Connoisseur's Corner: Matt’s Meals
I was recently in Mystic, CT with my family and found there is a lot to like about this coastal community. From the amazing aquarium (which had an exhibit on dinosaurs for some reason) to the historic and creative center that is Mystic Seaport, there is plenty to do and see for kids and adults alike.
When it came to food, the area is no slouch either. And while many flock to the eponymous pizza parlor to grab a slice and a selfie, I found a place that is a bit off the beaten path but worth seeking out.
Housed among a set of dry dock warehouses is Red36, a waterfront bar and restaurant that offers multiple floors of food, folks, and fun!
From the large and friendly bar where people make new friends while waiting with older ones for their coveted table to the multi-level terraces and decks that offers covered exposure to the sea and where the sounds of the water are occasionally punctuated by a passing train, Red36 is a great place to gather, but an even better place to eat!
With a raw bar that offers littlenecks cherrystones, seafood ceviche and one- to three-tiered towers, as well as local oysters, Red36 also has a variety of street tacos, a fried clam bucket, Thai calamari or cauliflower, and smoked salmon chips –and that’s just some of the app menu! There are also clam and bacon flatbreads, a set of salads and a bevy of burgers (including a spicy salmon burger, a homemade black bean burger, and their signature Red36 burger).
Like lobster? Red36 has everything from hot rolls with lemon scallion aioli to a complete traditional dinner, as well as lobster Carbonara.
On the beverage side, they offer Mystic Bridge IPA and other local faves like the “totally spiked” Fishers Island lemonade, a Tiki mule with passion fruit, and wines that come from far and rather near- just as you should to try this amazing waterfront eatery!