I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been going a little stir crazy from the beginning of social distancing and being stuck at home. With the weather getting nicer and with the summer season just starting out, I know I’m itching to get some fresh air! In light of restaurants opening back up all around Connecticut, our office got together to name our favorite summer spots around the state you should give a try this season!
#8 Bill’s Seafood – Westbrook, CT
Even though Bill’s Seafood may be open year round, it has a whole new feeling in the summer. You can dock your boat right along the Patchogue River and hop on their deck to enjoy your meal. Talk about atmosphere! We love this spot for it’s water views and live music, but keep coming back for those clam strips! Their menu is diverse and the drink list is a crowd pleaser.
#7 Crescent Beach Stand – Niantic, CT
Added as an extension of Flanders Fish Market in East Lyme, the Crescent Beach stand is our favorite breakfast spot in the summer! Just across the street and overlooking the Niantic Bay and Crescent beach, The Stand lends itself to a beach goers dream lunch venue. While the convenience is great, the food makes it awesome! I love grabbing a hot dog and fries for lunch while catching some shade under their covered deck.
#6 Harry’s Place – Colchester, CT
100 years! Harry’s Place has been around and serving up delicious burgers for 100 years! A classic little stand for Connecticut locals, order up your food at the window and wait at the picnic tables for your number to be called. Serving up all your summertime traditions, lobster rolls, hot dogs, onion rings, calamari, BLT’s, the burgers are what keep us coming back for more!
#5 The Dock, Waterford, CT
Tucked away in the corner of Mago Point in Waterford, The Dock is the place to go for fresh seafood, cold beer and those sunsets views you’ve been wanting to Instagram. Dock your boat right outside in the Niantic Bay and set yourself up for the freshest raw bar around. We love this spot to hang out at and watch the boats go by. And seriously, go at sunset!!
#4 Fred’s Shanty – New London, CT
Okay, this one’s my personal favorite! Located right on a marina on the Thames River, Fred’s Shanty has waterfront views and always a nice breeze. Their famous french fries are always on my plate. I can’t get enough of their fresh seafood, sandwiches, hot dogs and don’t forget the ice cream! Absolutely love this place for lunch on a hot summer day.
#3 Liv’s Shack – Old Saybrook, CT
We’re not talking about summer spots and the best lobster rolls if we’re not talking about Liv’s Shack. With its first brick and mortar at the Harbor One Marina in Old Saybrook, Liv’s has since expanded to a second location in Pilot’s Point Marina in Westbrook. Whichever location you’re headed to, make sure you try their famous lobster!
#2 Ford’s – Noank, CT
Right on the edge of Mystic Harbour and the Long Island Sound, Ford’s is a go to for lobster lovers everywhere. Lobster in all forms can be found at Ford’s, lobster bomb, lobster BLT, lobster tacos, lobster rolls – you name it they’ve cooked it! This little spot offers some great outdoor seating overlooking the water.
#1 Captain Scott’s – New London, CT
The Point One crowd favorite! This little hole in the wall is a tough one to spot, but a hard one to forget! Hidden along a small off street of Hamilton street in New London, Captain Scott’s has its own private view of Shaw’s Cove. The calamari is my favorite here, but all their seafood is greatly fresh and cooked deliciously!
Safe to say there is a trend in our office: waterfront, fresh seafood, good atmosphere. Our top 8 favorite summer spots all have this in common. So if you’re in the area this summer looking for an ocean breeze and some good food, help support all these local businesses!
