While New England hasn’t decided if winter is truly over yet (rain and snow last week, anyone?), summer can’t come soon enough. But we have high hopes patio weather is upon us. To best prepare ourselves, here’s a list of some favorites:
Pizzetta
Pizzetta in Mystic is a great pizzeria for everyone – meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans alike! The restaurant offers their main menu with seperate vegan, gluten free and vegetarian menus to boot. The back patio is COVID-friendly with spacious seating.
On the Waterfront
On The Waterfront in New London sits on the Thames River, with a robust menu from Cajun dry rub wings and lobster tacos to NY strip steak and coconut lemongrass mussels. To accomodate COVID-19 precautions, the restaurant recently opened a second patio, as well.
Dog Watch Cafe
With locations in Mystic and Stonington, Dog Watch Cafe is a great family-friendly restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, lawn games and live music, specializing in authentic BBQ, seafood and burgers.
Breakwater
Breakwater is tucked away in the Stonington Burough and and serves up delicious seafood with stunning views of the Stonington Harbor and Fishers Island Sound. The restaurant is open Wednesdays thru Sundays, and also offers ample parking which is hard to come by in the borough.
Red 36
Red 36 is a Mystic favorite, quietly tucked behind a shipyard parking lot. On a sunny day, be prepared for a wait (no reservations), but we promise the delicious seafood menu, cocktails and happy hour are worth it.
S&P Oyster
S&P Oyster may have the best patio in downtown Mystic, right alongside the drawbridge. Heat lamps, firepit table tops, bloody marys, oysters. What more do you need?
Sunset Ribs
We’ve never been, but Sunset Ribs in Waterford came highly recommended. After looking at the patio photos (stunning views of Long Island Sound) and menu (American fare and hand-rubbed BBQ), we might be sold.
Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock
A New London legend, Captain Scott’s is a beloved seafood shack right along the Thames River. Plan ahead and come early – this place is notorious for long lines, for good reason. Order up at the counter and enjoy their generous portions at nearby picnic tables. For more lobster shack suggestions, click here.
OK, what are we missing? Comment below and we’ll add to the list.