Gatehouse Tavern [GT]. (2 stars).
"Stuffed clams (or stuffies) are popular in New England and consist of a breadcrumb and minced clam mixture that is baked on the half shell of a quahog hard shell clam.[1][2][3][4] Other ingredients typically found in the basic breadcrumb mixture are: meat such as sausage, bacon or chouriço (Portuguese sausage), chili pepper, lemon juice, bell peppers, celery, onion, garlic, spices and herbs. There are many different recipes for stuffed clams; many restaurants in New England have their own variety, as do many home cooks." - Wikipedia
"Stuffies - $2.50"
The sign caught my eye.
I asked myself, "Self, what the heck are stuffies?!"
I walked up to the cashier and asked her. She said it's a stuffed clam.
Ahhh...
In all the years I have been up to New England I never heard of "stuffies" before.
Perhaps it could be in part to the fact that I usually frequent seafood restaurants vice watering holes when I am here...
As I perused the menu I also saw a pastrami sandwich so I decided to eat here.
I ordered the following:
-Stuffies
-Pastrami Sandwich
Stuffies. (1.5 stars).
Somehow I imagined this stuffed clam to have some texture & seasoning but not an overkill of salt & onions??!!
The stuffing was extremely mushy & unpleasant to eat. I took one bite & didn't finish the rest of it.
There were a few minuscule pieces of clam meat chopped up in the stuffing mixture but it was tough to even discern any real clam flavor.
I'm sure the locals probably go crazy over GT's stuffies but I just am not a fan...
Pastrami (Reuben) Sandwich. (2.5 stars).
GT's pastrami sandwich is different from most places I have eaten at because they cook their pastrami slices on a flat top grill.
The pastrami had a nice seasoning but some of the sides were a little too burnt for my liking.
Instead of the usual 1000 island (yuck) I requested spicy brown mustard & while it was a bit messy to eat, definitely hit the spot on a cold day.
The sauerkraut was nice & crunchy which I appreciated.
The "rye" bread was quite soft & fell apart before I could take a bite into the sandwich.
The rye bread tasted like sourdough bread...
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All in all, GT is a quaint little water hole that is located right across the street from EB (Electric Boat).
In its heyday, GT & Elfie's used to be THE places to go for EB employees during lunch.
Most of the other establishments in this area (including Elfie's) is now closed due to the fact that EB now has a "cafeteria" on their premise.
The owner/bartender is extremely friendly & social which made me feel at ease.
Parking is wherever u find it. Street parking is about 1 block away in the residential area. But the good thing is, if u find a stall, it's free! read more