About
Welcome to Aunt Chilada's, a vibrant gem tucked in the heart of Hamden, CT, where authentic Mexican cuisine comes alive! Located at 3931 Whitney Ave, this eatery isn’t just about food; it’s about the experience. As you walk in, the warm ambiance invites you to unwind, whether after a long hike at the historic Sleeping Giant or a round of golf at the nearby course.
Aunt Chilada's prides itself on offering a delightful menu filled with various tantalizing options that cater to all palates. Their quesadillas are a dream for cheese lovers, featuring the Mexicali melt with Monterey Jack and cheddar, or the veggie version packed with fresh greens and spices in a spinach tortilla. Each bite is a blend of rich flavors, prepared freshest daily for that authentic taste.
The platters are equally impressive. The Fajita Chimichanga boasts tender steak or chicken, savoring every layer topped with a homemade sauce and melted cheese, all for just $16! The Three Amigos — an enchilada, chimichanga, and burrito layered harmoniously on one plate — is a testament to the chef's culinary artistry and a favorite among regulars.
For those seeking lighter fares, the Salmon Sandwich is a must-try. Served with a light pesto mayo and crisp veggies, it perfectly balances flavor and health, making it an ideal choice for the health-conscious diner.
Speaking of experiences, the views at Aunt Chilada's are simply breathtaking, especially during the summer when guests can dine al fresco on the patio. The serene backdrop of Sleep Giant amplifies the meal, providing a picturesque atmosphere praised by customers like Rita Gresko and Joel Marks. Their reviews highlight the welcoming staff, which includes Ed, known for ensuring vegan options are well-received. The commitment to customer satisfaction shines through every dish and interaction.
Whether you’re coming for the vibrant drink specials or to indulge in Mexican favorites, Aunt Chilada’s has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers looking to enjoy a taste of culture and comfort. Stop by to not just eat, but to relish an experience filled with flavors that dance on your palate. Aunt Chilada's: where every meal tells a story.
“ We love this place. Love everything about this place. Fresh food, great margaritas... The owners and the staff are always excellent. The location is really nice overlooking Seeping Giant. It's a great place to go and relax after hiking the beautiful, historic Sleeping Giant. A really great location. It's a great place to go if you play golf, the course is situated next door (same parking lot). Both are over 100 years which is awesome for people who like history. Also, the historic Farmington Canal path runs right across the street so if anyone taking a bike ride or walking the trail can stop to rest for a few moments to enjoy the food, drinks and view. ”
“ This place is good for anyone - kids, college, adult and senior. If you like authentic Mexican, they have yummy dishes. They have different drink specials every night. Staff are friendly. My husband and I like going to lunch. We go right to the bar, have a drink and eat appetizers. Nice local place. ”
“ Been coming here since I was a kid. I sure do miss the pool table! Food is great here. Great place to stop after a round of golf! ”
“ A vegan won't go hungry at a place like this. (See photo.) Nice view of the Sleeping Giant. Especially nice in the summer to be outside on the patio. ”
“ We stopped at Aunt Chilada’s on our way back from a warehouse pickup in North Haven. The Mountain View from the restaurant is beautiful. Ed was very friendly. He offered to add variety of vegetables to our order of tostadas once he learnt we didn’t eat meat. Our order was: Jarritos- pineapple & guava, Esquites, Tostadas. Two of us shared the corn and the tostadas and we weren’t able to finish all the food. The quantity and quality of food is nice. Overall nice experience. Would love to visit in summers for the outdoor seating. ”
“ My wife and I met a friend this afternoon for lunch at Aunt Chilada's. I was told it is under new ownership by our very friendly host Joe. We sat near one of the fireplaces with a nice (gas) fire going. The last time I was in this restaurant was after a softball game in Cheshire close to 40 years ago. Not much has changed in the building. It was very bright inside with the winter sun streaming inside the dinning area. The upstairs was as I last saw it large and open space with a bar. Down to lunch, we sat near the fireplace downstairs in the bar area, very comfortable. Joe came over and let us know they had Empanadas for a special, that was good enough for all three of us. A few couples came in and were seated and a few came and sat at the bar. Our food arrived, beautiful golden brown crusted shells filled with a great mix of beef and cheese a little spicy sauce served on the side to enhance the great flavors. Very tasty and quite filling. This was a perfect spot to enjoy some good food, service and atmosphere and perfect acoustics so we could talk and enjoy each others company. We finished and sat around shooting the breeze, it was great. Ample seating, parking no issue at all. It was nice to be inside once again. ”
“ After searching for over an hour for outdoor seating that accepted dogs, my mother and I found Aunt Chilada’s. It was around 3:00 pm, and I asked the bartender (who was covering the floor during the “in between” time) if they accepted dogs on the patio, and he said they did as long as they were not aggressive or violent. My small, well-behaved Lhasa Apso enjoyed the umbrella-covered table we sat at, and we had very delicious, well-presented food in a timely manner. I opted for the California Burrito with shrimp and my mother got a shrimp quesadilla. Both were very good, but required take-out boxes as neither of us could finish the large serving sizes. I was very grateful for the attentive bar-tender, and would happily go again during their happy hour or to try some of their specials I peaked at as I walked in the door. I’m glad there is a place I can bring my well-behaved dog during the warmer months to sit and have a nice afternoon beverage or meal. ”
“ Very nice food and it will fill you up for sure. I am a big eater and I couldn't finish it. The best family style and relaxing restaurant. ”