Lyme Tavern Restaurant & Sports Bar — Restaurant in East Lyme

’ll start by saying that my expectations were pretty low heading in, based on the reviews. This is very much your standard local dive bar—and I mean that in the most straightforward way possible. You’re not coming here for a standout meal or craft cocktails. You’re coming here because it’s open late, has cold drinks, and it’s probably close by.

In my case, it was conveniently located near our Airbnb, and with limited late-night dining options in the area, I ended up eating here two nights in a row—strictly out of convenience.

Both nights I had the Clam Strip Roll. It's fine. Not great, not terrible. Just... fine. On the first night, I made the mistake of ordering the French fries, which came with an extra charge. They were underwhelming—small portion, cold, and not seasoned. Definitely not worth the upcharge or the calories. The second night I opted for the default chips instead. Still not great, but at least they didn’t cost extra.

My friend had the BLT on night one—nothing offensive about it, but nothing to write home about either. The toast was uneven, and the onion rings (also an upcharge) were a letdown: soggy and bland. On the second night, they went with the Works Burger and a side salad. Again, both were just average. The burger checked the usual boxes, and the salad was basic but fresh enough. In short, the food does the job, but it’s not going to be a highlight of your trip.

Drinks were a brighter spot—cold and reasonably priced, which is really all you can ask for in a place like this.

The atmosphere? Exactly what you'd expect from a small-town dive bar. There are a few pool tables, TVs mounted on the walls playing sports, and music that leaned into classic rock and barroom standards. It's unpretentious and low-key—probably the kind of place where regulars sit at the same bar stools every night.

Service was solid. Orders were taken quickly, drinks arrived fast, and needs were met with minimal fuss. Nothing over the top in terms of attentiveness, but nothing lacking either. It’s the kind of service that keeps the gears moving without drawing attention to itself.

Overall, Lyme Tavern is a functional, no-frills stop. Not somewhere I’d go out of my way to visit, but in a pinch—especially if it's late and you're...

Horrible experience all around!! We drove all the way from Stafford Springs to go to the beach. Decided we were hungry and stopped here since it was nearby. WORST DECISION EVER.

First off, we had one member in our group who was underage (20 y/o) and we had to talk to the manager to have alcohol on the table and even that, the underage friend had to sit on a separate table! I'm sure it's because the manager has been burned before but that just seems stupid.

Second, the waitress had absolutely no clue what she was doing! She kept asking questions that would be obvious to anyone like if we wanted cocktail sauce with our shrimp cocktail. It took 45 mins to get our food which was all simple fried appetizers! It does not take that long to make that food when you only have two other customers solely drinking at the bar!!

When our food finally came, our friend who ordered the shrimp cocktail got shrimp scampi which obviously was returned. The waitress came back with the actual shrimp cocktail 15 minutes later to discover that there was only ONE LONELY SHRIMP ON THE PLATE!!! What place gives you shrimp cocktail with one shrimp??!!! We were obviously surprised, talked to the manager, again and ultimately rejected the poor excuse of a shrimp cocktail. You are right next the beach, how is it possible to serve one dinky shrimp for $4?!!!

We are so done with this place. The waitress gave us attitude the whole time, the manager treated us like crap and the food and drinks were below mediocre. We will never return and no one should ever try this place again. Surprised they even have more than...

This evening I brought my family out for a birthday dinner and we waited over 40 minutes for our food. Eventually I asked for the food to go and told the manager. I could have canceled the order but I instead requested at least a 10% discount for the inconvenience and instead got $10 bill thrown at me and a nasty comment about taking my family to McDonald's next time. I told the manager nevermind i didn't need the money. It is very insulting asking a customer in front of everyone at the bar "what do you want buddy?" Then pull your wallet out and throw money. He explained he didn't thrown the money at me that money fell as he pulled his wallet out. However for a restaurant manager to pull this kind of behavior instead of pulling customer on the side and resolve the situation. On top of everything to make a rude comment in front of restaurant staff and other customers that I should take my business to McDonald's. I am spanish and to make a comment outloud: sort of discriminatory or racist because I later refused to take the money he threw at me? Please. I went to this place because it has good reviews. I did not go to have a confrontation and being disrespect. Kuddos to the waiter. She was amazing, very friendly...