Yup, we’re still slightly confused about whether to dine out indoors or outdoors and suspect you might be, too! We’re also not ready to give up a relatively free-wheeling summer and this temperate weather is on our side. So, this week we’re revisiting our outdoor dining guide and adding a few new ones to the list.

By boat or on foot, head to Marker 37 for casual, Modern American dining right on the banks of the CT river at the Chester Point Marina. Coming soon: Brunch! Mon, Wed, Thurs & Sun 11am – 9pm, Fri & Sat 11:30-10pm. 72 Railroad Ave, Chester. Here’s our review. 

For classic English pub food and an expert beer list, visit Pennylane Pub‘s back patio/garden. Perfect for a lunch date or an evening out for some drinks and live music. Mon – Thurs 11:30 – 9pm, Fri 11:30 – 10pm, Sat 8-10pm, Sun 8am – 8pm.  50 Main Street, Old Saybrook. Read our review here.

Don’t miss Cocotte in the historic James Pharmacy, an authentic French bakery and cafe. Wed – Sun 8:30 – 6pm. 323 Main Street, Old Saybrook. Read about Cocotte here.

Kokomo’s is open year-round. This beach-front joint serves land and sea fare by a Caribbean chef. Daily 11am – 12 am. Read about our experience here. 88 Hartford Avenue, Old Lyme

Alforno Trattoria in Old Saybrook offers seating for 75 guests is available under the covered walkway that runs the length of the plaza. The main dining room and bar are now open, too. Sun-Thurs 5-9pm, Fri & Sat 5-10pm. 1654 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook. Read our review of Alforno here

Don’t miss Bufalina‘s wood-fired pizza, alongside their own beds of fresh herbs on their back patio. Enjoy Italian cocktails and small plates from a dolled-up, vintage VW bus while weather permits. Thurs – Sat 4-8pm. 1070 Boston Post Road, Guilford. Read our review here.

Sit outside at Bacari Social in Westbrook’s Safe Harbor Pilot’s Point Marina and enjoy small plates, salads, pasta and more with an Italian influence. Thurs & Fri 5 – 9pm, Sat 11:30 – 9pm, Sun 11:30 – 8pm. 63 Pilots Point Dr, Westbrook. Read more…

Chapter One Guilford is offering outdoor dining, as well as continuing their curbside pickup option. Hours are Sunday – Thursday, 12pm – 1am, Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 2am. 25 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Read the E-List review.

Moxie continues to have an outdoor scene. Dine on the Wall Street side, the back patio or in the adjacent yard under a giant tent. Wed – Fri 4-9pm, Sat 12 -10pm, Sun 11am – 4pm. 52 Wall St, Madison. More Moxie here. 

Red36 in Mystic has resumed their full menu and regular hours for outdoor dining. Happy Hour, too! Open on Tuesday-Thursday, 11:30am-9pm, Friday & Saturday 11:30am-10pm and Sunday 11:30am-8pm. 2 Washington Street, Mystic.

Visit the newly expanded Los Charros Cantina. Sit outside on the patio and imbibe in Margaritas while noshing on salsa flights, Queso Fundito, and more of chef Colt Taylor’s best dishes. Live music and Happy Hour/Reverse Happy Hour most nights. Tues – Thurs 4-9pm, Fri & Sat 4-10 pm. Check the website for details. Read our review here.

Summer classic The Place in Guilford is featuring their usual outdoor dining and takeout options til 10/24. Don’t forget, The Place is cash or check only. Open Monday-Thursday 5-9pm, Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 1-10pm, Sunday/Holidays 12pm-9pm. 901 Boston Post Road, Guilford.

One of our favorites for locally-sourced and seasonally inspired Italian fare, Grano Arso in Chester opened a festive, socially distanced outdoor patio for al fresco enjoyment of their hand-milled pastas, tasty main dishes (the pan-roasted chicken is Erica’s favorite!), and delectable desserts. Open Tuesday thru Saturday, 5-9pm. Take-out still available. Reservation only. 6 Main Street, Chester. Check out our review.

The Griswold Inn is still offers outdoor dining and curbside pickup daily from Mon-Thurs 11:30am-8pm, Fri & Sat 11:30-9pm Sunday 11-8pm. Located at 36 Main Street, Essex.

Aspen is now open. Reservations are strongly recommended and you can make them via “Open Table”. Open from Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30am to 9pm. 2 Main Street, Old Saybrook.

South Lane Bistro in Guilford has added al fresco dining, Sunday-Wednesday 4pm-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 4pm-9:30pm, and Sundays 4pm-8pm. 63 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Read our review.

Both the bookstore and the outdoor café at RJ Julia in Madison are open. Enjoy lunch on the patio Monday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Kitchen closes at 4 pm. 768 Boston Post Road, Madison.

Enjoy vineyard views at Rose’s Winery in North Branford Thursday-Saturday 11am-8pm. Sundays and Wednesdays 11am-6pm. Curbside pickup is still an option. 33 Branford Road, North Branford. Read our review.

The Engine Room is open indoors and for takeout and outdoor dining Monday-Saturday 11pm-10pm, and Sunday 10am-10pm.  14 Holmes Street, Mystic. Our review here

Dine al fresco at Grass & Bone daily from Sunday – Thursday, 10am-8pm, Friday – Saturday 10am – 9pm, Happy Hour Daily 3 – 6pm or order for takeout. 24 E Main Street, Mystic. Read our review!

Oyster Club is open and features year-round outdoor dining in their tent “Treehouse”. Open Wednesday-Sunday 4pm-9pm (Happy Hour 4-5pm) and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-2:30pm for Brunch! 13 Water Street Mystic, CT. Read our review of Oyster Club here!

Indulge in a much-needed vacation at the Weekapaug Inn. Accommodations–including fitness center, pool and beach–will be open along with outdoor dining at any of the three restaurants. 25 Spray Rock Road, Westerly RI.

Book a weekend getaway at the Ocean House in Westerly. Dine outside at COAST, the Bistro, and the Verandah, or pick up fast-casual meals at Seaside Terrace. 1 Bluff Ave, Westerly RI. Read our review of COAST here.

Dine overlooking the Sound at Fresh Salt, located outside at Saybrook Point. We recommend calling ahead to reserve outdoors since seating is limited and weather-dependent. Check out their website for live music and other events. Open Monday-Thursday 11:30pm-8pm, Friday-Sunday 11:30pm-9pm. 2 Bridge Street, Old Saybrook. Here’s our review!

La Marea continues to offer indoor and outdoor dining, curbside pickup, which you can order by phone and pay by credit card only. Seating available Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday 4-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 4-10:00 pm. 732 Middlesex Turnpike, Old Saybrook. Read our outdoor dining review.

Café Routier plans to reopen its outdoor dining in April. Dinner service available 5pm-8pm weekdays and 4pm-8:30pm on weekends. 1353 Boston Post Road, Westbrook. Our review!

Chester’s River Tavern and Otto are open for indoor and outdoor dining Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm. Sunday: 12pm – 3pm, 4pm – 8pm. Our review!

Old Lyme’s Hangry Goose is open for outdoor dining on its patio overlooking the Lieutenant River! Open 7am-2:30pm Monday through Saturday and 7am-12pm Sunday. Read the E-List review of The Hangry Goose under new ownership!

Carlson’s Landing, located in Essex Village, has lots of outdoor options. Thursday -Saturday 11:30am-9pm,  Sunday 11:30-8pm. Check out our outdoor dining review from 2020!

Cafe Flo til 10/31. By reservation only (860) 434-5542 x 126.  Limit your party to 5 people. Open Tuesdays through Sundays 11:30am to 2:30pm.