If you’ve spent any time driving through the winding backroads of New London County, you know that Colchester is a place where history feels kinda heavy. It’s got that classic New England vibe—stone walls, old textile mill ruins, and a town green that actually feels like the center of the world. But if you ask a local where to get the best lunch, they aren't pointing you toward the big-box plazas. They’re sending you to Westchester Market (officially known as Westchester Marketplace).
Located at 493 Westchester Road, right in that little pocket where Route 149 and Route 16 start to feel like the middle of nowhere, this place is basically a local legend. Honestly, it’s the kind of spot you might drive past if you weren't looking for it, but once you go inside, the smell of fresh-baked bread and deli meats hits you, and you realize why the parking lot is always jammed.
Why Westchester Market Still Matters in 2026
Most small-town markets are dying out. It’s a sad reality. Between the massive Stop & Shop over on Linwood Avenue and the rise of grocery delivery, the "mom and pop" grocery model is under a lot of pressure. Yet, Westchester Market has managed to stay relevant by doing one thing really, really well: being a deli that happens to sell groceries, rather than a grocery store with a sad deli counter.
People in Colchester have a complicated relationship with their grocery options. A quick look at local forums like the Connecticut subreddit shows a lot of frustration with the nearby corporate chains. You’ll see folks complaining about meat quality or produce that looks like it’s seen better days. That’s where Westchester Market swoops in.
They’ve built a reputation for having a meat department that is, quite frankly, top-notch. Their butchers actually know what they’re doing. You can walk in and get a specific cut of steak or a house-made roast beef that hasn't been sitting in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag for three weeks.
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The Grinder Culture
Let’s talk about the grinders. In Connecticut, we don't call them subs or hoagies. They’re grinders. And at Westchester Market, they are massive.
I’m talking "feed-an-army" massive.
You’ve got the regulars—the Italian, the oven-roasted turkey—but then you’ve got the Boar’s Head premium stuff. Their "Specialty Sandwiches" include things like cranberry chicken salad and a store-made roast beef that is actually rare, not that grey-brown color you find in pre-packaged tubs.
- The Regular Grinder: Usually runs around $16.99.
- The Boar's Head Premium: About a dollar more.
- Hard Rolls: If you aren't hungry enough for a full 12-inch, these are the go-to for a quick lunch.
One thing that surprises people is the price. Some folks complain that it’s pricier than a chain, but when you look at the sheer weight of the meat they pile on, the value is actually better. You’re getting three times the product. It’s the difference between a sandwich that's 80% bread and one that requires a nap afterward.
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The Secret History of the Westchester Parish
The market isn't just a random building; it sits in a part of town with deep roots. Westchester was actually its own distinct "parish" or society back in the 1700s. In fact, one of the first textile mills in the entire country started operating right here in Westchester in 1780.
Agriculture was the lifeblood of this area long before the suburbs moved in. During the Revolutionary War, Colonel Henry Champion—whose house still stands in Westchester—literally drove his own livestock all the way to New Jersey to feed George Washington’s starving troops. That’s the kind of "food service" history this area has.
The market today carries on that tradition of being a community hub. For a long time, it even served as a local post office, which is a classic small-town Connecticut move. You get your stamps, you get your ham and swiss, and you hear all the town gossip in ten minutes.
What to Expect When You Visit
If you’re headed there for the first time, don't expect a shiny, sterile Wegmans experience. It’s a working market. The aisles are a bit tight, and the floor might have that classic "well-loved" feel.
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- The Deli Line: On a Saturday afternoon, expect a wait. It moves fast, but everyone in town has the same idea.
- The Grocery Selection: They have the basics—milk, eggs, bread—but the real gems are in the international section and the spices. They have a surprisingly diverse spice rack for a rural market.
- The Butcher Shop: If you're planning a BBQ, this is where you get your marinated steak tips or fresh-ground beef.
Dealing with the "Small Business" Reality
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, though. Some reviews point out that because they focus on local vendors, sometimes the produce or bread freshness can be hit or miss compared to a giant warehouse that gets daily shipments. And yeah, the hours are a bit tighter than a 24-hour supermarket. They’re usually open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, though Sunday they might close a bit earlier, around 6:00 PM.
But honestly? That’s part of the charm. You’re trading the clinical perfection of a corporate store for something that actually has a soul.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you want to make the most of Westchester Market, here’s how to do it like a local:
- Order Ahead: If you're picking up grinders for a group (or a trip down to the Salmon River), call them at (860) 365-0071. It saves you from standing in the deli line.
- Check the Deli Board: They often have store-made salads (tuna, seafood, macaroni) that are significantly better than the tubbed versions you find elsewhere.
- Park Carefully: The lot is small and shaped weird. If it looks full, don't try to squeeze into a non-spot; people around here are protective of their trucks.
- Explore the Area: Grab your food and head five minutes down the road to Norton Park or the Air Line State Park Trail. There is nothing better than a Westchester grinder after a three-mile hike.
Whether you call it Westchester Market or the "Westchester Marketplace," it remains one of those few places in Connecticut where the quality hasn't been sacrificed for the sake of scaling up. It’s a slice of Colchester history that you can actually eat.
Next Steps:
If you're planning a trip, check their current daily specials on social media or call ahead to see if they have their house-made roast beef in stock, as it tends to sell out by mid-afternoon on weekends. If you're looking for a specific cut of meat for a holiday, the butchers generally take custom orders if you give them a few days' notice.