You’re walking down West Main Street in Mystic. The drawbridge is doing its thing—stopping traffic and making everyone wait while some sailboat drifts by. Most people are elbowing each other for a spot at the pizza place everyone knows from that 80s movie. But if you turn your head just a bit, you’ll see Chapter One Food & Drink. Honestly, it’s easy to walk right past it if you aren’t looking, which is a shame because their menu is basically a love letter to the shoreline, just with a little more "edge" than your standard clam shack.
It isn't just another tourist trap.
Most folks think "Mystic dining" means you have to sit on a plastic chair and eat fried clams out of a cardboard box. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good paper plate. But Chapter One hits that weirdly specific sweet spot where you can get a dry-aged steak or a $3 local oyster without feeling like you need to put on a suit. It’s contemporary, kinda moody inside, and the menu—specifically the Chapter One restaurant Mystic CT menu—is a lot deeper than it looks at first glance.
The Raw Bar and "Devils" You’ll Actually Like
If you’re in Mystic, you’re eating seafood. It’s the law. Or it should be. The raw bar here is as fresh as it gets, mostly because they’re sourcing from right down the road. Local Stonington oysters go for about $3 a pop, and they have those tiny, sweet littleneck clams for $2.50. It’s simple. It’s clean.
But the real talk? You have to order the Hemingway on Horseback.
Some places call these "Devils on Horseback," but here they’ve given them a literary nod. Basically, they take Medjool dates, stuff them with creamy gorgonzola, wrap the whole thing in smoked bacon, and hit it with a balsamic drizzle. It’s $18. It’s also a total flavor bomb. The salt from the bacon fights the sweetness of the date, and the gorgonzola just brings it all home. You’ll probably want two orders. Just saying.
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Appetizers That Aren't Just Fillers
- Street Corn Dip ($16): This isn't your average ballpark snack. It’s roasted sweet corn, elote cream, cotija cheese, and tajin, served with tortilla chips. Kinda messy, totally worth it.
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops ($18): These use Stonington scallops. If you know anything about Stonington sea scallops, you know they’re world-class. They come with a bourbon glaze that is frankly addictive.
- C1 Crispy Potatoes ($15): These are smashed potatoes with a house dry rub and a hot honey drizzle. It’s the kind of side dish that people end up talking about more than the main course.
The Burger and The Lobster (The "Big Two")
Let’s be real. When you look at the Chapter One restaurant Mystic CT menu, your eyes are going to drift toward the burger or the lobster roll.
The Chapter One Burger is a monster. It’s 6 ounces of beef seasoned with a house spice rub, topped with cheddar, bacon, and their "Chapter One sauce." It’s $18. It’s reliable. It’s juicy. It’s everything a pub burger should be without trying to be "artisanal" to the point of being annoying.
Then there’s the lobster.
In Mystic, everyone has an opinion on lobster rolls. Chapter One does the "Hot" and "Cold" versions. The Hot Lobster Roll ($45, though prices can shift with the market) is the Connecticut way—piled high with butter on a toasted brioche bun. They don't skimp. If you’re a purist, the cold version with mayo and celery is there, but honestly, why would you do that to yourself when warm butter is an option?
Mains That Might Surprise You
If you aren't in the mood for a sandwich, the entrees go in a few different directions. They have a Rigatoni Bolognese ($28) that is surprisingly soulful for a place that feels like a cocktail bar. It’s a mix of veal, pork, and beef ragu with just a touch of cream. It’s heavy. It’s a "I’m going to need a nap after this" kind of meal.
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Then there’s the Scallops Risotto ($34). Again, using those Stonington scallops. They sear them and serve them over a roasted tomato and pesto risotto. It’s bright, a little acidic from the tomatoes, and probably the most "elegant" thing on the menu.
For the meat eaters, the NY Strip ($44) or the Steak Frites ($51) are the move. The Steak Frites is actually a 14 oz prime strip served over BBQ mac n cheese. It’s aggressive. It’s delicious. It’s definitely not "health food," but you didn't come to Mystic for a salad, did you? (Though their Arugula Salad with goat cheese and strawberries is actually quite good if you really need some greens).
The Brunch Scene is a Different Beast
Weekends in Mystic are chaotic. Chapter One’s brunch (Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM) is a solid escape.
They have this thing called Benny Frites. It’s basically breakfast poutine. French fries topped with house-made hollandaise, pico de gallo, and two poached eggs. It’s $17 and it will cure whatever happened the night before.
If you want something more traditional, the Crab Cake Benedict ($20) uses lump crab meat and focaccia toast. Or the Chicken & Waffle ($15), which uses a vanilla bean buttermilk waffle and spicy fried chicken. They also do a "Mimosa Flight" for $22, which gives you a whole bottle of Cava and four different juices. It’s a lot of fun, honestly.
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What About the Drinks?
You can't talk about the menu without the bar. They have 24 beers on tap. That’s a lot for a place this size. But the cocktails are where they really play around.
The Espresso Martini ($16) is a local favorite. They offer it "Light or Dark." The dark version is rich and classic; the light version is a bit creamier. They also do "Flights" of cocktails—Margarita flights, Old Fashioned flights, even Mule flights. It’s $25 for a flight, and it’s a great way to try a few different house infusions without committing to one giant drink.
A Few Realities to Keep in Mind
Look, no place is perfect. Chapter One can get loud. Like, really loud, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when it shifts more toward a "nightclub" vibe. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic whispered dinner, maybe aim for an early weeknight or a late lunch.
Also, they don’t take reservations. It’s first-come, first-served. During peak summer season, that means you might be hanging out at the bar for a while. Luckily, the bar is usually where the best energy is anyway.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Daily Specials: They often have "Market Price" seafood that isn't on the printed menu. Ask about the catch of the day before you commit.
- Happy Hour Strategy: Happy hour is usually 3-6 PM (at the bar only!). It’s the best time to snag those $1 oysters and cheaper apps like the Duck Fat Fries.
- Parking Hack: Don't even try to park on Main Street. Head to the lot behind the Emporium or the paid lot near the Museum of Art and just walk the two blocks. Your blood pressure will thank you.
- Dietary Needs: They are surprisingly good with Gluten-Free and Vegan options. The Vegan Paella (cauliflower, edamame, sun-dried tomatoes) is a legit entree, not just an afterthought.
If you're heading to Mystic, skip the tourist traps once and grab a seat here. Get the Hemingway on Horseback, order a local brew, and just watch the bridge move. It's the right way to do it.