We’ve all got our rites of summer, and high on many Nutmeggers list is the first lobster roll. I decided to take mine at the freshly renovated Treehouse at the Oyster Club in Mystic. If you’ve never been, this series of decks on top of the restaurant has you dining in the treetops. What we love about it (besides the vaguely Robinson Crusoe feel) is that you’re getting the same earnest sea-to-table, all local ingredients as the acclaimed restaurant downstairs. But here it’s dialed down a notch. Think summer seaside fare, from Rhode Island Clam Chowder to Saugy Dogs. You’ll be hard-pressed to skip the lobster roll, served warm and buttered on a brioche roll with fantastic fries, but if you do, go for the tacos. We loved both the Tinga de Pollo (shredded chicken) and the fried fish. They’re on the small side, so consider sharing as a starter along with the wood-fired veggies, straight from the Oyster Club’s own Stone Acres Farm. Throw caution to the wind and absolutely have the scrumptious grilled cornbread with maple butter, (or save your cornbread for dessert and order the shortcake version).

The Tree House is known for their spirits, and the bartenders are kept busy shaking up a refreshing menu of cocktails. For me, the Forget-Me-Not is a fresh take on my favorite Aperol spritz, a blend of Lillet, citrus, and Cava. The crowd favorite apparently is the Pain Killer, but that’s a rough thing to order at lunch!

New this year is the counter and bar. Find a seat on the deck and queue up to place your order. A sweet team of servers will deliver your meal in a flash, but you’ll want to linger in the treetops for a little longer.

Visit Tree House at Oyster Club

We’re huge fans of all the Oyster Club’s sister restaurants: read what we had to say about Engine Room here, and Grass and Bone here.