Family-Friendly Restaurants in Mystic, Connecticut
Known for the Mystic Aquarium, historic seaport, and its unique coastal appeal, Mystic, Connecticut is a year-round family destination. Take a day trip or enjoy a few nights at one of the best hotels in Mystic. Mystic has plenty of kid-friendly eating options, making it a hit for both grown ups and kids alike.
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Where to Eat in Mystic, CT - Kid-Friendly Breakfast Spots
While your dining in Mystic, CT, grab a tasty treat from Sift. Photo courtesy of Sift Bake Shop
1. Sift Bake Shop
2018's Food Network's Best Baker winner Adam Young founded Sift Bake Shop in downtown Mystic. This gorgeous cafe has indoor and outdoor seating with a line to get in, especially on weekends - so come early! Choose between many pastry and bread options like flavored croissants, sticky buns, scones, danishes, and more. Quiche and sandwich selections are available too. Pro tip - there is parking right between Sift and then walk downtown after!
2. Rise
From farm to table, Rise locally sources ingredients for their restaurant. All the classic (and kid-friendly) breakfast choices like eggs, pancakes, and more are available. The PB + B is a must order for any age. Feel at home in this cozy environment located downtown.
3. Little Kitchen
Located in Mystic River Marina, Little Kitchen serves breakfast with a view. Known for fluffy pancakes and a variety of eggs benedict, Little Kitchen's menu is endless with something for even the pickiest eater. You can even dock your boat here!
4. Mystic Depot Roasters
If you have a train fan, this is the place for them. Mystic Depot Roasters offers outdoor seating and a front row seat at Mystic train station. Hot and cold beverages offered along with pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Pancakes are a favorite with flavors like Oreos and Bacon.
5. Young Buns Doughnuts
Located a few steps away from their sister store, Sift Bake Shop, Young Buns Doughnuts is a definite stop in downtown Mystic. These donuts sellout daily so get there early or order online to secure a few!
6. Deviant Donuts
Besides being delicious, these donuts are Instagram worthy with monthly flavors. Located in Olde Mistick Village, Deviant Donuts has a porch to enjoy your donuts with all kinds of caffeine options to add-on.
Where to Eat in Mystic - Lunch and Dinner
Grab a slice of some of Connecticut's most famous pizza! Mystic Pizza photo by JJBers via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
7. Mystic Pizza
The most famous place in Mystic! Get nostalgic with a "slice of heaven!" while eating a customized pizza. Beyond pizza, grinders and burgers are offered. Truly a movie fan? Pick up merchandise on the way out.
8. S & P Oysters
Located in the heart of downtown and overlooking the bridge, S & P Oysters has built-in entertainment for young ones while dining. Enjoy a classic New England seafood dish while watching the boats. Large variety of vegan and gluten free options. Of course, oysters are a must here.
Sit inside at the Engine Room to admire the restored Lathrop Marine Engine. Photo by Kelly Patino
9. Engine Room
Grab a table inside to embrace the restored Lathrop Marine Engine building at the Engine Room. The menu features comfort foods like Carolina hush puppies and a New England bbq pulled-pork sandwich. Park behind the restaurant and enjoy a post-meal walk around downtown Mystic.
10. Sea Swirl
Enjoy all the summer food staples at this clam shack. Lobster rolls, hot dogs, and ice cream make Sea Swirl a win for options. Super causal environment with a gorgeous sunset if you time it right.
11. Red 36
Waterfront dinning (with a yummy seafood selection) in downtown Mystic makes Red 36 a great spot to eat with kids. Watch boats dock along the Mystic River. Many family-friendly options like flatbread pizza and burgers are also available.
12. The Mariner
You'll feel like you are at sea with The Mariner's nautical theme. Located downtown, The Mariner serves fresh seafood, pasta, and steak. The kid's menu includes mac and cheese, fish and chips, and chicken tenders.
What's better than a stroll around town after dining in mystic? Photo courtesy of Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream
Where to Eat in Mystic - Dessert
13. Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream
With over 30 unique ice cream flavors, Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream is everyone's must stop for a sweet treat. Favorite flavors include Mystic Mud and Seaport Salty Swirl. Plenty of indoor tables, but take your treat outside. Kids love watching all the cars on the bridge as well as boats and kayaks in the water.
14. Mystic Sweet Shop
Classic candy store with all the staples confections as well as chocolate and fudge. Located downtown, Mystic Sweet Shops has something for every sweet tooth including ice cream.
15. Sift Bake Shop
Besides breakfast, Sift has amazing and beautiful desserts. A rainbow of macaron flavors, massive cookies, brownies, and so many entremets! Truly a hard pick since everything is beautifully made by Adam T. Young's Team. Indulge while sitting in the indoor cafe, pairing your dessert with a seasonal latte or caffeinated beverage of choice.
Places featured in this article:
Sift Bake Shop
Little Kitchen
Mystic Depot Roasters
Mystic Pizza
S & P Oysters
Engine Room
Sea Swirl
The Mariner
Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream
Young Buns Doughnuts
Deviant Donuts
Mystic Sweet Shop