* L O B S T E R * S E A F O O D * C L A M S * C H O W D E R *
YOU CANNOT VISIT MYSTIC, STONINGTON, OR NOANK WITHOUT TASTING SOME OF THE AREAS BEST AFFORDABLE SEAFOOD.. in my humble opinion- Below are some local favorites!
LOBSTER joints:
IF EATING AT HOME, then the following seafood shops have lobster and will steam your order for a nominal fee. I like to call ahead.. and my favorite size lobster is 1 1/2 to 2 lbs as anything more then 2 lbs does not seem as "sweet". So here is my list: Big Y; McQuades Market; Sea Well Seafood (both locations).
EATING OUT - most area restaurant during the summer months will be serving lobster. Best places with a water view is Breakers (Stonington); Dog Watch (Stonington) S&P Oyster House (Mystic); Ford's Lobster (Noank) and Abbott's in the Rough (Noank). If you love lobster but don't want to "fight" with the shell, Ford's Lobster has an excellent lobster roll in season.
INSIDER TIP -- SEA WELL SEAFOOD on Mason Island Rd, Mystic has the absolute best deal for lobster rolls (off-season). Not only are they fresh but they have plenty of lobster meat. We have them give us the melted butter on the side and then heat the butter up when we get home. It is delicious - again in my humble opinion. Pricing can vary but I paid $13 last time I was there.
Fried Seafood - Fish, Shrimp, Clams, Oysters - Oh My!
Sea Swirl in Mystic is the best for any fried seafood - either for take home or to eat there on the picnic tables. If you would like a beautiful water view - then head to Costellos Clam Shack (Noank) and grab a seat on the upper deck and enjoy the boats as they pass by along the Mystic River. While I have not been, another option I have heard good things about is Sea View Snack Bar (Mystic) for their fried food.
INSIDER TIP - for those cold or rainy days, I have to say that Go Fish in Mystic Village is a great alternative. The place is Spotless and the wait staff is attentive. Many fish choices and dishes. Good selection of wines. This is a well run restaurant with a nice inside atmosphere if not looking for a party bar.
Chowder - I LOVE NEW ENGLAND CLAM Chowder!
Ok - when it comes to Chowder -- I love steaming hot new england clam chowder. My favorite hands down no questions asked is S&P Oyster House! I even call it in to take out -- which is always challenging for the staff as they do not normally do take out for soup!
Second favorite for chowder is Fords Lobster in Noank.
I like my clam chowder Hot, thick, creamy and with lots of potatoes, clams and a hint of bacon. If you like a more watery white clam chowder then you will not like my top choices.
Second favorite for chowder is Fords Lobster in Noank.
I like my clam chowder Hot, thick, creamy and with lots of potatoes, clams and a hint of bacon. If you like a more watery white clam chowder then you will not like my top choices.
INSIDER TIP - I almost forgot about STONINGTON SEAFOOD HARVESTERS in Stonington!! They have the best scallops and other in season fish (frozen). Payment is on the "honor" system. If you like scallops then you cannot leave the Stonington area without having some of Stonington's amazing scallops -- called Bomster scallops. Of course you can buy Bomster scallops here or at any of the local seafood shops and markets to cook at home. Or order them at one of the local restaurants -you won't be disappointed.
