The former Connecticut Golfland where construction has been underway for sometime sometimes stalling all together on Monday, July 24, 2023, in Vernon. Owners now hope to have it up and running by the spring of 2024.
Jim Michaud/Hearst Connecticut Media
Rocking Horse Smokehouse opened in mid-August at the revived Connecticut Golfland in Vernon. The country-themed restaurant features barbecue, 60 different kinds of bourbon and live entertainment, owner Jerry Fornarelli said, with games like horseshoes and cornhole and an abundance of outdoor space.
The restaurant’s online menu lists appetizers like pulled pork sliders on bao buns, pork belly tacos and chicken wings; a “fry station” category of French fries loaded with chili and cheese, pulled pork, brisket gravy and Buffalo chicken; assorted salads and mac and cheese dishes with various barbecue proteins. “Handhelds” include a brisket grilled cheese, a Fresno hot chicken sandwich and Cuban sandwich, and burgers are charbroiled, then grilled with butter.
Barbecue entrees include meats like baby back ribs, pulled pork, brisket, beef short rib and smoked chicken, with other entree options like grilled chicken breast and honey-glazed salmon. Sides include fries, mashed potatoes, collard greens, mac and cheese, baked beans, dirty rice and cornbread.
57 Hartford Tpke., (860) 791-8608, rockinghorsesmokehouse.com.
– Eric Bedner
