RD86 Space — Restaurant in New London

I have put off writing a review of RD86 several times since our first visit last Spring, on the premise that perhaps Kris and I might just been caught up in the moment, and that the food couldn't possibly be THAT good. Last night was our 4th visit, and Kris and I finally came away fully convinced - the food really IS that good!

Kris had the House Salad for a Starter, which is not only very tasty, but big enough for two with some left over. Her Main Course was the Garden Vegetable Pasta, which she thought so good there was nothing left to take home, something that almost never happens!

My Starter was a large bowl of Steamed Mussels served in a wonderful broth of white wine, chorizo, shallots, tomatoes and garlic, with two pieces of crostini. (It was so incredibly good, I only wished I had one more crostini to capture the last drop of broth!) My Main was the Fish and Chips, lightly battered and deep fried perfectly.

And just over a month ago, we hosted a party of seven family dinner at RD86, with main courses ranging from prime rib, to cast iron New York strip, to baby back ribs, to skillet salmon, and clam chowder flavored with bits of bacon that was indescribably delicious. This was a tough crowd, used to eating at good restaurants all over Southern New England, and some who came from as far away as VA. And every one of them came away with a rave review.

The menu changes fairly frequently, so if you have a favorite, it may not always be on the menu of the day. But even if we don't always find the specific dish we were looking for, we have always found something new that was equally as good! Also, we have found the owners and wait staff friendly, helpful, and accommodating. At times, some might find the service a bit more laid back than they might prefer. If so, my advice is to sit back and relax. At RD86, the food...

I'm very excited to say I've got a new favorite neighborhood restaurant I can walk to, for what I can only describe as amazing quality feel-good food & drinks. My girlfriend and I shared a brisket taco & mussels in white wine sauce with chorizo sausage & large toasted bread slices as appetizers. I could've drank the sauce after devouring the mussels. We order the rack of ribs with collard green & couscous salad sides. We also got to sample the pulled pork which melts in your mouth. Now, I'm a Georgia girl so it's difficult to meet my standards of good BBQ Ribs & pulled pork but they were both seasoned perfectly & cooked on hot flame grills. Chef Robert hits it out if the park. I'm excited to try two more things..the NY Strip w a chimichurri & the weekend brunch Shrimp & grits. The outdoor kitchen and bar in comfy & entertaining watching the chefs work. The interior space is dominated with reclaimed wood decoration, low lighting and a giant glass wall looking into an enormous beautiful set up kitchen. Park in the city lot right across the street and it's a couple steps to...

Food was good. The reason you get 3 stars is your prices and service. I ordered your $14 cheese burger which was good, cooked perfectly the way I asked. But if anyone is going to pay $14 for a cheese burger you need to include some of them hand cut fries to come with it. Not that 1 once cup of slaw. I was disappointed that the only option was to order a different side. Which you have to pay for. As for the service everyone was friendly and polite but you guys was very disorganized with the bringing out the food with not remembering what tables got what food. I know that will improve as you remain open for business. I hope your prices will improve also. Your in the neighborhood but not at...