By Charles Dubow

One of the odder sights during the height of Covid—a time when we were becoming accustomed to odd sights on an all-too frequent basis—was driving down Route 202 in Marbledale and seeing an empty parking lot in front of The White Horse Country Pub. That’s because as anyone who has ever driven through Marbledale knows, on a normal day the parking lot of The White Horse—not to mention the lot across the street—is usually packed from lunch through dinner with cars and motorcycles belonging to patrons who have come from all over to eat and drink. 

Litchfield does not want for pubs but the award-winning White Horse is in a class by itself. Whether because of its location along a busy road, its charming décor, or the quality of its food, The White Horse is clearly one of the most popular restaurants in the county. 

It’s not hard to see why. With Covid restrictions having eased, The White Horse is once again packed. In one of its three dining rooms or four patios, families gather, birthdays are celebrated in front of the fireplace, young couples canoodle in booths, at the bar fans line up to grab a beer and watch football, and the wait staff whiz by wielding trays of food and drinks. 

The long and customer-friendly menu is also one of the reasons for its ongoing popularity. Fancy a traditional British pub meal? The Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash, and Fish and Chips—all washed down with English ales such as Bass or Old Speckled Hen—are the best around. Of course, if you want a burger, The White Horse has one to suit every palate; including, but not limited to, its classic pub burger, its Akaushi burger—8 oz. of Wagyu beef—and, for heat-seekers, its Red Knight Fire burger, complete with fire-roasted jalapenos and poblano chilies. (It even has a veggie burger made of quinoa, black bean, sunflower seeds, vegetables & herbs.) Steak lovers won’t be disappointed with its char-grilled 12 oz. Black Angus Strip. In the mood for something more exotic? Try the Persian Lamb Koftas, Chicken Tikka Masala, or Moules Frites. 

The beauty of The White Horse is that it caters to all tastes and makes everyone feel welcome. No wonder it won Litchfield Magazine’s Annual Reader’s Choice in multiple categories including Best Burger, Best Brunch, and Best Casual Dining.

whitehorsecountrypub.com
860-868-1496
258 New Milford Turnpike, Marbledale