A day out on the water should be an all-encompassing experience: family fun, good eats, and beautiful views. We have rounded up our favorite dock-and-dine restaurants in our local area for you to plan your next outing (or two or three)

Breakwater- Stonington, CT

Breakwater at Stonington Harbor is a waterfront restaurant located on the Connecticut shoreline in the Stonington Borough. Breakwater features seafood & more, specialty cocktails, stunning sunsets & views of Stonington Harbor & Fishers Island Sound. We offer gorgeous all season sunsets & a roomy bar to keep you warm in the winter!

Red 36 Bar & Grille- Mystic, CT

This is a must try for any local or visitor looking for a special place to dine out. There’s outdoor seating overlooking the Mystic River, the railroad bridge, and boats docked all around. The eclectic American menu changes seasonally, always offering fresh seafood and an extensive raw bar.  A diverse appetizer selection, multiple burgers and flat bread pizzas complete the menu, creating something for everyone.

Lobster Landing- Clinton, CT
This is one of CT’s most popular Instagram hotspots with the best hot and buttery lobster rolls year after year. The quaint little shack and view of the harbor make it perfect for pictures! What began as a little hotdog cart has exploded in to one of the most talked about and beloved places on the shoreline.

Bill’s Seafood- Westbrook, CT
Bill’s Seafood is locally known and loved by the boating community for its atmosphere and bar scene on the edge of the Patchogue River. When thinking of scrod, swordfish, tuna, big sweet lobsters, cherrystone clams and fried clams or our popular specials, Bill’s Seafood is the place to bring your family and relax.

Guilford Mooring- Guilford, CT
Located on the shores of Long Island Sound in Guilford, Connecticut, this restaurant offers classic preparation of timeless seafood dishes as well as your favorite cuts of beef. Their menu has a little bit for everyone and offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options as well. If the weather allows for it, we recommend you sit on the outdoor bar or patio for gorgeous views of the water. If you are bringing your boat, you can dock it at the Guilford Town Marina.

Rocky’s Aqua- Clinton, CT
Rocky’s is located in Cedar Island Marina overlooking Clinton Harbor, Cedar Island and Long Island Sound. Enjoy the never ending activity with the constant boat traffic, the southwesterly trade winds on one of our two beautiful decks. Come dock your boat here for free while you eat, or take a short walk over from our dock after a day on the water. This is a local favorite!

Have you tried any of these restaurants? What did you think? Let us know!