What I’m Eating: Marveling at Mystic’s eateriesDate: 4/24/2023 Over the past seven years of dating my girlfriend Ashleigh, we have made a regular tradition of traveling to Mystic, Connecticut, for weekend getaways. I am sure all couples, families and friend groups have that special place in their hearts — a destination that greets you with an instant breeze of serenity once you arrive.
Before meeting Ashleigh, I probably only traveled to Mystic once or twice, but it’s been a joy to learn about the area from her wistful perspective. She often recalls warm anecdotes about traveling there for family trips. She embarked on her fair share of relaxing boat rides and regularly visited her friendly animal pals at the Mystic Aquarium. These vivid memories quickly became infectious to me, with our trips now symbolizing special moments in time for both of us to unwind.
Of course, no great vacation is complete without spectacular food. Mystic boasts its fair share of iconic eateries that I am sure will please a variety of palates.
Mystic Pizza
56 West Main St.
You know a restaurant must be good when a Julia Roberts movie takes place in its confines. Film reels of the 1988 classic play on a loop inside the establishment, yet the pizza is what stands out as its true star attraction.
Whenever a pie from Mystic Pizza lands on the table, it’s like unearthing a luminous treasure. The perfectly golden cheese creates a picturesque allure, screaming to be devoured as a hot vapor of steam radiates from its surface. An airy crust and a rich helping of Italian seasonings further extenuate the pizza’s photogenic look, with the whole ensemble always appearing like it arrived sculpted from some sort of perfect pizza manual.
The taste is somehow even better. The rustic cook on the pie, the aromatic tomato sauce and the exacting uniformity of each slice create a harmonious symphony of flavor and texture. Patrons can accompany their pizza with a variety of classic Italian sides, such as hardy fried ravioli and crisp French fries topped with a complimentary dusting of parsley. Mystic Pizza also offers a comprehensive menu of traditional Italian dinners and an extensive drink menu, including its own specialty, the Mystic Lager.
One of my favorite aspects of Mystic Pizza is that visitors can enjoy it anywhere. My girlfriend and I often eat inside their cozy restaurant decorated to a T with pop culture artifacts. We also take it to-go and eat while basking in Mystic’s scenic vistas. You would be hard-pressed to travel around town without seeing one or two of their signature pizza boxes being consumed at benches or by the seaport.
If Mystic Pizza proves anything, it’s that sometimes classics cement an iconic place in a community’s lore for a reason.
Bleu Squid
27 Coogan Blvd.
Sitting within walking distance of the Mystic Aquarium, Bleu Squid continues to experience gradual growth — and for good reason. The boutique bakery moved its operations to a larger space where they now offer a breakfast and lunch menu alongside delectable baked goods.
The new location now serves as the go-to brunch spot for my girlfriend and me. Bleu Squid provides a vast menu of classic staples, such as fluffy pancakes, thick slabs of French toast, and flawlessly ripe fruits. Additionally, the eatery features its fair share of innovative twists on well-known dishes. My usual order is the hearty breakfast grilled cheese. The sandwich features two eggs over medium and a blend of four sumptuous kinds of cheese topped with bacon jam. The bacon jam is a real game-changer, capturing the smoky flavors of a sinful slice of bacon with a balanced infusion of sweetened jam. Alongside the food options, the Bleu Squid also produces a variety of smoothies and fresh juices that provide a refreshing compliment to every meal.
Bleu Squid offers a comfortable environment for patrons to enjoy their meals, including a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating options. I always love getting a chance to enjoy the great outdoors when dining on my meal, such as when my girlfriend and I magically visited on a November day when the icy New England conditions stepped aside in favor of a bright summer day.
Sea View Snack Bar
145 Greenmanville Ave.
The Sea View Snack Bar is the newest addition to my Mystic dining repertoire. The unassuming shack sits right on the heart of one of Mystic’s main roads, offering breathtaking scenery by overlooking the town’s serene river. Nothing says summertime fun quite like sitting on an old-school picnic bench and watching parades of boats and kayaks travel through the area.
I began visiting the snack bar last summer, and it quickly became a beloved cog in my Mystic trips. My girlfriend frequently laughed that I even had their opening day for this spring season set in my calendar, but I just had to know when I could travel back for more.
The Sea View Snack Bar creates Americana food with sincerity and skill. From the satisfying snap of a well-cooked hot dog to the mouth-watering juiciness of a tender burger, they have perfected the recipe for just about any comfort food staple you could think of. For me, Sea View is a fantastic destination for seafood. They prepare lightly fried fish and chips to perfection, while the refreshing bite of sea scallops makes the perfect appetizer for any group (my girlfriend hates seafood, so that just means more for me!).
I love traveling to each of these locations during my Mystic trips, yet my most recent visit to these establishments left me with an important reminder. Well-cooked food is one of the many tools that connect us all together. All these delightful meals represent crucial canvases for the even more wonderful memories we all make together when returning to our favorite establishment. I hope my trip down memory lane inspires you all to think about some of your favorite vacation stops!
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