet, but it's a great spot for a sandwich or a drink and certainly convenient to the highway. ”
“ My last review for this restaurant was back in 2015, and I decided to update it after returning to the area and trying it again. The quality is much better! Not sure if there was a change in management or just new chefs or whatever, but every meal I've had this past year has been quite good. It's not a 5 star restaurant but I have no complaints and would recommend it if you're traveling on I-84 and need a place to stop for a bite to eat or even a small gift for someone. Around Christmas-time they had these "mystery book" packages that are wrapped in brown paper and say the genre and maybe a couple other things about what's in the mystery book. I bought a few to give away as gifts since I thought it was a cute idea and they were a big hit ”
“ Great food for the money. At least a full half pound of meat in the burger. Cooked perfectly. Super friendly staff. You get free books with each purchase. Books are donated so when you go consider taking some books. They also have puzzles, shirts and some books for sale. Go and enjoy. ”
“ Great place to stop off for breakfast and lunch I ordered the fisherman's platers the only thing they forgot was the coleslaw plus they give you the chose Of three books for free to take home ”
“ I have been to this restaurant before. A long long time ago when I lived "back east". The food was great. I only wanted something light so the clam chowder and a salad. The down side was that we sat there for about 15-20 mins before any wait staff even noticed we were there. But I will say they were pretty busy so it is understandable. The location is easy on/off from the freeway. Inside you walk in and there are books everywhere. Start perusing because you get to take one with your meal! There is a PAID bookstore down stairs ”