Legendary Danbury Restaurant ‘Widow Brown’s’ Closing Their Doors After 47 years

If you clock on Widow Brown's Facebook page, this is what you'll see...

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Big changes are comming to Widow Brown's. Due to this, all current Widow Brown's gift cards must be used by May 20th.

After 47 years at 128 Federal Road in Danbury, the original owner of Widow Brown's Cafe, Aura Showah, has decided to retire. She informed Hearst Connecticut Media that her popular restaurant will permanently close at the end of business on Friday, May 23rd.

The popular legendary restaurant has been sold to New Fairfield restaurateur Joe McClusky. Mr. McCluskey owns the casual fine dining restaurant Rein Osteria at 69 Pembroke Road (Route 37) on the Danbury/New Fairfield town line. I was fortunate to sit down with Mr. McCluskey to discuss his plans for the new eatery.

He first told me that, like thousands of others in greater Danbury, he was also a fan of Widow Brown's Cafe. He went on to say how much he loved the overall friendly, casual vibe of Widows'. He raved about their soups, salads, wraps, burgers, and impressive beer menu!

What does the future hold for Widow Brown's under the new ownership of restaurateur Joe McCluskey? He told me there's a renovation in the works for this 4,000-square-foot restaurant, which might include opening up the front of the eatery for outdoor dining during the summer months. McCluskey also mentioned the possibility of offering some of the most popular menu items that Widow Brown's Cafe has been known for over the last 47 years.

I, too, loved Widow Brown's Cafe and can't wait to discover what the new owner, Joe McCluskey, has up his sleeve for his latest eatery. In the meantime, I suggest you click on OpenTable to make a reservation to dine at Rein Osteria. You'll thank me later.