Visited the TREE HOUSE TAVERN last night as I was stuck for a couple of hours with phone repair…read morebeing completed at Best Buy. I was thrilled to stop by and had a wonderful experience at the bar. I have a small appetite so I chose to have the side order of seafood fried rice and it did not disappoint. It was so absolutely delicious. The shrimp were plentiful and tender. The colorful variety of vegetables were fresh and the seasonings were incredible. So good... as I said, that I had to order another "side" to take home! I did spoil myself with some sticky toffee pudding of which I brought home leftovers as well. Owners Michael and Ailine were very thoughtful and said hello! I recommend this restaurant wholeheartedly to an individual, couple or family. It's a pleasure to dine there !

Let me start with saying the ambiance and vibes are a solid 4-5 stars. Imagine a flowery riff on…read more"Alice in Wonderland" with cute, intimate tables spread out among a homelike space. Be warned, it's on the more expensive side for dining and may be a coin toss for "is it worth it" for those that enjoy a night out but also looking for value. Food was a mixed bag for us.... Starting with the smashburger was genuinely disappointing as the burger itself was dry and advertised as a "French onion" smashburger that failed to deliver any of the rich, savory flavor we expected with a name like "French onion smashburger". The hot honey Mac and cheese was very good and flavorful... The hot being more of a vinegary heat than I expected but the cream sauce was rich. Speaking of value earlier.... Smashburger was $20 and the Mac and cheese was $28. Entrees were $10-15 more it seemed but previous reviews all spoke highly of the entrees and would want to try them if we visit again. The overall service experience was disappointing for us. Not for the demeanor of the staff but everything else... We had a decent size group of 8 (5 adults and 3 kids) and was fortunate to have a dining room to help the kids burn some energy while not bothering the other diners. However, from ordering to entrees to arrive was 45 very hungry minutes. It also took 20+ mins just to get drinks. Once the food arrived, they also were short two of the kids meals which was thankfully corrected quick. We then were somewhat "gently" being asked to wrap things up by 3 staff members in 10 mins making the rounds to clear plates and any to go containers. We all understand the business in the food industry and turning tables, and trust me, after an hour from arriving to food on the table we wanted to get home for bed time. However, really sours the experience and would not advocate going here with large groups.... Between the kitchen and staff I can't say you'd have a guaranteed good time.

Visited Tree House Brewing Company while in Sturbridge. The atmosphere was energetic and…read morewell-organized, and the operation runs like a well-oiled machine. I first visited these guys when they were operating out of a small barn, and seeing the evolution to this 53,000 sq ft, $18.5M facility is seriously impressive. They follow a "direct-to-consumer" model -- selling everything right out the front door -- and they've mastered it. I've been here many times over the years and go whenever I have the opportunity, which says everything. Tried some of their standout beers -- King Julius is the gold standard, consistently ranked among the best beers in the world. Their flagship Julius is just as impressive, with massive notes of mango and peach -- incredibly well balanced and executed. There are usually food trucks on site, which adds to the experience -- you can enjoy a fresh pour while picking up your take-home haul. Fun fact: On BeerAdvocate's all-time Top 250 list, Tree House often has 30+ beers featured, something almost no other brewery can match. Overall, some of the best beers anywhere -- truly unparalleled and absolutely worth the visit. Saluti.

TH continues to be my favorite New England brewery. So many styles that are all really well done…read more Having multiple locations has helped tame some of the lines but it continues to be busy in Charlton, especially on weekends so I try to avoid going there on weekends. Hint: this time of year is actually a great time to visit their sandwich location, especially if you can catch a decent weather day. The real reason for the update is that they now have pizza in Charlton! At the time of writing this, it's only by the slice and only M-Th. They lack the capacity to feed the masses at this time but I'm guessing the goal is to ramp up to full production eventually. Unfortunately, my slice last night was not the best they can do. Undercooked, slightly cold and a little chewy, and no char. I look forward to when it's hot and fresh, but for now, at least it's a start!!

Good arcade Reasonable prices…read moreTon of selection Surprisingly well run arcade that is spacious and not overly priced with good prizes

This is a great arcade and a decent bang for your buck. I've noticed that there are times that the…read moremachines are out of order (turned off) here and there, but they are often switching in new games too from time to time. I wish the location wasn't so oddly out of the way of everything else in the casino. If it was on the main floor near Sugar Factory/Wahlburgers, I'm sure there would be many more kids conning their parents into taking them in there and spending money. The Wizard of Oz machine is one of our favorites. Also the ball grabbing claw machine...chances are you'll get a prize 9/10 times. Wish the hours were better. There was one day it didn't open until like 11am or noon and we arrived around 10am assuming we can just go right in. I would recommend this arcade though, if you're already at the casino with kids and looking for something to do.

"...with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with signs and wonders" (Deuteronomy 26:8)…read more My Sweet Lord, if I didn't see it with my own eyes...... I never would have believed it. I've been to more than a few breweries, but never one like this. We saw them by the dozens, walking down East Hill Road "with a strong hand and an outstretched arm" holding their maximum allotment of twelve cans of precious cargo over their heads or under their arms, with looks of blissful joy on their faces. We saw "signs" that said PARKING LOT FULL, forcing you to go on to the next lot, and if that was full too (as they both were today), just loop around and keep driving past the brewery until a spot opens up somewhere and you get waved in. And "wonders"? My experience here was so hard to describe, let alone process... it sure qualifies as a wonder. Like I said, if I hadn't have seen this with my own eyes, I would have thought my buddy was exaggerating. But he wasn't. After the hour long ride into the Monson countryside you'll see what looks like a big agricultural building with a dirt parking lot and an attendant. But what will grab your attention is the foot traffic on East Hill Road where you'll see dozens of patrons walking one way empty handed, and dozens of patrons walking the other way, proudly holding their allotments of beer in their outstretched arms. As we approached the lot, the attendant shook his head, and waved his arms back and forth in a criss-cross pattern- like the football refs do for an incomplete pass. The sign that said "Lot Full" completed the picture. On to lot two -same thing. U Turn and comeback -hallelujah a spot opened u and we got waved in. As we walked toward the back of the property we saw the sheer spectacle that has become common place at what is known as the best brewery in New England. The line ran out the door maybe 150 feet, then made a left for another 150 feet, then made two more lefts, creating a gigantic line that took one hour to navigate. What was very cool was how mellow and "chill" the crowd was. People were chit-chatting like old friends. Wednesday is can day, and two varieties of 16 oz. canned beer were available today. You were limited to no more than six cans of each. The choices were: JULIUS (American IPA - 6.8% ABV) - $6 a can "Bursting with pungent American hops, Julius - our flagship American IPA - is a bright, juicy beer filled with flavors and aromas of mango, peach, passionfruit, and a melange of citrus juice. A soft, pillowy mouthfeel and rounded bitterness ensure Julius will never tire the palate - a true joy to drink!" DOPPELGANGER - American Double IPA - 8.2% ABV - $4.55 a can "This beer is an imperial version of Alter Ego. It is intensely kettle and dry hopped to produce a pungent and flavorful Double IPA that is super pleasant to drink, and loaded with juicy tropical fruit flavors and aromas. We love it." As long and imposing as the outside line looked, the process inside the building went fast and smooth. These guys work like a machine- go up to a table, say what you want, swipe your card, pick up your stash, and walk back to your car. You're really not in the building for a very long time at all. So what did my $50 for twelve beers get me in the taste department? I poured the Julius into a glass and was taken by it's light orange tangerine-like color. Yes, it's an IPA but it had almost none of the hoppy bitterness I don't like. It was very, very, very good. Friday night I dove into the Doppleganger, and if you ever told me I'd be able to finish 16 ounces of a Double IPA, I'd tell you to get off the pipe and put down that wacky weed. But the Dopp was great- with just a hint of the reviled hoppinesss I've always disliked. All in all, I had a terrific time at Tree House Brewing. You really need to visit and experience the marvels I saw today. Go check out their website for hours and availability.

Worth the hype, but be prepared…read more Things I wish I had known: Check the website for what's available in that given day. Get there early. Bring games; you're going to be waiting. Bring food; you're going to be waiting. There's a bit of chaos at peak hours, but the aim is to be chill, make friends, ask around, and find out what line you should actually be standing in for growlers and/or bottles. Keep calm and you will be rewarded with damn good beer. It's a special, a little over the top experience, but Tree House is dominating the beer scene in this region with good reason. Think of it as an excursion and "experience," and you'll be handsomely rewarded.

May be our most favorite restaurant in mystic. We sat at the bar planning to have a drink and apps…read morebut ended up staying for the full meal and dessert after we saw the plates coming out. We got the oysters, both soup options and mussels. Everything was great. Awesome vibe, amazing food, and don't forget the butter pound cake at the end. My husband claims it's the best dessert he's ever had.

We arrived on a Sunday afternoon and were welcomed and promptly seated. Everyone was very pleasant…read moreand welcoming from the moment we walked in. We came to celebrate my husband's birthday, and the ambiance was subtle, peaceful, and perfect for the occasion. We truly enjoyed the atmosphere and the overall experience. The food was excellent, and we were very pleased. Highly recommend!

Great meal overall, great drinks and amazing appetizers and mains. Shrimp had a good snap and were…read morefresh, salad was simple but flavorful, and the monkfish was outstanding. Calamari was cooked to perfection, nice char on outside but still juicy inside. Jumbo lump was true blue crab, which is usually not the case so as someone from Maryland this was amazing. And oysters were very fresh! Highly recommend coming here!

This is a special place in Mystic. My wife and I have had…read moreNew Year's Eve dinner here in the service and the food was great. We recently brought our daughter son-in-law and grandson for their first Santa tugboat arrival. Again we find that the service is great the view of the water is so fun. Got to see Santa paddle boards coming by. I would recommend this place to anybody who wants to have a special meal in a great location in Mystic. I know I'll be back

An absolute hidden gem. Tucked away on a stunning farm in Woodstock CT, this brewery is a must…read morevisit for anyone in New England looking for a charming spot to sip a brew. The beer is brewed onsite not shipped in from their other facilities, and the service and setting are exceptional. A more quiet intimate experience than their location in Charlton, MA. If that's the spot you're used to, do be aware the draft list here is much smaller. What they "lack" in a tap list (believe me there are still plenty of options) they make up for in ambience. I was recommended this spot by a cousin who knows all too well how much I appreciate good beer and most importantly a good setting. Let me say that Treehouse Woodstock did not disappoint on either front. I've already started spreading the word to my other beer loving pals!

I LOVE this place. I almost don't want people to know about it. It is a great spot to bring take…read moreout (usually pizza from the Woodstock Trading Post) and enjoy the view.

Beer'd Brewing Company is a craft brewery that opened in Stonington, Connecticut in November 2012…read more It was founded by husband and wife Aaron Simoncini and Precious Putnam. After enrolling in a class entitled "Beers of the World" in college, Simoncini became very interested in craft beer and soon began homebrewing. It was during this time that he gained the nickname "Beer'd". Eventually with his now-wife Putnam, Simoncini set out to open his own brewery. The couple set up shop at the Velvet Mill in Stonington. The historic building was originally home to the American Velvet Company, which operated from 1892 to 1996. Today it is a multipurpose building that is home to a thriving community of small businesses and artist studios. When Beer'd originally opened in the mill, they had just a 100-barrel system. The brewery quickly became notable for their small-batch high quality IPAs. In 2018, Beer'd opened a secondary facility at the Airport Business Park in Groton. This new 12,000-sq-ft space expanded their production capacity to 6,000 barrels. An adjoining 60-seat taproom (dubbed "Beer'd Brewing @ The Silo") opened at the Groton facility in January 2020. To differentiate the two taprooms, the original location in Stonington is now often referred to as "Beer'd Brewing @ The Mill". I first visited Beer'd in 2013 (when they were just one of a small handful of breweries in Connecticut), and I've been a huge fan of their beer ever since. They are one of my favorite Connecticut breweries and I have visited them multiple times; they were even a stop on my brewery bus tour bachelor party. I also must point out that Aaron and Precious are lovely people. I recently stopped there while I was in the area. It had been a while since my last visit and there were a few changes. In addition to the original taproom, Beer'd has set up an indoor beer garden in the center of the Velvet Mill. Patrons can enjoy some beer paired with food from one of the mill's many food vendors. Beer'd also set up a designated "Dog Den" for patrons to enjoy a beer if they have furry friends. During this visit, I enjoyed a taster flight that featured "8 Days A Week" (Pale Ale), "Stunner For the Win" (New England IPA), "An Unexpected Upgrade" (Double IPA), and "Heavy Weight-Of-Sound" (Triple IPA). They were all excellent! I plan to continue enjoying Beer'd beers for years to come!

I tried a couple of beers but none of them were good. I finally settled on an IPA but found myself…read moreonly able to drink half of it. Love the logo though, but the beer was just not good. Wanted to like this place as the logo looks like me but just couldn't :(

Very cool ambience. They have some poisonous frogs inside in aquariums. Excellent selection of…read morebeer, friendly staff. Street parking.

Atmosphere was buzzing and people were enjoying conversations over beer at the counter and tables…read more Group of 3 friends, we went for dinner. Deep sighs from lady at counter clearly irritated at our question if there were any sandwiches or handhelds as she flung her hand up at the screen. Apologized and said we'd seen them listed on the website. Not a great welcome. Ordered at the counter and handed a buzzer. We all ordered ourselves. Collectively - two pizzas, three orders of wings, and a Ceasar salad. We also went to the bar to get drinks. Then we got our own paper plates, napkins, and plasticware. Buzzer went off for one of us about ten minutes later. Pizza. Then 5 minutes later, another's. Wings. Not one person's whole order, but piecemeal. We made SIX separate trips from the front where we were sitting all the way to the back. So it was grab a bite of pizza - BUZZZZZZ - go get salad - a few mouthfuls - BUZZZZZZ - one order of wings - this dance went on for a half hour! Who eats like that? Salad was warm, drowned in anchovy forward dressing and limp lettuce. Asked for extra crispy wings. Flaccid. Super bummed. We had to go back to place our order, get our own tableware, set the table, and then pick up the food... If we had known all this I don't know that we would each have left a 20% tip after ordering. Received more care and service at a DD drive through. Pizza itself was great - just cold by the time we got all our food and were able to sit still and eat. So... all in all - great atmosphere to grab a beer at the bar and yak or order ONE pizza so you all could actually enjoy it warm. Group each wanting something different or expecting food brought to you - not the spot. Just go with the right expectations and you will enjoy.

Fox Farm is our go-to brewery on a nice day. It's a lovely ride out to Salem, and their landscape…read moreis just a beautiful place to relax. Bring some snacks or some accoutrements and stop just a little ways away at Cato Corner and build yourself a spectacular cheese board. Despite often being busy, pours are usually quick, and the folks putting together to-go can orders are lightning fast! I feel like I barely have to mention the beer because their name speaks for itself at this point, but yes the beer is amazing. Everything from lagers to IPAs to sours to stouts and everything in between are fabulous. In particular, if a stout or a farmhouse or sour with adjuncts sounds interesting to you, definitely don't sleep on it! It will certainly be good. They do have only one parking space that's designated accessible. It's available more often than not, but just a note. The bathrooms are very large and accessible. Inside, the majority of seating is upstairs, so if you can't do stairs just be aware.

Let me set the scene at Fox Farm brewery. It was a nice crisp fall mid morning day in October. The…read moresun is out the temperature cool enough where a light sweater will get you by. The dogs across the street were barking and running, enjoying life and the smell of fresh hops. The colors on the trees were a vibrant hue of red, orange and yellow. The staff there was all very familiar and they made it seem like they remembered me as I come every few months when I visit Connecticut. The beertender, graciously and without prompt went over beers enthusiastically. He described what was new what was on cask and gravity. I tried a good amount of different beers and they were all delicious and balance and never over the top per usual. Also tried the witch meadow was on the boozy end for me. I can't wait to be back have another day.