Mystic CT

[smokedbutt]

My wife and 4 female cousins are getting together for a weekend (Apr. 23 / 24) at a B+B in Mystic. They like their food! Any help for reliable, moderate cost eats during the off-season when Abbots and similar are closed?

N.B. Yes, they will stop off at Pepe's in New Haven on their way north from Philly and NYC for a clam pie. Too bad "The Place" will also be closed.

[AES]

Nothing in Mystic itself comes to mind (all of my thoughts were seasonal!), but the 2 casinos have some decent offerings. Overall, Mohegan has better choices (Tuscany - Todd English, Summer Shack - Jasper White), but Foxwoods has a great Sunday champagne brunch. Cost is approx. $40-45 each, but includes all the usual brunch offerings plus an extensive sushi bar (prepared while waiting), lobster tails, and other less typical brunch choices. It's usually pretty crowded so I'd suggest looking into reservations now.

[skiplombardi]

One popular spot in the area is The Steak Loft at Olde Mystic Village. You might also call The Skipper's Dock on Water St. in Stonington Borough (about 6 mi. from Mystic) to see if they're open yet: 860.535.0111.

Finally, there's a place in Westerly, RI., just over the CT border, and I can't remember the name. It has the term Up River as a sub-title. It's only about 10 miles from Mystic. Sorry I can't do better than that right now. I'm sure some locals will be able to fill in the blanks for me.

I would avoid Foxwoods, but perhaps that's just me. Mohegan Sun has a ton of restaurants all over the spectrum, from Johnny Rocket's to Michael Jordan's Steakhouse--as well as the aforementioned Todd English and Jasper White spots.

Best regards,

Skip Lombardi

http://www.skiplombardi.com

[dscott]

A little further west there's a bunch of good (fried) seafood places in the Lyme, Saybrook, Westbrook area. My favorite is Lenny and Joe's (in either Madison [preferred] or Westbrook) but there's a number of other joints too. Not fine dining but L & J's is the best fish 'n chips around. L & J used to have a Westerly, R.I. outpost but I think that it may have closed (not sure).

Edited to add: You *MUST* have a lobster roll at L & J's. Buttery, toasted heaven.

Edited April 16, 2004 by dscott (log)

[HungryChris]

Don't overlook the Danial Packer Inn! It is at it's best off season for lunch. Show up early and sit in the little tavern downstairs. There is usually a fire going and the atmosphere is almost magical. The food will not dissapoint. Oysters are not on the lunch menu but ask. Another favorite starter is the bread with roasted garlic.

Cheers,

HC

[Toasted]

Flander's Fish market in E. Lyme- about 15 minutes from Mystic- I believe they were featured on Food Finds or one of the food network shows.

Pizza Cucina- also in E. Lyme- same exit, 75 I think, has the best pizza and pasta around. It's a tiny little place with a kitchen the size of a closet but they put out some amazing stuff.

I've heard some good things about the Seaman's Inn lately too- It's located right next to the Mystic Seaport. A few friends had dinner there recently and loved it.

For Japanese or Thai food go to Bangkok City on State St. in New London. It's great.

[ninetofive]

I know your weekend visit to Mystic is over, but if you ever go back over the summer, you MUST stop at Sea Swirl on Rt. 1 for fried whole clams. Mmmm.

My mother is a lifelong Mystic resident. She avoid Abbotts ("too touristy, and the food's not that great.") Instead, she gets her seafood and takeout items at Cove Fish Market, also on Rt 1 heading toward Stonington. Steak Loft is always packed, but I've found the food and service nothing to write home about. For a great weekend breakfast, you can't beat Kitchen Little, basically a small shack between Mystic Seaport and Mystic Village. (Long, long wait!) And when I was in college, the hot place to eat was Noahs on Water Street in Stonington, but I'm not sure if it's still there.

I forgot all about Flanders Fish Market -- will have to drop by there next time I visit.

[kellymonaghan]

Too bad "The Place" will also be closed.

It was open last night (May 2) when I drove by on a foggy damp night.