New London, CT, is the home of the Coast Guard Academy. It's an old city, relatively quiet, where we recently spent some time at the annual meeting of the American Theatre Critics Association. New London was the home of Eugene O'Neill, and the O'Neill Theatre Center was the host. The city, while not a major tourist center, is near some interesting places, and holds its own set of targets for chowhounds.
All over New England, breakfast and lunch are considered important meals with real focus by restaurants. The result is some interesting little spots, some of which are well-known in the community while others perking along very quietly, just turning out good food that's not mass-produced.
And that's Kamp Dog, whose slogan explains that it's “A Fine New England Weinery”. Open only for breakfast and lunch, with breakfast served all day, it's deeply casual with one big sunny table in the window and a long counter in the middle of the room. Four husky policemen from the adjoining town of Waterford were eating happily, and provided all the protection we needed.
Breakfast is protein on a roll, in a wrap, or on an English muffin, or monster omelets with as many fillings as you like. But we were there for lunch, aiming at the weinery.
Hot dogs are split and grilled, adding some extra texture. The house specialty is, natch, the Kamp Dog, which utilizes something called dynamite sauce, along with cheese and onions. Dynamite sauce turned out to be a red meat sauce, sweet and spicy-hot, an absolute winner. It's available on other dishes, as well, like a chicken sandwich. But the dog is the perfect vehicle for the sauce, turning it into a don't-miss item. And so are the french fries, hand cut and worthy of a much fancier restaurant, crisp and cooked to order by owner Ken Hochstetler. We also tried a fine chili dog, and were wistful that we couldn't come back for breakfast.
Notice in the photo the bun, which is also sometimes used for clam rolls. The cut sides allow it to be grilled, a nice toasty touch.
About a mile off I-95, and far better than any drive-through.
Kamp Dog
15 Broad St., New London, CT
860-443-3000
Breakfast & Lunch Mon.-Sat.
Credit cards: Yes
Wheelchair access: Yes
Smoking: No
Sandwiches: $1 (yes!)-$7