About Drescher’s Restaurant
About Us
Located in the heart of downtown Waterbury, CT, Drescher’s Restaurant has a history as rich as the city it calls home. Listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, the restaurant carries on a tradition of fine dining in an unpretentious atmosphere. The original section of the building boasts a beautiful wood-paneled main dining room and tap room. Recent additions to the building allow for private dining and banquet facilities in the restaurant’s Garden Room.
Be sure to visit our Private Dining & Banquets page to learn more about having your next party or event at Drescher’s.
Special Occasions and Parties:
Business Meetings
Cocktail Parties
Bridal Showers
Bachelor Parties
Wedding Rehearsals
Weddings
History
The tradition of Drescher’s began in 1868 when German immigrant Charles Miller opened “Miller’s Saloon” on lower Grand Street. When Charlie Miller died in 1873, his wife Caroline, managed the business until approximately 1880. Charlie’s younger brother, William, took over the business and moved it to Harrison Alley.
J. Alfred Drescher, who immigrated from Zurich, Switzerland, and Frederick Keil, from Mannheim, Germany, purchased the business in 1894. Frederick Keil had previously married Charlie Miller’s daughter Mary. They changed the name to Drescher and Keil.
Drescher and Keil retired in 1912. Drescher’s son, Alfred, together with an employee named Michael Keck, took over the business and named it Drescher and Keck. Alfred Drescher had married Caroline, daughter of Frederick and Mary Keil. When Michael Keck died in 1944, the name became Drescher’s. From 1946 to 1957, Alfred’s sons Frederick Keil Drescher and Ralph (Rudy) Drescher managed the business.
In 1957, Drescher’s was purchased by Dean Monllos, who carried on the tradition until its sale to a group of investors led by Attorney Pat Palumbo in January 1985. In April of 1987, Drescher’s was sold once again – this time to its present owner, Dr. Eric Walshe. The restaurant is now managed by Dr. Walshe’s son, David.
The present building, which dates from 1904, was nearly sacrificed to Waterbury’s vigorous downtown rejuvenation. Respect for its historical significance and architectural beauty prevailed, however, and in 1982 it was moved from its original location in Harrison Alley several hundred feet to Leavenworth Street.
Although the details of Drescher’s history have previously remained obscure to the people of Waterbury, the real tradition of Drescher’s has not – the tradition of good food, generous portions, reasonable prices, served in a pleasant and congenial atmosphere.
Hours
Lunch served:
Monday – Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Dinner served:
Monday – Wednesday, 5:00 to 9:00 pm
Thursday – Saturday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Happy Hour:
Friday, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Closed Sunday
Please note: On weekend evenings when there is a performance at the Palace Theatre, we offer a limited menu so that our patrons will not miss the opening curtain. Please call us for an updated menu at 203-573-1743.
We accept Visa & MasterCard.
Sorry. No personal checks.