48 Best American Restaurants near Fishers Island

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

“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.“

“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“

“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.“

“📅 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”“

“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“

“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“

“This is a hidden gem, don't let the exterior strip mall front distract or deter you. This is a local place with great food and an inclusive atmosphere. We drove 13 hours from Detroit and felt immediately at home. Thanks to Marcela our waitress.“

“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.“

“Food was great and atmosphere was wonderful!“

“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“

“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!“

“📅 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”“

“Not only is the food delicious, but the staff are fantastic and truly make you feel like family. The East Lyme Shack is our go-to restaurant! Thanks, guys!!“

“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.“

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

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

“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“

“We had the most wonderful experience with Langley’s for our small, intimate wedding reception. The customer service was great from start to finish. The event manager Brian was incredibly attentive and made sure every detail was taken care of, ensuring our day went smoothly. The food was fantastic and we received rave reviews from our guests. The team went above and beyond by setting up our decorations exactly as we envisioned, making the space look beautiful. They were also very accommodating and willing to work with us in case we needed to move our outdoor ceremony indoors, as well. We highly recommend this venue for anyone looking for a place to hold your event.“

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

“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“

“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!“

“Great food, Great service! We were surprised how quickly the food came out even though it was busy. Love that the meat is local (humanely raised) and the house music playing on the patio seating was top notch. Great craft beers from different local breweries.“

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

“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 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!“

“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!!“

“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.“

“Rode my Harley from Hartford down to Mystic today to have lunch at Oyster Club. I was amazed at how good the oysters were. Absolutely delicious. I ordered the roast beef sandwich off the lunch menu. It was just as delicious. They even have a tree house with seating for dining. If I could give six stars, I would. I will definitely be back. If you are thinking about going there, then go. You won't be disappointed.“

“Went for lunch on a week day. Hostess was on the phone had to wait to be seated. A wait: to receive menu, get beer, order food and receive food. After server cleared some dishes waited for bill. Server was BSing 5 minutes with a customer leaving. Total time spent waiting a bit over 35 minutes out of a total spent there, one hour and 15 minutes.“

“Not only is the food fantastic but they’re so hospitable friendly but they don’t invade when you’re eating just kind hearted people their love shows in their food please visit I try something different every time“

“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'“

“Lovely Irish pub great food, great service tons of beers on tap if that’s your thing (always rotating). Biggest thing—delicious food. Really nice sandwiches/wings. Stop here probably once a year or so on the way to “gamble” (play Mario Kart 64 with my gassy friends in a Foxwoods hotel room)—don’t stop anywhere else on the way to “gamble”“

“First time visit. Totally awesome food. Quiche was phenomenal! Cranberry-Walnut bread (toasted and buttered) terrific. Staff was very friendly, accommodating. They sell mini baked pies, breads and other baked goods on the premises. The restaurant setting with views on the river was perfect. In warm weather, there is a covered deck to enjoy the river view even better. It's open today with Mother's Day specials. I'll be back again soon even though for me it's a 40-minute drive.“

“Kenzie was my server and as always ….was extremely pleasant, cheerful and positive. She checked in with me often to make sure I was good and that I had what I needed as she multi tasked for her other customers on a busy Friday night. The food is always great but it’s Kenzies personality..awesome interpersonal skills that makes it even better . When she serves people their food … her delivery is so warm and pleasant it feels like a good friend is waiting on you . I’ll keep coming back 😊👍🏻.“

“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! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“

“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 😀“

“11.11.25 *WRITTEN REVIEW Big Al’s Reel Reviews - Ep.179 🇺🇸 (Veteran’s Day Edition) 🍽️ Breakwater - Stonington Borough, CT Big Al’s 💎 Gem Spot It was one of those raw, windy Veteran’s Days down by the shoreline. My pops and I stopped first at Stonington Point, the American flag waving strong over the water. He looked at it and said, “I did my 20.” That line hit deep. From there, we made our way to Breakwater, a beautiful spot right on the harbor. The second we stepped inside, we were greeted by that warm coastal glow thru bright windows, with beautiful waterfront views, and a calm, classy energy. 💣 And then came one of those full-circle moments life throws at you sometimes… Our server was Trina, someone I worked with almost 30 years ago at Mohegan Sun Casino. Seeing her again made the day even more special. She was absolutely wonderful, kind, quick, and professional. It was everything you could expect. Service was top-notch. 💣 Now let’s talk about that food 👇🏾 1️⃣ Crispy Fried Calamari- $17.50 💣 Light, crispy, and perfectly fried. The cherry peppers gave it just the right kick, and that Thai Chili sauce was straight fire. Pops and I tore it down in minutes 🤷🏾‍♂️😀 both calling it a bomb. 2️⃣ Fish & Chips- $24.50 💣 Fried Atlantic Cod - Done golden and perfect. My fries were crispy and seasoned just right; My Pops went with sweet potato fries. Delicious Coleslaw, and with cocktail sauce every bite of fish hit. Comfort food at its best. We both said bomb 3️⃣ Seafood Pasta- $34.50 💣 This one was loaded: four big scallops, three shrimp, crab meat and two thick lobster pieces all swimming in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with a little sweetness from the julienne veggies. Every bite was rich, buttery, and flavorful. This s**t was incredible - bomb all the way. Everything we ordered hit. No misses, no maybes. Breakwater delivered from start to finish Son! Great atmosphere, phenomenal service, and food that was cooked with care and flavor. This Veteran’s Day review turned into something special. Breakwater is officially a Big Al’s 💎 Gem Spot. You need to get your a** down there right away and check them out and make sure you tell ’em, Big Al sent you! See you on the Rebound, Peace✌🏾out ☝🏾❤️ - Big Al Mayo “Always Keeping it Real to Reel”“

“Food was delicious. 10/10. Would highly recommend and come back when I’m in the area. Service was friendly even tho I did take out. Everything was packed neatly and included utensils.“

“Love the steak bomb for lunch.“

“Sin temor a equivocarme, es uno de los lugares donde se puede degustar la mejor comida peruana. Ayer fue un día especial (Día de las Madres) y fui a almorzar con mis hermanos. Llegamos aproximadamente a las 12:15 pm. e hicimos nuestro pedido de tragos y nuestro almuerzo. Una demora total: media hora para que lleguen los tragos y a las 2:00 pm. recién nos llegó el almuerzo. Llegó mucha gente y varios de ellos se fueron después de esperar más de una hora. Si van a tener una mayor carga de trabajo, contraten más personal aunque sea por ese día. Una cliente se quejo de la demora y uno de sus trabajadores dijo que no tenían personal, a lo cual ella respondió que le hubieran dicho eso desde el inicio y no después de esperar más de una hora. Tenía razón. En otra mesa, se olvidaron del pedido de una de las comensales, tuvo que comer del plato de su esposo. A la gente les gusta su sazón, pero corrijan por favor, el hecho de que cada cliente debe esperar como mínimo media hora para recibir su pedido. No es mi intención decirles como deben manejar su negocio, pero tengan más respeto por el cliente, que somos nosotros los que damos vida, ingresos y movimiento a esta empresa. Este comentario es solo una crítica constructiva Gracias por su atención ❤️“

“The brisket quesadilla were good and the customer service was great. 👍🏼“

“They gave me a choice of yes or no as to whether or not I would recommend them. Of course I said yes, but unfortunately, we did experience something that was unfortunate. We were a party of eight, one of us being a three-year-old. They sat us in the bar at a large table, and my grandson was seated between his parents. We arrived at noon, knowing we wanted to be quick because we had a three year-old with us. My grandson did really good. He had one or two episodes where he cried, but overall pretty good. Unfortunately, the table setting next to us made a comment to their waitress saying that children shouldn’t be in the restaurant and their waitress replied, yeah I know, that’s why I don’t have any. Then as we were leaving a group at the bar had something to say about kids should stay home. It was Easter Sunday, we were there about an hour total simply because we knew a three-year-old wouldn’t last long. The food was awesome. Our waitress was outstanding, but I would suggest not putting children in the bar area. It was disappointing hearing the other waitress agree with the table next to us that children shouldn’t be there. My grandson stayed seated between his parents and their focus was not on the meal. Their focus was keeping him busy and happy. To the lady at the table next to us and the loud mouth at the bar please remember you were once a child. Texas Roadhouse is family friendly so if you don’t like children don’t go to a family friendly restaurant, respectfully of course!“

“Had a nice birthday lunch there and tried the excellent Scallops with mushroom risotto. Soups and desserts all made in house. I enjoyed my meal looking out at the water. The restaurant has been remodeled and is beautifully decorated.“

“A Perfect Dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse

We had a fantastic experience at Longhorn Steakhouse! From the moment we sat down to the final bite, everything was spot on.

Why We’ll Be Back:
* Perfectly Cooked Steaks: The kitchen knows exactly what they’re doing. Our steaks were seasoned beautifully and cooked to the precise temperature we ordered. They were juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
* Top-Notch Service: Our waitress was wonderful. She was attentive and friendly without being overbearing, ensuring our drinks stayed full and we had everything we needed.
* Excellent Old Fashioned: If you enjoy a good cocktail, their Old Fashioned is a winner. It was well-balanced and the perfect companion to a hearty steak dinner.
* Impressive Speed: We were surprised by how quickly the food came out, especially considering how high the quality was. It’s the perfect spot for a great meal that doesn't drag on all night.
> Summary: If you're looking for a reliable, delicious steakhouse experience with great drinks and even better service, Longhorn is the place to go.“