Bites Nearby: Skooter's, Windsor Locks

is a change of pace on Route 75 in Windsor Locks, where fast food chains dominate the landscape. While it offers many of the same types of food as the cookie cutter restaurants, the quality of Skooter’s menu is unparalleled on Ella Grasso Turnpike.

French fries are the only thing Skooter’s serves that comes into the restaurant frozen. Everything else, from the ground beef, bacon and sausage to the leafy greens, fresh seafood and French toast, is made fresh on the flat grills and fryers in full view of the customers.

Skooter’s is especially known for their omelets, hamburgers and hot dogs, although Friday’s late morning breakfast crowd said everything on the menu is a signature dish.

Try the bacon cheeseburger and maybe make it a double. Cover your hot dog in cheese and fried onions. Grab some corned beef hash and eggs or pancakes and bacon before 11:30 a.m. (12:30 p.m. on weekends for late risers). The fried seafood is fresh, freshly breaded and the whole belly clams are especially notable. If you must completely eschew grease with your meal, get a salad or wrap and be pleasantly surprised.

The building’s major design elements of chrome, vinyl, steel and neon evoke a golden-age diner but are far from garish. The jukebox, packed with classic rock ‘n’ roll and doo wop, strengthens the friendly ambiance.

Although Skooter’s successfully evokes the mood of more than 50 years ago, it has only been operating since the early 2000s. Owners Brenda Stranberg and Naif Makol Jr. hope customers enjoy the speed, simplicity and high quality of their offerings as well as the atmosphere and friendly feelings that permeate the building.

Skooter’s is located at 50 Ella Grasso Turnpike and is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The most expensive dish on the menu, a whole belly clams and chips platter, costs $12.80.