Notes:

H88W+9X Middletown, Connecticut

Originally opened by John “Jack” O’Rourke in 1941, diner purchased later. Run since 1976 by John’s nephew Brian, now considering retirement.

Devastated by fire, but painstakingly restored. Very popular with locals. Great service and very high quality food with an Irish lilt, including many items made in house from scratch, with prices that won’t break the bank. You can also get Central Connecticut’s local dish, the famous steamed cheeseburger, if you catch them at the right time.

(They don’t brag about it, but O’Rourke’s is arguably the most authentic steamed cheeseburger, inherited directly from the original, which Connecticut food historians agree was invented in the 1920s by John D. “Jack” Fitzgerald at the late great Jack’s Lunch in downtown Middletown. O’Rourke’s founder Jack O’Rourke worked there at the time, and brought the signature dish to this then-new diner, and handed it on to his nephew, current owner Brian O’Rourke.)

Brian O’Rourke temporarily closed the diner in June 2023, considering retirement.

Links:

• O'Rourke's Diner (Facebook)