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Black Rock: Bridgeport's Eclectic Enclave By The Sound

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Bridgeport is nothing if not a city of neighborhoods, with each Park City neighborhood having its own unique characteristics and characters. Residents of each Bridgeport neighborhood almost always describe themselves as residents of their own fiefdom, and Black Rock is no exception.

Saint-Mary's-by-the-Sea is a popular spot for walking along Long Island Sound in Bridgeport's Black Rock neighborhood.

Saint-Mary's-by-the-Sea is a popular spot for walking along Long Island Sound in Bridgeport's Black Rock neighborhood.

Photo Credit: Rob Sullivan
Fayerweather Lighthouse is a scenic part of the Black Rock landscape and seascape.

Fayerweather Lighthouse is a scenic part of the Black Rock landscape and seascape.

Photo Credit: Rob Sullivan

Black Rock, which borders on Fairfield to the west at Ash Creek and abuts Long Island Sound, may best be described as the most eclectic of all Park City neighborhoods. To the east, Black Rock borders on the West End, which begins at the intersection of Fairfield Avenue and Ellsworth Street.

Known for its many restaurants and entertainment venues, the small seaside hamlet of Black Rock has become something of a destination spot in recent years, Like SoNo, visitors head to “The Rock” and walk around, selecting where to eat and where to have fun on the fly.

In just a few short blocks, a wide variety of delectable cuisines can be found. There is Irish fare at Brennan’s Shebeen, Chinese at China Sky, delicious Mexican food at Taco Loco, a taste of Turkey at Bereket and traditional American pub fare at Matty’s Corner. And those are only a few of the choices.

For music lovers, there are plenty of live performances in Black Rock. Ray Kelly’s Pub, BRYAC and the Acoustic Café all feature lineups of local bands. For those who want to show off their stuff, there are numerous Open Mic nights in the neighborhood.

Black Rock is also a haven for artists with galleries aplenty, including Framemakers, Pious Bird and Harborview Market.

There are also old-timers and newcomers in Black Rock. As any old-timer will tell you, one has to be born in Black Rock to be considered a real Black Rocker.

“I’ve been living here for about 30 years and they still don’t consider me a Black Rocker,” said Sean Horgan, a neighborhood resident and Massachusetts native.

Black Rock is best known for Saint-Mary’s-by-the-Sea, a mile-long walk along Long Island Sound. On any given day, a visitor can spot walkers, joggers, numerous pets and fishermen.

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