One of THE BEST Hole in the Wall Restaurants to Try in Connecticut

Granby’s Tiger Belly Noodle Bar proves big flavors thrive in humble spaces.

Tucked behind an unassuming storefront, this BYOB hotspot slings slow-cooked broths, inventive sushi, and bao buns that turn first-timers into regulars.

Forget white tablecloths—here, the focus is on bold, soul-warming dishes served in a no-frills setting where chopsticks clink and broth steam fogs the windows.

Food Highlights

  • The Darkness Ramen: A cult favorite with 20-hour pork tonkotsu broth, blistered pork belly, black garlic oil, and a soy-cured egg. Reviewers call it “umami magic” that clings to your bones.
  • Pork Belly Bao Buns: Pillowy steamed buns stuffed with melt-in-your-mouth pork, praised as “better than Chinatown” by regulars.
  • East Windsor Roll: A sushi standout with spicy tuna, avocado, and crispy onions—”the roll that ruined other rolls” for one diner.
  • Shanghai 9 Spice Chicken Wings: Crackly-skinned, sticky-sweet wings that regulars swear rival “any Korean joint in NYC.”
The popular Darkness Ramen Kim

Atmosphere

Industrial-chic meets cozy hole-in-the-wall. Exposed wood walls frame a bustling sushi bar, while picnic tables outside host post-pandemic noodle slurpers.

Servers keep things brisk but friendly, letting the food (and your BYOB wine) shine.

Why It’s One of the Best in Connecticut

Tiger Belly masters the art of depth-over-pretense. From broth simmered for days to sushi rolls that defy strip-mall expectations, it’s a gloriously messy love letter to comfort food.

The BYOB policy and gluten-free options sweeten the deal, making it a rebel with a cause—and a line out the door.

Address: 9 Mill Pond Dr, Granby, CT 06035