Many American bistros differentiate themselves from their European counterparts by serving region-specific dishes and replacing waiters with Bruce Springsteen. Satisfy a hungry heart with today's Groupon: for $12, you get $25 worth of American bistro fare at The Mad Hatter Restaurant and Tap Room in Danbury.
The Mad Hatter Restaurant and Tap Room piles plates with hat-themed burgers and ample entrees of bistro cuisine. The Stetson burger slathers onion rings and cheddar cheese with barbecue sauce ($8.95), whereas the Top Hat burger outfits its 6-ounce patty with layers of candied bacon, cheddar, and veggies ($8.95) before scooting up to a side of hand-cut fries. Guests can launch meals with a trebuchet in the parking lot or opt to order starters such as deep-fried cheese ravioli ($5.95). Bread and a small house salad herald the arrival of every entree, including the pan-seared market-fresh whitefish with mango salsa ($14.95) and the double-stuffed pork chops ($14.95), which stow a blend of bread crumbs, sausage, and herbs in their savory clasp.
Inside the Mad Hatter's stately red-brick exterior, historic photographs of 1920s Danbury and a mural inspired by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland transport patrons down cobblestoned streets. The restaurant is open until at least 1 a.m., allowing patrons to grab a bite after churning a tub of peanut butter, and its outdoor seating plunks customers near the Danbury Green, where bands jam for free during weekend concerts.