On a recent weekend trip to Mystic, CT, we stopped by The Harbour House at the historic Inn at Mystic for dinner. The Harbour House serves fresh, seasonal and local cuisine in a relaxed and comfortable setting. For those who are familiar with the former Flood Tide Restaurant, a lot has changed. There is a new waterfront terrace from which diners can enjoy the gorgeous views of Long Island Sound, a large bar area which offers 24 beers on tap along with an impressive list of signature cocktails, and a cozy area by the fireplace.
Harbour House terrace
We’ve heard great reviews on Harbour House and our friends recommended requesting Don as our server. He was friendly, knew the menu well, and made excellent recommendations – both for food and drink.
Having a drink at the Harbour House
For starters we sampled a couple oysters and shrimp from the raw bar and enjoyed the warm focaccia bread which we dipped in their infused olive oil and apple wood-smoked salt. The New England Clam Chowder was excellent. Each spoonful was full of chopped Cherrystone clams with a hint of smoke from the hickory smoked bacon.
Selection from the raw bar
Jay and I loved the Mussels a la Portuguese, a bowl perfectly cooked PEI mussels with olive oil, Chourico, onions, white wine, garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. The Smoked Cured Slab of Bacon is another appetizer worth trying if you see it on the menu. A thick cut of bacon is roasted in a cast iron pan and served with a delicious house made cranberry apple mostarda.
Mussels a la Portuguese
Moving on to the entrees, we tried a few. The Lobster Roll was by far the best lobster roll we’d had all year. Nestled in a lightly buttered bun were chunks of fresh Maine lobster meat dressed with parsley mayo and served with sea salted fries and a lemon pepper slaw.
Lobster Roll
From the Specials menu, we ordered the Shrimp Creole, made with shrimp and Andouille susage with garlic, jalapeños, onions, roasted peppers and diced tomatoes in a spicy tomato broth.
Shrimp Creole
The Fire Roasted Lobster is a must. First steamed then finished in the char broiler, a Maine lobster is served pre-cracked with drawn butter.
Fire Roasted Lobster
The Statler Sorentino is another excellent dish worth trying. Chicken breast wing bone in, prosciutto ham, provolone cheese, finished with a garlic shallot tomato marsala sauce.
Statler Sorentino
Overall, we had a fantastic dining experience. The food, drinks, and service were all excellent. The diners around us appeared to enjoy their experience as well – some groups were celebrating milestones and some were having a casual dinner. One diner stopped by our table to see what we were eating. I guess we’re such influencers. 😉
Specialty Cocktail
Breakfast, lunch, cocktails and dinner served daily with a late nite bites menu from 9pm til closing. Weekend brunch happens on Saturday and Sunday from 8am – 4pm and Happy Hour from 3pm – 6pm Monday thru Friday with drink and food specials. Also, don’t forget to ask for Don as your server. Added bonus: kid friendly.
Take advantage of Mystic Restaurant Week, happening November 10th – 16th, 2014. Harbour House will be offering a 2-course lunch at $14 and 3-course dinner for $20.14. Connecticut craft beers can be enjoyed for $5.
Harbour House Restaurant & Bar
Inn at Mystic on Route 1
3 Williams Ave
Mystic, CT 06355
Tel: (860) 536-8140
24 beers on tap
At the raw bar
The bar
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