Dinner just tastes better out-of-doors and we wait all year to dine al fresco.

Fresh Salt at Saybrook Point Resort
Dine overlooking the Sound at Fresh Salt, and feast on clam chowder, cioppino, lobster rolls, burgers, those irresistible homemade chips, and a full menu of classic coastal entrees. Don’t miss the Fresh Salt Style Clam Chowder Fresh: Half creamy New England and half brothy Rhode Island. 
2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook
saybrook.com

Shanks
Shanks is our go-to for fried seafood (I always have my once-a-summer fried belly clam plate here), but there’s so much more!  Think lobster nachos, a damn good clam chowder, grilled or fried seafood tacos, a selection of sandwiches and a kids menu. BYOB, and lounge on the deck overlooking Clinton Harbor. 
131 Grove Street, Clinton
shanksclinton.com

Cafe Flo, Old Lyme
One of the best summer lunch spots on the Shoreline, Cafe Flo has an enticing menu of fresh salads, sandwiches and entrees and comes with the most spectacular view of the Lieutenant River. The Lobster, Avocado and Corn salad is my favorite! Reservations recommended. Check the website for monthly Tuesday night dinners. 
96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme
florencegriswoldmuseum.org

Otto, Chester 
Stuff yourself with some of the best pizza on the Shoreline on their outdoor patio by the river under the festive sailcloth tent. A favorite! Wine, beer, creative cocktails. No reservations. 
69 Main Street, Chester 
ottochester.com

Ocean House, Watch Hill
Summer isn’t summer without at least one visit to the Ocean House for cocktails and oysters on the stunning Verandah overlooking the Atlantic. Reserve your spot for Lobster Bakes on the Beach on select Fridays. 
1 Bluff Avenue, Westerly RI 
oceanhouseri.com

Treehouse at The Oyster Club
Oyster Club’s winding stairs lead up to the tented Treehouse with a view of the Mystic River. They’re changing things up this year with a Mexican menu. 
13 Water Street, Mystic 
oysterclubct.com

Drift
We’re always happy to hang out on an expansive deck with a 180 degree view of the CT River, feasting on fish tacos, and that’s precisely what you can do at Drift in Essex. A fresh update on your typical seafood joint, you’ll find the classics (fish and chips, lobster rolls both hot and cold), plus some elevated offerings like spicy shrimp in a pool of cheesy grits, one of my favorite smash burgers, the best salt and vinegar fries, fried chicken sandwiches (Laura’s go-to) and lobster watermelon and buratta salad.
37 Pratt Street, Essex 
eatdrinkdrift.com

The Place
Nothing has changed at this iconic Guilford restaurant since 1971, and that’s the charm. The menu is seafood, chicken, and steak grilled over an open fire. Seating is on tree stumps, plates are paper, and utensils are wooden picks. But it’s one big happy party, and there is nothing like roasted seafood with that wonderful smokey flavor. In the evening it’s a festive communal cookout.
901 Boston Post Road, Guilford  
theplaceguilford.com

Marker 37
By boat or on foot, head to Marker 37 for casual, modern American dining right on the banks of the CT river with an incredible and expansive view. Live music throughout the summer! 
Chester Point Marina 72 Railroad Avenue, Chester  
markerthirtyseven.com

Surfridge Brewing Company
Surfridge Brewing Company kicks off summer in Centerbrook with their spacious patio featuring live music, happy hours, raw bar, wood-fired pizza and more.  
6 Main Street, Building 3, Centerbrook 
surfridgebrewery.com

Bar Bouchee, Madison
Our favorite bistro, Bar Bouchee, serves French classics, including Hanger Steak, Croque Monsieur, Escargot, and Profiteroles on the tented terrace in front of the restaurant. 
8 Scotland Avenue, Madison 
barbouchee.com

The Hangry Goose
Outdoor dining smack on the Lieutenant River. Breakfast, lunch and dinner (check the opening hours) A serving scrumptious mussels, burgers, flatbreads and much more. Perfect for rosé with a view!
11 Halls Road, Old Lyme 
hangrygoose.com

Noah’s at 63 Main
Brought to you by the team behind Eli Cannon’s in Middletown, the menu here is driven by classic American favorites like burgers, tacos, clam chowder, a bevy of salads, raw bar, and Eli’s famous chicken wings. The bar offers a slew of creative cocktails and a stunning CT River view. Lawn seating, too. 
63 Main Street, Essex 
noahs63main.com

Siren Kitchen + Bar
Take the shortest ferry ride to this fun and casual spot, located at Essex Island Marina. Enjoy a seafood-based menu with classic lobster rolls, plus creative sandwiches, salads, and gluten-free options. 
11 Ferry Street, Essex 
sirenkitchenandbar.com

Red36
Red36 offers a coastal vibe and an outdoor bar, lounge areas, and dining on the Mystic River, with a smart menu of standards. Snack on burgers, fish and chips, and fried clams, plus one of the best Bloody Marys we’ve tasted.  
2 Washington Street, Mystic 
red36ct.com

Read the entire Summer Guide here.