Summer breezes, drinks and appetizers outside gazing over the water, dinner served as the night begins to cool off and the sun goes down. No, you don’t have to be in the Bahamas for a dinner like this — head to downtown Mystic’s S&P Oyster Company and be delighted with their outdoor dining options.

Sit and enjoy a leisurely dinner and drinks overlooking the water in the beautiful downtown area. This is a favorite for my sweetie and I when we need a night to relax and unwind. And the menu is to die for! We love to grab a drink and start with the spinach and artichoke dip, or perhaps the mussels, which are lovely. The entrees are plentiful and you’ll want to come back and try everything, from the Mixed Grill Sampler (shrimp, scallops and Yellowfin tuna over polenta) to the blackened tilapia. Don’t let your night end too early – grab a specialty coffee and split a dessert. The Chocolate Pots de Creme is awesome, but there is much to choose from. You’ll love relaxing here as the sky turns dark and the stars pop out, listening to the water.

They serve lunch here too, so stop by if you’re touring the area and need to recharge with some good food.

If you’re in the Quiet Corner, 85 Main also offers alfresco dining. The restaurant is a popular stop once the shopping is completed. Located right in downtown Putnam, you’ll see why people flock to this popular spot. Offering lunch, dinner, sushi, cocktails, wine, and amazing desserts, you’ll need to spend a while perusing this menu. I love to stop here for lunch if I’m up visiting the galleries in the area – my favorite is the warm chevre salad (herbed goat cheese over mixed greens with beets and grapes) and a cheese plate if I’m there with a friend. Dining alfresco here is great for people watching, as shoppers fill the streets and this charming downtown bustles with life. Who wants to sit inside when there’s so much to see out here?

Other outdoor dining options? Latitude 41° in Mystic (looks over the Mystic Seaport grounds); and  Skipper’s Dock, Stonington are both on the water. Bridge in Westerly has lovely outdoor dining on the river. The Pita Spot (Lebanese food), Mystic and A Taste of India, Mystic (860-536-8485) offer tasty treats under the sky but not on the water.

Tis the season. Make the most of it! Enjoy.

There are quite a few casual, more “clam shack” spots as well. I’ll link to those here as soon as they are up.

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