50 Best American Restaurants near Mystic

“Our server Randi was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. She is a real p.lus for your business. The firecracker shrimp was amazing.“

“The Shipwright's Daughter came highly recommended to us by locals we had talked with while vacationing in Mystic, and it did not disappoint. We booked a reservation for 7:15pm on a Saturday evening, and we were seated promptly at 7:15. From the hosts initial greeting, to our server first introducing herself at the table, every staff member made us feel welcomed. It was lovely. The cocktail my girlfriend ordered and the local draft I ordered were both outstanding. Our appetizers of Oysters on the Half Shell and a Yellowfin Tar Tar served on a Potato Pavé, were both so delicious, full of flavor, and beautiful. Our entrees consisted of the Zucchini Bucatini and the Duck Confit special, and both came out perfect. The seasoning, the cook of the duck, the plating were all immaculate. It's very clear the staff takes pride in their work, and make sure the guests have an outstanding experience. We finished with dessert, a Plum Sorbet Pavlova with a Peach Reduction, an Espresso Martini, and an Irish Coffee. We were finished with our meal and drinks and on our way by 8:20pm. All in all, it was the best experience I've had in a restaurant. The meals were phenomenal, the staff was top tier ( I apologize I can not remember our waitresses name, but she was outstanding), and the overall experience was more than I could have hoped for. If you are traveling to the mystic area, and you want to have an outstanding dining experience, this is the place for it“

“I loved the popover and I had a great salad too! The place itself was small and crowded. Would like to try again sometime when there aren’t so many people.“

“One of my favorite local spots! Fun atmosphere and great food with indoor and outdoor dining and a great beer selection. . My family loves the charcuterie pretzel and their burgers. The corn bread is a must try.“

“Came here for the museum’s member appreciation day, and the Tavern was serving complimentary snacks. I didn’t get the name of the person working behind the bar making drinks that night, but he was working alone and despite it being really busy (and hectic), he was patient, polite and funny with everyone there. While my family sat outside at one of the tables to enjoy the music, he brought out a fresh batch of hot pretzels that he had just made and he gave it to us, and another table. We all sat and watched the sunset while enjoying music, and delicious pretzels!“

“love love love this place! 😀 ❤ such a good environment with such good people!!! come in for great food!“

“The food was very good! My husband and I shared the Lobster roll it wasn’t overly buttered , you can taste the lobster. The atmosphere eas nice and service was good.“

“Best non A5 Wagyu steak I’ve had at any restaurant ever. And I’ve had many a steak. Just wow.

Bonus: Their lunch smash burger, with an extra patty if it doesn’t already have one, with the patties well done is probably the best “upscale” smash burger from a true sit down spot I’ve had. And I don’t think there are many people out there who have had more smash burgers all over the U.S. than me 😂“

“We didn’t have the best experience for Valentine’s Day but we came back and had a much more enjoyable experience tonight ! Service and food were both great . We will be back 😀“

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

“02.12.25 'Big Al's Reel Reviews' dropped into a Spot located in the Town of Stonington called Dog Watch Cafe. I dropped in unannounced late this afternoon to find out if this spot is serving up Great food, great service with a great atmosphere. Absolutely everything about this place is amazingly Dope!! I absolutely loved the full experience from the service, the atmosphere and most importantly the delicious meal! Dog Watch Cafe is without a doubt a Top Notch restaurant! This place is Off The Hook!! 💣💣💣 Thank you Dog Watch Cafe 👍🏾 194 Water St. Town of Stonington, CT See you on the rebound, ☝🏾❤️- Big Al Mayo“

“One of our breakfast favorites in fact I had a big surprise birthday party there a year ago and it was outstanding quality of the food was 1st class, the service was outstanding they could not do enough to please and made sure it went well. Been a regular there ever since consistent outstanding quality with super service.“

“Just visiting from out of state (NY) and stopped in late for a bite. Never had a meal at Johnny Rockets. The Mgr., Mike greeted us with a warm smile and seated us. Very friendly and made us feel at home. Our server, Becky was great. Working hard with a smile . Very pleasant to talk to. Food arrived quickly and was delicious. Original burger and cheese fries and tuna salad sandwich. Very pleased. Looking forward to eating at Johnny Rockets again in the future“

“Was really happy we decided to come here. The food great and we each enjoyed our meal thoroughly. We will absolutely be back in the future.“

“Was very disappointed when we took friends of ours there and told them how good the bread was but when we ordered from Jack was told the bread now costs and yet we were there two weeks ago and bread was offered. Also we had to ask Jack what the specials were and he acted put out. What a change from two weeks ago with waiter Greg who was awesome“

“📅 01.10.26 ✍🏾 BIG AL’S WRITTEN REVIEW ✨Big Al’s Reel Reviews - EP.200 🍾🎉 🍽️ Tin Peddler 👍🏾🫳🏾 📍 North Stonington, CT Visited on 01.10.26 ✨ Episode 200 was very special for me. I’ve now walked into 200 small businesses, spent my own money, recorded, edited, and put together 200 full episodes shining a light on local spots and by bringing real eyes, real viewership, and real attention to places that deserve it. That doesn’t even count all the other videos I’ve done along the way supporting even more businesses. This moment means a lot to me because this entire journey has been 100% done by me and 100% supported by you. I truly appreciate every like, share, comment, message, and conversations along the way. Thank you for riding with me and being part of this from the beginning. It doesn’t go unnoticed. Now… let’s talk about how this night went. Walking inside, the place immediately looked beautiful. Warm, clean, and inviting. As the night went on, the room kept filling up naturally. I counted 14 tables total, and while we were sitting there, 10 of them were occupied. The vibe was lively, people were enjoying themselves, and the energy in the room felt right. Service was solid from the jump. Big shout-out to Tayla, our server, who was attentive, and kept everything moving smoothly throughout the visit. Most importantly, she was very friendly and I absolutely love her personality 😎 Now let’s talk about the food. Here’s what I lined up: 1️⃣ BBQ Dry-Rub Chicken Wings - $14 👍🏾👎🏾 Yo, these wings were good. Cooked well, seasoned nicely, and enjoyable to eat. No complaints there. But value matters. You’re getting six wings for $14, which breaks down to about $2.33 per wing, and that’s definitely on the high end for some wings. Taste gets a 👍🏾 Value gets a 👎🏾 They serve good wings… but the price stings a little. They should consider increasing the order from 6 to 8 wings. 🤷🏾‍♂️ 2️⃣ Mussels Marinara - $17 👍🏾 Solid mussels. Great portion size, served in a flavorful broth, and that warm grilled ciabatta bread was perfect for dipping. The Swiss chard mixed in with the onions was a really nice touch. No complaints here because it was delish.😎 3️⃣ Davis Farm Cornbread - $10 👍🏾 It was soft, moist, a little loose in texture, but still enjoyable. Nothing crazy, nothing that blew me away but a decent, respectable starter. 4️⃣ Peddler Burger & Hand-Cut Fries - $22 💣 Yo… let me talk about this burger for a second. This right here was an amazing burger. Cooked perfectly, juicy, flavorful, and balanced exactly how it should be. The special sauce with the onions was hitting, the bun was right, and I enjoyed every bite. 😋 This burger was a home run. Straight up. If this burger didn’t come through the way it did, this review would’ve been a lot more iffy. But it did. 😁 Easy bomb 💣 5️⃣ Beer-Battered Haddock & Fries - $26 👎🏾🤮 And now… the huge miss. This dish was horrible. The haddock was mushy, translucent, and the batter was separating from the fish. I love Haddock, it should be firm and flaky but this wasn’t even close. One bite and it ended up in a napkin. I don’t know if it was frozen, over-battered, or overcooked, but the texture was completely wrong and it did not taste good. I couldn’t eat it. I tried the coleslaw, hoping it might help save the plate. No way. It wasn’t good either. I just gave up. This earned a clear thumbs down 👎🏾. Note: Before wrapping up, I met Julian, the owner, on our way out the door and we took a photo together. I always respect when an owner shows face and engages with guests. My Final Thoughts: So here’s the thing with Tin Peddler. There’s a lot to like here. The space (I remember when it used to be a Subway Restaurant) has been remodeled beautifully, the vibe was right, and the place was clearly buzzing while we were there. Some dishes absolutely hit, especially that burger. But I’ve gotta keep it real. That burger saved the review. The fish & chips were an insult.🤷🏾‍♂️😄 When a dish comes out mushy, translucent, and inedible, that’s not something I can overlook. The wings were good but p“

“Food was great and atmosphere was wonderful!“

“📅 11.13.25 *WRITTEN REVIEW Big Al’s Reel Reviews - EP.180 Whitecrest Eatery 💎 (Velvet Mill - Stonington Borough, CT) Tonight I headed back inside the historic Velvet Mill for my next food adventure and Whitecrest Eatery did not disappoint. Founded in 2019 by husband & wife team Johan Jensen, a Danish born, British-trained chef, and Abby Hamann, a Connecticut native, Whitecrest focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and dishes that are handmade with care. You can seriously feel that philosophy the moment the plates hit the table/bar. I grabbed a seat at the bar, and the place was packed. The atmosphere was low-lit, warm, bustling, with high ceilings and beautiful décor that makes the Velvet Mill such a standout setting. Service was handled by a small three-person team: Liz (manager)- friendly, welcoming, and a supporter of Big Al’s Reel Reviews Amber (my bartender/server)- attentive and on point Jocy- helping run the floor Even with a full house, they kept everything moving smoothly. Service was bomb.💣 Now let's talk about the Food: 1️⃣ Steamed Wild Maine Mussels- $16 💣 BOMB The sauce- cream fraîche, herbs, Weissling, and lemon was addictive. Mussels cooked perfectly, full of flavor, and the sourdough they make in house and served with it was the perfect pairing. A strong bomb right out the gate. 2️⃣ Béarnaise Burger- $22 💣 BOMB Burger came out perfectly cooked bright pink inside, juicy, seasoned right. Alone, it’s a thumbs-up… But then the tallow fries hit. These fries are soft, hot, insanely flavorful, and some of the best fries I’ve had anywhere. The fries elevated the entire plate into a straight bomb. 3️⃣ Roasted Duck Breast- $36 💣 BOMB This dish was incredible. Duck breast cooked perfectly, tender, rich, and beautifully plated. The potatoes were absolutely amazing, and every bite delivered. I was full, but I wanted more. Another full bomb. ⭐ FINAL VERDICT: WHITECREST EATERY IS AN OFFICIAL BIG AL’S 💎 GEM SPOT 💎🔥 Every dish: bomb Service: bomb Atmosphere: bomb Experience: bomb That makes two Gem Spots inside the Velvet Mill 💎 Dock 9 and 💎 Whitecrest Eatery. If you’re in or near Stonington Borough, this place is absolutely worth checking out so get your a** down there right away, and make sure you tell ’em Big Al sent you! To the Whitecrest Eatery Team: Thank you, I had an amazingly Dope dining experience ❤️ ☝🏾❤️ - Big Al Mayo “See you on the Rebound, Peace✌🏾out”“

“Usually don't leave reviews but felt warranted.

In town for work and leaving tomorrow. Googled best fish fry Groton and ran across Sneekers. Looked good in the pics so why not. Cayla (sp?) was great and the beer was cold. Shortly after out came this piece of art. I honestly didn't think I could finish it, neither did Cayla. However fish doesn't travel well and it was too good to waste. So. Freaking. Good. It may not be the best I've ever had, but if it's not, I can't recall who was. Will Def visit each time in town.“

“We found this to be quaint little restaurant with water views. Our breakfast was delicious“

“Wow! I had the chicken parm bomb….. holy smokes it was amazing! If you like hot cocoa please order it. I have never had hot cocoa this good. Amazing amazing amazing“

“04.29.25- 'Big Al's Reel Reviews' Ep.90 💎Buford's Family Restaurant💎 126 Poquonnoc Rd. City of Groton, CT I am so glad that I was tipped off about this small spot by a fan because I have just discovered another 'Big Al's 💎 Gem Spot'. I walked into a warm welcome from the owner Margaret, who was also my server and she was such a sweet lady with a great personality. She was so friendly and great with all her customers and I sat there smiling the whole time. Buford's does not have a huge FB following with just over 1k followers but it is truly an Amazing Hidden 💎 Gem breakfast spot of Groton!❤️ I walked in the door ready to eat so I ordered and reviewed a couple popular menu items: 1. Western Omelet w/Home fries & wheat toast $13.00 💣 2. Buford's Big Breakfast w/pancakes $13.20 💣 The service and atmosphere of Buford's is very laid back, comfortable and when it comes to the food they don't disappoint! I started with the Western Omelet and I ate quite a bit of it because it was the bomb 💣 I knew that I couldn't finish all the food so I moved on to those fluffy delicious pancakes with two easy over eggs, Home fries, crispy bacon and sausage patty. It was all amazingly Dope and easily earned a bomb 💣 as well! I had an amazing experience at Buford's and I understand why the fans have shared great experiences dining there. You really need to get your a** down there right away and check out the latest 'Big Al's 💎 Gem Spot' for yourself. ❤️ Thank you Miss Margaret ❤️ 'See you on the Rebound, peace out!' ☝🏾❤️ -Big Al Mayo“

“Hands down one of my favorite places! The staff is wonderful and so friendly! We can’t wait to come back again in the spring!!“

“📅 11.15.25 *WRITTEN REVIEW Big Al’s Reel Reviews - EP.181 Noah’s Restaurant 👎🏾 Stonington Borough, CT Tonight I headed into the historic and absolutely beautiful Stonington Borough for Episode 181, and I started my evening with a quick stop at the nationally known Lobster Trap Tree. They just finished putting it up on Friday. You will see a ton of dope custom painted buoys, the whole display looks incredible. It’s only two blocks from Noah’s, so after checking that out, I took the short walk through the Borough and made my way over for dinner. I arrived early, around 4:30pm which was before the full dinner rush, but people were already flowing in. By 5:35 PM, in the dining section alone (10 tables total), 7 were filled and more guests were coming in minute by minute. Inside, Noah’s gives you that classic New England charm. It's beautiful. Warm lighting, rustic décor, and dope local prints of New London, Stonington, and shoreline scenes all across the walls. It genuinely felt like stepping straight into a Hallmark movie. My server tonight was Ryan, friendly, attentive, and had water waiting at my table right from the start. He also brought out bread with a plate of butter, which was a good touch. Service was friendly, but overall super slow. I waited 40 minutes for my main dish even though the restaurant wasn’t fully packed yet. Alright, let’s talk about the food... 🍽️ THE FOOD 1️⃣ Steamed Mussels- $14 Garlic, butter, white wine, parsley I really wanted to like these and I love garlic, but these mussels were overpowered. The garlic was extremely strong, to the point where it drowned out everything else. Worse, the mussels had a slightly sour taste, and the broth wasn’t enjoyable. I literally choked down 2 mussels on bread and I was done! I couldn’t finish them. 👎🏾 Thumbs Down 2️⃣ Oven-Roasted Chicken Wings- $13 (I chose BuffaBlue) The wings were a no-go for me. Dry, bland, over-baked - just not it. And the “Buffalo Blue” sauce? Yo Listen… I spent $13 for seven unseasoned chicken wings that were dry, over-baked, and came with a little tin of Frank's Red Hot sauce with a dollop of blue cheese dressing mixed in. That wasn’t going to cut it. No way. That was an insult 🤷🏾‍♂️ and that’s why these wings earned a 👎🏾 Thumbs Down 3️⃣ Fettuccine (Arugula/Walnut/Pesto)- $16+ Stonington Bay Scallops- $20 This dish saved the entire night. The pesto was fresh and flavorful, the pasta looked and tasted incredible, and the Stonington Bay scallops that are caught right off the boats here were sweet, tender, and absolutely delicious. This was the one plate that delivered. 💣 BOMB 4️⃣ Apple Crisp- $8 A rare move for me, I actually ordered dessert tonight. It was to cheer me up from the disappointing dinner. It didn't cheer me up but it was good. 💬 FINAL THOUGHTS Noah’s is a landmark here in Stonington, it’s been part of the Borough since 1979, and the atmosphere inside is truly beautiful. The town is charming, the décor is gorgeous, and the vibes were perfect. But the food tonight with one hit (💣), two major misses (👎🏾👎🏾), and slow service didn’t help. The mussels and wings were a disappointment, but the fettuccine with scallops was excellent. Based on tonights visit, Noah's Restaurant did not pass the Big Al's Reel Reviews 👎🏾 And as always, these are my honest opinions based on what I experienced. You know that I always keep it Real to Reel, and you can always go try it yourself and decide but for me, it's a no-go 👎🏾 "See you on the rebound, Peace✌🏾Out!" ☝🏾❤️ - Big Al Mayo “Always keeping it Real to Reel”“

“Sept 16 Par Four hosted the 45th Class Reunion of Fitch High School! The sunset & cool, breezy evening was matched only by the excellent wait staff and delicious buffet! We all had such a great time!“

“The food was great. The staff were amazing and the atmosphere was remarkable. Will definitely be coming back again and again“

“Coast is an amazing experience in a relaxing quiet separate room with ocean views. The carefully prepared gourmet small plates were each a delight to savor. The fluke sashimi , waygu beef and the mushroom sampler were outstanding. A Thank You to Abdiel, Sudan , Ashley and Chloe because their warm knowlegeable service and careful attention to detail truly elevated this experience. Thank You Chefs ! A Beautiful Anniversary Evening.
Deborah & Hank , Hopkinton RI“

“Highly recommend this spot if you're near the Foxwoods Resort and Casino! I had the Roy Rogers which is just Pepsi and grenadine syrup. That was awesome! And for the meal I had the short rib grilled cheese. It was packed to the brim with meat and flavor. The pickled onions were also a nice touch. The service was great all around.“

“Good food.. great service“

“It was our first time visiting here as a family from the UK on holiday. We had dinner at the restaurant and sat on the outside neck. The servers were lovely and did the job perfectly, with food and drinks brought to the table promptly.

I had macaroni cheese and the onions rings, with the cowboy dip as a starter. The macaroni cheese was delicious, super creamy, the onion rings were definitely some of the best we’ve ever had, and the cowboy dip was so nice and the dip was a good refreshing dip.

My family had fish and chips, and chicken burgers. They all enjoyed their food equally as much as I did.

Would totally recommend and if we ever visit this area again, we would definitely return. Thanks for a good meal!“

“Great local club. It’s been in great shape the last 2 years! Very good staff and lots of local members.“

“We loved this place large portions great food nice quiet place . We were visiting overnight and found this place for dinner we couldn't believe the amount of food for the price and to top it off a large piece of cake for dessert . Highly recommend“

“love this place! good food, family friendly...great atmosphere and awesome popcorn!!“

“great food, reasonably priced...amazing staff 🤗“

“The Pequot is a very special place and Ian is a great manager“

“BEST CLAM FRITTERS. I am a local guy and have lived here most of my life. Every summer I conduct my version of the great fritter chase. SEAVIEW SNACK BAR, is the 2023, UNDISPUTED winner. Best quality and Quantity of clams, best taste, best of all the cheapest. CONGRATULATIONS SEAVIEW, they got fritters right.“

“Just had an amazing breakfast at the salty heifer… Love the exotic fruits from the fruit bowl great conversation. Really enjoyed talking with the owner. Hopefully you guys can come visit us at Manchester Vermont.“

“Great. Love the patio dining and the Avalon Swan“

“The food is great and my family and I go at least once a week. All so the people that work there are great to. Love that place.“

“The sun really shines in this lovely restaurant! We sat in the bar area which was window lit, with great space between tables and a full lively bar. The food was exceptional... oysters, little necks, fish & chips.. just perfect. But the calamari was simply outstanding, the best I've ever had, and I test them everywhere.“

“Loved watch Adam Ezra Group playing there, comfortable setup and great sound.“

“Group of 7 to celebrate my in laws 50th Anniversary. Absolutely AMAZING service. Shout out to Sara who was the best server on the planet. Food was delicious. Portions were plentiful. Drinks were great. Could not give higher praise. Definitely highly recommend!!“

“Was very pleased with the service. Waitress was attentive but not overbearing. The food was exceptionally well prepared. For 2 apps, 2 entrees, desserts and coffee the price was reasonable.“

“This place had all the vibes you want in an Irish pub - great food, great beer selection, and great service. The outdoor area is very nice and has a fire pit to hang. Plenty of TVs inside if you want a catch a game. Very kind and accommodating staff. 10/10 experience, would return on my next visit to Mystic.“

“Exceeded my expectations. Food, drinks and service were good and the bull available for riding was a nice touch. I got the Country Fried Chicken and we shared the table chips and guac. The 3 other diners had different entrees which they enjoyed. Would return if I am there again“

“food was excellent and tater tots a highlight, when are you coming back to the UK? we missed you in London!“

“the food is super great and so is the service. we've gone twice and all the waitresses are so friendly and helpful. the food is also incredible. the biscuits and gravy is a standout for my husband and I, and hes from the south so he knows good biscuits and gravy. the waffles are delicious and fluffy. the Christmas cookie waffle is super tasty and seasonally adorable. highly recommend!“

“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.“

“Best halal fried chicken in the area, hands down. The chicken is always fresh, crispy on the outside and tender inside. I love their combos — you get chicken, fries, and a drink at a great price. Also tried the lamb over rice and it was packed with flavor. Owner and staff are polite and the place is clean. Late night cravings? They’re open late. 10/10 will be back! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“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'“