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Writer's picture: Chris MurphyChris Murphy

Senator Chris Murphy walks away from the camera towards a building. A sign reading "Since 1946, Augie and Rays  Milk Bar" is pictured over his left shoulder.

For more than 75 years, Augie and Ray’s has been a mainstay in East Hartford. Generations of Connecticut families have made their way down Main Street to this iconic roadside restaurant, but no one has frequented this humble hot dog joint more than the workers of Pratt and Whitney.

Senator Chris Murphy shakes hands with a man across a countertop wearing a dark hat and coat. Another employee in a black t-shirt looks on.
Staff are clearly proud to continue this stand’s tradition of serving good food to the community.

When Augie and Ray opened up this hot dog stand in 1946, they wagered that they’d always have a steady stream of patrons if they set up shop right next door to a place where folks worked long hours building jet engines and other great machines. Unsurprisingly, they were right.


The menu at Augie and Ray’s is expansive, offering everything from fried fish and clams to breakfast sandwiches and egg scrambles (they even have one named for Congressman John Larson, who’s a regular) – but the signature offering has always been the hot dogs. There are lots of different toppings for your ‘dog, the best of which is their specialty chili sauce.


Senator Chris Murphy smiles as a man in a gray t-shirt gestures with his left hand. In the background a woman in red, and two gentlemen look off in the distance.
There aren't many better ways to connect with East Hartford than a meal at Augie and Ray's.

This is not your average meat sauce— the Augie and Ray’s chili features a good mix of ground beef and veggies. It’s a recipe passed down from the founders to its current operators, Ray’s great-grandsons, that remains a closely guarded secret to this day. In talking to the staff, it’s clear they love working behind the counter and are proud to help continue this stand’s tradition of serving good food to the community.


Senator Chris Murphy looks down at two hot dogs on a white paper plate.
My go-to order: chili dogs! This isn't your average meat sauce—it's an Augie and Ray's secret recipe.

If you’re in East Hartford, there’s really no argument, you have to try Augie and Ray’s— the food is good, the atmosphere feels timeless, and there aren’t many better ways to connect with this community. Who knows, you may even see Congressman Larson eating a ‘John Larson’ scramble!


Easily a 10/10.

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Writer's picture: Chris MurphyChris Murphy

Updated: Jul 24, 2023


Senator Chris Murphy enters the front door of a restaurant beneath a sign that reads 'Captiol Lunch: With the Famous Sauce'

Outside of Connecticut, people may know us for our lobster rolls, our seafood, our pizza, or our invention of the hamburger. But the truth is, Connecticut folks probably have more loyalty to hot dogs than any other food. There are so many hot dog joints in Connecticut that people are really attached to – it's a great part of our state that taps into our love for community and tradition.

Senator Chris Murphy stands with his back turned, speaking to a smiling employee behind the counter. Between the two are stands with baked goods and chips available for purchase.
The staff behind the counter at Capitol Lunch is always friendly and hardworking

Anyone that’s spent time in New Britain knows Capitol Lunch. It’s been a Hardware City institution for over 90 years, serving hot dogs, burgers, fries, and onion rings and it was the perfect place to kick off The Great Connecticut Hot Dog Tour.

Senator Chris Murphy sits preparing to eat a hot dog at a red counter by a window looking out on the street.
Been ordering chili dogs at Capitol Lunch for over two decades

The Capitol Lunch Famous Hot Dog (with mustard, onions, and their signature

Famous sauce) is among their most popular offerings, but it’s hard to go wrong with the classic chili dog. The Famous chili sauce is simple (no beans or veggies) but delicious, and the price is always right.


The staff works hard, the line moves fast, and the simple decor harkens back to an earlier era. Capitol Lunch is simple, iconic, and a must on any tour of great Connecticut hot dog restaurants. It’s no wonder why people love this place, and why New Britain is so proud of it!


Dogs: 12 out of 10 in my book; delicious, consistent, and no fuss.


Senator Chris Murphy talks to a constituent in the middle of a restaurant in a blue shirt, smiling, surrounded by tables. A few other patrons and staff are pictured in the foreground and background. Photo by Arnold Gold | New Haven Register taken 11\7\2012.
At Capitol Lunch in 2012 to celebrate my first successful Senate Campaign


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