Hidden Gem in Union Connecticut For Foodies and Bookworms Alike!

 For 40 years DH and I have been passing by the large yellow Book and Food Sign as we travel North to Massachusetts.  We never thought to stop until recently. 

After teaching and picking up some auction wins, I realized DH hadn't eaten at all and it was past 3 pm.  While searching, I found the Traveler's Restaurant.  Great reviews, and it was the large yellow sign we had passed so many times. 

As avid readers, we were intrigued.  Bonus was the Antique Shop on the premises.  Promised each other we would go there after our meal, we walked into the blue with yellow roof restaurant. 

It was like walking into a used book store.  There is actually one on the lower level called the Book Cellar.  In the restaurant, tables are scattered in room-like areas with shelves of books everywhere.  We were seated right away at a long table, here is a view from my side of the table.  Most of the walls have autographed photos of authors. 

Our waitress left the menu and went to get our drinks.  

We loved that the sandwiches/dishes were either named after authors or books. 

When she returned with our beverages, she asked if we'd ever been there before.  We told her we hadn't, though had driven by many times.  She told us that with each meal, we could take home up to 3 books EACH!  All the single books on display were for the taking. 

We liked the idea that they had mystery bundles of 5 books (themed, mystery, thriller, romance) and Date Night bundles of 2 books too. 

DH had lemonade with his Sausage Pepper and Onion sub with fries.  I had the "Agatha Christie" which was Turkey Breast, Sauerkraut, Cheese with Russian Dressing on Marble Rye with fries. 

Afterwards as we waited for our dessert (Strawberry Shortcake for DH and Blueberry Pie for me) we searched through the books.  I took home a children's book that I admired the cover of. 

 The story is well written as well. 

For the ambience, good food and book the reasonable prices made it even better.  

With tip, $54.   Nice date 'linner' with DH and we plan on bringing the Uncle as he likes kitschy places. 

Easy access off I-84 Exit 74.  Can be seen from the highway.  Just look for that yellow sign. 

Oh, and I spent a total of $11 at the antique shop on a group of vintage ornaments including a 1960's plastic garland, 2 issues from the Boston American Cooking School magazine from the late 1930's and a small nativity set that will look wonderful in my recently purchased paper mache creche from Germany.