Restaurants near North Stonington

“📅 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”

“Outstanding food, service, atmosphere. Pricing was well worth the huge portions. First time visit. Would definitely return. Five stars.”

“Nate & his dad are great people! Their food is delicious! the beers are very good too. We love coming here because of the amazing atmosphere!”

“Best Eggplant Grinder I have ever had. I had it on the sesame roll. I totally recommend.”

“So glad we found this hidden gem ! Staff was super friendly, and quick. Red onion burger was probably thee best burger I've ever had ! French fries were super crispy and delish!! Hubby got a chicken parm grinder and cheesy fries. So much food we took a doggie bag to go. Pies and cakes looked super yummy. Friend got a small pizza and it was just loaded with so much meat !! Great food, excellent prices. If we are ever back in the area we will certainly visit again !!”

“Beautiful lake views while outdoor dining on the rustic patio trimmed with flowers & just perfect for an afternoon out!! Wether you enjoy golfing or just dining, give this a try!!”

“Bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich was so delicious!!! I loved the home fries, they had so much flavor and the sausage biscuits and gravy were incredible!!!! Thank you for amazing food at an affordable price.”

“First time ordering today. Food is excellent. I am so glad i tried them. It is delicious. Best food we have had.”

“Subway is subway, it's mediocre food but sometimes that's what I want, this particular subway does always tend to be better than others I've eaten at and when I tend to stop in only on certain days of the week the employees are always welcoming and friendly and always make a well structured sandwich, couldn't ask for more when going into a subway.”

“Let me start by saying that the staff was absolutely amazing! Very friendly and fast. Their shop was clean and they kept it clean. Tables were wiped down and the floors were kept clean as well. No trash just lying around. The food tasted and looked fresh as well, which is always a huge plus! I’m not usually a fan of Sbarro’s but I’d definitely consider eating here again. Not bad. Not bad at all. Definitely recommend!”

“Everyone complaining about the prices seem to forget that this location is a highway truck stop so everything is a higher price. A pack of cigarettes is over $15. Even with the pricing I'm still stopping for a pastrami sub and a two piece fried chicken.”

“I'm not sure why the negative reviews. We went last night and had a great time. Michele was our server and she went above and beyond to make our night memorable and enjoyable. She entertained my son with his many jokes amd she kept checking in to make sure we had everything we needed and wanted.

The ambiance is nice, and comfortable.

My son had the Steak Frites and I had the Salmon. Everything was cooked well and had flavor. The cheese pull on the mozzarella sticks was insane.

My only critiques: The rice pilaf was wet and not pillowy. It was different but I wasn't mad at it it was very flavorful.

And they put parsley over the fries... maybe skip that for the kids lol.

We ordered the s'mores dessert to-go. Double check that they toasted the marshmallow before you leave. They didn't but Michele fixed that real quick! It is large and shareable - not my favorite brownie but mixed with the fudge and marshmallow it was fine.

In all - it was a great experience! Some people beside more ordered some bowl dishes that looked amazing and they finished it all ... not sure why the negative reviews on flavor. I was pleasantly surprised.”

“I need to add a bulb to the enter sign because that is not lit up only the exit and when you're not from around here like myself end up going right past it. And you know the you're looking for the entrance yet at night you can't see the the enter sign because it's not lit up. That's terrible”

“This is my go to every moring and has been great can be slow at times but only because it's a busy location was very happy to see sara was back behind the counter she is always pleasant and friendly”

“We had a truly fabulous meal at Barbary Coast recently! Lauren was taking care of us and was very kind and helpful with the menu. We had the spreads and bread, beets, salad, whole fish and steak. All were delicious, flavorful and fresh. The menu and wine list is a bit limited but it’s a small restaurant so it makes sense. They still had something for everyone. The bottle of wine we had was delicious as well. This is a great addition to the Mystic food scene which was lacking in great Mediterranean places.”

“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.”

“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”

“So very disappointed. Was there with a disabled person and treated terribly by customers and wait staff. Food was not good and service was terrible. Have been there previously and had a much better experience. I am not sure what changed but definitely will not go back or recommend this place if the same rude waitress is there. So very disappointed.”

“Great atmosphere and the very BEST bartenders! Especially Yvonne ❤️”

“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.”

“Just enjoyed amazing cocktails (Gimlet and Curry Barbados) and Nosh (mushrooms had amazing flavor, Korean fried chicken sandwich, salty and delicious, empanadas crisp and yummy) from their Happy Hour menu which is being expanded from 4:00 to 6:00. On Tuesday starting at 6:30 or 7:00 is a jazz quartet which we sadly had to miss but will definitely be back. Our waitress Claire was darling and very informative. Bartender was spectacular!”

“This was our first time at Amalfi and it won't be our last! The food was amazing!! The staff was wonderful and the decor was perfect! You won't be disappointed. We can't wait to go back.”

“📅 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””

“We’ve been coming to Oyster Club since it opened in the early 2010s, and this visit may have been our most memorable yet. This restaurant — and its ownership group — has been the driving force behind the Mystic restaurant renaissance, and they continue to set the standard for excellence.\n\nThe space itself adds so much to the experience. With rough-hewn beams and warm wooden paneling, it feels like a cozy New England barn — inviting, intimate, and perfectly aligned with the farm- and sea-driven menu.\n\nWe began with the beets. Beets! Truly the best we’ve ever tasted. Deep, sweet, earthy, and prepared with such care that you can tell everything is sourced thoughtfully and cooked with intention.\n\nFor entrées, I had the winter flounder with cabbage while my wife had the tagliatelle. Both were outstanding. After my first bite of flounder, I actually closed my eyes just to savor it and try to identify each layer of flavor — everything complemented everything else.\n\nThe service was exceptional. Our server, Colleen, along with the rest of the staff, made sure we were never without a refill or anything we needed. And what we’ve always loved is that Oyster Club aims to turn customers into friends — after this visit, I’m pretty sure we’ve become their newest best friends.\n\nRenee Toupance, a two-time James Beard Award finalist (Best Chef: New England and Best Chef: U.S.), clearly pours tremendous thought into every dish. The flavors are balanced, intentional, and beautifully harmonious. And my rye cocktail was the perfect balance of delicious and boozy.\n\nAnother unforgettable visit to a place that remains a true gem. We’ll be back again — and often.”

“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.”

“Never had a bad meal there and the food always comes out HOT! The Italian vibe brings me back to my childhood days 🍝”

“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”

“Best spot in downtown Westerly. I fact best spot in Westerly and surrounding areas.”

“Wonderful bagels and yummy breakfast sandwichs. Fresh Fresh Fresh! Get there early because they SELL OUT. They're that good. Woman owned, run, and powered by love!”

“best breakfast ive had in a long time.”