Anyone that has grown up in a seaside town knows that local restaurants are a godsend. Mystic, CT is one of those seaside towns that homes some of the best local restaurants. Whether you love seafood, pizza, ice-cream, or breakfast, Mystic has it. Now, take a trip with me down to the seaside.
1. Somewhere in Time
For the love of all things breakfast (at any time of day). If you’re feeling an omelette, they have quite the selection. If, in the morning, you’re NOT making waffles, but want some, you are in luck because, Somewhere In Time does. So, indulge a bit. Just come prepared with cash because they don’t take credit cards.
2. Vault Coffee Roasters
Did someone say locally made coffee? If you’re not a breakfast person and are looking for a quick pick me up, Vault Coffee Roasters is the place for you. Located in Olde Mistick Village and home to some of the BEST locally made coffee (hot or iced). They have quick breakfast options, too. Recommendation: The Nutty Irishman.
3. Bartleby’s Cafe
“If you can’t be happy, be caffeinated” is the motto of this local, quaint coffee shop. When you visit Downtown Mystic, be sure to visit Bartleby’s Cafe. They have comfy chairs to sit and sip on your coffee, and maybe even read a book. It is just a cozy place to be.
4. Mezza Mediterranean Cuisine
Formerly known as The Pita Spot, Mezza is a family run business that specializes in Lebanese cuisine. If you are as die hard a fan for hummus as I am, then you can do no wrong in dining here. The Chef Shawarma Wraps and their Falafel are matches made in Heaven. You would be doing yourself an injustice if you did not dine here.
5. Engine Room
When a restaurant uses products from local farms and local fishermen, you can bet I’ll be there. Engine Room is a restaurant literally inside a refurbished marine engine room and are known for their burgers and selection of bourbon. If you love burgers just as much as the next person, check this place out next time you visit Mystic.
6. Voodoo Grill
Time to get a taste of New Orleans in a little seaside town. With live music, New Orleans styled eats, and a Happy Hour, the VooDoo Grill is the place to be. They are home to the Curseburger Challenge– that monster picture above. I’ve never tried it, but if you’re up for the challenge, go for it. But, if you don’t do the Curseburger Challenge, promise me you’ll try the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich instead.
7. Pizzetta
Pizzettais located right in Downtown Mystic with adorable outdoor seating and is across the street from the VooDoo Grill. So, if you are hungry from Happy Hour and didn’t eat that BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, go get some pizza because you really can’t go wrong with pizza, ever. They also have vegetarian and gluten free options, too. (The Chicken Pesto and Baked Potato Pizzas are divine by the way.)
8. The Ancient Mariner
Home to the best Calamari, Ancient Mariner is your seaside restaurant dream for the best New England food. These two options are a no brainer and delicious. 10/10 would recommend. Did I mention, they also have a Happy Hour?
9. Red 36
When you visit good ole’ Mystic, you have to have a waterfront dinner. Red 36 is everything you would expect seafood to be; delicious. They have a deck with fire pits, outdoor seating, a full bar, and a kick ass menu.
10. Mango’s Wood-Fired Pizza Co. and Homemade Ice Cream
Located right across each other in Olde Mistick Village, Mango’s serves probably some of the best pizza and ice cream you will EVER have. I am a firm believer that wood fired pizza tastes better than your ordinary pizza pie. They have both red sauce and white sauce options, plus sandwiches, salads, and apps. Mango’s Homemade Ice Cream is actually homemade and is a fantastic option for dessert. Do yourself a favor and try this place out because you can never go wrong with pizza and ice cream
Now, that you have taken a trip with me, go actually take a trip to Mystic, CT and give these restaurants a try. Hopefully you’ll love them just as much as I do and you’ll appreciate local restaurants a little bit more.