The Captain Daniel Packer Inne Restaurant and Pub on Water Street in Mystic is located in an historic home, constructed in 1756 for Captain Packer and his family. The lovely home remained in the family until the mid-1970s, at which time it was restored and converted into a fine restaurant. The upstairs restaurant serves modern New England fare (plenty of seafood) and contemporary American dishes. Or if you prefer something more casual, you can just head downstairs to the bar with its exposed ceiling beams and original stone foundation. The pub has an extensive pub grub menu with everything from chicken wings to burgers, and these foods are served for both lunch and dinner. There is live music after 10p nearly every night. Note that dinner is served from 5p-10p, but the downstairs pub is open until late.
The Bleu Squid at Olde Mistick Village is a great place to stop for a bite to eat while in the Mystic area. If you are looking for something casual, comforting and delicious, this is the perfect place to pick up a grilled cheese, quiche, cupcakes, artisanal cheeses or pates. The most popular menu items are the Lobster Grilled Cheese and Bleu and Bacon Grilled Cheese. For the little ones, there are children's grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. This bakery and cafe is perfect for lunch after a morning at the nearby Mystic Aquarium.
If you are looking for some of that great Connecticut-seafood taste, look no further than the Sea View, located on Route 1 in Mystic. Enjoy all your favorite seafood platters, deep fried with sides of delicious fries or onion rings. Indulge in plenty of lobster, clams, calamari, shrimp, scallops and incredible clam strips. There is a great view of the Mystic River from the outdoor seating area.
Just across the drawbridge in Downtown Mystic is the Harp & Hound Irish pub. Enjoy traditional Irish pub-grub favorites, like Shepherd's Pie and Bangers & Mash as well as locally-caught seafood all for reasonable prices. If you are looking for a drink after a long day our touring the area, the Harp & Hound is just the place for you to pull up a stool and grab a pint.
Christopher's Café in Groton does it all. Come in for a meal, hang out at the pool table or put on your dancing shoes when it gets late. The restaurant men serves your traditional bar food: plenty of wings, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and big steaks. No matter when you pop into Christopher's Café, you will find something to do and eat.
Where else could you get a selection of fantastic seafood and great steaks (not to mention an outstanding salad bar!) all in one place? Steak Loft in Mystic offers casual family dining at great prices and hefty portions. There are always combination platters, choosing between steak, sole, shrimp, chicken, crab cakes, ribs, and stuffed sole. Originally opened by the owners of New York's Studio 54, Steak Loft is consistently voted Best Steak in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine readers and is centrally located near the Aquarium and Olde Mistick Village.
The Bell & Anchor, which established its roots in the harbor side of New York, has managed to keep its patrons happy! The restaurant got rave reviews since they opened in 2011 for both their food and their classy ambiance. This harbor side extravaganza is all about seafood and wholesome delights. Each and every dish is huge in portion sizes so you need not worry about eating too less. The ambiance is good and so is the service.
Friendly Thai Bar & Restaurant lets you enjoy delectable Thai food and well-crafted drinks in your budget. The place is quite spacious and has a casual ambiance, making it perfect for a meal with friends. The decor is simple and welcoming, decorated with Asian accents like woven fabric in golden hues and decorative rows of elephants. People come here for the flavor-packed Thai dishes like Papaya Salad, Massaman Curry, Rama noodles, and Sticky Rice with Coconut Ice Cream. The service is friendly and warm, and the staff makes each guest feel welcome.
Lobster Landing is a restaurant that started out of an effort to start a small food cart. The restaurant now is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike, as it serves the best Lobster Rolls. It is a cozy little place serving limited but enticing choices in seafood. The place serves alluring Lobster rolls with gluten-free options. This little restaurant has been awarded by the regional and local magazines for being one of the best places to serve Lobster Rolls. Apart from giving a cozy feel, they welcome patrons to bring any beverages, food, they like to their restaurant that is not served by them.
Popular among locals who swear by its home-made food, Tommy Sullivan's Cafe is an Irish restaurant and pub whose menu comprises quintessential bar food, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees. You can skip the regular fare though and try some Irish delicacies featured on their daily specials menu. The pub has a full bar with quite a few amazing classic ales. Live music and an outdoor patio make it a great place to be at with your crew.
Small, but elegant, Bufalina is a pizza place that believes in doing things the traditional way. Their pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven which brings a signature smoky flavor to all of their pizzas. They are made from local, seasonal ingredients and the intense condiments, especially the chili oil, have succeeded in impressing the customers. Their specialty pizzas are the Bufalina and the classic Margherita which you can enjoy with their extensive collection of drinks; or, you can bring your own. The interior part of the restaurant is extremely warm and cozy with a fresh aroma of cheese filling everyone's senses. The decor is subtle and muted and has classic wooden decor and ambient lighting, which help create a very cozy vibe.
Lobster Shack is a popular food stall located in a boat yard overlooking the scenic Branford River. The eatery is open seasonally and serves some of the best seafood dishes to locals and vacationers. Popular dishes on the menu are lobster rolls, Longhini sausage, fresh clams and Hummel’s hot dogs. Visitors can bring in their own drinks and enjoy it with their meals. Their outdoor picnic tables make an ideal place to sit enjoy your meals, while admiring the beauty of the river and boating activities. After a hearty meal enjoy their delicious Gelato flavors. All meals are reasonably priced and besides regular meals they also offer gluten free and low fat options for the health conscious. The eatery only accepts only cash.