New American Restaurants near East Lyme, CT

“Amazing food and a really great atmosphere. The chef puts so much care into what she does and she makes everything tasty“

“Girls run this world, the bartenders here are genuine no joke queens! Be patient, there is 1 of them to 50 of us and they make it look easy and that’s an understatement. Wings are great, drink selection is diverse and plentiful atmosphere is comfortable and local. Great meet up spot for friends! Come on down and see this staff sleigh their magic, shoutout to Jenna, Lisa, & Abigail!“

“My favorite place to go at Mohegan Sun Casino! I had the chicken and waffles, my Daughter had the lemon chicken … delicious!“

“I’d give this place ten stars if I could. Here at the Mohegan Sun Casino for a work conference. Decided to stop in for dinner, unbelievable!!! Was alone so I sat at the bar. No request was too big for the staff. Worth every penny. MJ is the 🐐“

“While it is a little off the beating path, it is a fine establishment that has been in the area for several years. Their prices are reasonable. Their menu is varied and quite good. Always a consideration when looking for a last-minute place to go during the week for dinner.“

“The Neon Chicken — Comfort Food, Community, and the Warmest Welcome in Town

The Neon Chicken is one of those rare, special places where the food is wonderful, but the people and the feeling are what make it unforgettable. From the moment you walk through the door, Jamie greets you like she’s known you your entire life — and honestly, it’s hard not to feel that way. She has that effortless warmth, that genuine kindness, that ability to make everyone feel like family the moment they arrive. It’s the kind of welcome that stays with you.

This is comfort food at its absolute best. Hearty, homemade, generous portions, full of flavor, and clearly made with love. My personal favorite is the turkey dinner — the kind of meal that instantly takes you back to holidays and home-cooked memories. Tender turkey, classic sides, savory gravy… it’s exactly what comfort food should be: soothing, satisfying, familiar in the best possible way.

What makes The Neon Chicken truly shine, though, is the heart behind it. Jamie is the soul of this place. I once watched her help a man at his table who was being a little gruff and frustrated — the kind of situation many people would tiptoe around. But not Jamie. She handled it with absolute grace. She walked over with a smile, kindly answered every question, helped him with his food, and somehow managed to turn the entire moment around. You could see the tension leave the table. It was one of those quiet, human moments where you realize: this is what community looks like.

And that’s The Neon Chicken — a place where people are taken care of. Jamie seems to know everyone who walks through the door. Regulars greet her by name, she remembers families, favorites, stories. New visitors get the same warmth as returning ones. It’s a restaurant, yes, but it’s also a little anchor of comfort in the neighborhood.

The atmosphere itself matches the spirit of the place: cozy, simple, unpretentious, and filled with the comforting smell of good food cooking. It’s a place you can go when you’re hungry, when you need a moment of kindness, or when you just want to feel welcomed by people who genuinely care.

In a world where so many restaurants feel rushed or impersonal, The Neon Chicken is a breath of fresh air — a reminder of what hospitality really means. Excellent food, generous hearts, and a sense of community that’s impossible to fake.

Jamie makes this place shine, the food keeps you coming back, and the feeling of being treated like family stays with you long after you leave.

If you’re looking for comfort — on your plate and in your day — The Neon Chicken is exactly where you want to be.“

“01.26.25- 'Big Al's Reel Reviews' - Little Galapagos Restaurant ❤️ City of New London ❤️ I dropped into The Little Galapagos Restaurant this evening to review a couple of their popular menu items which were Chicken Wings, Thai Chilli Sauce followed by Carne Asada Ecuadorians Style meal that was actually really Dope ❤️ however the Chicken wings were not great at all so they earned a Thumbs 👎🏾 The atmosphere and service was really dope there and I am sure that had I ordered anything else on the menu besides the Wings would have been just as good as the Carne Asada. This is a great place to have a great meal and a dope light experience at the same time 😎 Thank you, Little Galapagos Restaurant 119 Broad St. ❤️ City of New London ❤️ ☝🏾❤️ -Big Al Mayo 'Always Keeping it REAL to REEL'“

“Black point pizza is always my go to when I want an absolutely amazing pizza. for me I have the cooks keep it in the oven a bit longer so it stands up when you pick it up to eat. the sauce is to die for also. if you like your pizza a little more firm just ask and the cooks are happy to make your food exactly as you like. minor the owner is a stand up guy and really did good with this recipe. the salads and his homemade balsamic dressing is the best I've had from anywhere. if you have not come out to black point you are really missing out. I promise you won't be disappointed 🍕 #gettotheoint #Blackpoint #thebestpizza #soooyummy #greatcustometservice“

“This is absolutely my favorite place to eat in old saybrook. Whether it be breakfast or lunch or dinner I have not been disappointed. I was especially impressed by breakfast here. My waitress Paige was so accommodating and kind. She made all the difference in the experience we had. I wish they had 10 of her. I would highly recommend for atmosphere hospitality and food. Above and beyond and excellent.

I have been back a dozen times since the review posted above. Valentine's Day brunch was nice. The dining enhanced by the pasta station which was fabulous. Chef Lam is simply amazing! He went out of his way to make the food and the Fresh Salt experience perfect. Staff like this will keep us coming back again and again. Thanks Fresh Salt and Thank you Lam.

Since my last review I have continued to visit Fresh Salt. It is hard to believe that my experience has been better and better.

Owner Viola so genuine and sincere. She is thoughtful and really cares about her customers experience in her hotel and restaurant. She also cares about people and that shows. I love the restaurant but will always choose this as a number one spot as an owner with so much integrity is too rare. Thank you Viola from Elena and family.“

“is a 100% recommended... new Menu, New Chef... breakfast lunch and dinner“

“My go to spot before going to an event at the Sun or just spending the day gambling. .99 cent wings and $4 domestic drafts in this economy? Yes please! Not to mention they have 2 top notch servers in Amie and Elise.I notice the difference in service when I don't get them.“

“Good food.. great service“

“Excelente lugar para disfrutar en familia“

“Just got back from the 1st Sunday of the month night with Mystic Dead. Met the owner who seemed like a super humble and unassuming guy. The staff and the food and the band (of course) were all amazing! Looking forward to chilling down by the river after the shows when the weather warms up a bit. Drove down 2 hours for this show at this venue. Totally worth it on all accounts!!“

“good food but over priced for what you get. probably won't go back.“