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.
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.
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.
Overlooking the Potter's Pond, Matunuck Oyster Bar is one of the best restaurants in town. It is the brainchild of Perry Raso and focuses on farm bred ingredients and wild-caught fresh seafood. Their oysters are harvested in the pond while their vegetables and herbs are raised organically in their farm nearby. Their menu is classic yet modern and is packed with flavors that are unique due to its freshness. Oyster lovers will love their Matunuck Oysters, Rhode Island Oysters and Islander from their raw bar. Savor their dishes like Jambalaya, Stuffed Lobster, Grilled Oysters, Lobster Roll and Seared Scallops. Complement your meal with cocktails or wine.
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.
At the heart of downtown Mystic, one can find the locally famous restaurant — The Shipwright's Daughter. The specialty of The Shipwright's Daughter is its everyday changing menu. It is a popular spot among breakfast and brunch lovers. Among countless tasty dishes from the menu, The Shipwright's Daughter's french toast is arguably the most ordered item.
Kitchen Little is your typical New England-style hangout where you can get your breakfast favorites every day as well as traditional seafood bites, like hot lobster rolls, burgers, clam strips and scallop rolls. Where else can you dine for cheap with such a fantastic view of the water? On weekends, only breakfast is served until 1p.
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.