So until about a month and a half ago, I had no idea that Noank even existed until I did a google search for best Lobster places in Connecticut.  There was a reoccurring theme that popped up and that was the tiny village of Noank.  I decided to go for a visit; little did I know I’d be going back 5 times within a month.  The village is absolutely adorable.  It is very walkable and picturesque.  You’ll see old seaside houses with historical significance or spend the day at Esker Point Beach then later take a walk to Morgan Point.  The best time of day to go would be around sunset.  The views are breathtaking.

The main attraction in Noank has to be the food and with good reason.  The seafood is as fresh as you can get.  Three little gems need special mention and that would be Abbott’s, Costello’s and Ford’s both offering fantastic food and terrific water views.  All three places are BYOB and PET-FRIENDLY! so bring your four-legged friends along.  If you happen to forget your own beverages there is a small little package store within walking distance to all three places called Universal Package located at 19 Pearl St. I am not posting hours to each location because they are very seasonal and I would suggest calling in advance to find out if they are open and until when.  Now to give a breakdown of each place:

ABBOTT’S: LOBSTER IN THE ROUGH

Abbott’s was founded in 1947 where it originally just sold lobsters. In the year 1960 the restaurant was finally opened.  It is a seasonal spot and opens the first Friday in May every year.  Feel free to bring a tablecloth and table settings to jazz up your little space of seafood heaven.  They have menu standouts like the OMG lobster roll which is 7 oz of meat on a hotdog bun or there is the new LOL (lot’s of lobster) roll which is filled with a full pound of lobster meat.  Currently, the prices run $24.95 and $50.95 respectively.  Also on the menu is something called the New England Lobster Feast my friend Paul ordered it and he couldn’t believe what came it was chowder, shrimp (3), steamers and mussels, a lobster and all the fixings for $35.95 and it was money well spent.  After your dinner, they have a little shack called Just Desserts where you will find a variety of after-dinner treats ranging from strawberry shortcake, ice cream and cheesecake.

Located at 117 Pearl St. Noank CT 06340 T: (860) 536-7719

COSTELLO’S CLAM SHACK:

I won’t lie this place is more my speed.  This is the sister restaurant to Abbott’s (Abbott & Costello) makes sense as to the name.  Where you will not find anything fried at Abbott’s you certainly will here.  Fried clams! french fries, fried fish etc… The CCC’s triple mix is strongly suggested you choose any three of the following: whole belly clams, clam strips, scallops, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, oysters or a fried lobster tail for only $19.95! Their desserts are definitely worth mentioning because it is here that you will find the fried peanut butter and jelly sundae!  I’ve had it several times already because every time we come to Noank we stop here for dessert because it is that good.  It is essentially a fried uncrustable with any type of ice cream you choose along with some chocolate sauce.  It is absolutely delicious and a great way to end an eating fest.  Costello’s offers two levels of oceanfront dining and they claim that you have unobstructed views of three different states, CT, NY, and RI.  The seating is great if you stop by on a rainy day because it is completely covered whereas has very limited covered seating Abbott’s and Ford’s has none.

Located at 145 Pearl St. Noank CT 06340 T: (860) 572-2779

FORD’S:

The first two restaurants were more low key beach after beach type stops Ford’s I would say is a little more upscale and $$$ but it is deservingly so.  You don’t approach a counter and place your order; chefs prepare upscale entrees in an open outdoor kitchen and waiters bring plates to the tables on a deck overlooking the water.  Ford’s is home to the Lobster Bomb which is a bread bowl toasted on the grill filled with 8 oz of buttered lobster meat ladled with rich, creamy lobster bisque on top.  What is nice about Ford’s is that they now offer Sunday breakfast from 10-1 where you will find Benedicts and omelets featuring a variety of different seafood.  Ford’s has a no reservation policy so the wait can be VERY long.  The night I went I waiting for about 15 minutes which wasn’t bad at all, however, the wait can easily reach the hour and a half mark to two hours depending on when you go.  So make sure to plan accordingly.

Located at 15 Riverview Ave. Noank CT 06340 T: (860) 536-2842

Happy Eating!