My wife and I had a great meal at 374 when we spent a day in Niantic. We started with the buffalo…read morewings, which were excellent. Crispy, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. My wife ordered the tomato soup, which she also said was very flavorful. I had the hot and cold lobster roll combo and loved the option to try both styles. The lobster was fresh, generously portioned, and delicious! The cocktails were also outstanding and complemented the meal perfectly. The restaurant has a very cute, welcoming vibe and we stopped by between lunch and dinner times, so it was not busy. It was perfect. We'll definitely be back the next time we're in Niantic!

I have struggled with whether to write this review because this has become one of our favorite…read morelocal restaurants over the last year. In fact, one of the reasons we kept coming back was because this was one of the very few local restaurants that I believed truly understood celiac disease and took gluten-free dining seriously. However, as someone with celiac disease, I feel a responsibility to share my experience because what I have encountered goes far beyond a one-time mistake. Several months ago, we ordered takeout and I tested three separate items that were represented as gluten-free: tacos, a wedge salad, and a pop tart dessert. Most was already naturally gluten free. All three tested positive for gluten. These tests are not cheap, costing approximately $12 each, so this was not something I did lightly. I contacted the restaurant and spoke directly with the head chef. She was professional, understanding, and seemed genuinely concerned. She thanked me for bringing it to her attention and even mentioned that she planned to order a test herself because she could not understand how those items would contain gluten. Because of that conversation, I chose not to leave a review. I genuinely believed the issue would be investigated and corrected, and I wanted to give the restaurant the opportunity to make things right. Unfortunately, a later visit resulted in a positive gluten test on the smoked fish appetizer. Most recently, I returned again and tested several items. The calamari tested negative, but my gluten-free tacos once again tested positive for gluten. At this point, I have simply been glutened one too many times by a restaurant that I genuinely wanted to trust. What makes this especially difficult is that this restaurant presents itself as understanding celiac disease. I was told that members of the restaurant's family, including a daughter, have celiac disease. Hearing that gave me confidence that gluten-free orders would be taken seriously and that proper precautions would be in place. That is what makes these repeated positive gluten tests so confusing and disappointing. When a restaurant claims to understand celiac disease, I expect more than simply offering gluten-free menu items. I expect systems that actually prevent gluten contamination. After multiple positive gluten tests across multiple visits and after bringing my concerns directly to management months ago, it is difficult for me to reconcile those claims with my actual experiences. During my most recent visit, the waitress was kind and helpful, and I appreciate the way she handled the situation. However, I was told that a manager would come speak with me, and no manager ever did. My tacos were removed because they tested positive for gluten, yet I was still charged for them after deciding to take them home (for my non celiac hubby) rather than have them thrown away. In the end, I received a discount, but only after spending nearly $50 on gluten tests during that visit alone. As I write this, I am sitting here sad, frustrated, and in pain, knowing exactly what the next couple of weeks are likely going to look like for me. People often do not see what happens after someone with celiac disease is exposed to gluten. We do not go into anaphylaxis in the restaurant. We go home and suffer through the consequences alone. The symptoms may not be immediately visible to others, but the physical toll is very real. Every restaurant can make a mistake. My concern is not a single mistake. My concern is a repeated pattern over multiple visits, over several months, after the issue was brought directly to the restaurant's attention. I truly wanted to continue supporting this restaurant. I truly wanted to be able to recommend it to others in the celiac community. Unfortunately, after repeated positive gluten tests, repeated gluten exposures, and no evidence that the underlying problem has been corrected, I cannot in good conscience recommend this restaurant to anyone with celiac disease or anyone who requires a truly gluten-free meal for medical reasons.

Great staff, food and amazing prices. Their customer service is second to none . The best bar and…read morerestaurant in Connecticut.

Dark and Wonderful…read more We love this local spot lots of good craft beer choices, hard working bar tenders that not just tends bar but serve tables. We went in for a couple beers and some wings and stayed for hours. Wings were great, cooked and dressed properly. We met a lot of nice people. I guess this place gets rowdy later in the night, we were out by 7pm. A must stop if you are in the area. Thanks

This place is the best place on the shoreline in my opinion, spent a month in East Lyme and tried…read moremany places, and Rustic was the best, the food, drinks and service was excellent, really enjoyed the burgers and cocktails here.

This Fish Sandwich was a really filling and delicious meal. The chips here were fried up well, and…read morethe service was very good. The atmosphere was relaxing and it was a good area. I got done swimming at the beach and decided to eat this. It was so good and filled me up after all those breaststrokes I did.

The Hangry Goose has the best breakfast around. Service was amazing, and the food was unbelievable!read more

Who doesn't serve breakfast all day? I thought breakfast was by far the most profitable meal of…read morethe day and hence restaurants would never NOT serve breakfast. No matter, we were there before 11AM so we were served breakfast. The server we had was excellent she was a former employee of the Coffee Break which was the old restaurant in this location. The place is LOUD. The decor is new and refreshed. There is NO WHEEL CHAIR ACCESS (which surprised me as they just renovated the place. One would think the Town of Clinton would have required it.) I had the Breakfast Wrap with sausage and american cheese. It was good and filling. $7.00 (in May 2026) My companion had the Quinoa Omelette pictured 1/2 eaten ($14.75 in May 2026) which was good. The home fries had a little too much salt but were otherwise excellent. Personally when there is salt actually on the table, I always wonder why the cook just lightly dusts with salt as I can add more. We also ordered a fresh fruit cup which had grapes purple and green, strawberries, and a few hard pieces of honey dew melon. $6.50 (May 2026) In May 2026 the hours are 0700-1430 MON - SAT 0700-1200 SUN ****WARNING**** They stop servicing breakfast items at 11AM They do take credit cards BUT... They used to take it right at the table now, they don't which means you wait to pay. Bad move on the owner's part. There is plenty of free parking. I imagine there will be waits once the summer season gets going so plan to wait (maybe on the weekends)?

First visit of the season to Charlie's Place and definitely not my last! We decided to sit at the…read morebar, and it turned out to be the best choice. The bartender was friendly, funny, and made us feel right at home. The support waitress was just as welcoming--chatty, attentive, and genuinely kind. Even the regulars added to the experience, making the atmosphere fun, relaxed, and entertaining. The food was outstanding! The snow crab roll was an easy 10/10--fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The truffle fries were perfectly crispy and addictive. And the wine slushy? 1000/1000! It was the perfect summer drink. The prices were very reasonable for the quality of the food and service, which made the experience even better. Great food, great people, and a great atmosphere. I already can't wait to come back to try the wings and prime rib... and of course MANY more snow crab rolls! Highly recommend!

I stopped by Charlie's Place in Niantic, CT & inside was such a cute little spot! It had a nice,…read morecozy feel to it & I liked the atmosphere. I ordered the pot roast, which came w/ mashed potatoes & asparagus. The pot roast itself was good & had a nice, tender texture, but I wasn't a huge fan of how much gravy they put on top. They were VERY heavy-handed w/ it, & unfortunately, it was overpowering. It took away from the actual taste of the pot roast. I think if they would've gone a little lighter on the gravy, it would've been SO much better because I really wanted to taste the pot roast itself. The mashed potatoes were creamy & really good, & I also enjoyed the asparagus. I liked the way everything tasted, especially the sides. I just wish there wasn't so much gravy because I think the pot roast would've been much better with less of it. I also sampled the Mac & cheese & it could have had more cheese in it. As for the service, our waitress could've been a little more attentive. I actually had to flag her down just to get some water, which was a little disappointing. She was nice, but I would've appreciated her checking on us a little more throughout the meal.

Another great dining experience at The Shack. Seated right away and has server attend to us almost…read moreimmediately. Menus are always easy to read. Although after I ordered Iv should have looked at the specials first. They had a great country breakfast special. Coffee was hot and entrees came out sticky. Food was delicious. All in all a great time here for breakfast.

Excellent breakfast spot, the food, and service are on point - I had the kitchen sink, which is…read moreenough for two meals. I remember going here as a kid when it was a little brown shack and you had to wait in a long line to get in, great memories..

First time here and was quite impressed. The name "Smashburger" just sounds like a greasy spoon…read moreplace, but it's far from it! The wife ordered the deluxe chicken burger, (for $4.99!) and I ordered the special brisket bacon burger. Both burgers not fried and very tasty. The brisket especially was totally lean, with thick crisp bacon and melted cheddar inside the toasted bun. I also ordered the chocolate cherry shake with large pieces of cherry and chocolate bits with whipped cream on top. (That was a bit pricey) The staff was super friendly and actually brings your food to your table. Plus, for you calorie counters they actually have the calorie count listed next to each item. Lastly, the place was clean along with the restrooms. And believe me, the wife won't use any public restrooms unless they're spotless. This is how hamburger joints should be!

I had a burger today that was full of flavor. It had cheese melted on it with lettuce and tomato- a…read moredouble burger. Carolyn the mgr and her staff were friendly and make the customer experience very welcoming. I use their app and rewards program so I earn free food. The place is very clean and organized. I'll be back soon.

David's is great! Everything is so good here! Best onion rings anywhere! We will definitely be…read moreback!!

I first came across this place twenty years ago when I moved to the area. Since that first…read moreencounter I have driven past here countless times but coukd never seem to find the time to stop in for a bite to eat. Today I finally did and I'm glad I did! The food is as good as ever! The best fried whole belly clams ever! And great onion rings too! I will be sure that it won't be twenty years before I stop here again- more like twenty days!

Not sure why this place has such low ratings. My friend and I stopped in for lunch today and the…read morefood, drinks and service were excellent! Couldn't have chosen a better restaurant. We just came from a hike so we're famished and a bit dehydrated. The server was so sweet and took our order for drinks immediately. I had a blackberry lime martini and it was perfect. Honestly I only needed one. It was delicious and strong. My friend had a sweeter drink. Can't remember what it was but I tasted it and it was great too. We ordered off the specials menu. Three brisket tacos with a yummy slaw and sriracha sauce. I ate every one, with truffle fries and a clam chowder which was excellent. The view is of a cute downtown Main st with a harbor close by. The weather in early September was perfect for an outdoor seat. I would definitely return. Thanks Black Sheep!

The Black Sheep is an Irish pub in Niantic serving things like Shepherds Pie and Bangers and Mash…read more It's one of the few restaurants in Niantic, so if you've visited more than once, you've probably been to the Black Sheep. I prefer visiting during the warmer months, because it gives you the option of eating outside. I find the interior to be too dark and the tables are often found sticky. The food is decent and the portion sizes are good. The sides are basic. Definitely pick the sweet potato fries if you have any doubts. My son insists that the regular fries need more salt to even taste ok. The service has always been a little slow but when the food comes out, they always have plenty of help getting it to the table. Because it's a fixture to a town I love, I'm sure I'll be back.

It's very unlike me to not take pictures, my peach dragonfruit ice cream in a waffle cone was…read moredelicious. Didn't really taste the peach a whole lot but enjoyable. Waffle cone was soft and assuming freshly made. Lots of flavors to choose from. I let a few groups go a head of me as I couldn't figure out what to get. My girlfriend had a simple chocolate sundae which I finished off. She actually ordered vanilla but didn't want to bother to return it.

Want a massive scoop of ice cream after dinner at a local restaurant - Tony D's Creamery is a must…read more The walk-up menu is simple - ice cream, floats, splits, shakes sundaes. Their menu also includes, lobster rolls and fish and chips. The walk up service is friendly and efficient, with local kids often taking orders at the window. The ambiance - Tony D's has the ambiance we knew when we were kids and we went to our favorite drive in or walk up ice cream place on a Friday night. Oder at the widow, get your ice cream order and find a place to sit around the parking lot. Like other places in Niantic, Tony D's is a summer place and not open in December.