“Love the Flavors and the Novelty of This Gem! So Sad You're Closing for the Season in October! Don't know bout anyone else but I Eat Ice Cream All Year Long!”
Customers` Favorites
“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.”
Customers` Favorites
“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”
Customers` Favorites
“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.”
Customers` Favorites
“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.”
Customers` Favorites
“My wife and I went here for one of the stops on our honeymoon. The golf cart ride from the remote parking lot was relaxing. We had a water front seat It was absolutely breathtaking. The food was amazing the waiter was friendly and took time to answer any questions we had. We will be back one of the best seafood restaurants we’ve been to.”
Customers` Favorites
“Delish food excellent customer service wonderful atmosphere”
Customers` Favorites
“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!”
Customers` Favorites
“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.”
Customers` Favorites
“Love me the biscuits and sausage gravy. Although you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu 10 out of 10”
Customers` Favorites
“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”
Customers` Favorites
“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.”
Customers` Favorites
“📅 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””
Customers` Favorites
“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.”
Customers` Favorites
“My husband and I visited S & P Oyster Co. on our honeymoon, and it truly could not have been a more exquisite experience. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm, inviting, and perfect for a special occasion. We started with fresh oysters on the half shell, pan-seared octopus, and pan-seared scallops, each dish was beautifully prepared and absolutely outstanding. For our entrées, we enjoyed the sesame-encrusted yellowfin tuna and the homemade squid ink pasta, both of which were exceptional in flavor and quality. Our waiter, Jeff, made the night even more memorable. He was attentive, knowledgeable, and kind, offering wonderful recommendations and never rushing us. The drinks were fantastic as well and complemented the meal perfectly. S & P Oyster Co. gave us a honeymoon dinner we will never forget. We can’t recommend this place enough and can’t wait to return. We make it a point to come every year!”
Customers` Favorites
“We love their food ! The service is always good”
Customers` Favorites
“📅 08.25.25 WRITTEN REVIEW Big Al’s Reel Reviews – Episode 154 Pink Basil 💎 Village of Mystic Connecticut (Olde Mistick Village) Mystic you didn’t disappoint me tonight. Pink Basil came through in a major way. From the moment I walked in the atmosphere was buzzing with energy, families locals and tourists all enjoying the Village vibe. The food the service and the whole experience had me locked in from start to finish. By the end of this meal there was no question… this one goes down as a Big Al’s 💎 Gem Spot. Service & Atmosphere: The service here was absolutely top notch. My host Payton got me started right. My server Mark handled everything perfectly... attentive professional and just an all around wonderful guy. Flora also stepped in with great support and I even got a photo with Travis the bartender. Behind the sushi counter two chefs were working hard and delivered rolls that blew me away. The whole team made this meal stand out. The atmosphere inside Pink Basil is vibrant and welcoming.... it’s clear why this place stays busy. Here’s what I lined up for this visit: 1️⃣ Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll 6 pcs- $13.95 Crispy flavorful and the perfect start. 💣 Bomb 2️⃣ Salmon Sushi Roll 6 pcs- $8.95 Even better than the tempura absolutely delicious. 💣 Bomb 3️⃣ Cashew Nut with Chicken- $17.95 Crispy chicken with onions carrots sauce and rice. Perfect balance of flavor and texture- exciting the palate. 💣 Bomb 4️⃣ Khao Soi with Duck- $26.95 Flavors exploding textures amazing. Absolutely delicious in every form. 💣 Bomb 5️⃣ Spicy Chili Garlic Noodles with Beef- $16.95 Bold flavors great spice cooked perfectly. 💣 Bomb ✅ Final Take: Pink Basil delivered a flawless performance. Every single dish earned a bomb the service was incredible and the atmosphere was on point. This is what I call the full package- food that excites staff that cares and a vibe that makes you want to come back. For me that makes Pink Basil a certified Big Al’s 💎 Gem Spot. ☝🏾❤️- Big Al Mayo “See you on the Rebound Peace✌🏾out””
Customers` Favorites
“This places food is awesome!! The vibe is great, the service is wonderful, will definitely be back”
Customers` Favorites
“The best around !!!!! We absolutely love the food and the service is excellent 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”
Customers` Favorites
“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.”
Customers` Favorites
“I love PP and Chicken Diablo is my FAV!”
Customers` Favorites
“Everything was Great!! I walked in expecting good service and good food and I walked out a happy customer. I ordered the bbq and the j*** sauce wings, It was amazing!! I was actually licking my fingers because the sauce was sooo good. I must add the decor was beautiful. It looked so elegant on first encounter and I found myself talking about it during my whole dinner. You won't regret eating at favorites. I promise you, I will be a regular over there.”
Customers` Favorites
“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.”
Customers` Favorites
“Outstanding food and service at this very cool rooftop eatery. Great for anytime of year and the food is some of the best of not the best you will ever have in Mystic. So, come enjoy and do not miss out! I had the mushroom tart, butternut squash soup, charcuterie platter, tuna nicoise and a delish blood orange drink. Everything was amazing!!”
Customers` Favorites
“Me and my daughter went to walgreens two days ago, and she said she wanted to go to this spot sometime. I looked up Birria tacos near me and this restaurant popped up. my daughter said they were delicious. i had gotten a steak torta amongst other things lol and OMG 10/10 💯 will be going again.And the customer service AMAZING”
Customers` Favorites
“We had a baby shower for my daughter and son-in-law at the Dog Watch Mystic, and I could not be happier with them. The tent and grounds were perfectly appointed, the food was fantastic, and the entire staff was wonderful. Thank you, Dog Watch!”
Customers` Favorites
“very cosy, nice waterviews, and really good boullabaise”
Customers` Favorites
“Friendly staff and of course, delicious ice cream! I had Cowabunga Crunch!”
Customers` Favorites
“LOVE THIS BAKERY!! Our first time in Mystic and we stopped in just for a coffee, ended up leaving with half the store! The almond croissant is amazing. The salmon sandwich is a must have, and the coffee is very good. During a road trip we made sure to bookend the trip at Sift. The ordering process is swift and efficient, and staff was friendly and relaxed, even on a very busy Sunday morning. I look forward to coming back very soon! Mystic itself is beautiful but not complete without a stop at Sift.”
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“We enjoyed our food very much. Got the turkey club and the Jamie (roast beef). Came with a little cup of soup and it's great. Family run business and everyone is so nice. Even bought coffee beans which the owner selected the blend to take home.”