
Connecticut Has a Fast Food Legend You Need to Try
According to a new roundup on MSN of regional fast-food favorites, the industry has come a long way since White Castle first opened back in 1921. What started as a simple burger concept has turned into a full-blown machine, with fast food now feeding something like a third of Americans every single day.

But here’s the thing—while the big national chains get all the attention, every state has its own local legend. And here in Connecticut, the spotlight lands on a spot that’s been doing things its own way for decades: Ted's Restaurant.
If you’re not familiar, Ted’s has been around since 1959, and they’ve built their reputation on something that sounds a little strange if you didn’t grow up around here—steamed cheeseburgers. Not grilled, not fried… steamed. And before you judge it, just know this is one of those “don’t knock it till you try it” situations.
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It’s not just a gimmick either. Ted’s has turned this into an art form, and people will go out of their way to make the trip to Meriden just to get one. The burgers are juicy, the cheese is perfectly melted, and it’s a completely different experience from your typical fast food spot.
And if you’re going, you can’t skip the shakes. That’s part of the deal. Burger and a shake—it’s basically the full Ted’s experience.
This is one of those places that proves Connecticut doesn’t need a massive chain to compete. Sometimes the best food is coming out of a spot that’s been quietly doing its thing for over 60 years.
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