The Mariner
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I came here with my son and his mom after visiting the Mystic Aquarium for dinner (highly recommend it). We were greeted and seated almost immediately, and we met our waitress promptly after sitting. We started off with some oysters from the raw bar and some fried calamari, along with two glasses of their Wither Hills New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The oysters were super fresh and absolutely delicious, and the sauces that came with them brought on an amazing flavor combination that we enjoyed. The calamari was also excellent and perfectly friend. The Sauvignon Blanc paired very well with our appetizers. For our entrees, we got the chicken tenders and fries for my son, the sea scallops for his mom, and the lobster casserole for yours truly. All the foods were prepared wonderfully and tasted absolutely fresh and amazing. None of it was salty, greasy, or over seasoned in anyway. The only complaint I have is that I feel that the portions could be a bit more generous, especially for the cost. My son only had 3 small chicken tenders with his meal, and it wasn't enough so we ended up ordering a second. The scallops were a good amount but I think they could add more in terms of a side. Perhaps something to accompany the broccolini more than just the pea puree. The same goes for the casserole; I feel it was a bit small for what it was. Afterwards we ordered two desserts: the Tiramisu and another dessert with cream and a biscuit with fresh berries (forgot the name). Funny enough, I loved the biscuit but wasn't a big fan of the tiramisu, while my son and his mom loved the tiramisu, but didn't like the biscuit. So I'll just say that both were very good, and the portions were perfect. Neither were too sweet or overwhelming and they were the perfect end to our dinner. Outside of the portions of our entrees, everything else was fantastic. The service here was absolutely excellent, and the interior of the restaurant was very clean and had a wonderful ambiance. They have the wines on display near the corridor leading to the bathroom, and even some artwork hanging on the walls. Cost wise, it's a bit pricey, but what you get for that is the excellent customer service and the quality of your food, albeit the relatively small portions for our entrees. I recommend that if you're going to eat here, definitely do a full course meal to be sure that you can try a plethora of foods and also end the night with a full belly.
Marvin Martelly (Mobbinator)Marvin Martelly (Mobbinator)
10
Periodically one finds a restaurant that just gets it right, and tonight, my fiancé and I found that restaurant. The Mariner, found in the very heart of Mystic, Connecticut, serves up high end seafood fare at reasonable prices in a casual and relaxed setting. We were very impressed by the offerings in the quaint yet upscale eatery located just a stones throw from the Mystic River Bridge. Our waiter, Peter, was a treasure - polite, charismatic and charming - truly a winning combination along with his James Dean haircut and flair. He had a firm grasp of the menu, the specials, and waited on us hand and foot. The food was excellent - for starters, we opted for baked clams and the raw seafood platter, a massive amalgamation of succulent oysters, choicest select little neck clams, juicy shrimp cocktail and a spicy Cajun inspired peel-and-eat shrimp. Everything presented was excellent, with the minor exception that my clams were sandy and, sadly, not that well shucked - i.e. - presented with grit and broken shell. I will overlook this minor infraction because everything else that was offered was perfect, and the oysters were plump, creamy and superb. We ordered for 'mains' two New England classics: Clam Strips and Fish with Chips. The fish was breaded and fried perfectly; juicy, flaky and tender, while the clam strips were crispy, crunchy and meaty. We gorged ourselves, yet the portion sizes were perfect. Dinner was an experience and one I will remember, and fondly. If finding myself back in Mystic in the distant future, the Mariner will absolutely be on my list of spots to dine. Superb!
James ThompsonJames Thompson
00
My fiancee and I had dinner last night. The menu and atmosphere is what drew us initially but as soon as we entered, were greeted, and taken to our table, our expectations were exceeded. Our server, Althea was warm, friendly, and very attentive. Her menu suggestions were spot on and what's most impressive was how she connected with us to make this meal special. We started with cocktails- The Super Star Martini and the Blood Orange Dark & Stormy. They were well crafted and so delicious we each had another with our meal. The baked class and fried calamari appetizers were yummy. Soft little neck clams in a garlicky sauce and lightly fried squid with a simple marinara were oh so good. We split a Caprese Salad. The heirloom tomatoes were especially yummy. My bride to be had the Steak Frites and I had the Fried Scallops. The NY strip was cooked to perfection and the scallops were lightly battered. I never thought that I'd be raving about tartar sauce but the chef's recipe is unique. It was sweet, savory, and spicy. The handout fries for both dishes were delish. To top it off dessert of hot brownie sundae with chocolate and vanilla gelato was sublime. The complimentary cannoli were a real treat too. Crispy cannoli shells filled with luscious chocolate chip studded cream. Althea took our pictures which was so very nice of her. We were treated like royalty at the Mariner, which deserves to be Mystic's number one restaurant. If you go you'll feel the same way I'm sure.
John GreenbaumJohn Greenbaum
10
Loved the atmosphere and decore in here. Very clean and the place had an inviting feel to it. I sat at the bar and had dinner. Very deceiving from the outside, so I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the place when walking in. My only complaint regarding the service was that the bartender never offered bread or mentioned the specials. I asked if they had bread toward the very end of my meal, assuming they didn't. I was curious. The bread was delicious and fresh out of the oven, so it was a bit of a disappointment to receive it after the meal. I was able to soak up my sauce with it, so it was enjoyable. The only other complaint, was that the bartender never mentioned the nightly specials. I assumed there weren't any until I heard another bartender wait on a high-top table close by. She immediately greeted her guests and offered the specials (which included a halibut, I believe. Whatever it was, it sounded delicious). Either way, I had the lobster fra diavolo off the menu - and it was excellent. Included lobster, shrimp, mussels, and homemade pasta. There were 8 muscles , but 2 were empty. Not a big deal, where the muscles were my least favorite of the three. There could have been more pasta with the dish - as I thought the portion was on the smaller size considering the price. All in all, I would and will return. I loved the place.
Brett HeeneyBrett Heeney
00
Amazing experience at the Mariner. Our first time in Mystic Conneticut so we were eager to try out some seafood. This place received great reviews and is conveniently located in this cute town. It was very hard deciding what to order as everything sounded so good. But we finally settled on calamari, steamed myself mussels, scallops, and the famous lobster roll. All dishes did not disappoint. The calamari was exquisite. Crunchy on the outside and the marinara sauce went perfectly. The mussels were too notch. It was made with garlic and butter sauce. A side of bread came with it as well and I'm so glad they gave us some. Dipping it in the garlic butter sauce was amazingly good. The sauce was so good you could drink it. Next up was the lobster roll. Just the buttered bread alone that the lobster came in was so good. It was filled with plenty of lobster. I wish I lived closer, I would be a regular for this sandwich. Lastly, the scallops were juicy and tender. The string beans were nice and buttery along with the polenta. Overall, great place and I highly recommend. Parking was quite easy but I can see it being quite difficult on the weekends.
Karen KwanKaren Kwan
00
I noticed the place had a little bit over 3 stars but decided to try anyway. The plave had about 6 tables occupied and more people on the bar area. My first thought was the place seems a bit pricey. The server was very professional. I ordered from the kids menu, chicken fingers and fries, plus cheeseburger and fries. Everything on the kid's menu is $10. They offered to serve my kids first which is a plus because children can't wait when they are hungry... or anytime. Usually, if we see clam chowder on the menu we give it a try. Most of the clam chowders we've tried have no color. This one had small bits of carrot, which gave it a nice tasty touch. It was pleasantly good. I ordered fettuccine. They serve it with spinach, cherry tomatoes, peppers and shrimp scampi. It was absolutely delicious. Very fresh and tasty. My husband ordered roasted chicken. It's served with sprouts. I have to say this dish was fabulous. Filled with lots of flavor. The chicken was not dry at all. I totally recommend this place. But please remember, this is Mystic. It is not cheap.
Zully Ann RiveraZully Ann Rivera
00
Nearby Attractions Of The Mariner
Mystic Seaport Museum
Inn at Mystic
The Whaler's Inn Hotel of Mystic
Mystic Seaport Museum - Membership Office
Argia Mystic Cruises
Mystic Museum of Art
Mystic Army Navy Stores LLC
MINE in Mystic
Mystic Knotwork
Mystic River Bascule Bridge

Mystic Seaport Museum
4.6
(1.9K)Click for details

Inn at Mystic
4.1
(462)Click for details

The Whaler's Inn Hotel of Mystic
4.6
(229)Click for details

Mystic Seaport Museum - Membership Office
4.7
(175)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of The Mariner
Mystic Pizza
Engine Room
S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar
Red 36
Sift Bake Shop Mystic
Captain Daniel Packer Inne
Oyster Club
Chapter One Food and Drink Mystic CT
Friar Tuck's Tavern
Angie's Pizza & Pier 27 Lounge

Mystic Pizza
4.4
(2.9K)Click for details

Engine Room
4.4
(1.7K)Click for details

S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar
4.5
(1.5K)Click for details

Red 36
4.4
(1.4K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
21 W Main St, Mystic, CT 06355
Map
Phone
(860) 536-5200
Call
Website
themarinermystic.com
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(721 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Nautical-themed establishment serving a variety of classic seafood & steak options.
attractions: Mystic Seaport Museum, Inn at Mystic, The Whaler's Inn Hotel of Mystic, Mystic Seaport Museum - Membership Office, Argia Mystic Cruises, Mystic Museum of Art, Mystic Army Navy Stores LLC, MINE in Mystic, Mystic Knotwork, Mystic River Bascule Bridge, restaurants: Mystic Pizza, Engine Room, S&P Oyster Restaurant and Bar, Red 36, Sift Bake Shop Mystic, Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Oyster Club, Chapter One Food and Drink Mystic CT, Friar Tuck's Tavern, Angie's Pizza & Pier 27 Lounge
