Mystic CT is cozy village represents that is the epitome of small-town charm. While the village might be small, the dining options are vast. Mystic is a village that has more local dining options than chain restaurants. While this is a huge perk, it can make picking a restaurant a challenge. Lucky for you we have provided you with some of the best restaurants Downtown Mystic has to offer.
1. Red 36
Red 36 is full of bright cocktails, big lounge chairs, and multiple bars that make this experience a Newport Getaway. Not only will you enjoy the cocktails and seafood but also take in the sights with yachts docked up and a sunset that overlooks the Mystic River. Red 36 also features an extensive raw bar with outdoor setting. Coming in the winter? No worries the seating quickly changes with the seasons with roaring fireplaces and cozy indoor seating. Come for the fresh seafood, stay for the waterfront views. Enjoy the echo of ringing of church bells, and the distant buzz of the drawbridge, as the ambiance feels like the perfect “staycation” with no streets in sight or clocks with closing times.
2. Engine Room
Engine Room is also one of the best bars in Mystic. It features 16 craft beers on tap and the areas’ largest bourbon selection. Engine Room also goes beyond the beers and bourbon as they have a menu that will keep you on your toes. Their menu is uniquely revised daily with locally sourced seafood, farm fresh vegetables and the widest burger selection. If you still weren’t convinced then let’s talk about the ambiance of the rustic marine engine building has the biggest bar, high top and corner booths. Wanting to catch a game? Lucky for you there is a big screen. Also, on Saturday Nights they have local musicians and DJs playing live music. The buzz of happy hour tends to role into the dinner crowd as the IPAs flow and the bourbon sits on the rocks. Did you know that Engine Room and Oyster Club are sister restaurants? They are owned and run with the commitment to ingredients from local farmers, fisherman, and purveyors.
3. Oyster Club
If you ask any local they will tell you to hit the iconic beaches and area attractions, and then they will tell you to go for local taste at Oyster Club in downtown Mystic. Oyster Club is a restaurant that offers Fresh Farm & Sea to table with a menu that is specifically prepared for the day. They offer food that is not just seasonal but also locally sourced and fresh. Their view of the open kitchen creates warmth and comfort in this upscale restaurant with faithful local sourcing. Oyster Club also “Keeps’ it Reel”. Enjoy food right off the boat and brought straight into the kitchen. You can order-up some chowder, raw bar, or the fresh-catch fish. Also catch the Happy Hour for a “BUCK-A-SHUCK” any night of the week. This bar and restaurant marry a quant cottage feel with a historic nautical feel. Oyster Club is in the heart of Downtown Mystic and allows you to escape into this elegant dinner retreat romantic and intimate or easily social as happy conversation can be shared across the bar. As mentioned above Engine Room and Oyster Club are sister restaurants that are owned and run with the commitment to ingredients from local farmers, fisherman, and purveyors.
4. Friar Tucks
Gary Hobert, a Mystic native, brought a much needed spot to Downtown Mystic marrying a Sports Bar, Irish Pub, and Outdoor Seating into one. The thrill of the game inside with surround sound 360 TVs, wings, and a beer is perfect for your favorite team’s hoodies in the fall and local brews. The summer high tops in the backyard garden with live music signature dishes and seasonal craft cocktails creates a date night or happy hour getaway in a lost city feel “tucked” away in the factory square building commons. from sports bar to summer getaway, the beach-goers, to the local fisherman, the locals to the tourists, the vibe is relaxed and the beers are cold! Right in the heart of Water Street in Factory Square downtown Mystic. The Winner of CT Magazine Readers Choice Award for Best New Restaurant and Best Late Night Restaurant for 2018.
5. Bravo Bravo
Fine wine and authentic contemporary Italian food pairs pastas, sauces, and breads with local seafood. Ask the bartender to pair the red or white of choice with the entrees or test a few signature cocktails. The eclectic new design of downtown Italy meets local Mystic with the vibe of young professional happy hours and romantic date nights. Bravo Bravo is the perfect spot for a date night! The fun lively background becomes background noise to a romantic date night as seating is intimate and the dining is elegant. The fine wine, the local bread and olive oil, and the appetizers, quiets down the pace of dinner to make it seem like a vacation away from the hustle of daily life. You will want to make a reservation but if you need to wait by the bar before the table is ready, then that is a good start. The upscale atmosphere introduces the night with daily specials and recommendations for signature cocktails.
Whether you are visiting or new to area, these are the 5 restaurants you must try. This selection of restaurants each offer something different while also incorporating some of the local goodies that Mystic has to offer.
