Let’s say for whatever reason – one of those Stephen King-y “Under the Dome,” all-encompassing and impenetrable barriers drops out of the sky cutting all contact with the outside world – you can never leave Groton again.

Well, you’re not gonna go hungry. (For the sake of this scenario, forget any supply chain issues that might crop up.) What a lot of folks who don’t regularly visit Groton need to realize is that there are some great and distinctive restaurants well worth exploring – and that are more than reasonable in terms of the ol’ pocketbook. Here are just a few representative places well worth your time:

Ortega’s is as fine a Tex-Mex spot as you’ll find in this region. Chester’s has provided smoke-redolent fusion barbecue based on the recipes of KC, Texas AND the Carolinas for years now. Norm’s Diner is one of those happy-to-wait-despite-the-line-out-the-door popularity of the place. You will be more than happy with the pies at Pizza Palace. Oh, and Groton’s the only place in the region where you can get a burger from the estimably great Five Guys chain.

Pizza Palace, 944 Poquonnock Road, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tues.-Sun.

Ortega’s Mexican Restaurant, 108 North St., 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Chester’s Barbecue, 943 Poquonnock Road, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily

Norm’s Diner, 171 Bridge St., 5 a.m.-1 p.m. Mon., Wed.-Fri., 7 a.m. Sat.-Sun.

Five Guys, 143 Gold Star Highway, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily