Dutch Tavern

23 Green St., New London (860) 442-3453 dutch-tavern.com

The DT is one of the most epochal bars in not just New London or southeastern Connecticut but also this solar system. What loyalists know, though, is that the small saloon also serves up an excellent if small — and very cheap — diner-style lunch menu.

In addition to daily soup options highlighted by proprietor Peter Detmold’s delicious chili ($5 bowl, $3.50 cup, Mondays, Thursday and Saturdays), there are several sandwich possibilities, all of which are delightful. My wife, Eileen, a vegetarian, swears by both the simple and time-honored grilled cheese ($2.50, add a secret weapon component of grilled onions) as well as the veggie burger ($4).

I almost never get the same twice. Love the chicken or tuna melt ($4 and never goopy), the juicy hot dogs ($2.50), and the thinly pounded cutlets present on both the grilled chicken ($4.50) and cheese steak ($5) sandwiches — both of which are clever variations on time-honored presentations.

The service is at once familial and, if you’re not already a regular — in which case you already know and relish this stuff — you soon will be. — Rick Koster